This article explains why the number of parents receiving push notifications from the d6 Communicator app may have dropped, and what your school can do to restore full reach. It is intended for school administrators and communication managers.

d6 Communicator > Messages > Push notifications

What causes push notification numbers to drop?

Mobile devices automatically limit push notifications for apps that have not been opened in the past 30 days. This is a built-in feature of both Android and iOS, designed to reduce notification fatigue and preserve battery life. When a parent has not opened the d6 app within that window, their device may stop delivering push notifications, even though the message was sent successfully.

This behaviour applies to all mobile apps, not only d6. It does not mean users have uninstalled the app or been removed from your community.

Are inactive users removed from the app?

No. The d6 system does not remove users based on inactivity. The app icon in your member list shows whether a user has logged in within the last 30 days. This is a visual indicator only, not a data deletion. Users who appear inactive are still part of your community, and all messages sent during their inactivity are stored in the app. Once they open the app again, they will see every pending message.

What is the difference between message delivery and push notification delivery?

The d6 system continues to send messages to all registered users, regardless of app activity. The difference is visibility. Without a push notification, parents may not realise a message is waiting. The message itself is still delivered and stored in the app. This is why some parents report not seeing updates, even though the message was sent.

How do I re-engage inactive app users?

You can restore full push notification reach with a few targeted actions:

1. Send a reminder via email: Use the d6 platform to send a short email asking parents to open the d6 app for the latest updates. When a user opens the app, their device immediately re-enables push notifications.

2. Review engagement patterns: In many households, only one parent actively uses the app. Check your member activity data to understand whether lower numbers reflect genuine disengagement or shared access within families.

3. Offer on-site support: At parent-teacher meetings or school events, set up a brief helpdesk where staff can assist parents with opening the app and enabling notifications.

4. Introduce low-effort interactions: Weekly polls, feedback forms, or event RSVPs keep the app active on devices and ensure notifications remain enabled.

Frequently asked questions

Why are only some parents getting my d6 push notifications?

Mobile devices stop delivering push notifications to apps that have not been opened in the past 30 days. Parents who have not recently opened the d6 app will not receive real-time alerts, but their messages are still stored in the app.

Have parents uninstalled the d6 app if they are not receiving notifications?

Not necessarily. The 30-day inactivity threshold on their device is the most common reason. The app icon in your member list shows recent login activity, not whether the app is still installed.

How do I get parents to start receiving push notifications again?

Send an email through the d6 platform asking parents to open the app. Once they do, push notifications are automatically re-enabled on their device.

Are messages still delivered if a parent does not receive a push notification?

Yes. All messages are delivered and stored in the app regardless of push notification status. The parent will see them the next time they open the app.

Does d6 remove users from my community if they are inactive?

No. The d6 system never removes users based on inactivity. Inactive users remain part of your community and will receive all pending messages when they next open the app.