Troubleshooting
Notifications
Notifications help you notice incoming calls, new messages, and missed-call activity without constantly checking Waveline. If an alert is missing, delayed, or silent, check the settings for the device and app you use.
If calls never reach you, start with Incoming Calls Not Ringing. Notification settings do not determine which teammates an inbox should ring.
Identify the missing alert
- Calls appear in Waveline, but you do not hear them: check sound settings, volume, and the selected audio device.
- Messages appear in Waveline, but no notification appears: check notification permission and background-alert settings.
- Notifications appear only after reopening the app: check connectivity and the device's background restrictions.
- Only one device has the problem: review that device's settings; permissions do not carry over between devices.
Microphone and notification permissions are separate. Allowing notifications does not grant microphone access for calls.
Check notifications for the inbox
Confirm that Notify me about this inbox is on for the affected inbox and that you are Available. When you are Offline on web or Away on mobile, Waveline does not send that inbox's new-message, missed-call, or voicemail notifications.
You need a Viewer, Member, or Manager role in the inbox to receive these notifications. Organization management access alone is not enough. See Viewing and notifications for the controls and how to follow an eligible inbox.
Turning inbox notifications off does not stop incoming calls from ringing or remove unread and unhandled badge counts. For ringing, review Availability and Default Ring Order.
Allow notifications when prompted
When Waveline or your operating system asks to allow notifications, approve the request if you want alerts on that device.
If you previously declined, open the device's notification settings and enable notifications for Waveline. Repeatedly reopening the app may not show the permission request again.
Check notifications in the desktop app
Open Waveline's Settings → System and turn on System notifications. Approve the operating-system request if one appears.
This setting enables native alerts for missed calls and voicemails while Waveline is in the background. Select Send test notification to check whether your computer displays the alert.
Incoming calls and new messages use separate floating Waveline cards. Message cards show the sender and a preview; a separate card does not appear for a conversation you already have open in the focused Waveline window. The System notifications switch does not control these message cards.
If the test notification does not appear, review your computer's notification permissions and Focus or Do Not Disturb settings. If a message card is missing, first check your availability and that inbox's notification setting.
Keep Waveline running
If you want Waveline to remain active after closing its window, enable Keep Waveline running after closing the window.
Closing the window with this setting enabled keeps Waveline running in the system tray. Choosing Quit Waveline exits the app instead.
Check alerts in the web browser
Keep Waveline open and signed in while using the web app for calls and messages.
If activity appears in Waveline but you cannot hear an alert, check that the browser tab or website is not muted and that your computer is playing audio through the intended speakers or headset.
If the page is disconnected or activity does not update, see App Connection Issues.
The desktop app's System notifications setting does not apply to a browser tab.
Check notifications on iPhone
- Open the iPhone's Settings → Notifications → Waveline.
- Turn on Allow Notifications.
- Enable the alert locations you want, such as Lock Screen, Notification Center, and Banners.
- Enable Sounds if you want audible notifications.
- Review any active Focus settings that may silence Waveline.
If Waveline is included in Scheduled Summary, choose immediate delivery when you want activity notifications as they arrive.
See Apple's notification instructions.
Check notifications on Android
- Open the phone's Settings and find Waveline under Apps or App notifications.
- Allow notifications for Waveline.
- If notification categories are shown, review Calls and Messages separately.
- Enable sound, vibration, and on-screen alerts as desired.
- Check the phone's Do Not Disturb and lock-screen notification settings.
A category can be silent or disabled even when notifications are enabled for the app overall. Menu names vary by phone and Android version.
See Google's notification instructions.
Allow full-screen call alerts on Android
If incoming calls do not appear over the lock screen, open Settings inside Waveline and select Full-Screen Call Alerts under System.
Allow full-screen call notifications in the Android settings that open, when the option is available.
This controls how an incoming call appears. It does not add you to an inbox's ring order or override your availability.
For calls that do not reach your device at all, see Incoming Calls Not Ringing.
If alerts are silent or delayed
Check whether the device is using silent mode, Focus, Do Not Disturb, or a notification schedule. Also check notification volume and whether sound is playing through connected headphones or another audio device.
If alerts arrive only after you reopen Waveline, confirm that the device has a working connection. On Android, review whether battery or background-use restrictions are limiting Waveline; the available controls vary by manufacturer.
If calls, messages, and other activity are also slow to update inside the app, see App Connection Issues.
Common questions
Does changing my availability turn off message notifications?
Yes. When you are Offline on web or Away on mobile, Waveline does not send new-message, missed-call, or voicemail notifications for your inboxes. Set yourself to Available and check Notify me about this inbox when you want them. Your device's notification and sound settings still apply.
Why do I see activity in the desktop app without a separate system notification?
Native missed-call and voicemail alerts are intended for background activity, so they may not appear while Waveline is visible and focused. New messages use floating Waveline cards instead; a separate message card does not appear when that conversation is already open in the focused window.
Why do calls alert me but messages do not?
Incoming ringing and message notifications have separate controls. Check your availability and Notify me about this inbox first. On Android, also check the Calls and Messages categories separately. In the desktop app, new messages use floating Waveline cards; the System notifications switch is for background missed-call and voicemail alerts.
Why does one device notify me but another does not?
Each device has its own notification permissions, sound settings, and connection. Enabling notifications on your phone does not enable them on your computer.