Double Opt-In for Android

Learn how Double Opt-In for Push Notifications provides a two-step consent process

Overview

The Double Opt-In for Push Notifications feature gives you full control over enabling push notifications. Using a two-step consent process, you are first prompted to grant permission for notifications and then given the choice to confirm your preferences through an additional opt-in screen.

Setup Double Opt-In

Follow these steps to set up the Double Opt-In feature.

1. Notification Permission Prompt

When users first launch the app or interact with a key feature, they are shown a system prompt asking for permission to enable push notifications.

For example, Would you like to allow notifications for updates and offers?

2. Confirm Preferences

After granting permission in Step 1, you are shown a confirmation screen to finalize your decision.

You can either opt-in or opt out if you change your mind.

This two-step process ensures that users are fully aware of their choice and can make an informed decision.

Platform-Specific Changes for Notifications

Android 13 & AboveiOS (iOS 16 and Above)
Starting with Android 13, notifications are disabled by default. Users must explicitly grant permission for the app to send notifications.
  • Market Share: As of 2024, Android 13 accounts for 20.3% of the Android market, and this number is growing rapidly.
  • Re-Prompt Behavior: Android allows the system notification permission prompt to appear twice. If the user declines both prompts, future requests for permission will display a custom Go to settings message, redirecting users to enable notifications manually.
Like Android, iOS 16 and later versions require explicit user consent for notifications to be turned off by default.
  • Single Prompt Limitation
    • iOS displays the notification permission prompt once.
    • If the user denies the request, subsequent prompts will be replaced by a “Go to settings” message, allowing users to grant notification permissions in device settings manually.

Scenarios for Double Opt-In

The Double Opt-In process for push notifications includes various scenarios based on user interactions and system behaviors. Below are the key scenarios, triggers, and expected outcomes.

ScenarioActionOutcome
Triggering the Opt-InThe app initiates the first opt-in prompt based on predefined triggers, such as app launch or specific user actions (For example, accessing a feature that requires notifications).The first native app prompt is displayed, requesting the user’s permission.
User Clicks "YES" or "ALLOW" on the First PromptThe user agrees to proceed by clicking "YES" or "ALLOW" on the initial app prompt.The native system notification prompt is displayed (second prompt), guiding users through the system’s flow to enable notifications.
User Clicks "NO" on the First PromptThe user declines the initial app opt-in prompt.The app records this denial. Based on the configured re-prompt interval, the opt-in prompt may reappear on the next app launch or trigger event. Users are not prompted again until the specified interval elapses.
User Clicks "ALLOW" on the Native PromptThe user grants permission to use the system’s native notification prompt.Notifications are enabled, and the user starts receiving push notifications immediately.
User Denies the Native PromptThe user declines the system’s native notification prompt.The app respects the denial and sets a re-prompt interval. After the interval, the system prompt reappears on app relaunch or specific trigger events. The native system notification prompt is displayed again after the defined interval.
User Denies Twice on AndroidThe user denies the system’s native notification prompt twice.Android restricts further native prompts, and the app instead displays a custom “Go to settings” message to guide users to manually enable notifications. Users are redirected to the app’s notification settings.
User Ignores the Native PromptThe user neither accepts nor denies the native prompt.The app considers the prompt ignored and may display it again during a future session based on the configured time interval. After the interval elapses, the system prompt is re-displayed during the next session.
User Disables Notifications in SettingsThe user manually turns off notifications through their device settings.The app detects the change and displays an in-app notification or prompt, encouraging users to re-enable notifications. An in-app prompt appears, guiding users to navigate the settings and re-enable notifications.
Time Interval for Re-PromptAfter denying a prompt, the app respects a cooldown period before re-displaying the opt-in.The interval is client-defined and aligns with the app’s communication strategy. After the cooldown period, the opt-in prompt is displayed again, ensuring users are not overwhelmed.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q. What happens if I select "Not Now"?

A. The app will prompt you again after a set interval, as per the app's configuration.

Q. Can I change my preferences later?

A. Yes, you can update your notification preferences anytime through the app’s settings menu or your device settings.

Q. Do I need to allow notifications twice?

A. The first step enables the system-level permission, and the second step confirms your preferences within the app.