How Web Push Notifications Work (Technical Overview)
Web push notifications rely on browser APIs, service workers, and push services to deliver messages to users in real time.
Key Components
- Service Worker: A background script that receives and displays notifications.
- Push API: Allows servers to send messages to browsers.
- Subscription: User grants permission and receives a unique endpoint.
- Push Service: Intermediary (e.g., Google, Mozilla) that routes messages.
How It Works
- User visits your site and opts in.
- Browser registers a service worker and subscribes the user.
- Your server stores the subscription endpoint.
- When you send a push, your server calls the endpoint via the push service.
- The browser receives the message and displays the notification.
Security
- All communication is encrypted.
- HTTPS is required for service workers.
Example
AlertElevate handles all technical steps, so you can focus on messaging and results.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the technical flow helps you troubleshoot and optimize your push campaigns.
