Correct way of sending user notifications when app in background.

I am making a health app that fires notifications in background when certain no. of steps are reached w.r.t. goals.

I understand healthkit can only be queried when phone is unlocked.

The strategy I implemented is as follows.

1. coded the necessary notifications and authorised app to send notifications.

2. querying for steps and sending notifications from App Delegate's app did enter background method.

3. enabled background processing in background modes in capabilities.

however, no notifications are being sent by the app and in app's settings in the Settings.app, I dont see background app refresh ON.

Please help.