To set up SMS reminders in Acuity Scheduling, upgrade to a paid plan (Standard/Growing or Premium/Powerhouse), enable client text messages in your settings, and customize your reminder message. Acuity then sends automatic text reminders before appointments. The limitation? These are one-way notifications with no reply tracking, no class waitlist SMS, and no no-show prevention. Aculio layers reply-aware two-way texting, automated waitlist offers, and reminder sequences on top of Acuity to close those gaps.
How to Set Up SMS Reminders in Acuity Scheduling
Acuity includes built-in SMS reminders on its paid plans. Here is the standard setup flow:
- Confirm your plan: SMS reminders require a Standard/Growing or Premium/Powerhouse plan.
- Enable client text messages: In your Acuity settings, open Client Text Messages and turn on text message reminders.
- Assign a sender: Acuity assigns a number and handles message sending for you.
- Customize your template: Edit the reminder copy and timing (commonly a day-before and a two-hour-before reminder) from the SMS notification settings.
- Opt clients in: Clients must provide a mobile number and consent to receive text reminders.
Once enabled, Acuity sends automatic text reminders ahead of appointments. This alone reduces no-shows for solo providers. But for studios running group classes, waitlists, and higher message volume, native Acuity SMS is limited.
What Native Acuity SMS Reminders Can't Do
Native Acuity SMS is largely one-way. There is no reply-aware inbox, no automatic handling of replies like YES, CANCEL, or RUNNING LATE, no class waitlist SMS alerts (Acuity waitlists are one-on-one only), and no selective no-show prevention sequences. If a client texts back with a question or a late notice, it can go unanswered or sit in an untracked thread.
| Capability | Native Acuity SMS | Acuity + Aculio |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic booking reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Two-way replies inbox | No | Yes |
| Reply-aware follow-up (YES / CANCEL / LATE) | No | Yes |
| Waitlist seat-open SMS | 1-on-1 only | Classes + appointments |
| Selective no-show prevention | No | Yes |
| Delivery tracking & logs | Limited | Full timestamp logs |
Going Further: Reply-Aware SMS with Aculio
Aculio connects directly to Acuity to upgrade your client communications. It captures client replies in a real inbox, reacts to confirmation, cancellation, and running-late messages, and suppresses a reminder sequence the moment a client says they are cancelling or rescheduling. You can also enable a selective no-show prevention layer for the specific Acuity appointment types you choose, with booking confirmations, day-before reminders, and two-hour urgency alerts. This is delivered through your own messaging setup with full Acuity SMS automation, so delivery and opt-out compliance stay in your control.
Combine Reminders with Class Waitlist Alerts
The most powerful setup pairs SMS reminders with waitlist alerts. When a class is full, clients join a group class waitlist through the normal Acuity booking flow. The moment a seat opens from a cancellation, Aculio texts everyone on that class waitlist at once with a reservation link — not just the confirmation and reminder sequence. That turns a canceled class seat back into a paid booking instead of an empty spot.
Start a Free Trial
Ready to upgrade your Acuity messaging? Start a 14-day free trial of Aculio, connect your Acuity account and Twilio credentials, and send your first automated waitlist notification in minutes. Review Aculio pricing to find a tier that fits your monthly message volume.