Getting Started with Browser Notifications

Browser Notifications let you receive instant alerts on your desktop or mobile device when something important happens in Cue-even when you're working in another tab. Stay on top of new messages and conversation assignments without constantly checking your inbox.

Browser Notifications work alongside your existing email and sound notifications, giving you multiple ways to stay informed.

What You Can Do with Browser Notifications

- Receive instant alerts - Get notified immediately when new messages arrive or conversations are assigned to you
- Stay informed while away - Notifications appear even when your browser tab is minimised or in the background
- Navigate directly to conversations - Click a notification to jump straight to the relevant conversation
- Work on mobile - Receive notifications on your phone through your mobile browser
- Customise your experience - Choose which events trigger notifications

How Browser Notifications Work

When Will I Receive Notifications?

Cue only sends browser notifications when you are not actively present in the workspace. If you have Cue open and are actively using it, you won't receive push notifications—you'll see updates directly in the app instead.

When Cue Is in the Background

When you're working in another application or browser tab, notifications appear as system alerts on your device. Click a notification to open Cue and navigate directly to the conversation.

When Cue Is in the Foreground

When you're actively using Cue, you won't receive system notifications for the same events—you'll see them directly in the app instead. This prevents duplicate alerts.

Enabling Browser Notifications

You can enable Browser Notifications from your Account Settings:

1. Click your profile icon in the bottom-left corner
2. Select Account Settings
3. Navigate to the Notifications tab
4. Click Allow Browser Notifications
5. When your browser prompts you, click Allow to grant permission

Once enabled, you'll receive notifications for events you've subscribed to, even when Cue isn't your active browser tab.

If You Previously Denied Permission

If you accidentally clicked "Block" when your browser asked for notification permission, you'll need to update your browser settings manually. Cue will show you instructions specific to your browser:

Chrome:
1. Click the lock icon in the address bar
2. Find "Notifications" and change it to "Allow"
3. Refresh the page

Firefox:
1. Click the lock icon in the address bar
2. Click "Connection secure" > "More Information"
3. Go to "Permissions" and allow Notifications
4. Refresh the page

Safari:
1. Go to Safari > Settings > Websites
2. Click "Notifications" in the sidebar
3. Find app.cuedesk.com and change to "Allow"
4. Refresh the page

Edge:
1. Click the lock icon in the address bar
2. Find "Notifications" and change it to "Allow"
3. Refresh the page

Mobile Browser Notifications

Browser Notifications also work on mobile devices.

Once added to your home screen, Cue will behave more like a native app and deliver notifications reliably to your device.

Managing Your Notifications

Disabling Notifications

To stop receiving browser notifications:

1. Go to Account Settings > Notifications
2. Toggle off Browser Notifications

You can also revoke permission entirely through your browser settings, though this isn't recommended as you'll need to re-grant permission to re-enable them.

Troubleshooting

Notifications not appearing?

- Check that your browser has permission to show notifications
- Ensure Do Not Disturb is turned off on your device (macOS, iOS, Android, or Windows)
- Verify notifications are enabled in your operating system settings
- Make sure you haven't muted notifications for your browser

Notifications work on desktop but not mobile?

- Ensure you've added Cue to your home screen as a Web App (not just a browser bookmark). See our guide on Download the Cue App for step-by-step instructions.
- Check that your mobile browser supports push notifications (Chrome on Android, Safari on iOS 16.4+)
- Verify you haven't blocked notifications for the Cue Web App in your device's app notification settings

Not receiving notifications on your phone when your computer has Cue open?

- This is expected behaviour for the initial release. Cue detects if you're logged in on any device, and if the app is open on your computer, notifications won't be sent to your phone.
- To receive notifications on your phone, close the Cue browser tab on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do browser notifications work on all browsers?

Browser notifications are supported on most modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Some older browsers may not support this feature.

Will I receive notifications when my laptop is closed?

No. Browser notifications require your browser to be running. When your laptop is closed or your browser is quit, notifications won't be delivered until you open the browser again.

Can I receive notifications on multiple devices?

Yes. You can enable browser notifications on as many devices as you like. Each device (desktop, laptop, phone) registers independently with our notification service.

However, notifications are only delivered when you're not actively using Cue on any device-so if the app is open on your computer, you won't receive notifications on your phone until you close the tab.

Why am I not receiving notifications on my phone when my computer has Cue open?

For the initial version of Browser Notifications, the system detects if you're logged into Cue on any device. If you have the app open on your computer, you're marked as "present," which blocks notifications from being sent to your other devices. To receive notifications on your phone while away from your computer, close the Cue browser tab on your computer.

Are browser notifications secure?

Yes. Notifications don't contain sensitive message content—they only include enough information to let you know something needs your attention. Click the notification to view full details in the app.

What's the difference between browser notifications and email notifications?

Browser notifications are instant and appear on your device immediately. Email notifications may have a slight delay and are better for catching up when you've been away. Many users enable both for comprehensive coverage.