Missing notifications on your OnePlus 15 can be frustrating, especially when apps only alert you after you open them. Messages arrive late, emails show up too late, and important alerts get missed. This usually happens because background activity is being restricted, either by system optimization or app level settings, but the issue is fixable.
Why Background App Notifications Are Not Working on OnePlus 15
- Battery optimization is restricting background activity.
- Notifications are disabled for specific apps.
- Background data is turned off for the affected apps.
- Do Not Disturb or focus modes are enabled.
- System optimization is aggressively managing apps in the background.
1. Check App Notification Permissions
If notifications are disabled for an app, it will not alert you, even if everything else is set correctly. This is often overlooked when notifications are dismissed too quickly during app setup.
Open Settings, and then tap Notifications.
Tap App notifications, and then select the affected app.
Make sure Allow notifications is turned on.
2. Disable Battery Optimization for the App
Battery optimization can stop apps from running in the background. When this happens, notifications only appear after you open the app manually.
Open Settings, and then tap Battery.
Tap Battery usage, and then select the affected app.
Set it to Unrestricted or turn off optimization for that app.
3. Allow Background Data Usage
Some apps rely on background data to deliver notifications in real time. If background data is restricted, alerts may be delayed or blocked entirely.
Open Settings, and then tap Mobile network or Wi Fi.
Tap Data usage, and then select App data usage.
Choose the affected app and enable Background data.
4. Turn Off Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disturb can silence notifications without making it obvious. Even when notifications are allowed, they may not alert you properly.
Open Settings, and then tap Sound and vibration.
Tap Do Not Disturb, and then turn it off.
Check if notifications start appearing normally again.
5. Lock the App in Recent Apps
OnePlus devices sometimes close background apps aggressively. Locking an app prevents the system from clearing it.
Open the Recent apps screen, and then find the affected app.
Tap the app icon, and then select Lock.
Leave the app running in the background and test notifications.
6. Restart the Phone
Temporary system glitches can interfere with background services. A restart refreshes system processes and often restores notifications.
Swipe down from the top to open Quick Settings.
Tap the Power icon, and then tap Restart.
Wait for the device to boot up and test notifications again.
Background notification issues on the OnePlus 15 are usually caused by aggressive battery management. Once you allow apps to run freely in the background, notifications should arrive instantly, even when the screen is off.
FAQs
Why do notifications only appear when I open the app?
This usually means the app is being restricted from running in the background. Disabling battery optimization for that app fixes the problem.
Does OnePlus battery optimization affect notifications?
Yes. OnePlus uses aggressive power management to save battery, which can delay or block notifications unless apps are set to unrestricted.
Should I update my apps if notifications are not working?
Yes. App updates often fix background notification bugs and improve compatibility with newer system versions.
