# "How to Connect Firebase Cloud Messaging to On-Chat"

> "On-Chat integrates with Firebase Cloud Messaging so your team can send push notifications to customers via their mobile apps, keeping them engaged and informed in real time."

URL: https://on-chat.live/guides/how-to-connect-firebase-cloud-messaging-to-on-chat/
Last updated: 2026-11-14

## Introduction
Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) is Google's cross-platform cloud messaging solution that enables businesses to send push notifications and data messages to iOS, Android, and web applications. By integrating FCM with On-Chat, support teams can deliver support messages, proactive notifications, and conversation updates directly to customers' mobile devices — keeping them engaged throughout the support lifecycle.

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## Prerequisites
- An active Google Firebase project with Cloud Messaging enabled
- Firebase Server Key (or Service Account JSON for HTTP v1 API)
- A mobile or web application configured to receive FCM push notifications
- On-Chat account with admin access
- Developer access to configure the FCM API in On-Chat

## Step 1: Set Up Your Firebase Project
Log in to the Firebase console at console.firebase.google.com. Create a project or select an existing one. In the project settings, go to **Cloud Messaging** and copy your **Server Key** (Legacy) or download the **Service Account JSON** file for the HTTP v1 API. These credentials are needed to send push notifications from On-Chat.

## Step 2: Configure Your Mobile App for FCM
In your iOS or Android app, integrate the Firebase SDK and request push notification permissions from users. Each app installation will register a unique **FCM device token**. These tokens identify individual devices and are required for On-Chat to deliver push notifications to specific users.

## Step 3: Create an FCM Channel in On-Chat
In On-Chat, go to **Settings** → **Inboxes** → **New Inbox** and select **API** or the Firebase/FCM channel type. Enter your Firebase Server Key or upload the Service Account JSON. Configure the channel name and save. On-Chat will now be able to send push notifications via FCM.

## Step 4: Pass FCM Device Tokens to On-Chat
When customers log in to or use your mobile app, capture their FCM device token and pass it to On-Chat via the On-Chat API or SDK. This links each customer's On-Chat contact record to their device token, enabling targeted push notification delivery for conversations and agent replies.

## Step 5: Add Agents and Configure Notifications
In On-Chat, go to **Settings** → **Inboxes** → select your FCM inbox → **Collaborators**. Add agents who will manage FCM-based support conversations. Configure notification templates and automation rules so agents can send timely push updates to customers.

## Step 6: Test Push Notification Delivery
Send a test push notification to a device with a registered FCM token. Verify the notification appears on the device as expected. Reply to a test conversation from On-Chat and confirm the customer receives the push notification on their mobile app. Review Firebase's message delivery reports for confirmation.

## Best Practices
- Use On-Chat automation to send push notifications when conversation status changes, such as when a ticket is resolved or an agent replies
- Respect user notification preferences by honoring FCM opt-outs and app-level notification settings
- Keep push notification content concise and actionable — include the agent name and a brief message preview
- Monitor Firebase delivery statistics to track notification open rates and optimize message timing

## Keep reading

- [How to Build a WhatsApp Chatbot Without Code](https://on-chat.live/guides/how-to-build-a-whatsapp-chatbot/): A step-by-step tutorial for building a dynamic WhatsApp chatbot in a visual flow builder, from your first message to live data and agent handoff.
- [Chatbot Flow Design: 12 Best Practices](https://on-chat.live/guides/chatbot-flow-design-best-practices/): Practical rules for designing chatbot conversation flows that customers finish: branching, fallbacks, personalisation, handoff and testing.
- [Make Your Chatbot Dynamic with Webhooks](https://on-chat.live/guides/dynamic-chatbot-webhooks/): Connect your chatbot flows to live data. Learn how webhooks, expressions and splits turn a scripted bot into one that answers with real information.