How to set up ntfy for Pokemon alerts
ntfy is the free, open-source push notification app bujusjujus uses to deliver instant Pokemon TCG restock alerts. Setup takes about 2 minutes on iPhone or Android.
What is ntfy?
ntfy (pronounced "notify") is a free, open-source push notification service. It exists so apps and services like bujusjujus can send notifications directly to your phone without needing their own custom mobile app, your email, your phone number, or your Discord login.
When you subscribe to bujusjujus, you get a private ntfy topic — a unique channel that only you receive. When a Pokemon TCG restock fires, the alert is published to your topic and ntfy delivers it as a push notification on your phone within seconds.
Why bujusjujus uses ntfy instead of email or Discord
- Push, not email. Email is too slow for restocks. By the time you read it, the product is gone.
- Private, not shared. Discord channels share alerts with thousands of members all racing for the same drop. ntfy alerts go to your phone alone.
- Free. No Nitro subscription, no SMS fees.
- No tracking. ntfy is open source. No phone number or email required to receive alerts.
Setup steps
Subscribe to bujusjujus
Create your account and complete the Square checkout at bujusjujus.com. You'll receive your personal ntfy topic name on the success page.
Install the ntfy app
Download ntfy from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). The app is free and the developer is heckel.io. The icon is orange.
Add your subscription topic
Open ntfy and tap the + button to subscribe to a new topic. Enter the topic name from your bujusjujus signup confirmation. When prompted for the server, use the bujusjujus server URL provided (instead of the default ntfy.sh).
Allow notifications
When ntfy asks for notification permission, allow it. Without this, alerts won't reach your lock screen — and the whole point is instant lock-screen delivery.
Confirm it's working
Within a few minutes you should start receiving real-time alerts. If a drop happens during your first session, you'll feel the buzz and tap straight through to the retailer's product page.
iPhone vs. Android — anything different?
The setup is identical. iOS occasionally throttles background notifications more aggressively than Android, but ntfy uses Apple Push Notification Service (APNS) properly so alerts arrive instantly even with the app closed. On Android, make sure ntfy is excluded from any battery optimization or "Doze" mode for absolute reliability.
Troubleshooting
I subscribed but I'm not getting alerts
- Check that you allowed notifications for ntfy in your phone's Settings → Notifications.
- Confirm you entered the correct topic name and server URL from your signup confirmation.
- Restocks don't happen every minute — there can be hours between drops. If you've waited 24+ hours and seen nothing, email [email protected].
Can I get alerts on more than one device?
Yes. Install ntfy on every device you want and subscribe to the same topic on each. All your devices will receive the alert simultaneously.
Can I get alerts in a desktop browser?
Yes. ntfy has a web interface that works in any modern browser — go to your bujusjujus ntfy server URL, log in if needed, and add your topic. Useful for receiving alerts while at a computer.
Ready to get alerted?
The whole point of ntfy is fast, private push delivery. Subscribe to bujusjujus and you'll be receiving Pokemon TCG restock alerts within minutes.