Notification.
A message delivered about an event outside the immediate task.
See it in context
What it is
A notification brings an event to the user’s attention, often through the operating system or an in-app inbox. Its content and urgency should justify interrupting or distracting the person.
When to use it
Use for meaningful events users have chosen to receive.
Know the difference
A notification announces an event; a toast confirms an action in the current interaction.
Across platforms
iOS · iPadOS · macOS · watchOS · tvOS · visionOS
Use the native platform presentation and terminology; adapt density and interaction to touch, pointer, remote, or spatial input rather than copying a phone-sized view.
Web · Android · Windows · Linux · Wear OS · Android TV
On the web, announce meaningful status changes without moving focus. On Android and desktop, keep messages near the relevant operation and follow the platform’s notification conventions.
Go to the source
Primary documentation for the pattern and its platform conventions.