# Notifications

Notifications let you know when work needs attention. Their controls and
delivery channels vary by surface.



## Configure desktop notifications

Open [**Settings**](codex://settings) to choose whether turn-completion alerts
appear never, only while ChatGPT is in the background, or always. Separate
controls let you turn permission and question notifications on or off. Your
operating system may ask you to grant notification permission to the ChatGPT
desktop app.

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### Follow chat activity with a pet

In the ChatGPT desktop app, a floating pet is another way to follow chat
activity while you work in other apps. It can show when a chat is **Running**,
**Needs input**, **Ready**, or **Blocked**.

See [Pets](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/pets?surface=app) to choose a pet, understand its status, or
create your own.









## Related docs

- [Long-running work](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/long-running-work)
- [Scheduled tasks](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/automations)
- [Pets](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/pets)