Purpose Statement

To provide step-by-step instructions for configuring Android devices to allow First Due app notifications to override Do Not Disturb settings. This ensures critical emergency dispatch notifications will reach you even when your device is in Do Not Disturb mode, maintaining uninterrupted emergency response capabilities.

Background Information

Android devices have multiple methods for allowing specific apps to bypass Do Not Disturb settings. The process varies between Android versions and device manufacturers, but the core functionality allows emergency services personnel to receive critical notifications regardless of their device's current Do Not Disturb status. This feature is essential for Fire/EMS personnel who must remain accessible for emergency dispatch even during off-hours or when avoiding other distractions.

Note: Some Samsung and OnePlus devices have known issues where apps may be unexpectedly removed from the Do Not Disturb exception list, requiring periodic reconfiguration.

Required Permissions

• Device Settings Access: Full access to your Android device's notification settings
• App Notification Management: Permission to modify individual app notification behaviors
• Do Not Disturb Configuration: Ability to add apps to Do Not Disturb exception lists

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

NOTE: These steps address the process for Android operating system devices from Google and Samsung.  For other devices, please consult the owners manual for your device.

Method 1:

1. Go to Settings then Notifications then Do not disturb
   
   
   
   
   
2. Select App Notifications
   
   
   
   
   
3. Tap Add apps select First Due from the list, and then tap Done
   
   
   
   
   
4. Verify
   
   
   

Method 2: 

1. Select Settings and then Modes
   
   
   
   
   
2. Select Do Not Disturb
   
   
   
   
   
3. Select Apps
   
   
   
   
   
4. Select the gear by Selected Apps
   
   
   
   
   
5. Select First Due
   
   
   
   
   
6. Select what specific alerts you would like to receive through Do Not Disturb settings
   
   
    
   
   
7. Refine your selections
   
   
   

Best Practices

Device Volume Considerations:

• Ensure your device volume is set at a reasonable level - if volume is all the way down, overriding DND will serve no purpose

Notification Channel Management:

• Some devices allow per-notification-channel override settings for more granular control
• Focus on enabling override for dispatch and emergency notification channels specifically

Regular Verification:

• Samsung and OnePlus users should periodically verify First Due remains in their exception list, as some devices may unexpectedly remove apps from Do Not Disturb exceptions
• Test the configuration by enabling Do Not Disturb and having a colleague send a test notification

Multiple DND Modes:

• If your device has different Do Not Disturb modes (Alarms Only, Silent, Priority), the override setting typically works with Priority mode
• Ensure you're using the appropriate DND mode for emergency notifications

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: I don't see the "Override Do Not Disturb" option

• A: Try looking for "Additional settings" in the app notifications menu, then look for the override option there
• Different Android versions and manufacturers may use slightly different menu structures

Q: The setting keeps getting disabled on my Samsung device

• A: This is a known issue with Samsung devices running OneUI 7.0 - the app may be removed from the exception list when Do Not Disturb is turned off. You'll need to reconfigure the allowed apps to include First Due again

Q: First Due notifications still don't come through

• A: Verify that:
  • Device volume is not set to zero
  • You're using Priority mode (not Silent or Alarms Only)
  • First Due app has notification permissions enabled
  • Your device's battery optimization isn't affecting First Due

Q: I have an OnePlus device and the setting disappears after reboot

• A: This is a known limitation with OnePlus 12 running OxygenOS 15.0 - you'll need to reconfigure the allowed apps after each device reboot

Q: My device settings look different from these instructions

• A: Settings can vary by phone manufacturer and Android version. Contact your device manufacturer for specific guidance or contact First Due support with your device information

For additional assistance, contact support@firstduesizeup.zohodesk.com and include:

1. Your device manufacturer and model
2. Android version number
3. Screenshots of where you encountered issues