In the before times, Google Calendar used to have SMS text reminders built in. Unfortunately, Google got rid of that feature in 2019. Their decision to get rid of the SMS reminders feature for for Google Calendar was unfortunate, because the need for timely, text-based notifications is stronger than ever. In a world of overflowing inboxes, an SMS reminder is a powerful tool to ensure important events don’t get missed. A text message bypasses the clutter of email and delivers a direct, instant alert, making it highly effective for both personal and professional use.
SMS reminders offer a level of reliability and immediacy that other notification methods often can’t match. They don’t require an internet connection, making them ideal for people on the go or in areas with spotty Wi-Fi. The brief, direct nature of a text message makes it easy to read and act on, significantly reducing the chances of a no-show or a missed appointment.
This is particularly valuable in a number of specific scenarios where other reminders fall short:
For families on the go: SMS is one of the most common ways spouses, parents, and children communicate. It’s more natural and effective to use for reminding family members of school pickups, sports games and practices, dinners, and other family events. For example, a parent running errands gets a text about a last-minute change to a soccer game time, a message that cuts through the noise of their work email and calendar notifications.
When internet connections are unreliable: In this day and age, there are still many places where data connections are spotty, preventing email or other internet-based reminders from getting through. SMS is still reliable in those places. For example, a technician working at a remote job site with no Wi-Fi receives a crucial text reminder about a client meeting they might have otherwise missed.
For time-sensitive professional communication: While email is often fine, for people you work closest with, SMS reminders add an extra level of reliability because we are not inundated with SMS messages to the extent we are with emails and calendar pop-up notifications. This is perfect for important colleagues, partners, or assistants where missing a message could be costly.
For reducing no-shows for appointments: For any business that relies on scheduled appointments—from dentists and lawyers to hair stylists and consultants—a no-show means lost revenue. An automated SMS reminder is far more effective than an email because it’s seen instantly. A patient already on the road to their appointment can see a text reminder at a glance, preventing them from forgetting and saving the business a valuable time slot.
Coordinating groups and events: From sports teams and volunteer groups to social gatherings, SMS is an ideal way to get a time-sensitive message to everyone at once. A coach can send a single text reminder that practice has been moved to an indoor facility due to rain, ensuring the entire team gets the update instantly, without needing to check an app or their email.
If you’re looking for a simple, efficient solution for sending SMS text reminders for your Google Calendar events, checkout Timelier. Timelier works directly from your Google Calendar with no need to purchase any additional software and setup takes just a few minutes. This makes Timelier a perfect solution for individuals and businesses who simply need reliable, automated reminders without the overhead of a separate appointment setting system.
With Timelier, you can:
Customize Everything with Rules: You can create rules to specify which events receive reminders, what type of reminder they get (email, SMS, or even Teams chat), and exactly when they receive it. All of this is based on event properties like keywords, attendee response statuses (e.g., “accepted” or “tentative”), and free/busy status.
Send Instant Conference Links: For virtual meetings, you can include the web conference link directly in the message, allowing attendees to join with just one tap.
Automate Guest Reminders: Timelier integrates with your Google Calendar to automatically send reminders to your guests, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Manage Everything in One Place: The Timelier platform provides a central dashboard to view and manage your reminders.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a small business, or just someone who wants to stay organized, Timelier streamlines your scheduling and communication. You can learn more about how Timelier can help you by exploring our other blog posts. We have some great guides on how to make the most of your calendar, like How to Setup Google Calendar Reminders in 2025 and How to Send Automated Guest Reminders for Google Calendar Events.
No. Google discontinued its native SMS reminder feature for Google Calendar in 2019. To send text message reminders today, you need to use a third-party service that integrates with your calendar.
To get SMS reminders for your Google Calendar, you must use a third-party service like Timelier. These tools connect to your calendar and automatically send custom text messages based on your event details and the rules you set.
Yes. With a tool like Timelier, you can automatically send reminders to all guests listed on a Google Calendar event. This is especially useful for businesses and professionals who want to reduce no-shows and ensure everyone has the correct information for an appointment or meeting.
Unlike complex appointment booking software, Timelier works directly with your existing Google Calendar. It allows you to create custom rules to control which events get reminders, what type of reminder they receive (SMS, email, or chat), and when they are sent. It's a powerful, flexible solution without the complexity of a full-scale booking system.
For time-sensitive events and personal appointments, SMS reminders are often more effective. They are delivered instantly to a mobile device, bypass the clutter of an email inbox, and are more likely to be seen and acted upon immediately. This is especially true for guests and clients who may not be at their computer.
