Why Pill Reminders Don't Go Off on Android (and How to Fix It)
Short answer: on most Android phones a missing pill reminder comes from one of three settings: battery optimization, the exact alarm permission, or the app's notification permission. Check all three.
1. Battery optimization
Phone makers add battery savers that delay or block alarms from apps you have not opened recently. Open Settings > Apps > your reminder app > Battery and choose Unrestricted (names vary by brand). Pilltray's settings link to this screen.
2. Exact alarms
Android 12 and later asks apps for permission to ring at an exact time. Without it, reminders can drift by many minutes. Pilltray uses exact alarms and asks for this permission.
3. Notification permission and Do Not Disturb
On Android 13 and later, apps need permission to post notifications. Also check that Do Not Disturb is not silencing reminders.
After a restart
Alarms are cleared when the phone reboots, so the app must schedule them again. Pilltray re-schedules after a restart and after a time zone change.
Pilltray is a reminder and tracking tool, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about when and how to take your medicines.
FAQ
Why does my reminder come late?
Battery optimization can delay alarms for apps it treats as idle. Exclude the reminder app from it.
Do reminders survive a restart?
Pilltray re-schedules its alarms after a restart or time zone change.
Will I get another reminder if I miss one?
Pilltray sends one follow-up 30 minutes later if the compartment is still closed.