Push Notifications

Example of Implementing Mobile Push Notifications via API

0 MIN READ • Michael Carroll on Mar 5, 2025
Example of Implementing Mobile Push Notifications via API

Push notifications are an essential tool for engaging users on mobile devices. With PubNub's Push API, you can efficiently deliver real-time notifications to iOS and Android devices. Explore API examples to set up push notifications, configure mobile platforms, and troubleshoot potential issues.

Prerequisites

Before diving into implementation, ensure you have:

PubNub Push API Examples

1. Initialize PubNub API in Your Application

2. Register a Device for Push Notifications

iOS (APNs) device registration API example

Android device registration API example (FCM)

PubNub is a middle layer that forwards messages to APNs/FCM and delivers them to devices.

3. Sending a Push Notification API example

4. Removing (Opt-out, Unsubscribe) a Device from Push Notifications

Unsubscription API code snippet example

5. Retrieving Registered Push Channels API call example

Implementing opt-in for mobile pushes: API examples 

To implement opt-in functionality for push notifications using PubNub, you'd need to set up logic that requests permission from the user to receive push notifications, and then subscribe them to relevant channels if they opt-in. Below are examples of subscription consent for push notifications using the PubNub Push JavaScript SDK

Example 1: Requesting Permission for Push Notifications

The first step is to ask the user for permission to send push notifications. Once the user agrees, you can register the device and subscribe it to the appropriate communication channels.

Example 2: Subscribing a Device to Push Notifications After Opt-in

Once the user opts in, you register the device with PubNub and subscribe it to the relevant channels. Here’s an example where the user subscribes to notifications after opting in:

Example 3: Conditional Opt-In Based on User Preference

You could have a setting in your app to let users control which channels they want to opt-in to. For instance:

Key Points for Opt-In:

  1. Request Permission: The first step is to ask the user for permission to send push notifications. This is crucial in any app using push notifications.
  2. Device Registration: Once the user opts in, you register their device token (APNs or FCM) with PubNub to subscribe them to the relevant channels.
  3. Channel Subscription: Use the addChannels method to subscribe the device to the selected channels.
  4. Opt-Out: Let users delete their device from the channels removeChannels method.

Example for IoT Device (SIM Card) Notification with PubNub API

Basic code example to send push notifications to an IoT device, without needing user consent:

Key Points for IoT Push Notifications:

  • Device Registration: Ensure IoT device is properly registered and has a device token (APNs or FCM).
  • PubNub Push API: Use the addChannels method to subscribe the IoT device to specific channels, and the publish method to send notifications.
  • Push Service: Ensure you're using the correct push service (APNs for iOS or FCM for Android) based on the type of IoT device you're working with.

Read more: How to send push notifications >

Handling Database Integration and User Segmentation

Challenges with Database Integration

  • Storing push tokens securely: Ensure tokens are stored encrypted.
  • Handling token expiration: Periodically refresh and validate tokens.
  • Syncing device tokens: Users may switch devices, requiring updates.

User Segmentation Strategies

  • Topic-based notifications: Subscribe users to different channels based on preferences.
  • Geolocation-based notifications: Send updates relevant to a user’s location.
  • Behavior-based targeting: Use analytics to push personalized updates.

Using Analytics to Optimize Push Notifications

To QA push notifications, leverage delivery reports and engagement metrics:

  1. Track notification delivery status using PubNub message persistence.
  2. Monitor open rates via analytics tools like Firebase Analytics.
  3. A/B test different messages to see which drives more engagement.

FAQ and Troubleshooting

Push Notifications Not Working?

  • Ensure APNs/FCM credentials are correct.
  • Confirm device tokens are registered with PubNub.
  • Check if the app has push permissions enabled.

Notifications Delayed?

  • High network latency—test on different networks.
  • Device battery optimizations may delay notifications.

Push Token Errors?

  • Invalid or expired tokens—refresh them regularly.
  • Mismatch between FCM/APNs configuration and device setup.

Conclusion

With PubNub’s Push API, you can integrate mobile push notifications quickly and efficiently. These API examples provide a foundation for seamless integration, ensuring reliable push delivery across iOS and Android platforms.

Read more: Example of sending Firebase Push Notifications