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Migrate from MagicBell to Novu

docs/guides/migrate-from-magicbell-to-novu.mdx

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Migrate from MagicBell to Novu by replacing the MagicBell notification feed with the Novu Inbox component, rebuilding notification workflows, and connecting your existing delivery providers.

Why migrate to Novu?

  • Multi-channel from one platform: MagicBell focuses on in-app feeds; Novu handles in-app, email, SMS, push, and chat
  • Workflow orchestration: Delays, digests, throttles, and multi-step logic in one workflow
  • Open source: Deploy on Novu Cloud or self-host for full control
  • Headless and prebuilt UI: Use the drop-in Inbox or build custom UI with @novu/react hooks

Compare platforms on Novu vs MagicBell.

How do MagicBell concepts map to Novu?

MagicBell ConceptNovu EquivalentNotes
Notification feedInboxPrebuilt React component with bell, feed, and preferences
UsersSubscribersIdentified by subscriberId
Categories / TopicsTopicsGroup subscribers for broadcast notifications
PreferencesPreferencesBuilt into Inbox and manageable via API
Channels (external)Integrations + WorkflowsNovu workflows deliver to email, SMS, and push providers

What are the migration steps?

<Steps> <Step title="Phase 1: Set up Novu"> 1. Create a [Novu Cloud](https://dashboard.novu.co/auth/signup) account. 2. Connect delivery providers if you send email, SMS, or push alongside in-app notifications. </Step> <Step title="Phase 2: Replace the in-app feed"> Remove MagicBell feed components and add the Novu Inbox. Follow the [React quickstart](/platform/quickstart/react) to install `@novu/react` and render `<Inbox />`. </Step> <Step title="Phase 3: Migrate notification triggers"> Replace MagicBell API calls with Novu [Trigger event](/api-reference/events/trigger-event) requests. Create workflows in Novu for each notification type you previously sent through MagicBell. </Step> <Step title="Phase 4: Migrate user preferences"> Export MagicBell preference data and import via [Update subscriber preferences](/api-reference/subscribers/update-subscriber-preferences), or let users reconfigure through the Novu Inbox preferences UI. </Step> <Step title="Phase 5: Validate and cut over"> Run Novu alongside MagicBell during testing. Verify unread counts, real-time delivery, and preference behavior before removing MagicBell from production. </Step> </Steps>