Expo push notifications without running a backend.
Building a push backend means token storage, batching, retries, scheduling, and cleanup. PushWave handles those pieces so you can ship Expo notifications without maintaining servers.
What you avoid
- Token database and cleanup jobs.
- Queue workers and retry logic.
- Scheduling and campaign orchestration.
- Delivery dashboards and error visibility.
You still manage app config, credentials, and message content.
The no-backend path
The shortest path is to install the SDK, register the config plugin, and send from the dashboard. The PushWave cloud stores tokens and handles delivery through the Expo push service.
- 1Install the SDK and add the config plugin.
- 2Build with EAS or a Dev Client (Expo Go is limited).
- 3Initialize PushWaveClient with your API key.
- 4Create segments and schedules in the dashboard.
What PushWave adds
PushWave cloud
Stores tokens, sends messages, and handles retries.
Scheduling
One-off and recurring sends without cron jobs.
Targeting
Segment audiences and personalize campaigns.
FAQ
Can I send Expo push notifications without a backend?
Yes. A managed service like PushWave can store tokens and send pushes for you.
What does a backend usually need to handle?
Token storage, batching, retries, scheduling, and error handling for invalid tokens.
Do I still need EAS builds?
Yes. Once you add native code, you should build with EAS or a Dev Client.
Does PushWave replace the Expo push service?
No. PushWave sends through the Expo push service and adds targeting, scheduling, and security.
When should I keep a custom backend?
If you need custom data pipelines, complex personalization, or strict compliance workflows.