ntfy is a simple HTTP-based pub-sub notification service that lets you send push notifications to your phone or desktop via PUT or POST requests.
The service solves the problem of delivering notifications from scripts and automated tasks to mobile and desktop devices without requiring users to sign up, pay fees, or manage complex infrastructure. It works by exposing a straightforward REST API where clients POST messages to named topics, and subscribers receive those notifications on their devices. The approach is deliberately minimal: topics are created on-the-fly, messages are ephemeral by default, and the entire system requires no authentication or registration for basic use.
The tool suits developers who need lightweight notification delivery for monitoring, alerts, cron job completion messages, or any scenario where a simple HTTP call should trigger a user notification. It works well for personal projects, small teams, and self-hosted deployments where you want to avoid vendor lock-in or complex push notification infrastructure. The project provides both a free public instance and the ability to run your own server, giving you flexibility in where notifications are processed. Companion apps exist for Android and iOS, making it practical for real-world mobile notification delivery.
The project maintains active test coverage and automated testing workflows. Development activity shows consistent engagement across multiple communication channels including Discord and Matrix communities. The codebase is written in Go and published as a Go module, indicating professional-grade code organization and dependency management.
