Pillpal schedules a reminder for every dose, but your phone has the final say on whether it makes a sound. This checklist covers everything that can silence a reminder. After changing a setting, use Profile → Send a test reminder in the app to confirm.
Both platforms
- Allow notifications. The app asks during setup; if you said no, the banner at the top of the Home screen will say "Reminders may not ring" — tap Fix and it takes you to the right setting.
- Check quiet hours. If you set quiet hours in Pillpal (Settings → Quiet hours), reminders in that window are delivered gently — check they match what you expect.
- Keep the app installed and signed in. Reminders are scheduled on the device; uninstalling clears them.
iPhone
- Ring/Silent switch. With the switch on silent, reminder sounds are muted (they still appear on screen). If you need sound overnight, leave the ringer on and rely on Focus instead.
- Focus / Do Not Disturb. Either allow Pillpal under Settings → Focus → Apps, or schedule Focus around your dose times.
- Scheduled Summary. Make sure Pillpal is NOT in Settings → Notifications → Scheduled Summary, or reminders will be batched and arrive late.
Android
- Alarms & reminders permission. Pillpal uses exact alarms so a 8:00 dose rings at 8:00, not "sometime after". If the in-app banner asks for "Alarms & reminders", allow it (Settings → Apps → Pillpal → Alarms & reminders).
- Battery optimisation. On some phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and others) aggressive battery savers kill scheduled alarms. Set Pillpal's battery usage to "Unrestricted" (Settings → Apps → Pillpal → Battery).
- Full-screen alarms. Pillpal can show a full-screen alarm for due doses even when the phone is locked — the toggle is on theProfile tab.
- Do Not Disturb. Allow alarms in DND settings, or add Pill Pal to the exceptions list.
Still not ringing?
Email apps@nftatoms.com with your phone model and what you've tried — we'll figure it out with you.