Android 16 Do Not Disturb Not Working: Notifications Still Getting Through

Android 16 introduced several new features and privacy enhancements, but many users have reported a major issue: Do Not Disturb (DND) is not working properly. Even when enabled, notifications from apps, calls, or messages can still break through, disturbing your focus or sleep.

What Is the Android 16 DND Bug?

The bug occurs when Do Not Disturb mode, which is supposed to block all non-priority notifications, fails to suppress alerts. Users report seeing:

• Notification banners appearing despite DND being active
• Sound and vibration alerts during scheduled quiet hours
• Priority notifications behaving inconsistently

This problem affects both system apps and third-party apps, making it unpredictable and frustrating.

Why Is This Happening?

The issue stems from changes in Android 16’s notification and background service management. Possible causes include:

• New priority notification rules not syncing correctly with certain apps
• Background service optimizations interfering with DND enforcement
• OEM-specific modifications on devices like Samsung or Xiaomi
• Migration issues during upgrades from Android 15

Which Devices Are Most Affected?

Users have reported DND issues on:

• Google Pixel devices running early Android 16 builds
• Samsung devices with One UI beta updates
• Other brands upgraded directly from Android 15

Temporary Workarounds

While Google has not yet released an official fix, users can try the following steps:

• Verify Settings → Sound & Vibration → Do Not Disturb rules and schedules
• Check Apps & Notifications → Notifications → Allow interruptions for priority apps
• Disable battery optimization for apps that bypass DND
• Restart the phone after enabling DND
• Install the latest system updates and security patches

Is This a Security or Privacy Concern?

While the bug is primarily a usability issue, it may cause unintended notification leaks. Sensitive notifications could appear when they shouldn’t, which could compromise privacy in certain situations. Monitoring system updates and patches is essential.

What to Expect From Google

Google has acknowledged multiple Android 16 notification inconsistencies. Historically, follow-up patches for similar issues were released within weeks of the initial bug report. Users are advised to regularly check for updates and apply them promptly.

Final Thoughts

The Android 16 Do Not Disturb bug highlights the challenges of balancing advanced notification features with user expectations. While DND is a powerful tool, temporary workarounds and patience are necessary until Google resolves the issue in future patches.