How to Set Up OneSignal Push Notifications on Web, Android and iOS

Stop losing 94% of your users after 30 days. 

The harsh reality is that most apps haemorrhage users faster than a leaky bucket. Industry data indicate that only 6% of users remain after a month. 

Apps with strategic push notifications, however, achieve 30%-50% retention rates through consistent user engagement. 

This guide shows you exactly how to implement OneSignal Push notifications across web, Android and iOS platforms. OneSignal powers notifications for 2Million+ businesses, delivering 12 Billion+ messages daily. 

Why OneSignal Dominates the Push Notification Market

You have two options: spend months building a custom push notifications infrastructure, or implement OneSignal and start sending notifications in 20 minutes.

OneSignal handles the complex technical requirements across all platforms. OneSignal offers enterprise-level functionality through its freemium model, featuring a generous free tier. 

OneSignal’s Core Advantages

• Fast Implementation: Complete setup in under one hour across all platforms

• Cost-efficiency: The free plan supports unlimited push notifications, while paid plans scale affordably. 

• Universal Platform Support: Web, iOS, Android, Huawei - reach users on any device.

• Advanced Targeting: Segment Users by behaviour, location, and custom attributes. 

• Proven Reliability: 99.9% uptime with global infrastructure.

The Business Case for Push Notifications

Consider these metrics:

• 94% abandonment rate without re-engagement strategies

• 65% higher retention with effective push notification campaigns

Each day without push notifications represents lost revenue opportunities. OneSignal’s free tier provides everything needed to get started, with self-serve growth plans starting at $19/month. 

OneSignal Pricing Structure

Free Plan ($0/ month)

• Unlimited mobile push notifications
• 10,000 web push subscribers per message
• 10,000 monthly email sends
• 6 segments and 2 data tags 
• A/B testing capabilities

Best For:  Startups validating product-market fit, small businesses testing engagement strategies. 

Growth Plan ($19/month)

• All free plan features 
• Mobile Push: $0.012 per monthly active user
• Web Push: $0.004 per subscriber
• Advanced Automation:  3 journeys with 6 steps each 
• Premium Integrations: Mixpanel, Amplitude, Segment 
• 10 segments with 10  data tags per user 

Best For: Growing companies optimising user engagement and conversion

Professional and Enterprise Plans

Custom pricing for organisations requiring advanced features, dedicated support, and volume discounts. 

Web Push Notification Setup

 Web Push Notifications re-engage website visitors even when they’re not browsing your site. Setup takes 15 minutes with server access. 

Requirements:

• HTTPS website (HTTP websites cannot use web push)
• Server Access to upload files
• Modern Browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

Steps:

1. Create an application on OneSignal.
2. Install Web SDK
3. Upload Service Worker File
4. Optimise Permission Requests
5. Test and Troubleshoot

Android Push Notification Setup

Android Notifications use Firebase Cloud Messaging(FCM) as the underlying infrastructure. Setup requires Firebase Configuration but takes only 20 minutes.

Requirements:

• Android Studio
• Firebase Account (Free)
• Google Play Services on target Devices

Steps:

1. Configure Firebase
2. Connect OneSignal to Firebase
3. Integrate OneSignal SDK
4. Handle Android 13+ permissions
5. Test and Implement

iOS Push Notification Setup

iOS push notifications use Apple Push Notification Service (APNS). Users can only grant permission once; if denied, they must manually enable it in the Settings.

Requirements:

• XCode with iOS 11.0+ deployment target
• Apple Developer Account
• Physical iOS device (simulator doesn’t support Push Notifications)

Steps:

1. Generate APNS key
2. Configure OneSignal for iOS
3. Install and Initialise OneSignal SDK
4. iOS Permission Strategy
5. Test and Implement 

Performance Monitoring

Essential Metrics

• Delivery Rate: Percentage of notifications reaching devices (Target: 95%+)

• Click-Through Rate: Percentage of delivered notifications generating clicks. (Good - 2-5%, Excellent - 10%+)

• Conversion Rate: Percentage of clicks resulting in desired actions

• Retention Impact: Engagement difference between push subscribers and non-subscribers. 

OneSignal Analytics

OneSignal provides detailed performance data. 

• Platform Comparison: iOS vs Android Web Engagement Rates

• Timing Analysis: Optimal sending times for your specific audiences

• Segment Performance: Which segments engage more
• Message Effectiveness: Top and Bottom-performing campaigns

Use this data to refine targeting, timing, and messaging strategies.

Implementation Success

Push notifications provide a measurable impact on user retention and revenue when implemented strategically. OneSignal simplifies technical complexity while providing enterprise-level features at an accessible price.

The difference between successful apps and abandoned ones often comes down to consistent user engagement. Push notifications create direct communication channels that keep your product relevant in users' daily routines.

Implementation timeline: Complete setup across all platforms in under two hours. Start with OneSignal's free plan to validate effectiveness, then scale with growth plans as your user base expands.

Next steps: Create your OneSignal account, follow the platform-specific setup guides above, and send your first notification campaign today.

Success measurement: Monitor delivery rates, click-through rates, and retention improvements over a 30-day period. Most implementations see measurable engagement improvements within the first week.

Push notification systems compound their effectiveness over time. Users who receive consistent, valuable notifications show higher lifetime value and stronger product loyalty.

Start your free OneSignal account here and implement push notifications that drive real business results.