Getting Started
Push Notifications
Last updated 15 April 2026
Push Notifications
Push notifications alert you to new bookings, cancellations, reminders, and business events on your phone or tablet, so you stay on top of your schedule without opening the app.
TL;DR
- iOS prompts for notification permission on first sign-in; Android enables notifications by default
- Control notification categories (Booking Updates, Reminders, Promotional) in More → Settings → Notifications
- Tap any push notification to go directly to the relevant booking, client, or action
- The in-app notification centre (bell icon) collects all notifications with Unread, Needs Action, and All filters
Overview
Push notifications in OpenChair let you:
- Receive instant alerts when a booking is created, cancelled, or rescheduled
- Get reminders before upcoming appointments
- See satisfaction alerts when a customer leaves low feedback
- Act on time-sensitive events like no-shows and expiring deposits from your lock screen
- View all notifications in one place using the in-app notification centre
Note
Push notifications are a mobile app feature. They are not available through the web app. The automated notifications doc covers SMS and email messages sent to your customers, that is a separate system. See Automated Notifications.
Step 1: Enable Notifications on Your Device
On iPhone and iPad (iOS)
When you first sign in to the OpenChair app, your device automatically shows the standard iOS permission prompt asking whether to allow notifications. Tap Allow to enable push notifications.
If you tapped Don't Allow and want to re-enable:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Scroll down and tap OpenChair.
- Tap Notifications.
- Turn on Allow Notifications.
On Android
Android does not show a permission prompt within the app. Notifications are enabled by default. If notifications are not arriving:
- Open your device Settings.
- Tap Apps (or Application Manager).
- Tap OpenChair.
- Tap Notifications.
- Turn on Allow notifications.
Step 2: Configure Notification Preferences
You can control which types of notifications you receive from within the app.
- Tap the More tab.
- Tap Settings.
- Under Account, tap Notifications.
- Adjust the toggles as needed.
Notification Categories
| Category | Default | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Push Notifications | On | Master switch, turning this off disables all push notifications |
| Booking Updates | On | New bookings, cancellations, status changes, rescheduling |
| Booking Reminders | On | Reminders before upcoming appointments |
| Promotional | Off | News, tips, and special offers from OpenChair |
When the master Push Notifications switch is off, the individual category toggles are greyed out and cannot be changed. Turn the master switch back on to re-enable individual preferences.
What Triggers a Push Notification
Push notifications are sent automatically based on activity at your venue. The specific events that trigger a notification depend on your role.
All Users (Booking Updates category)
| Event | Notification |
|---|---|
| New booking created | Alert with customer name and service |
| Booking cancelled | Alert with booking details |
| Booking rescheduled | Alert with new date and time |
| Client no-show recorded | Alert prompting review of the booking |
All Users (Booking Reminders category)
| Event | Notification |
|---|---|
| Upcoming appointment | Reminder sent before the appointment |
| Clock-out reminder (Timeclock) | Alert if you remain clocked in without a clock-out |
Owners Only
| Event | Notification |
|---|---|
| Low customer satisfaction | Alert when a customer rates their experience below 5 stars |
| Concierge approval request | Alert when a team member queues an action for your approval |
Staff Only
| Event | Notification |
|---|---|
| Customer uploads inspiration photo | Alert when a client adds a style reference photo to their booking |
Tip
Tap any push notification to go directly to the relevant screen, for example, a booking notification opens the booking detail, and a timeclock reminder opens the Today tab.
The In-App Notification Centre
The notification centre collects all recent notifications in one place inside the app, even ones you may have missed or dismissed from your lock screen.
To open it: Tap the bell icon in the top-right corner of the header. A badge on the icon shows the number of unread notifications.
Filters
| Tab | Shows |
|---|---|
| Unread | Notifications you have not yet read |
| Needs action | Notifications flagged as requiring a response (e.g., no-shows, cancellations, low satisfaction) |
| All | All notifications, newest first |
Reading and Acting on Notifications
- Tap a notification to navigate to the relevant content (booking, client, review).
- Swipe a notification to the right to mark it as read.
- Tap "Mark all as read" at the top to clear the unread count at once.
- Notifications are grouped by date: Today, Yesterday, and earlier dates.
Notification Priorities
Notifications flagged as "Needs action" include events that typically require a follow-up:
| Event | Why it needs action |
|---|---|
| Booking cancelled | May need rebooking or client contact |
| Client no-show | May need to record a fee or update the booking |
| Low satisfaction | Prompt to review and respond to the feedback |
| Membership expiring | Client may need renewal outreach |
| Wallet balance low | Wallet funds needed for SMS campaigns |
| Deposit expired | Deposit collection needs attention |
| Deposit forfeited | Record may need update |
Platform Differences
| Feature | iOS | Android |
|---|---|---|
| Permission prompt | System dialog on first sign-in | No prompt, enabled by default |
| Re-enabling after denial | iOS Settings → OpenChair → Notifications | Android Settings → Apps → OpenChair → Notifications |
| Notification channel | Not applicable | Single channel named "default", high importance, vibration, purple light |
| Foreground notifications | Banner at top of screen + sound | Alert + sound |
| App icon badge | Updates on new notification | Updates on new notification |
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not receiving any push notifications | Check that notifications are allowed in your device settings (iOS: Settings → OpenChair → Notifications; Android: Settings → Apps → OpenChair → Notifications). Then open the app, go to More → Settings → Notifications, and confirm the master Push Notifications switch is on. |
| Not receiving booking notifications specifically | In the notification settings screen, confirm Booking Updates is turned on. If the master switch is off, turn it on first before checking individual toggles. |
| Notifications stopped arriving after reinstalling the app | Sign out and sign back in to re-register your device. The app registers your device for push notifications automatically on sign-in. |
| I allow notifications but get none at all | On Android, confirm notification channels are not blocked. Open Android Settings → Apps → OpenChair → Notifications → check that the default channel is enabled. On iOS, ensure Do Not Disturb or Focus modes are not silencing OpenChair. |
| The notification bell shows a badge but I cannot find the notification | Open the notification centre (bell icon) and tap the All tab, the notification may already be marked as read and not visible on the Unread tab. |
| Promotional notifications are turned on but I am not receiving them | Promotional notifications are sent periodically, not in real time. If you have just enabled them, you may not see any immediately. |
FAQ
How do I enable push notifications in OpenChair?
On iOS, tap Allow when the permission prompt appears on first sign-in. If you missed it, go to iOS Settings → OpenChair → Notifications and turn on Allow Notifications. On Android, notifications are enabled by default, manage them in Android Settings → Apps → OpenChair → Notifications.
How do I control which notifications I receive?
Go to More → Settings → Notifications in the app. The Push Notifications master switch controls all notifications. Turn it on, then use the individual toggles to enable or disable Booking Updates, Booking Reminders, and Promotional messages separately.
What events trigger a push notification?
New bookings, cancellations, rescheduling, no-shows, appointment reminders, and timeclock reminders are sent to all users. Owners also receive alerts for low customer satisfaction and Concierge approval requests. Staff receive alerts when a customer uploads an inspiration photo.
Why am I not receiving push notifications after reinstalling the app?
Sign out and sign back in. The app registers your device for push notifications automatically on sign-in, reinstalling removes the registration, and signing in restores it.