How to Set Up SMS Appointment Reminders
Configure text message reminders that reach clients on their phones, where open rates are 98%, the most effective way to prevent no-shows.
Start the GuideHow to Set Up SMS Appointment Reminders This step-by-step guide covers everything you need, from prerequisites to pro tips, so you can complete the process in 15 minutes or less. Browse all how-to guides.
What You Need Before Set Up SMS Reminders
Make sure you have the following ready:
- SMS provider connected or built-in SMS enabled
- Phone number collection enabled on booking form
How to Set Up SMS Reminders
6 steps · 15 minutes
Enable SMS notifications
Go to Settings > Notifications and toggle on SMS as a reminder channel.
Choose your SMS provider
Use SchedulingKit's built-in SMS or connect your own Twilio account for more control and branding.
Built-in SMS is easiest for getting started; Twilio is better for high-volume businesses.
Set reminder schedule
Configure SMS to fire at 24 hours and 2 hours before each appointment. Add a 48-hour email for coverage.
Write your message templates
Keep texts under 160 characters. Include the client name, date, time, and a confirm/reschedule link.
Collect phone numbers during booking
Make the phone number field required on your booking form so every client receives SMS reminders.
Test delivery
Book a test appointment with your own number and verify SMS arrives at the correct time.
Was this article helpful?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Continue with these related tutorials
Reduce No-Shows at Your Dental Practice
How to reduce no-shows at your dental practice in an hour of setup: measure your current rate, layer email and text reminders with a reschedule link, take deposits for long procedures, publish a clear cancellation policy, and fill cancelled slots from a list of patients who want to come in sooner.
Reduce No-Shows at Your Salon
How to reduce salon no-shows and protect your revenue: measure your no-show rate, turn on text reminders with a reschedule link, take payment or deposits from new clients and big services, publish a clear cancellation policy, and fill cancelled slots quickly.
Send Automatic Appointment Reminders
How to send automatic appointment reminders that cut down on no-shows: choose email and SMS timing per service, write reminders with a reschedule link, collect SMS opt-in, and test that each one arrives when it should.
Ready to Get Started?
Sign up free and follow this guide step by step, your scheduling will be live in minutes.
Free forever plan available • No credit card required
When this isn't for you
This is not for you if you've already implemented the workflow. The walkthrough is for first-time setup. Skip if your team already has a working process.