How push notifications work
When a triggering event occurs in DeanDesk, the platform sends a push notification to all users who have the mobile app installed and have push notifications enabled for that event type. Notifications appear on the device’s lock screen and notification center, just like any other app alert.What triggers a push notification
| Trigger | Who receives it |
|---|---|
| New system-wide announcement | All app users |
| New course announcement | Students enrolled in that course |
| New direct message | The message recipient |
| New assignment posted | Students enrolled in the course |
| Event reminder | Users who have the event on their calendar |
| Course update | Enrolled students |
System-wide announcements trigger push notifications to every user who has the app installed and push notifications enabled. Use them for institution-wide alerts, not routine updates.
How users manage notification preferences
Each user controls which types of notifications they receive and through which channels.Go to Profile Settings
Tap the profile icon in the app or click your avatar in the web portal, then select Profile Settings.
Toggle channels by category
For each notification category (Announcements, Messages, Assignments, Events), choose which channels to enable:
| Channel | Where it appears |
|---|---|
| Push | Device lock screen and notification center (app required) |
| In-app | Notification feed within DeanDesk on the web or app |
| Delivered to the user’s registered email address |
Set email frequency
Under Email Frequency, choose:
- Immediately — an email is sent for each event as it happens
- Daily digest — a single email summarizing the day’s activity
- Weekly digest — a single email summarizing the week’s activity
Troubleshooting: students not receiving push notifications
If a student reports that they are not receiving push notifications, work through these checks in order:Check device-level app permissions
Check device-level app permissions
The student’s device must grant DeanDesk permission to send notifications. On iOS, go to Settings → DeanDesk → Notifications and confirm notifications are allowed. On Android, go to Settings → Apps → DeanDesk → Notifications.
Check notification settings in DeanDesk
Check notification settings in DeanDesk
The student should verify that Push is toggled on for the relevant category in Profile Settings → Notifications. It’s possible they disabled push for that category.
Confirm the app is installed and they are signed in
Confirm the app is installed and they are signed in
Push notifications only reach users who have the app installed and are signed in. Ask the student to confirm they can open the app and see their courses.
Check Do Not Disturb settings
Check Do Not Disturb settings
If the student’s device is in Do Not Disturb or Focus mode, notifications may be silenced at the OS level even if DeanDesk settings are correct.
Reinstall the app
Reinstall the app
If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, have the student delete and reinstall the DeanDesk app. This resets the push notification token and often resolves delivery issues.