Understanding Push Notifications After Logging Out: Key Considerations and Best Practices

When a user logs out of an app, the question often arises: can they still receive push notifications? The answer depends on how the app and its backend are designed. This article will explore key points to consider, including token management, user context, app behavior, and user preferences.

Token Management

The process of sending push notifications typically relies on device tokens. Services like Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) and Apple Push Notification Service (APNS) use these tokens to deliver messages. Upon logging out, the app ideally should unregister the device token, ensuring no further notifications are sent. The app developer must implement this step to maintain security and user privacy.

User Context

Many apps tailor notifications based on user context, such as account-specific updates. Once a user logs out, the app backend should stop sending notifications intended for their account. This is a common practice that aligns with user expectations and enhances the user experience.

App Behavior

Some apps may continue to receive general notifications, such as marketing messages, even after the user logs out. These notifications are often not tied to user accounts but to the app itself. Such notifications can be managed separately and should be clearly stated by the app developer to avoid confusion.

User Preferences

Users have the option to manage notification preferences independently of their login status. This allows them to control what notifications they receive, regardless of their login status. Some apps provide an option within their settings menu to adjust notification preferences.

Differences in Notification Handling

While it is possible for users to receive notifications after logging out, best practices suggest that apps should stop sending personalized notifications once a user has logged out. This is a common recommendation from app development frameworks and backend systems.

For example, the mobile operating system (OS) and the push notification system do not know about the logged out state of the app. They still forward the notifications, but it is up to the app's design to decide whether to process these notifications or ignore them.

Total Control

Some platforms, like OpenBack, offer on-device control to manage notification delivery more effectively. These systems can be customized to ensure that notifications are only sent when the user is logged in, providing a more secure and user-friendly experience.

The push token generation occurs separately from any app signup within the mobile app. Even if a user does not allow notifications, a unique push token is still generated by the app and the device OS. The OS and push notification service do not have knowledge of the app's logged out state and continue to forward notifications to the device as long as the app is installed.

Conclusion

To summarize, while users can theoretically still receive notifications after logging out, best practices recommend that apps stop sending personal notifications once a user has logged out. This aligns with user expectations and enhances privacy and security. Developers should ensure that the app properly unregisters device tokens and handles notifications based on user context to provide the best user experience.

Key Points to Remember:

Unregister device tokens upon logout to prevent further notifications. Design notifications based on user context to avoid sending personal messages after logout. Allow users to manage notification preferences independently of their login status. Implement security measures to ensure notified only when the user is actively logged in.

By following these guidelines, app developers can provide a seamless and secure user experience, ensuring that notifications are relevant and timely.