Power Automate allows you to send push notifications to users on mobile devices using the “Send me a mobile notification” action. However, you may encounter the following issue:
“Push notification trigger failed – Push notifications failed to trigger or send.”
This means that the flow was unable to send the push notification, preventing users from receiving important alerts.
2. Causes of “Push Notification Trigger Failed”
Several factors can cause push notification failures:
- Power Automate Mobile App Not Installed – The recipient must have the Power Automate mobile app installed.
- Notifications Disabled on Device – If notifications are disabled for the Power Automate app, messages will not be received.
- Incorrect User or Device Targeting – The notification must be sent to the correct user ID.
- Service Outages or Connectivity Issues – Temporary Microsoft service outages or internet connectivity problems can prevent push notifications.
- Authentication Issues – The user may not be signed in to the correct Microsoft account on the Power Automate mobile app.
- Flow Execution Errors – If the flow fails before reaching the notification step, the push notification will not be sent.
- Push Notification Limit Exceeded – Power Automate limits the number of push notifications based on your plan.
- App Background Restrictions – Some mobile devices restrict background processes, preventing push notifications from being delivered.
- Power Automate App Not Updated – Running an outdated version of the app can cause notification failures.
- Trigger Condition Not Met – The flow may not be executing because conditions are not being met.
3. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Step 1: Check Power Automate Flow Run History
- Open Power Automate (https://flow.microsoft.com).
- Navigate to My Flows and locate the affected flow.
- Click Run History to see if the flow executed successfully.
- Look for the “Send me a mobile notification” step.
- If the step failed, check the error message for details.
Solution:
- If the flow never triggered, check the flow trigger conditions (e.g., PowerApps, SharePoint, etc.).
- If the notification step failed, check the error message and proceed with further troubleshooting.
Step 2: Ensure the Power Automate Mobile App Is Installed
Push notifications require the Power Automate mobile app to be installed on the recipient’s device.
Solution:
- Download and install the Power Automate app from:
- Sign in using the correct Microsoft account associated with the flow.
Step 3: Check That Notifications Are Enabled on the Device
If notifications are disabled at the system level, push notifications will not be received.
Solution (iOS & Android):
- Open Settings > Notifications.
- Find Power Automate in the app list.
- Ensure Allow Notifications is enabled.
- Enable Sounds, Alerts, and Banners if needed.
Step 4: Verify That the Correct User or Device Is Being Targeted
Ensure the notification is being sent to the correct user account.
Correct Example (Sending Notification to Yourself):
Send me a mobile notification (Power Automate)
Correct Example (Sending Notification to Another User):
- Use the “Send push notification to a specific user” action.
- Ensure the correct email address is entered in the User Email field.
Incorrect Example (Using Wrong Email or Account):
- If the user is logged into a different Microsoft account, they will not receive notifications.
Solution:
- Verify the recipient’s Microsoft account email in Power Automate and ensure they are signed into the same account on their mobile device.
Step 5: Check for Microsoft Service Outages
Sometimes, Microsoft services experience temporary outages that affect push notifications.
Solution:
- Check the Microsoft 365 Service Status: https://status.office365.com
- If Power Automate has reported issues, wait for Microsoft to resolve them.
Step 6: Ensure Flow Execution Reaches the Notification Step
- Open Power Automate and go to Run History.
- If the flow fails before reaching the push notification step, fix the preceding issues.
Solution:
- If an error occurs before the notification step, review the flow logs and correct the issue.
Step 7: Check If the Flow Exceeded Notification Limits
Power Automate limits push notifications based on your plan:
- Free & Basic Plans: Limited number of notifications per month
- Premium Plans: Higher limits
Solution:
- If notifications suddenly stop working, check flow run history for rate limit errors.
- Consider upgrading your Power Automate plan if needed.
Step 8: Ensure the Power Automate App Is Running in the Background
Some smartphones restrict background processes, preventing push notifications.
Solution (Android Users):
- Go to Settings > Apps > Power Automate.
- Enable Allow Background Data Usage.
- Disable Battery Optimization for Power Automate.
Solution (iOS Users):
- Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- Enable Background App Refresh for Power Automate.
Step 9: Update the Power Automate App
An outdated version of the Power Automate app can cause notification issues.
Solution:
- Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Search for Power Automate and update the app to the latest version.
Step 10: Test the Push Notification Manually
- Open Power Automate and create a new manual test flow.
- Add the “Send me a mobile notification” action.
- Run the flow to see if the notification is received.
If the test notification works:
- The issue lies with the original flow trigger or data source.
If the test notification does not work:
- The issue is likely with the device settings, permissions, or Microsoft services.
4. Preventative Measures
To prevent push notification failures in the future:
✔ Ensure that Power Automate mobile app is installed and updated.
✔ Verify that notifications are enabled in device settings.
✔ Use the correct Microsoft account when signing in.
✔ Monitor Microsoft service status for outages.
✔ Check Power Automate plan limits to prevent notification throttling.
✔ Ensure flow execution reaches the notification step.
✔ Disable battery optimizations that restrict background processes.