Setting the notification icons, iOS large icons and Android banners

The small icon displayed in push notifications is handled differently by Android and iOS operating systems.

Android Small Notification Icon (1):

• Configuration: The small notification icon for Android is configured directly within your Android application's project, not through the Pushwoosh control panel.

• Manifest Setting: You need to specify your icon in the AndroidManifest.xml file using a <meta-data> tag:

  <meta-data 
      android:name="com.pushwoosh.notification_icon" 
      android:value="@drawable/your_notification_icon_resource_name" />

  Replace your_notification_icon_resource_name with the actual name of your icon file (without the extension).

  

• Icon Files: The icon image files (e.g., your_notification_icon_resource_name.png) must be placed in the appropriate res/drawable (and density-specific drawable folders like drawable-mdpi, drawable-hdpi, etc.) within your Android project.
• Updating: To change this icon, you'll need to modify it in your Android project and then release a new version of your application.
• Appearance and Consistency on Android: The visual rendering of the small notification icon can vary across different Android OS versions and device manufacturer customizations. To achieve the most consistent appearance:
  • Follow Android Design Guidelines: Adhere to Google's recommendations for notification icons. Key aspects include:
    • Simplicity: Use a simple, easily recognizable symbol.
    • Color: Typically a single, solid color (often white) on a transparent background to work well with both light and dark notification themes.
    • Sizing & Density: Provide the icon in various resolutions (e.g., 24x24 for the baseline) and place them in the correct density folders (ldpi, mdpi, hdpi, xhdpi, xxhdpi, xxxhdpi) to ensure sharpness on all screens.
    • Format: Use PNG format to support transparency.
  • Reference: For detailed official guidance, see Android's documentation on notification anatomy: Notification anatomy and layout.

iOS Notification Icon (1) and collapsed iOS Large Icon (2):

• iOS uses your application's main app icon for push notifications. There isn't a separate "small notification icon" to configure specifically for pushes; the system automatically uses your app icon.
• Ensure your app icon adheres to Apple's Human Interface Guidelines: App Icons - Human Interface Guidelines.

Media Content (Large Icons/Banners) in Pushwoosh:

The options for 'Media Content' in the Pushwoosh message composer (such as Large Icon or Banner Image) are intended for richer visual elements within the notification body itself, not for the small status bar icon. For example, a Large Icon might be used for a contact's avatar in a messaging app, or a Banner Image for a promotional graphic.

iOS Large Icon

Android Banner