Why are my iOS push notifications not being delivered, even though the API/Control Panel says they were sent successfully?

If push notifications are marked as sent but aren't arriving on your iOS device, it often indicates an issue with the device's push token registration or a mismatch in the APNs environment configuration.

Here’s how to troubleshoot:

1. Check SDK Integration & Initialization:

   • Ensure the Pushwoosh SDK is correctly integrated into your iOS application.
   • The SDK should automatically attempt to register the device for push notifications (calling the /registerDevice method internally) on the first launch after installation, provided the user grants push permissions.

2. Verify APNs Gateway Configuration:

   • The Apple Push Notification service (APNs) gateway setting configured in your Pushwoosh Control Panel must match the environment your app build is using.
   • Navigate to your Pushwoosh application -> Configure -> iOS.
   • Check the APNS Gateway setting.
     • Sandbox: Use this setting for development/debug builds launched directly from Xcode onto a device or simulator.
     • Production: Use this setting for builds distributed via TestFlight or the official App Store.
   • Make sure the selected gateway matches the type of build you are currently testing. A mismatch is a very common reason for notifications not being delivered.

3. Perform a Clean Test:

   • Completely uninstall your app from the test device or simulator.
   • Reinstall the app build (ensuring it's built for the correct environment matching the gateway setting checked in step 2).
   • Launch the app.
   • Crucial: When the system prompt appears, explicitly Allow push notifications.
   • (Optional but Recommended) If possible, check the device's console logs (e.g., via Xcode) with verbose SDK logging enabled. Look for a successful /registerDevice request being sent to Pushwoosh. This request payload should contain a valid push_token and the correct gateway value (sandbox or production).
   • Go to the User Explorer section in your Pushwoosh Control Panel and find the test device using its HWID. Verify that a Push Token is now displayed for the device.
   • Send a test push notification directly to this device (using its HWID or push token).

4. Check APNs Certificate:

   • Ensure the APNs certificate (.p12 file) or Auth Key (.p8 file) uploaded to Pushwoosh for your application is valid, not expired, and correctly corresponds to your app's Bundle ID and the selected APNs gateway environment (Sandbox/Production).

If you've followed these steps and notifications are still not arriving, review your SDK integration steps and ensure there are no errors reported in the device console during app initialization or push registration.