Are you ready to unlock the power of app push notifications? In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to set up and configure your push notification profile for seamless communication with your app users.

Before You Begin

Before diving into the setup process, it's crucial to understand that some code must be added to your app. Don't worry; we've got you covered! Our Setting up mobile push notifications guide is a valuable resource to help you navigate this step. We highly recommend collaborating with your app developers to ensure a smooth experience.

Android Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) Credentials

As of June 20, 2024, Android is introducing changes to the way FCM credentials are handled for sending mobile push messages. If you're currently using Dotdigital for push notifications, it's essential to update your credentials to re-authenticate your messaging profile. Learn more about this update in Update your Android Firebase Cloud Messaging credentials.

Creating a Push Notification Profile

A push notification profile is the key to unlocking effective communication with your app users using Apple's APNS and Google's FCM push systems. This single profile will enable you to send push notifications to both Android and iOS devices. To create a new profile:

  • Go to Connect > Digital marketing channels
  • Select Push Notification, then NEW PROFILE
  • Enter the name of your app

Note down the pre-populated values in each field under Authentication. These values are crucial for creating a JSON Web Token (JWT) in your app and authorizing users for push.

Configuring Your App's Push Systems

Now it's time to configure your app's push systems, depending on the operating systems you've built your app for:

  • Enter FCM details: Follow our guide to learn how to access this file in Google's documentation.
  • Enter APNS credentials: Learn more about creating an APNS token in the Apple Developer Portal.

Once complete, return to Dotdigital and select SAVE. You'll now see a value in the API space ID field, which you'll use to initialize our SDK.

Entering FCM Details (Android)

Our Android SDK uses Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to send push notifications to your Android app users. To set up FCM:

  • Open the Firebase console and create a project if needed.
  • In the General tab, copy your package name and enter it in Dotdigital under App system: Android.
  • Select ADD FILE and upload your FCM JSON file.

Entering APNS Details (Apple)

Our iOS SDK uses the Apple Push Notification Service (APNS) to send push notifications to your contacts. To set up APNS:

  • Go to the Apple Developer Portal, create a new key for the Push Notifications service enabled, and download it as a .p8 file.
  • Copy the Key ID and enter it in Dotdigital under App system: iOS.

Finding Your API Space ID

The API space ID is essential for initializing our mobile SDKs. You can find this value at the bottom of your push notification profile page.

Deleting or Disabling a Push Notification Profile

Before you start, keep in mind that you can't delete or disable a profile that's currently being used in an active program. To delete a profile:

  • Go to Connect > Digital marketing channels
  • Select the profile name and checkbox next to it
  • Select Delete

To disable a profile:

  • Go to Connect
  • Select the Push notifications tile
  • Expand the Status drop-down menu and select Disabled
  • Select SAVE