diff --git a/src/Notifier.js b/src/Notifier.js
index 36a6f13bb6..ec92840998 100644
--- a/src/Notifier.js
+++ b/src/Notifier.js
@@ -37,6 +37,18 @@ import SettingsStore, {SettingLevel} from "./settings/SettingsStore";
 
 const MAX_PENDING_ENCRYPTED = 20;
 
+/*
+Override both the content body and the TextForEvent handler for specific msgtypes, in notifications.
+This is useful when the content body contains fallback text that would explain that the client can't handle a particular
+type of tile.
+*/
+const typehandlers = {
+    "m.key.verification.request": (event) => {
+        const name = (event.sender || {}).name;
+        return _t("%(name)s is requesting verification", { name });
+    },
+};
+
 const Notifier = {
     notifsByRoom: {},
 
@@ -46,6 +58,9 @@ const Notifier = {
     pendingEncryptedEventIds: [],
 
     notificationMessageForEvent: function(ev) {
+        if (typehandlers.hasOwnProperty(ev.getContent().msgtype)) {
+            return typehandlers[ev.getContent().msgtype](ev);
+        }
         return TextForEvent.textForEvent(ev);
     },
 
@@ -69,7 +84,9 @@ const Notifier = {
             title = room.name;
             // notificationMessageForEvent includes sender,
             // but we already have the sender here
-            if (ev.getContent().body) msg = ev.getContent().body;
+            if (ev.getContent().body && !typehandlers.hasOwnProperty(ev.getContent().msgtype)) {
+                msg = ev.getContent().body;
+            }
         } else if (ev.getType() === 'm.room.member') {
             // context is all in the message here, we don't need
             // to display sender info
@@ -78,7 +95,9 @@ const Notifier = {
             title = ev.sender.name + " (" + room.name + ")";
             // notificationMessageForEvent includes sender,
             // but we've just out sender in the title
-            if (ev.getContent().body) msg = ev.getContent().body;
+            if (ev.getContent().body && !typehandlers.hasOwnProperty(ev.getContent().msgtype)) {
+                msg = ev.getContent().body;
+            }
         }
 
         if (!this.isBodyEnabled()) {
diff --git a/src/i18n/strings/en_EN.json b/src/i18n/strings/en_EN.json
index 4a2edf66a6..aa2f0aa819 100644
--- a/src/i18n/strings/en_EN.json
+++ b/src/i18n/strings/en_EN.json
@@ -125,6 +125,7 @@
     "This action requires accessing the default identity server <server /> to validate an email address or phone number, but the server does not have any terms of service.": "This action requires accessing the default identity server <server /> to validate an email address or phone number, but the server does not have any terms of service.",
     "Only continue if you trust the owner of the server.": "Only continue if you trust the owner of the server.",
     "Trust": "Trust",
+    "%(name)s is requesting verification": "%(name)s is requesting verification",
     "Riot does not have permission to send you notifications - please check your browser settings": "Riot does not have permission to send you notifications - please check your browser settings",
     "Riot was not given permission to send notifications - please try again": "Riot was not given permission to send notifications - please try again",
     "Unable to enable Notifications": "Unable to enable Notifications",