Notifications are one of the most useful options of the Android OS, since thanks to them you know at all times when you receive an email or message. But not all developments are equally important, and therefore, you may think about restrict notifications of some in particular so that they don't bother you when you least expect it. We're going to explain how disable notifications from an application you have if you use Android Lollipop or KitKat.
The truth is that these warnings are very important, especially if you use your terminal professionally, but it has already been shown that the sound they generate (and the uncertainty of knowing what is happening) is one of the reasons that most break the concentration of users. Therefore, getting to disable the notifications of an application is something that can be very useful.
Steps in Android Lollipop
Next we will indicate what must be done to achieve what we are indicating in the official Google systemThe processes are specific to the operating system, so there's no need to install any additional applications. Here's how to proceed:
- Access the Settings of the operating system, using the gear icon in the notification bar.
- Now enter the section Sound and notifications. Here you must use the option App notifications.
- Find the developments you wish to stop receiving messages from and tap on each one.
- To disable notifications for an app simply use the slider called Block.
In addition to app blocking, you can control how apps are displayed on the lock screen from Settings > Sound & notifications > During lock: choose Don't show notifications if you want to hide them completely or opt for Hide sensitive content to keep the notice without revealing details.
If what bothers you are the floating windows (the so-called Heads up), in newer Lollipop versions it is possible hide them by sliding them up to keep the notification in the bar without dismissing it. You can also use the mode Do not bother o Priority to temporarily silence them, even with the option to keep it active until the next alarm.
It's that simple to get a development in Lollipop to stop sending any notifications to the desktop bar (and the corresponding sound). As you might think, the process is fully reversible by simply disabling the lock again. If you prefer to avoid only heads-up displays without giving up the icon and text in the bar, an alternative is the app Heads Off: does not require root, needs access to notifications, allows you to create whitelists by application and its Pro version adds displaying the text in the bar. The free version blocks heads-up but leaves a persistent notification suggesting the paid version (approximate cost of €1,80).
Steps in Android KitKat
Now it's the turn of the most used Android distribution at the time. You must Do the next To disable notifications for an app:
- Access the Settings from the system using the icon that you have in the list of installed applications.
- Now use the section Applications and click on each of the ones you wish to stop receiving any notifications from.
- Here you will see a confirmation box called Show notifications which will be checked. Simply uncheck it and nothing will come from this development.
This process is also compatible with Android Lollipop, but the important thing is that it is fully functional with KitKat. If you miss the classic style of ticker (text in the bar without occupying the screen), there is the option to use ticklr To get that behavior back on Lollipop: It's enabled by granting access to notifications, it can be applied to all apps, and you should disable notification preview to avoid duplicates. It's a good idea to keep new notifications only for calls if you're interested in the fast answer.
There are special cases, such as system updater notificationsOn some devices, the Show Update Service notifications checkbox is grayed out and cannot be changed. Clearing the Updater app data may temporarily hide it, but it will usually reappear over time; these limitations depend on the device. Manufacturer and it is not always possible to disable them without advanced changes.
As an additional note, minor updates to Lollipop added the ability to remove certain dynamic quick settings (like Invert Colors or Wi-Fi Hotspot) by long-pressing on their icons; it doesn't affect app blocking, but it can help simplify the interface if you're bothered by pop-up ads and shortcuts.
Others Tutorials you can find them in this section of Android Help where you will find different possibilities among which, surely, you will find one that is useful to you.
With all the above you have three layers of control: app lock, management of how apps are displayed (lock screen and heads-up display), and temporary silent modes like Do Not Disturb. By combining these, you can adapt Android to your way of working and minimize interruptions without missing any really important notifications.
