Setting Up ntfy.sh for Alerts

Step-by-step guide to setting up ntfy.sh for Steadily alerts

⏱️ 3 min read
Beginner
📅 Updated: Oct. 8, 2025

What is ntfy.sh?

ntfy.sh is a free, open-source service that sends instant push notifications directly to your phone or desktop. Unlike email notifications that can get buried in your inbox, ntfy.sh notifications appear immediately as push notifications, just like messages from your favorite apps.

Why We Recommend ntfy.sh

✅ Instant Delivery

  • Notifications appear within seconds
  • No email delays or spam filters
  • Works even when your email app isn't open

✅ No Email Clutter

  • Keep your inbox clean
  • No need to create email rules or folders
  • Separate work notifications from personal email

✅ Always Available

  • Works on your phone, tablet, and desktop
  • Notifications even when apps are closed
  • Battery-optimized delivery

✅ Free & Private

  • Completely free service
  • Open source and transparent
  • No ads or tracking

Setup Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Topic Name

Your topic is like a private channel that only you know about. We recommend using:

steadily-[your-username]

For example: steadily-johnsmith or steadily-mybusiness

Step 2: Set Up Your Devices

iPhone:

  1. Download the ntfy app from the App Store
  2. Open the app and tap "Subscribe to topic"
  3. Enter your topic name (e.g., steadily-johnsmith)
  4. Tap "Subscribe"

Android:

  1. Download the ntfy app from Google Play or F-Droid
  2. Open the app and tap the "+" button
  3. Enter your topic name (e.g., steadily-johnsmith)
  4. Tap "Subscribe"

💻 On Your Desktop (Optional)

Web Browser:

  1. Go to ntfy.sh
  2. Enter your topic name in the subscription box
  3. Click "Subscribe" - you'll get browser notifications

Desktop Apps:

Step 3: Test Your Setup

  1. Go to ntfy.sh
  2. Scroll down to the "Publish" section
  3. Enter your topic name
  4. Type a test message like "Hello from Steadily!"
  5. Click "Publish"
  6. You should see the notification on your subscribed devices

Step 4: Configure in Steadily

  1. Go to your Account Notifications page
  2. Select "ntfy.sh" as your notification method
  3. Enter your topic name (e.g., steadily-johnsmith)
  4. Click "Save Notification Settings"

What You'll Receive

Once set up, you'll get instant notifications for:

  • 📝 Content Ready for Approval - When new blog posts are generated and need your review
  • ⏰ Posting Reminders - Advance notice before scheduled posts go live
  • ✅ Post Confirmations - When content has been successfully published
  • ⚠️ Important Alerts - System issues or account notifications

Privacy & Security

Your Data is Safe

  • Topics are not listed publicly
  • Only people who know your exact topic name can send messages
  • No personal information is stored on ntfy.sh servers
  • Messages are deleted after delivery

Making Topics More Secure (Optional)

  • Use a unique, hard-to-guess topic name
  • Consider adding random characters: steadily-johnsmith-x7k9p
  • Topics are case-sensitive

Troubleshooting

Not Receiving Notifications?

  1. Check your topic name - Make sure it matches exactly in both Steadily and your ntfy app
  2. Test manually - Send a test message from ntfy.sh website
  3. Check permissions - Ensure notifications are enabled for the ntfy app
  4. Try refreshing - Close and reopen the ntfy app

Notifications Too Frequent?

  1. Adjust advance notice - Increase the hours in your notification settings
  2. Temporary disable - Switch to email temporarily if needed

Want Both Phone and Desktop?

Subscribe to the same topic on multiple devices - they'll all receive the same notifications.

Need Help?

  • ntfy.sh Documentation: docs.ntfy.sh
  • Steadily Support: Contact us through your account settings

Example Setup Walkthrough

Sarah runs a dental practice blog and wants instant notifications:

  1. Topic Choice: She chooses steadily-sarahsdental
  2. Phone Setup: Downloads ntfy app, subscribes to steadily-sarahsdental
  3. Test: Sends "Test message" from ntfy.sh website ✅
  4. Steadily Config: Sets notification method to ntfy.sh, enters topic
  5. Result: Gets instant push notifications when blog posts need approval!

ntfy.sh is developed by Philipp Heckel and is completely free to use. Steadily is not affiliated with ntfy.sh but recommends it for the best notification experience.