How to Fix Unread Messages And Notification Problems on Android Devices

You’ve just received a new message on your Android phone — an important one! You tap into the messaging app, but there appear to be zero unread messages.

Are you tired of receiving false notifications on your Android device? If so, read on to learn how to fix this problem.

How to fix problems with Android phone messages

Solution 1: Restart your device

Restart your device first. This helps to remove faulty data from your phone. It will also free up memory from a misbehaving app without interfering with any of your already running systems.

Solution 2: Clear cache and data 

Clearing your data will not delete any of your messages. Follow these steps to clear your data: 

  1. Go to your device’s Settings menu.
  2. Tap on “Apps.”
  3. Search for “Messages.”
  4. Tap on “Storage.”
  5. Tap on “Clear Cache and Data.”
  6. Restart your device. 

Solution 3: Turn on Change System Settings 

Check to make sure your messaging app has the correct permissions. To do this: 

  1. Go to your device’s Settings menu.
  2. Tap on “Apps.”
  3. Search for “Messages.”
  4. Tap on “Change System Settings.”
  5. Tap on “Allow Permissions.”

Solution 4: Update the software

You should install the latest software version to get rid of known bugs or glitches in the app. Follow the instructions below to update the software:

  1. Go to your device’s Settings menu.
  2. Tap on “Software Update.”

Solution 5: Turn on Don’t Keep Activities

A simple way to fix the “unread messages” issue is to enable this feature. To do so, you first need to turn on “Developer Options.” 

To enable Developer Options: 

  1. Go to your device’s Settings menu.
  2. Tap on “About phone.”
  3. Find “Build Number.” 
  4. Tap on the Build Number seven times.

To turn on “Don’t keep activities”:

  1. Go to your device’s Settings menu.
  2. Tap on “Developer Options.”
  3. Tap on “Don’t Keep Activities” and uncheck this option.
  4. Restart your device. 

How to fix problems with Android phone notifications 

Solution 1: Turn on the sound mode

Disable the “Do not disturb” and “Power saving” modes. If either is on, you won’t hear any notification sounds. To turn on the sound mode:

  1. Go to your device’s Settings menu.
  2. Tap on “Sounds and Vibration.”
  3. Tap on “Sound” located below Sound mode. 

Solution 2: Clear cache and data 

Clearing cache files on Android can free up space temporarily and comes in handy when troubleshooting app issues. To clear data: 

  1. Go to your device’s Settings menu.
  2. Tap on “Apps.”
  3. Tap on the Menu Icon (3 dots at the top of the screen).
  4. Tap on “Show System Apps.”
  5. Search for “Notification.”
  6. Tap on “Storage.”
  7. Tap on “Clear Data and Cache.”

Solution 3: Allow background activity

Allow the notification services to use battery power and perform tasks in the background.

  1. Go to your device’s Settings menu.
  2. Tap on “Apps.”
  3. Tap on the Menu Icon (3 dots at the top of the screen).
  4. Tap on “Show System Apps.”
  5. Search for “Notification.”
  6. Tap on “Battery.”
  7. Enable “Allow background activity.”

Solution 4: Force stop notifications

If an app is misbehaving, you can usually solve the problem by force-stopping it.

  1. Go to your device’s Settings menu.
  2. Tap on “Apps.”
  3. Tap on the Menu Icon (3 dots at the top of the screen).
  4. Tap on “Show System Apps.”
  5. Search for “Notification.”
  6. Tap on “Force Stop.”
  7. Reboot your phone.

Solution 5: Force reboot

To resolve temporary issues on your phone, give it a forced restart. This method is easy and has no risk. 

  1. Press and hold the Volume Down key. 
  2. Press and hold the Power button. 
  3. Hold both keys for a few seconds until your phone restarts.

Solution 6: Clear cache partition

To keep your phone running smoothly, you should perform a clear cache partition from time to time. This deletes temporary files from your phone.

Steps for old models: 

  1. Press and hold the Power, Volume Up, and Home buttons to switch off your phone. 
  2. Go to the Recovery menu. 
  3. Press the Volume Down button to navigate to the ‘wipe cache partition’ option. 
  4. Press the Power key to select the option.

Steps for latest models: 

  1. Press and hold the Power button until the Power menu appears.
  2. Tap on “Power Off.”
  3. Connect your phone to a desktop/laptop using the original Type-C cable.
  4. Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons.
  5. Release all buttons when the Android logo appears.
  6. Use the Volume Down button to navigate the ‘wipe cache partition’ option. 
  7. Press the Power button to select the option.
  8. Once the cache is cleared, select “Reboot System” using the Power button.
  9. Press the Power button to restart the device.

Solution 7: Reset all settings

If you are having trouble getting notifications even after trying all the above-mentioned solutions, resetting your phone to its default settings can solve the problem. To do so: 

  1. Open Settings. 
  2. Tap on “General Management.” 
  3. Tap on “Reset.”
  4. Tap on “Reset settings.” 
  5. Tap on “Reset” to confirm.

Once again, make sure the Notification sound bar is turned on.

  1. Open Settings. 
  2. Tap on “Sounds and Vibrations.” 
  3. Tap on” Volume.”  
  4. Tap on “Notifications.”