How do I allow notifications from only certain apps?

On a Samsung phone, you can allow notifications from only certain apps by going to Settings > Notifications > App notifications and toggling off every app you do not want to hear from. This leaves only the apps you choose active. The process takes just a few minutes and works on any Samsung Galaxy running One UI, which is Samsung's software that runs on top of Android.

Below, we walk through the most common questions people have about managing Android notifications on Samsung devices, from the basics to some of the trickier situations.

Which apps can you control notifications for on a Samsung phone?

You can control notifications for every single app installed on your Samsung Galaxy. This includes pre-installed Samsung apps like Messages, Phone, and Galaxy Store, as well as any app you have downloaded from the Google Play Store. One UI gives you individual on/off control for each app, so no app is off-limits.

To see the full list, go to Settings > Notifications > App notifications. You will find every app listed there. Some apps also let you go a step further by controlling specific notification categories within the same app. For example, a shopping app might let you keep order update alerts on while turning off promotional offers separately.

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

To turn off notifications for a specific app on a Samsung phone, open Settings, tap Notifications, then tap App notifications. Find the app you want to silence and toggle it off. That app will no longer send any alerts to your screen or notification bar.

There is also a quicker shortcut. When a notification appears on your screen, press and hold it. A small menu will pop up giving you the option to turn off notifications for that app right there, without digging through settings. This is especially handy if you are being bothered by a specific app in the moment.

How do you allow notifications from only certain apps and block all others?

The most efficient way to allow notifications from only certain apps is to turn off all app notifications at once, then manually re-enable the ones you want to keep. Go to Settings > Notifications > App notifications and sort by “Most recent” or scroll through the list, switching off everything except your chosen apps.

Here is a simple step-by-step approach:

1. Open Settings on your Samsung Galaxy.
2. Tap Notifications, then App notifications.
3. Go through each app and toggle off notifications for every app you do not need alerts from.
4. Leave the toggle on only for the apps that matter to you, such as your messages, phone calls, or banking app.
5. Revisit this list whenever you install a new app, since new apps are set to send notifications by default.

If you use Do Not Disturb mode, you can take this even further. Do Not Disturb silences all notifications except those from contacts or apps you specifically allow. You can find this under Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb. It is a great option for keeping things quiet overnight or during work hours while still letting through the calls and messages that matter.

What's the difference between turning off notifications and muting them?

Turning off notifications stops an app from delivering any alerts at all, meaning nothing appears on your screen, in your notification bar, or makes a sound. Muting notifications, on the other hand, silences the sound and vibration, but the notification still appears visually in your notification bar and on your lock screen.

On Samsung phones, muting is handled through notification categories or by adjusting the alert type for an app. You can set an app to deliver notifications silently, so they show up when you swipe down to check, but they never interrupt you with a sound or buzz. To do this, tap on an app inside Settings > Notifications > App notifications, and look for the option to change the alert type to “Silent.”

Think of it this way: turning off is a full stop, while muting is more like whispering. Which one you choose depends on whether you still want to check those notifications on your own terms.

Why are some apps still sending notifications after being turned off?

If an app is still sending notifications after you turned it off in settings, there are a few likely reasons. The most common is that the app has a separate notification channel that was not fully disabled, or the app uses a system-level permission that bypasses standard notification controls. Some apps, particularly those with background services, can behave this way.

Here are the most common causes and fixes:

• Notification categories were not all turned off: Some apps have multiple notification types. Tap on the app in Settings > Notifications > App notifications and check if there are sub-categories still switched on underneath the main toggle.
• The app has special permissions: Certain system apps or apps with accessibility permissions can send alerts outside normal channels. Check Settings > Apps, select the app, and review its permissions.
• The app was updated and reset its settings: Some app updates can restore notification permissions. After a major app update, it is worth double-checking your notification settings for that app.
• The notification came from a different app: Sometimes a notification that looks like it is from one app is actually triggered by another, such as a linked service or a widget. Check which app is actually listed as the sender when you long-press the notification.

If the problem persists, try going to Settings > Apps, selecting the troublesome app, tapping Notifications, and turning off every single category listed there individually.

How SamMobile helps you get more from your Samsung phone

Managing Android notifications is just one of many ways you can take back control of your Samsung experience. At SamMobile, we cover everything Samsung, from practical how-to guides like this one to the latest news about One UI updates, new Galaxy devices, and tips that help everyday users get more out of their phones without needing a tech background.

Here is what you can find on our platform:

• Plain-language guides on Samsung settings, features, and One UI updates
• Up-to-date Samsung news covering software changes that might affect your notification settings
• Honest advice on which Samsung Galaxy model suits your needs and lifestyle
• Tips on getting the most out of your current device without spending more money

Whether you have a quick question or want to explore everything your Galaxy can do, SamMobile is here to help. And if you cannot find what you are looking for, feel free to get in touch with us directly.