How to Integrate Firebase Push Notification In Flutter applications

In this blog, we’ll explore how to integrate Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to receive push notifications in Flutter applications.

Why is push notification important?

Push notifications are a crucial tool in modern app development. They allow you to send real-time updates and engage users even when the app is not actively in use.

Advantages :

1. User Engagement

Notifications keep your app in the user’s mind. Whether it’s a message alert, new content, or a reminder, push notifications help drive user engagement and retention.

2. Real-Time Communication

For apps like chat, e-commerce, or news platforms, sending timely updates is critical. Push notifications allow you to deliver instant messages, alerts, or updates directly to the user.

3. Personalization

With Firebase, you can target users based on behavior, location, or preferences. This means you can send highly relevant notifications, improving the user experience.

4. Boost Retention & Re-engagement

Notifications can remind inactive users to return to your app, boosting retention. Whether it’s a special offer, new feature, or just a friendly nudge — it keeps your app relevant.

5. Efficient & Lightweight

Compared to email or SMS, push notifications are lightweight, quick to deliver, and cost-effective. They work seamlessly across platforms via Firebase Cloud Messaging.

Let’s Integrate Firebase Push Notification In Flutter applications

Firebase Project Setup

Go to the firebase console : https://console.firebase.google.com/
Create firebase project in the firebase console as shown in below picture

I have created FCMDemo

In the Firebase Console, click “Add App” and choose the For android (Android icon) , for iOS (iOS icon)

Package name (same as in your Android AndroidManifest.xml)
(Optional) App nickname and SHA-1 key (for Google sign-in, etc.)
Download the google-services.json file

iOS bundle ID (same as in your Xcode project)
(Optional) App nickname and App Store ID
Download the GoogleService-Info.plist

Hope you have done above all steps now move to flutter app we will now integrate firebase into

Flutter Application – Android Setup

Create Flutter project
Now, add google-services.json into your flutter project at: “android/app/”
Update your Android project: classpath ‘com.google.gms:google-services:4.3.15’ // latest version
In android/app/build.gradle, add:
- apply plugin: ‘com.google.gms.google-services’

Flutter Application – iOS Setup

Open your iOS module in Xcode (ios/Runner.xcworkspace)
Change your default bundle identifier with firebase iOS identifier in info.plist
Drag GoogleService-Info.plist into the Runner project (select “Copy items if needed”)
Add Notification capability
In ios/Podfile, ensure platform is set to at least: platform :ios, ‘12.0’

Add Firebase SDKs to Flutter

dependencies:
  firebase_core: any
  firebase_messaging: any

Initialize Firebase in your app:

void main() async {

WidgetsFlutterBinding.ensureInitialized();

await Firebase.initializeApp();

runApp(MyApp());

}

Note: don’t forget to request permission for notification

await Permission.notification.isDenied.then((value) {
if (value) {
Permission.notification.request();
}
});

Generate firebase token :

FirebaseMessaging.instance.getToken().then((value) {
print(“Token: $value”);
});

Now Run flutter app on android device and send notification from Firebase console.

I have sent notification from firebase console and received on android device