Push notifications overview

Push notifications notify user devices or browsers regardless of whether an application is open and running. They deliver information, such as app updates, social media alerts, or promotional offers, directly to the user's screen. Ably sends push notifications to devices using Firebase Cloud Messaging or Apple Push Notification Service, and to browsers using Web Push. Push notifications don't require a device or browser to stay connected to Ably. Instead, a device's or browser's operating system or web browser maintains its own battery-efficient transport to receive notifications.

You can publish push notifications to user devices or browsers directly or via channels.

Publishing directly sends push notifications to specific devices or browsers identified by unique identifiers, such as a