Push notifications help you connect with your audience in real time. With Klaviyo's mobile push tools, brands can drive retention, boost revenue, and engage users when it matters. But not all push strategies work equally well—read on to learn the setups, flows, and tactics that drive results in 2025.

This guide covers:

• What Klaviyo Push is

• How to set it up

• Real campaign examples

• Industry benchmarks

• Strategy by vertical

• Where push fits into the customer journey

Let's dive in.

What Are Klaviyo Push Notifications?

Push notifications are short messages on a user’s mobile device sent directly from your app. With Klaviyo, they act as an effective way to engage customers in real-time, appearing on lock screens to prompt immediate action. Unlike web push notifications (which Klaviyo does not support as of April 12, 2025), these are restricted to mobile apps on iOS and Android.

How They Work: Klaviyo sends pushes through your app using its Mobile SDK.

Mobile Only: Designed for native apps, not mobile browsers.

Benefits:

• Real-Time Reach: Grab attention the moment it matters.

• High Engagement: Users are more likely to open pushes than emails.

• Low Cost: No extra fees within Klaviyo’s platform.

• Omnichannel Fit: Pair with email and SMS for seamless flows.

Perfect For: DTC brands with mobile apps, like fashion, beauty or fitness companies, aiming to boost app usage.

Klaviyo Mobile Push Notification Structure

Source: Klaviyo

How to Set Up Klaviyo Push Notifications

Getting push notifications running in Klaviyo is straightforward but requires a few technical and strategic steps. Whether you’re a marketer or working with a developer, this process ensures your app is ready to send messages that engage. Here’s how to do it in under an hour:

Check App Compatibility:

• Your app must be native to iOS, Android, and React Native. Mobile web apps won’t work.

• Why? Push notifications need a direct app connection, which Klaviyo supports only for these platforms.

Install Klaviyo Mobile SDK:

• Add the SDK to your app’s code (choose iOS or Android).

• Follow Klaviyo’s developer docs for clear instructions.

• Takes about 10 minutes with a developer’s help.

Link SDK to Klaviyo Account:

• Connect the SDK in your Klaviyo dashboard to enable push features.

• This bridges your app and Klaviyo for smooth message delivery.

  
  

Source: Klaviyo

Upload Push Credentials:

• iOS: Upload your APN authentication key.

• Android: Add your Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) server key.

• Do this in Account > Settings > Push Notifications. It’s a one-time setup to ensure devices receive your pushes.

Collect User Consent:

• Trigger a native prompt asking users to allow notifications (e.g., during app signup).

• Use the SDK to send user data (like email or phone) to Klaviyo for personalised targeting.

• Tip: Explain why notifications are valuable to boost opt-ins.

  
  

Send a Test Notification:

• Create a simple push campaign in Klaviyo.

• Send it to a test profile (like your own device) to confirm it arrives.

• Check formatting and timing before going live.

  
  

Source: Klaviyo

Add to Flows:

• Insert push blocks into flows like Abandoned Cart, Welcome Series, or Winback.

• Combine with email and SMS for multi-channel impact (Flow Setup Guide).

• Insert push blocks into flows like Abandoned Cart, Welcome Series, or Winback. Combine with email and SMS for multi-channel impact. If you’re building from scratch, check out our guide on 8 essential Klaviyo flows to boost customer loyalty.

  
  

Track Push Performance

Klaviyo makes it easy to track push notification success. Key metrics include:

• Delivery Rate – How many notifications were sent successfully

• Open Rate – Who viewed the message

• Click Rate – Who tapped and engaged

• Conversions – Actions completed (e.g. purchases)

• Revenue – Attributed directly to push

Real-World Examples of Push Notifications

Great push notifications grab attention and spark action. Here are proven examples to inspire your campaigns, drawn from DTC brands crushing it:

Abandoned Cart Nudges:

• Example: “Oops, left something behind? Use code BACK15 for 15% off!”

• Why It Works: Urgency + a discount feels personal and timely.

• Tip: Match your brand’s fun or serious tone.

Flash Sales & Restocks:

• Example: “24-hour flash sale! 20% off everything—shop before it’s gone.”

• Why It Works: Limited-time offers to create FOMO, driving quick clicks.

• Tip: Highlight low stock for restocks (e.g., “Only 5 left!”).

Loyalty Updates & Win-Backs:

• Example: “You’ve earned 100 points! Redeem for a free gift today.”

• Why It Works: Rewards re-engage users; win-backs remind inactive users what they’re missing.

• Tip: Use phrases like “We miss you” for emotional pull.

Design Tips:

• Emojis: Add 1-2 (🛒, 🔥) for pop, but don’t overdo it.

• CTAs: Use “Shop Now,” “Claim Offer,” or “Check It Out.”

• Length: Length: Stick to 65 characters for titles, and 240 for descriptions (Android limits). 

• Want help writing better subject lines? Explore 18 welcome series email examples that build trust and drive engagement for inspiration on hooks that could work in push, too.

  
  

Klaviyo Push vs SMS vs Email

Choosing the right channel can make or break your campaign. Push, SMS, and email each have strengths—here’s how they compare in 2025:

When to Use Each:

Push: Perfect for flash sales or app-specific actions, like restock alerts (MobiLoud Guide).

• Example: “New drop live now!” to drive app opens.

SMS: Best for urgent, reliable messages, like order confirmations.

• Example: “Your order shipped! Track it here.”

Email: Ideal for detailed content, like weekly product roundups.

• Example: “Our top 5 skincare tips for fall.”

If email is your main channel, ensure you're using the Klaviyo Smart Sending feature to avoid overwhelming subscribers with multiple messages.

Benchmarks: Opt-In Rates, CTRs & LTV Impact

Want to know if your pushes are performing? These 2025 benchmarks give you a target:

Opt-In Rates:

• Overall Average: Approximately 67.5% across all industries.​

• iOS: Around 43.9%, due to stricter permission requirements.​

• Android: Approximately 91.1%, attributed to more lenient opt-in processes.​

• By Vertical: Retail (65%), Beauty (55%), CPG (50%).

  
  

Source: MobiLoud

Click-Through Rates (CTR):

• Overall Average: Approximately 7.8% for push notifications.​

• iOS: Around 4.9%​

• Android: Approximately 10.7%

  
  

Source: MobiLoud

Revenue & Retention Impact:

• Retention: Pushes boost app retention 3-10x.

• Revenue: Abandoned cart pushes recovered $200K in 30 days for some brands (MobiLoud Stats).

• Lifetime Value (LTV): Engaged users buy more often, increasing LTV.

• For more retention strategies, explore Winback Flow: 6 Tips To Re-engage Lapsed Customers.

Push Notification Playbooks by Industry

Every industry has unique push opportunities. Here’s how to tailor notifications to your vertical:

Fashion & Apparel:

• Drops: “New fall collection just landed! Shop exclusive styles.”

• Restocks: “Your size is back in stock—grab it now.”

• Style Tips: “Pair these sneakers with our latest jeans.”

  
  

CPG & Subscriptions:

• Reorders: “Running low on coffee? Restock with 10% off.”

• Upsells: “Add creamer to your next box for $5.”

• Reminders: “Your subscription ships tomorrow—edit now.”

  
  

Beauty & Cosmetics:

• Routine Tips: “Time for your nightly skincare—here’s how.”

• Launches: “New matte lipstick shades are here!”

• Tutorials: “Watch our 5-minute glow-up routine.”

• For deeper lifecycle content in beauty, learn how brands use post-purchase emails to boost loyalty and repeat sales.

  
  

Food & Beverage:

• Daily Deals: “Happy hour: 50% off drinks til 7 PM.”

• Recipes: “Quick dinner idea: Try our taco recipe.”

• Seasonal: “Pumpkin spice is back—order today!”

  
  

Fitness & Wellness:

• Motivation: “You’re 3 days into your streak—keep it up!”

• Classes: “Yoga starts in 1 hour—join us.”

• Goals: “Hit your step goal? Celebrate with us!”

  
  

Where Push Fits in Lifecycle Marketing

Push notifications aren’t standalone—they shine in Klaviyo’s customer lifecycle flows. Here’s where they fit:

Onboarding Flows:

• Welcome new users to your app with excitement.

• Example: “Hey there! Explore our app and get 10% off your first order.”

Post-Purchase Automation:

• Build loyalty with follow-ups.

• Examples: “Love your new shoes? Leave a review!” or “Try this accessory next.”

Win-Back & Re-Engagement:

• Reconnect with inactive users.

• Example: “We miss you! Come back for 20% off this week only.”

Multi-Channel Strategy:

• Blend push, email, and SMS for maximum reach (Flow Tips).

• Example: Push for urgency, email for details, SMS for confirmations.

• You can master flow logic using our breakdown of Klaviyo conditional splits and custom properties for targeting.

  
  

Source: Klaviyo 

How Push Increases Retention & LTV

Push notifications aren’t just about clicks—they drive long-term loyalty and revenue. Here’s how:

Retention Metrics:

• Apps with push see 3-10x higher retention after 90 days (MobiLoud Stats).

• Why? Timely reminders keep users engaged.

Purchase Frequency:

• Pushes like restock alerts or loyalty rewards encourage repeat buys.

• Result: More orders per user over time.

Real Case Study:

• Abandoned cart pushes recovered $200K in 30 days for MobiLoud users (MobiLoud).

• Shows how small nudges lead to big revenue.

Klaviyo Push vs Competitor Tools

Wondering if Klaviyo’s push tool is right for you? Here’s how it compares:

Pros & Cons:

• Klaviyo: Seamless CRM integration, no extra cost, but mobile-only.

• OneSignal: Adds web push, feature-rich, but no CRM tie-in.

• Firebase: Free, flexible, but needs developers, not marketers (MobiLoud Comparison).

Troubleshooting Push Notifications That Don’t Deliver 

Even when you’ve set everything up, push notifications can occasionally fail. Here’s how to quickly spot and solve the most common issues so your messages land where they should—on your users’ screens.

1. Push Notifications Not Sending?

If your push campaign doesn’t deliver:

• Double-check that push is enabled in your app settings.

• Make sure the Klaviyo SDK is correctly installed and the latest version is running.

• Test using a known device profile in Klaviyo.

2. Users Aren’t Opting In?

Push notifications require explicit user consent.

• iOS: Apple requires a native prompt to request permission.

• Android: Permissions are usually granted on app install, but still need confirmation.

• Tip: Add value-based messaging before the prompt (e.g. “Stay updated on order status”) to increase opt-in rates.

3. Token Issues or Invalid Device Profiles?

Every opted-in user has a unique device token.

• If the token isn’t passed to Klaviyo, no push can be sent.

• Check your SDK integration to ensure token collection and user identification are active.

• Ensure the email or phone number is linked to the push token.

4. iOS vs Android Quirks

• iOS: Requires a valid APN key; messages may fail silently if not configured.

• Android: Uses Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM); ensure the server key is correct.

• Device-level settings (like "Do Not Disturb") can also suppress push visibility.

5. How to Troubleshoot Without a Developer?

You don’t always need a dev to validate a push:

• Use Klaviyo’s test push feature to send to your profile.

• Try Preview Mode in your app to simulate SDK behaviour.

• Use tools like Charles Proxy or Firebase DebugView to inspect push activity.

Conclusion

Klaviyo push notifications give you a direct line to your most engaged users. Whether you’re reminding someone about an abandoned cart, launching a flash sale, or sending a loyalty reward, push notifications help you act at just the right moment. 

And the best part? They cost nothing extra and can be fully integrated into your Klaviyo flows. If you’re not already using them, you’re missing out on one of the most effective tools for mobile engagement. Get set up now and turn missed taps into real revenue.

Key Takeaways

• Mobile-Only Channel: Klaviyo push works on iOS and Android apps—not web.

• High Engagement Rates: Push CTRs average 7–10%, outperforming email.

• Easy Setup: SDK installation and credential upload take under an hour.

• Flow Integration: Push fits seamlessly into flows like Welcome, Cart, and Winback.

• Boosts Retention & Revenue: Brands see 3–10x better retention and faster reorders.

Are your push notifications falling flat, getting ignored, or failing to convert?

It’s not just about sending push messages—it’s about sending the right ones at the right time. Our Klaviyo experts will audit your setup, spot what’s hurting engagement, and help you create push flows that convert. 

Click here to book your free Klaviyo Push Notification Audit now and turn missed clicks into revenue.