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 receive push notifications for the following updates about their student:
Messages - New messages from staff members or administrators
Actions - Any activity or action that the provider has logged throughout the day, these are further configurable from within the app
Product Updates - Messages from brightwheel regarding important product updates, these notifications are very rare.
Customer Support Replies - Notifications when brightwheel’s customer support team replies to an inquiry.
New Customer Support Chat - Notification when brightwheel’s customer support team reaches out directly.
ℹ️ New Paperwork (Forms & Requests or Documents) shared by a program to be filled out by guardians does not result in an automatic Push Notification at this time.
From within the app, brightwheel provides additional options where student contacts can further configure their notification settings. 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.
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💡 It is highly recommended that both Messages notification options remain enabled to ensure good communication between the provider and student contacts.
Badge Notifications ↓
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):
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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
Open your device Settings app
Tap on Apps
Pick brightwheel from your list of applications
Toggle the "Remove permissions if app is unused" setting to OFF
Turn off on Pixel Device
Open your device Settings
Tap on Apps
Pick brightwheel from your list of applications
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 |
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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?
If using Android, turn off the hibernation setting
Update the brightwheel app
For Android: Update your Android Apps
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:
Tap the three lines in the top left of the app
Tap Help > About and copy the version number