Why am I getting notifications from apps I don't use?

You are getting notifications from apps you do not use because many apps run background processes that stay active even when you have not opened them in weeks or months. These background services can push alerts, promotional messages, or update reminders directly to your screen without any action on your part. Below, we break down exactly why this happens and what you can do about it on your Samsung device.

How do apps send notifications without being opened?

Apps can send notifications without being opened because Android allows them to run lightweight background services that maintain a connection to the internet and their own servers. Even if you have not launched an app in months, it can still receive data in the background and push that data to your notification bar. This is a built-in feature of Android notifications, not a bug.

When you install an app and grant it notification permission, it registers itself with Android's notification system. From that point on, the app's servers can send a signal to your Samsung device at any time, and Android will display it as a notification. This is how apps like email clients, news apps, and shopping platforms deliver timely alerts without needing you to open them first.

Samsung's One UI adds another layer here. Some pre-installed Samsung apps and partner apps are designed to stay connected in the background by default, which means they can start sending notifications almost immediately after setup, even if you have never consciously used them.

What types of apps send notifications you never asked for?

The apps most likely to send unwanted notifications fall into a few clear categories: pre-installed system apps, shopping and deal apps, games you downloaded once, and social media platforms. These app types are built around re-engagement, meaning their business model depends on pulling you back in, and notifications are their primary tool for doing so.

• Pre-installed Samsung and carrier apps: Apps like Samsung Free, Galaxy Store, or carrier-specific apps often send promotional alerts by default, even if you have never opened them.
• Shopping and retail apps: These apps frequently send sale alerts, abandoned cart reminders, and promotional offers that you did not specifically sign up for.
• Games and entertainment apps: Mobile games in particular are notorious for sending daily login reminders and limited-time event alerts to draw you back.
• News and content apps: Apps that deliver content rely on push notifications to drive traffic, often sending breaking news alerts or personalized recommendations you did not request.
• Apps with free tiers: Many free apps use notifications as an advertising channel, promoting premium upgrades or sponsored content.

Why do app notifications keep coming back after being dismissed?

Dismissing a notification does not stop future ones from arriving. When you swipe away a notification, you are only clearing that single alert from your screen. The app's permission to send notifications remains fully intact, so it will continue sending new ones the moment its server triggers another push message.

This is one of the most common frustrations people experience with Android notifications. The dismiss action is purely cosmetic in terms of future behavior. To actually stop an app from sending notifications, you need to revoke its notification permission in your phone's settings, not just clear the alert from your screen.

Some apps also reset their notification settings after updates. If an app pushes a major update, it may re-enable notification categories that you previously turned off. This is particularly common with shopping apps and social platforms that update frequently. If you notice a previously quiet app suddenly becoming noisy again, a recent update is often the reason.

How do you turn off notifications for specific apps on Samsung?

On a Samsung device running One UI, you can turn off notifications for any app in under a minute through the Settings menu. The process is straightforward and does not require any technical knowledge.

1. Open the Settings app on your Samsung phone or tablet.
2. Scroll down and tap Notifications.
3. Tap App notifications to see a list of all installed apps.
4. Find the app you want to silence and tap on it.
5. Toggle off Allow notifications to block all alerts from that app.

If you want more control rather than a full block, you can also expand the notification categories within each app. Many apps have separate toggles for different types of alerts, such as promotions, account activity, or reminders. Turning off only the promotional category while keeping account alerts active is often the best middle ground.

There is also a faster shortcut directly from the notification itself. When a notification appears, press and hold it, and a small settings icon or menu will appear. Tap it to go directly to that app's notification settings without navigating through the full Settings menu.

Should you uninstall or just mute apps sending unwanted notifications?

Whether to uninstall or simply mute depends on whether you ever use the app at all. If you genuinely have no use for the app and only installed it once out of curiosity, uninstalling it is the cleaner option. It frees up storage, removes background activity, and eliminates the notification problem entirely. If the app serves a purpose but its alerts are excessive, muting or customizing its notification settings is the smarter choice.

For pre-installed Samsung or carrier apps that cannot be fully uninstalled, you can disable them instead. Disabling an app stops it from running in the background and sending notifications, without removing it from the system entirely. To do this, go to Settings, tap Apps, find the app, and select Disable.

A good rule of thumb is to review your notification permissions every few months. Android notifications can accumulate quietly over time, and a quick audit of which apps have permission to alert you can make a noticeable difference to your daily phone experience. On Samsung devices, you can see all apps with active notification permissions in one place under Settings > Notifications > App notifications, making it easy to clean up in one session.

How SamMobile helps you get more from your Samsung device

Questions like this one come up constantly for everyday Samsung users, and getting a clear, jargon-free answer is not always easy. At SamMobile, we cover exactly these kinds of practical topics so you can use your Samsung phone or tablet with confidence. Here is what we offer:

• Plain-language guides that explain Samsung features and settings without assuming any technical background
• Up-to-date Samsung news covering One UI updates, new features, and changes that affect how your device behaves
• Honest advice on Samsung devices, apps, and settings based on real-world use
• A direct line to our team if you have a question we have not covered yet

Whether you want to stay on top of the latest Samsung news or simply need help with a setting on your phone, you can find it all at SamMobile. And if you have a specific question you would like us to answer, do not hesitate to get in touch with us directly.