Android Lollipop, introduced an array of new features and aesthetics that pleased many loyal users. One of those additions being the new heads-up notifications. Taking subtle inspiration from iOS, these notifications are visually appealing and can be easily dismissed or expanded, but they do require that you take an action before they go away immediately. Of course, you can always wait 10 seconds for them to disappear, but that can be really annoying if you're in the middle of a game or editing a photo.
Unfortunately, there's no setting that lets you dictate how notifications will come in. On an iPhone, you can choose either Alerts, Banners, or None, but in Android Lollipop, it's heads-up or no notifications at all.
But this is Android we're talking about, so when Google misses a beat, a developer is usually there to fix it, which is exactly what Jawomo's new app does. Lollipop users can still receive their notifications without the interruption of obtrusive heads-up alerts, much like the old-style ticker notifications we had on KitKat. And unlike other methods of disabling these notifications, Jawomo's app doesn't require root-level access.
Step 1: Install HeadsOff
Go ahead and install HeadsOff, Jawomo's app, from the Google Play Store for free. Obviously, you'll need to be running Android 5.0 or higher for this.
Step 2: Enable the Service
To get this application working, open it up and select "App is disabled," then enable Notification access. Once access is granted, heads-up notifications will be suppressed.
Step 3: Apply It on a Per-App Basis (Optional)
With the Pro version ($1.99), you can enable HeadsOff on a per-app basis so you don't miss out on the alerts you really want. There's also an option to select how notifications appear on your lock screen, but this can also be done natively through the stock Settings app.
Step 4: Try It Out & Enjoy!
Heads-up notifications will no longer intrude on what you're doing, but don't worry about missing notifications, because you'll still be able to view your them in the notification tray and through status bar notification icons.
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12 Comments
Thank you thank you thank you! I use my phone as a night clock next to my bed. Every single night since the update I Wake up to a brightly lit room with a notification across my screen that my battery is fully charged. It doesn't go away in 10 seconds. It doesn't go away at all until I move from my very comfortable posits and swipe it away. Then I'm awake and uncomfortable. This app finally stopped that notification. 3 nights of uninterrupted sleep!
Along with giving you some tech-related assistance, we're always happy to give you a good night's sleep as well.
I can't thank you enough!!! This notification was the only thing I don't like about my new edge. Android is known for it's customization so I was very frustrated to know I couldn't adjust that setting. Heads up notifications or nothing? That stinks. I wouldn't mind it if the phone was on lock screen. Anyhow thank you thank you thank you!!
That's what we do, Shawna. Thanks for the nice words.
i used this on my samsung S6 running lollipop 5.1.1. the app does its charm for a few moments, then seems to stop by itself automatically so the heads up notifications would appear again. I need to re-activate the app to block the heads-up again, and again, and again, and again... i tried this https://www.quora.com/WhatsApp-messages-pop-up-on-the-top-of-the-screen-in-Lollipop-How-do-you-turn-this-off and it solved the problem, though this means disabling any heads-up from ALL apps.
Hopefully the dev updates the app for better consistency. Contact him or send an error report.
Been looking for this since the annoying update. Only one question, when you select the headsoff, there is a pop up saying to agree to share all the content of your messages with the app.
Could you explain why this message shows?
At which point does this happen so I can replicate it and better explain it to you?
this app isn't compatible with my nokia XL :( what to do..
Unfortunately, the free version has Phone / Incoming Call unchecked which is the main reason I want to disable Heads Up notifications.
Heads off works for a couple of days and now doesn't work at all. Doesn't even send the test notification. Am I doing something worrying or am I required to get the paid version?
You provided invaluable information to an annoying issue. Thank you.
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