How to send text reminders from Google Calendar?

Google Calendar doesn’t send SMS (text message) reminders. This feature was discontinued in 2019. However, you have alternatives to get text notifications for your events.

What Google Calendar does offer:

• Email notifications: Reminders sent to your email (instant or scheduled)
• Browser notifications: Pop-ups on desktop or mobile
• App notifications: Mobile app alerts (iOS/Android)

These are reliable but not SMS/text-based.

If you want text message reminders, use:

Option 1: Scheduling platform with SMS (best for consultants)

• Calendly, Acuity Scheduling, or Housecall Pro integrate with Google Calendar
• They offer SMS reminders to you AND to clients
• Client gets SMS confirmation → You get SMS reminder → Professional workflow

Option 2: Automation tools (technical)

• Zapier: Watch Google Calendar for events, trigger SMS via Twilio
• IFTTT: Simple if-then automation for calendar-to-SMS workflows
• Requires setup but fully automated

Option 3: Rely on email + mobile notifications

• Set up email reminders at key times (1 day before, 1 hour before)
• Use app notifications as your primary alert
• Not SMS but effective if you check email/phone regularly

Recommendation for solo consultants:

If you want SMS confirmations to clients: Use a scheduling tool like Calendly or Acuity Scheduling. They sync with Google Calendar and handle SMS automatically.

If you just want SMS reminders for yourself: Zapier or IFTTT work, but email + app notifications are simpler and nearly as effective.

Google’s discontinuation of SMS was likely due to cost and most people preferring email/notifications.