Push Notifications Setup

Push notifications alert users to new messages even when they're not actively using ChatNet. This guide covers setting up Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) and Pushy as push notification providers.

Navigate to General Settings > Notifications

Choosing a Provider

ChatNet supports two push notification providers:

ProviderProsCons
FirebaseFree tier generous, Google integration, widely usedMore complex setup, Google account required
PushySimple setup, reliable delivery, works in ChinaPaid service (free tier available)

Firebase Setup

Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) is Google's free push notification service.

Step 1: Create Firebase Project

  1. Go to Firebase Console
  2. Click "Add project"
  3. Enter a project name
  4. Optionally enable Google Analytics
  5. Click "Create project"

Step 2: Add Web App

  1. In your project, click the web icon (</>) to add a web app
  2. Register your app with a nickname
  3. Copy the Firebase configuration values shown

Step 3: Get Service Account Key

  1. Go to Project Settings (gear icon)
  2. Navigate to "Service accounts" tab
  3. Click "Generate new private key"
  4. Download and save the JSON file securely

Step 4: Get Cloud Messaging Details

  1. In Project Settings, go to "Cloud Messaging" tab
  2. Note the Sender ID

Configuration in ChatNet

SettingWhere to Find
Enable Push NotificationsSet to Yes
Push ProviderSelect Firebase
Firebase Service Account JsonPaste entire contents of downloaded JSON file
Firebase Messaging Sender IDProject Settings > Cloud Messaging > Sender ID
Firebase Api KeyProject Settings > General > Web API Key
Firebase Project IDProject Settings > General > Project ID
Firebase App IDProject Settings > General > Your apps > App ID

Security: The Service Account JSON contains sensitive credentials. Never expose it publicly or commit it to version control.

Pushy Setup

Pushy is a reliable push notification service that works across all platforms and regions.

Step 1: Create Account

  1. Go to pushy.me
  2. Sign up for an account
  3. Verify your email

Step 2: Create App

  1. In the Pushy dashboard, click "Create App"
  2. Enter your app name
  3. Select platform (Web)

Step 3: Get Credentials

  1. Go to your app's dashboard
  2. Find your API Key in the settings
  3. Note your App ID

Configuration in ChatNet

SettingValue
Enable Push NotificationsSet to Yes
Push ProviderSelect Pushy
Pushy Api KeyYour Pushy secret API key
Pushy App IDYour Pushy application ID

Testing Push Notifications

After configuration:

  1. Log in to ChatNet as a user
  2. When prompted, allow notifications in your browser
  3. Have another user send you a message
  4. You should receive a push notification

Troubleshooting

IssueSolution
Notifications not appearingCheck browser notification permissions
Permission prompt not showingEnsure site is served over HTTPS
Firebase errors in consoleVerify all Firebase credentials are correct
Service worker issuesClear browser cache and re-register
Notifications work on some browsers onlySome browsers have limited PWA support

Browser Support

Push notifications work on:

Note: iOS Safari requires the site to be added to the home screen (PWA) for push notifications to work.