> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/administration/settings/configure-visit-reminders.md).

# Configure visit reminders

Visit Reminders controls the email and text messages Essential sends to contacts before a scheduled visit. Each visit contact can receive email, text, or both, based on the notification choices on that visit.

## Before you start

You need permission to manage Automated Outreach settings. A contact also needs a valid email address or textable phone number before that delivery option can be selected on a visit.

## Set the reminder timing and messages

1. Open **Settings > Scheduling** and select the **Visit Reminders** tab.
2. In **Send timing**, enter the number of whole days before the visit and choose the time of day. Email and SMS reminders use this same timing in the business timezone shown on the page.
3. Turn on **Count lead time in business days** if the reminder should skip weekends.
4. Review the rendered **Email visit reminder** and **SMS visit reminder** previews.
5. To customize either template, select **Edit code**, make the change, and return to **Preview** to review the rendered result with sample visit details. The code view lists every variable available to both reminder channels.
6. Select **Save changes**.

Email and SMS are separate delivery options, not sequence steps. Essential sends the appropriate reminder based on each visit contact's notification choices; contacts configured for both receive both reminders at the shared timing.

Saving updates the reminder options used by Scheduling and recalculates the next send date for reminders already in progress. Changes are held as a draft until you save, and Essential warns you before leaving the page with unsaved edits.

> **Where to find it:** Settings > Scheduling > Visit Reminders

## Related guides

* [Add work orders (visit types) and contacts with reminders to a visit](/customers-and-work/scheduling/add-work-orders-visit-types-and-contacts-with-reminders-to-a-visit.md)
* [Customer notifications for scheduled visits](/customers-and-work/scheduling/customer-notifications-for-scheduled-visits.md)
* [Send a visit reminder to a customer](/customers-and-work/scheduling/send-a-visit-reminder-to-a-customer.md)
* [See and browse your automated outreach](/field-operations/automated-outreach/see-and-browse-your-automated-outreach-the-automated-outreach-page.md)


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