Overview
What Pusher Beams is
Pusher Beams is a hosted push notification service that delivers push to iOS, Android, and web across multiple delivery channels.
Courier sits in front of it, manages device tokens for you, and adds an in-app inbox and SMS, so you get a complete mobile messaging stack from one API.
You need a Courier account and your own Pusher Beams instance with its Instance ID and Secret Key.
Why Courier
What you get with Pusher Beams + Courier
We manage device tokens
Courier stores and manages push tokens across iOS, Android, and web, so you stop tracking device registrations and expiry yourself.
Add an in-app inbox
Pair push with an in-product notification center (web and mobile SDKs), so a tapped push opens the full message history in your app.
Complete the mobile picture with SMS
Add SMS alongside push from the same notification, so you can reach users on the channel that fits the moment.
Design push without code
Compose and localize push content in Courier's editor. Product teams change messaging without a deploy.
Automate multi-step flows
Onboarding, re-engagement, and lifecycle sequences across push, in-app, and SMS with delays and branching.
Localize a message in seconds
Pick a language and let Courier translate your push content with AI, then tweak any string.
Use cases
What teams build with it
Setup
Connect it in minutes
An admin adds Pusher Beams once on the Integrations page in Courier. Once connected, Courier manages tokens and your team can send push, add an in-app inbox, and layer in SMS.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Pusher Beams with Courier?
Yes. Pusher Beams is a push provider you configure in Courier, then trigger through the Send API. Beams handles delivery to devices while Courier owns the content and routing across your channels.
Do I still need my own Pusher Beams account?
Yes. Courier connects to your existing Beams instance using its instance ID and secret key. Beams remains the account that owns your instance and manages device registrations; Courier orchestrates what gets sent and when.
What do I need to connect Pusher Beams to Courier?
A Beams account with an instance already configured, plus that instance's instance ID and secret key. Enter both on Courier's Pusher Beams integration page and click Save.
How do I target recipients on Pusher Beams through Courier?
Two ways: interests or users. Set an interests array to reach subscriber groups, or a userIds array to reach specific authenticated users. Courier passes your chosen targeting to the Beams API on each send.
Which platforms can Pusher Beams reach through Courier?
You pick delivery modes: web, apns for iOS, and fcm for Android. At least one mode is required on every send, and you can combine them to reach multiple platforms in one notification.
Can I customize the Pusher Beams payload or credentials per send?
Yes. Use the override object to modify the request body sent to Beams, such as the FCM notification title and body. You can also override the instanceId or secretKey at send time.
Is Courier a replacement for Pusher Beams?
No. Pusher Beams still delivers the push to devices. Courier adds one Send API, content design, Journeys, and other channels like email, SMS, and Courier Inbox on top of it.
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