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Manage notifications as a student contact

[For Guardians] Learn how to turn on or off push notification settings for your child.

Audrey avatar
Written by Audrey
Updated this week

Brightwheel will send a push notification informing a student contact that there is an update regarding a student they are associated with for them to view. Push notifications are configurable from both, the mobile device settings and from within the brightwheel app for more granular notification options.


Types of notifications

Student contacts with Parent and Family permissions can control if they receive push notifications for the following updates about their student:

  • Photos & videos

  • Notes from providers

  • Check-ins

  • Messages

  • Incidents involving your child, meds administered & recorded health checks

  • Food, nap & potty activities

  • Learning milestones & kudos shared by the provider

Note: Keep in mind that each childcare provider utilizes brightwheel in their own way, some of these actions may not be logged for students at the center.

Badge Notifications ↓

Student contacts with Parent and Family permissions can also receive badge notifications on the app icon indicating when there is a new, unread message for their child. Once the app is opened, the badge notification will disappear.


Device Notification Settings

Android and iOS devices allow users to limit general notifications from specific applications. While the application provides more granular options. To adjust notification settings from the device itself (these steps may vary by device):

  1. Open your device Settings

  2. Tap on Apps (if an Android device)

  3. Pick brightwheel from your list of applications and tap on Notifications

  4. Toggle the Allow Notifications or All brightwheel notifications setting ON

Android Hibernation Setting

If you are using brightwheel on an Android device (Samsung or Pixel), the hibernation setting may also affect your ability to receive push notifications. We strongly recommend turning this setting OFF.

Turn off on Samsung Device

  1. Open your device Settings app

  2. Tap on Apps

  3. Pick brightwheel from your list of applications

  4. Toggle the "Remove permissions if app is unused" setting to OFF

Turn off on Pixel Device

  1. Open your device Settings

  2. Tap on Apps

  3. Pick brightwheel from your list of applications

  4. Toggle the "Pause app activity if unused" setting to OFF


App Notification Settings

Brightwheel enables student contacts to configure which activities result in a push notification. This allows them to stay engaged while limiting the number of notifications received throughout the day.

iOS App Notification Settings

Android App Notification Settings

  1. Log into the brightwheel app

  2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top left corner, and select Edit Profile

  3. Scroll down to toggle on/off push notifications for each update type as desired

  4. Tap Save

  1. Log into the brightwheel app

  2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top left corner, and select Settings > Notifications

  3. Scroll down to toggle on/off push notifications for each update type as desired

  4. Tap Save

ℹ️ Push Notifications default to ON when an account is created.


FAQs

I’ve ensured my app and device notifications are on, but I'm still not receiving them or they're delayed. What else can I do?

  • Update the brightwheel app

  • If no update is available or it doesn't help:

    • Uninstall & reinstall the app: Hold the icon > Remove App > Delete

    • Restart your device

    • Power the device Off and then after about ten seconds, power it back On

  • Check with your program to ensure the "Staff Only" setting isn't affecting visibility/notifications

  • Make sure your device has stable Wi-Fi or cell data, as poor connectivity can delay notifications

If the issue persists, contact brightwheel Support and provide your app version:

  1. Tap the three lines in the top left of the app

  2. Tap Help > About and copy the version number

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