Common questions
Why some websites cannot be monitored
Notify! can monitor most websites, but some sites have special restrictions that prevent automated monitoring. Here is what to look out for, and what you can do about each one.
Security protection (Cloudflare, bot detection) expand_more
Many popular websites use services like Cloudflare to protect against bots and automated access. These systems can detect and block monitoring attempts, showing CAPTCHAs or error pages instead of the actual content.
Login requirements expand_more
Content behind login pages (like your email, banking sites, or social media feeds) cannot be monitored without providing credentials. Notify! does not store passwords for security reasons.
JavaScript-heavy sites expand_more
Modern websites often load content dynamically using JavaScript. Sites like Twitter, Instagram, or single-page applications may appear blank because the content loads after the initial page request.
Rate limiting expand_more
Websites may temporarily block your device if they detect too many requests. This is especially common with e-commerce sites during sales or high-traffic periods.
Geographic restrictions expand_more
Some content is only available in specific countries or regions. If a site works in your browser but not in Notify!, it might be using your location to restrict access.
Temporary server issues expand_more
Sometimes the problem is not on your end. Websites undergo maintenance, experience outages, or have temporary technical issues that prevent monitoring.
The fix for tricky sites
The solution: Notify! Server Mode
Unlock advanced monitoring capabilities
Connect Notify! to a ChangeDetection.io server for powerful, reliable monitoring that bypasses most restrictions.
- Monitor JavaScript-heavy sites with browser rendering
- Set up sophisticated filters and detection rules
- Access sites from server locations worldwide
- Store unlimited change history
- Monitor sites requiring cookies or sessions
- Bypass rate limiting with smart scheduling
How Server Mode works
- Set up ChangeDetection.io: install on your own server or use their cloud service.
- Connect Notify!: enter your server URL and API key in Notify!'s settings.
- Enhanced monitoring: your server handles the heavy lifting while Notify! delivers instant push notifications.
- Best of both worlds: server reliability plus iPhone convenience.
Benefits of Server Mode
- Monitor sites that block direct device access
- Check sites more frequently without rate limiting
- Use advanced features like visual selectors and regex filters
- Keep monitoring even when your device is offline
- Share monitoring across multiple devices seamlessly
Quick wins
Quick troubleshooting tips
If a site isn't working in Notify!
- Try monitoring a simpler page on the same site (like the homepage instead of a product page).
- Check if the site loads normally in Safari on your device.
- Wait a few hours and try again. It might be temporary.
- Consider using Server Mode for problematic sites.
- Reduce check frequency to avoid rate limiting.
Sites that typically work well
- News websites and blogs
- Government and educational sites
- Simple HTML pages and documentation
- RSS feeds and status pages
- Most company websites and portfolios
Get in touch
Still need help?
Our support team is here to help you get the most out of Notify! Send us your questions and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.