It can get really annoying when you miss high-priority emails, important messages, or juicy sales offers because Chrome didn't send notifications to your computer. The consequences can even get pretty costly at times.
So, how do you fix this? We've compiled all the solutions that you need to restore Chrome's notifications back to normalcy on Windows or Mac. Check them out below.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
First things first: make sure your computer has an active internet connection. A slow internet connection can delay Chrome's notification delivery on your computer.
If you're experiencing connectivity issues on your Windows PC, refer to our guide on fixing Wi-Fi problems in Windows.
For Mac users, you can analyze and improve your Wi-Fi network with Mac's hidden network tools.
Finally, ensure your internet router is transmitting data correctly. These tips on improving your router's speed might come in handy for that.
2. Keep the Tab Open
If you aren't getting notifications from a particular website, make sure the tab is open and active. You can reload the affected website and see if that helps to fix the notification issue as well.
We also suggest pinning the tabs open so you don't accidentally close them. Right-click on a tab and select Pin to do so.
3. Unmute the Website
You won't get sound notifications from a website on Chrome if the tab is muted. Right-click on the tab and click Unmute Site to start receiving notifications from that website again.
4. Increase the Volume or Unmute Your Computer
Another thing you should check is your computer's sound output. If the volume level is low or muted, you might miss notifications from Chrome as well as other apps. If your computer has a dedicated mute/unmute button, make sure it is set to unmute. You can also tap the volume up button on your keyboard to unmute your computer.
Unmute Sound Output on Windows
If your Windows computer lacks dedicated volume keys, or if they're broken, you can adjust the sound output from the Settings menu.
Go to Settings > System > Sound and move the Master volume slider to the right to unmute your computer and increase the sound output volume.
Unmute Sound Output on Mac
For Mac, launch System Preferences and select Sound. Next, go to the Output tab and uncheck the Mute option in the bottom-right corner of the window.
5. Disable Focus Assist (for Windows)
Focus assist helps to reduce distraction by disabling system-wide notifications on your Windows computer. In troubleshooting your computer to restore website notifications on Chrome, check that Focus assist is disabled.
Go to Settings > System > Focus assist and select Off.
Alternatively, you can add Google Chrome to the Focus assist Priority list. That way, you'll get notifications from websites you visit on Chrome even if Focus assist is enabled.
To do this, go to the Focus assist settings page above. Select Priority only and click Customize your priority list. Next, scroll to the Apps section and click Add an app. Finally, select Google Chrome from the list of apps.
6. Disable Do Not Disturb (for Mac)
Do Not Disturb is the macOS version of Focus assist. When enabled, Do Not Disturb will pause notifications from Chrome (and other apps) on your Mac.
To disable Do Not Disturb, click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your Mac's menu bar and toggle off the Do Not Disturb option.
7. Check the Website's Notification Permissions
When you visit a website for the first time, Chrome often prompts you to give that website notification access on your computer. If you missed this prompt, or perhaps you accidentally denied the website's notification request, follow the steps below to edit the setting.
Allow Website Notifications from Chrome's Address Bar
Go to the Chrome tab with the affected website and click the lock icon in the address bar. Next, click the Notifications drop-down button and select Allow.
Unblock Website Notifications from Chrome's Settings Menu
Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Settings. Go to Privacy and security > Site settings > Notifications.
Websites in the Block section have been restricted from sending notifications. To change the notification permission, tap the three-dot menu next to the website and select Allow.
8. Check Chrome's Notification Permissions
Now that Chrome's in-app and website notifications permission are in order, you should also check that Chrome itself is allowed to send notifications to your computer.
Grant Chrome Notification Permission on Windows
Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions and make sure the Notifications option is toggled on.
Afterward, scroll to the Get notifications from these senders section and make sure Google Chrome is toggled on.
Grant Chrome Notification Permission on Mac
Launch System Preferences and click Notifications. You'll find two notification instances for Google Chrome in your Mac's Notifications settings. Click each entry and make sure Allow Notifications from Google Chrome is toggled on for both instances.
9. Check the Website's Native Notification Settings
Some websites have their notification settings that are independent of both Chrome and your computer's notification configurations. Gmail and YouTube are common examples. Go to the website's notification settings and make sure desktop notifications are enabled.
For YouTube, click on your account profile picture in the top-right corner and select Settings. Go to the Notifications tab and choose the notifications you want to receive in the General section.
For Gmail, simply tap the gear icon next to the search bar and click the See all settings button. Proceed to the Desktop notifications section and toggle on notifications for either all New mail that arrives in your inbox or Important mail only.
Replicate this process for any website that won't send you notifications. The exact location of the notification options might change, but you should be able to find something in the website settings.
10. Restart and Reset Chrome
Closing and relaunching Chrome could also help eliminate glitches that prevent websites from delivering notifications to your computer. Try that and see if it helps.
If you still don't get website notifications on Chrome, despite trying all the solutions recommended above, you might want to reset Chrome's settings.
Note: Resetting Chrome's settings will revert the browser's theme to factory default and also disable your extensions. Website permissions and cookies will also be removed. Luckily, your browsing history, bookmarks, and saved passwords don't get erased.
To reset Chrome, click the three-dot menu and select Settings. Scroll to the bottom of the settings menu and click Restore settings to their original defaults.
Click Reset settings on the confirmation prompt to proceed.
Never Miss Out on Notifications
One final troubleshooting procedure we recommend is checking your Chrome browser for incompatible software. Some malicious or corrupt extensions could disrupt Chrome notifications. Repairing or removing them from the browser could be the only fix.
Using Chrome in Incognito Mode temporarily disables all extensions. Try that and check if website notifications now work correctly.