Glimpse Notifications - Smart notifications & screen wake

Frustrated with having to press the power button just to check for new notifications?

Are you an ex-iPhone user surprised that your Android doesn't provide such a fundamental feature?

Does your new smartphone lack an LED notification light?

Would you like to be able to remove your phone from your bag or pocket and have it activated right away?

Do you appreciate having repeated alerts for unread notifications?

If so, this application is perfect for you!

FEATURES

• Utilizes the secure system lock screen

• Adjusts the duration of the lock screen display

• Select specific apps whose notifications will activate the screen

• Quiet Time settings to stop the screen from lighting up at inconvenient moments

• Compatibility with System Do Not Disturb (DnD) modes

• Extensive pocket mode to avert the screen from activating in your pocket

• Double-tap capability to lock on the lock screen (for versions below Oreo)

• Recurring notifications available

• Motion detection activates when you pick up the phone to view new alerts

• Designed to be as energy-efficient as possible

• This is a personal project - hence it’s free! No data collection takes place!

MEDIA REVIEWS

XDA: Notable insights on Glimpse Notifications.

Lifehacker: Overview of how Glimpse automatically engages your screen for notifications.

Caschys Blog (German): App recommendation covering Glimpse Notifications.

PROBLEMS ON SOME DEVICES

There is significant variation across Android devices, and certain functionalities may not perform uniformly everywhere. The FAQ section provides numerous tips for optimizing app performance on devices from brands like Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and others.

HUAWEI, Xiaomi (MIUI)

Glimpse Notifications will display the lock screen but will not show detailed notifications. For instance, to view messages from your texting app, you'll need to modify system settings to permit the app to display notifications on the lock screen.

SAMSUNG EDGE LIGHTING

To minimize conflicts, it's advisable to turn off Edge lighting or, at the very least, exclude Glimpse Notifications from Edge lighting.

REQUIRED PERMISSIONS

• BIND_NOTIFICATION_LISTENER_SERVICE: Essential permission for receiving new notifications.

• WAKE_LOCK: Necessary for powering on the screen

OPTIONAL PERMISSIONS

• BIND_DEVICE_ADMIN: Allows for screen locking and shutting down

• BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE: Can enhance the experience of closing the screen (applicable only for Android 9 and above)

• READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE: Needed to determine custom notification sounds' durations.

• SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW: Enables double-tap to lock feature (available only until Android 7)

• VIBRATE: Allows recurring notifications to be signaled through vibration patterns

DISCLAIMER

Nullgrad Apps cannot be held liable for any damages arising from the use of this application. This includes, but is not limited to, missed or misunderstood notifications due to any functionality within Glimpse Notifications.

Effortless Notification at a Glance

Glimpse Notifications has completely transformed how I interact with my Android device, making the outdated power‑button ritual a thing of the past. From the moment I installed the app, I was delighted by its seamless integration with my lock screen and Do Not Disturb settings—now, picking up my phone instantly lights up only for the apps I care about, without any accidental activations in my pocket. 

The motion detection is remarkably precise, and I appreciate the ability to fine‑tune quiet hours so that late‑night alerts don’t disturb me. Recurring notifications and double‑tap locking add layers of convenience, and knowing this personal project is free and privacy‑focused gives me even more confidence. Even on my trickier devices, the FAQ tips helped me optimize performance, leaving me with a reliable, energy‑efficient solution that finally brings LED‑style notifications to Android. I can’t imagine going back to the old way of checking alerts—it’s simply indispensable!