How to Set SMS Reminders for Google Calendar Events
If you are concerned about the Google Calendar notifications that can be easily blocked by DND or lack of stable internet connection, you can set SMS reminders for Google Calendar events. This offers an additional option for you to get notified of your most important events. Also, you can add other people’s phone numbers, so someone who isn’t using Google Calendar can get notified too. Anyhow, all the reliable options are paid, but you either have a free trial or money-back options.
Set SMS Reminders for Google Calendar Events
Here are a few tools that can help you to do so. Each tool has its own advantage compared to others, so choose the one that suits your workflow.
1. SMS Reminder
SMS Reminder is a Google Workplace add-on that only supports a manual option to send text messages. So you won’t be bombarded with messages for all your Google Calendar events. Instead, you can choose to receive text messages for specific events only, ones that are important and can’t be missed.
You have 3 pricing options – $19/month, $29/month, and $49/month. There are multiple differences between them, but mostly $19/month plan is for 1 user with 100 messages, whereas $29 works for 2 users with 500 messages, and the $49 plan supports unlimited users with 1,000 messages.
1.Install theSMS reminderfrom the Google Workspace marketplace.
2.Now open theGoogle Calendarweb app and select the event that you want to get a reminder of or create a new event.
3.Click on the SMS Reminder icon in the sidebar.
4.Here add theproduct keythat you have purchased.
5.Once done, just add a reminder time, country code, phone number, your name, and the reminder message. Most of them will be auto-filled except your phone number, but you have the option to change details.
2. Text Reminders
Text Reminders is anotherGoogle Workspace add-onbut it comes with a free trial that allows 10 text messages. But unlike SMS Reminders, it can create a reminder automatically. Just use the#phonenumberin the Title of the event to create an SMS alert.
Text Reminders do not work with all-day events. You also need to set the reminder separately for each recurring event. The app does not follow and automatically set reminders for recurring events. There are 2 plans. Both cost $9, but you get 70 messages with an Occasional plan with an expiry date and the Standard plan allows 100 messages/month.
1.Start by installing theText Remindersadd-on from the Google Workspace platform.
2.Open the event or create a new one in Google Calendar.
3.Now click on the add-on icon in the sidebar.
4.Here you can enter all the details that you need for the remainder including the message itself.
3. SMS Appointment Reminders
This is the most seamless experience of all. You can just create an event with%phonenumberwithout including your country code to set automatic reminders. It works for all events including recurring events. If you decide to change any details in the event later, the app automatically updates it.
There are 2 plans that cost $9.99/month and $24.99/month respectively and the only difference is that you get 100 messages in one and 1,000 messages in the other. There is a 14-day free trial, but you need to enter card details to activate it.
1.To useSMS Appointment Reminders, install the add-on from the Google Workspace Platform.
2.Now open theGoogle Calendarand create/edit an event with the%phonenumberin the title.
3.The reminder should be ready however you can make changes manually in case the add-on grabs the wrong details from the event entry.
You can create an SMS reminder with the help of IFTTT for free. But it doesn’t always work and may cause delays in sending notifications sometimes which defeats the purpose of a secondary reminder. Don’t worry for we have a workaround for that too.
IFTTTallows you’re able to create conditionscalled applets to connect services/apps allowing them to communicate, pass data through API, and execute actions based on set parameters. Unlike other options in the list, setting up with IFTTT is a bit tedious.
1.Open theIFTTT websiteand click onCreatebutton at the top right corner.
2.Here click on theIF Thisbutton.
3.Now search for Google Calendar and click onAny event startsto select a trigger.
4.First-time users may be asked to sign in to their Google account. Select the calendar event and the time to send a notification before the event starts. Better choose to receive notification 15 mins or 30 mins before in advance as messages from IFTTT may get delayed sometimes. Click onCreate Triggeronce done.
5.Now select theThen Thatbutton and click onAndroid SMS.
6.Here click onSend an SMS.
7.Enter thephone numberthat you like to receive the SMS on and click onCreate Action.
8.Finally clickContinueand thenFinishto activate the applet.
It’s a good idea to test run the applet to verify it is working as intended before using it to receive SMS for important Google Calendar event deadlines.
Wrap Up:Receiving SMS Reminders for Google Calendar Events
Google Calendar is a good enough option if you have a stable internet connection and don’t need secondary reminders. In case you or someone else want to receive SMS reminders for Google Calendar events, we suggest you go for one of the add-ons that are already part of the Google ecosystem and play nicely with other Google apps. IFTTT is good enough and free but can be a hit or miss. Do test it before moving forward.
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Ravi Teja KNTS
Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi’s writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he’s not breaking down the latest tech, he’s often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.
