Push Notification Character Limits — iOS & Android Guide
Push notifications compete for attention in a crowded notification tray. Understanding platform-specific character limits and designing text for maximum impact within those constraints is essential for engagement.
Platform Character Limits
| Platform | Title Limit | Body Limit | Visible on Lock Screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS | ~50 chars | ~178 chars | Title: 1 line, Body: ~4 lines |
| Android | ~65 chars | ~240 chars | Collapsed: 1 line, Expanded: full |
| Web Push (Chrome) | ~50 chars | ~120 chars | Varies by OS |
| Web Push (Firefox) | ~50 chars | ~140 chars | Notification center |
Best Practices
- Front-load the value — "Your order shipped" not "We wanted to let you know that..."
- Keep titles under 40 characters for cross-platform safety
- Keep body under 100 characters for lock screen visibility
- Use action words — "Check now," "Claim your discount"
- Personalize when possible — include user name or relevant context
Timing and Frequency
More than 3 push notifications per day dramatically increases opt-out rates. Send during active hours (9 AM–9 PM local time) and respect user timezone settings. Transactional notifications (order updates) are always welcome; promotional ones require restraint.
Conclusion
Design for the most constrained display: 40-character titles and 100-character bodies. Use Character Counter to verify your notification text fits.