# How do I configure notifications and pre-arrival settings?

Oddle Reserve sends notifications in two directions: to your guests (confirmations, reminders, cancellations) and to your team (new or changed reservations). You can also connect reservation notifications to your Virtual Lounge to engage guests before they arrive.

***

## Guest notifications

Guest notifications are sent automatically when reservations are booked, modified, cancelled, or when a reminder is due. You control which channels are active.

1. In the Host App, go to **Settings > Notifications**.
2. Under **Customer Notifications**, you'll see options for **Online Reservations** and **Manual Reservations**.
3. Toggle on the channels you want: **Email**, **SMS**, or **Automated Call**.

   ![](/files/G2fUcZ5APhukMk6BU4Ci)

SMS and automated call charges may apply depending on your market. Contact your account manager for details.

***

## Staff notifications

Your team can receive email alerts whenever a guest books, modifies, or cancels a reservation.

1. In the Host App, go to **Settings > Notifications**.
2. Under **Your Notifications**, toggle on the events you want to be alerted about.
3. Notifications go to the store's default email address. To add more recipients (e.g. the floor manager), click **Manage**, enter the email address, and click **Save Changes**.
4. To remove a recipient, click **Manage** and delete the address.

   ![](/files/Qj7MTeFNiMwO9Cf5Rpzo)

   ![](/files/hncHAotovSVNZ4mg8pr4)

***

## Push notifications

Push notifications alert your team in real time whenever a reservation is booked, confirmed, modified, or cancelled. A daily summary is also sent at 8:00 am each morning.

To receive push notifications, you need to install the Host App to your home screen first (see [How do I install and set up the Host App?](/docs/help-center/reservations/how-do-i-install-and-set-up-the-host-app.md)).

![](/files/hmRCBKLPoZVvuv7m17BP)

Your notification inbox is accessible from the **Notifications** tab at the bottom left of the Host App.

![](/files/UC2iNMr11NFZJZqhI7we)

**iPad**

Push notifications require iOS 16.5 or above. If you're on iOS 17.0 or above, skip steps 4–8.

1. Install the Host App to your home screen (Safari or Chrome).

   ![](/files/YG5A7SZuCqv9xPOBpiZO)

   ![](/files/EAYMmbiGFLuxLtTqEDqO)
2. If your iOS version is between 16.5 and 17.0, open **iPad Settings > Safari > Advanced > Experimental Features** and toggle **Push API** on.

   ![](/files/tDLaIFfuUlsbFwRvT5U4)

   ![](/files/wktqHNaG4zalvwVaLhPY)

   ![](/files/3qYV0rhRmN6tWK3JjD4Q)

   ![](/files/3PWqr1YybVfYGc5kT5cl)
3. Open the Host App from your home screen.

   ![](/files/4YtEo3cQeirnuWFCx4Kc)
4. Go to **Settings > Notifications** and toggle **Push Notifications** on.

   ![](/files/eZ4mGPiVrgSJ4Qt8oYlj)

   ![](/files/bO63xJptIRd5Zx1qPmBt)
5. Click **Next**, then tap **Allow** when prompted.

   ![](/files/EwYDZkmQlTepN4yl4S35)
6. A test notification will arrive within a few seconds to confirm it's working.

   ![](/files/NOmxX9GkriMeRzCFlFiJ)

**Android tablet**

1. Install the Host App to your home screen via Chrome.

   ![](/files/CNU0MIGBRCsHHGoXzSdd)

   ![](/files/dygpfk3y44cgd1HixoXD)

   ![](/files/r5pALuzmkrhf3zqgaq3L)

   ![](/files/xZMgeYvtoeGEi18Puwr1)
2. Open the app, go to **Settings > Notifications**, and toggle **Push Notifications** on.

   ![](/files/28hclxNjRUMUY03uY5Q8)
3. Tap **Next**, then **Allow** when prompted.

   ![](/files/EwYDZkmQlTepN4yl4S35)
4. A test notification confirms setup is complete.

   ![](/files/NOmxX9GkriMeRzCFlFiJ)

**iPhone (Safari)**

1. Install the Host App to your home screen.

   ![](/files/t4vbkJUWojIfXe6mS01I)

   ![](/files/nUwvNgzJoxaASIGZOuoA)

   ![](/files/Ztq5nFgDlm1txZZyRcng)

   ![](/files/QMrehJNP2uDa5yZt8zQ0)
2. Open the app, go to **Settings > Notifications**, and toggle **Push Notifications** on.

   ![](/files/0qcnMctPlm4RcPTWHdqA)

   ![](/files/WMqPoxKtU4Hd30beT2Rw)
3. Tap **Next**, then **Allow**.

   ![](/files/T7EhOJaQlmYk4qMvk2tZ)

   ![](/files/T3Hv635JPoOPIi1XHJE3)
4. A test notification confirms it's working.

   ![](/files/YfpClCIqJzxRIW2bhvAt)

**Laptop and desktop (Safari or Chrome)**

1. Log in to the Host App at [host.oddle.me](https://host.oddle.me).
2. Go to **Settings > Notifications > Receive Push Notification**.

   ![](/files/ANJd7vefYPznaaVy45sl)
3. Toggle **Push Notifications** on, click **Next**, then click **Allow**.

   ![](/files/EwYDZkmQlTepN4yl4S35)
4. A test notification confirms setup is complete.

   ![](/files/NOmxX9GkriMeRzCFlFiJ)

If you don't receive the test notification, see [Common reservation issues — troubleshooting](/docs/help-center/reservations/common-reservation-issues-troubleshooting.md).

***

## Pre-arrival engagement

When pre-arrival engagement is enabled, reservation notification emails and SMSes include a link to your Virtual Lounge. Guests can view their reservation details, browse your menu, and claim any offers — all before they walk through the door.

This feature requires a Virtual Lounge to be set up in the Merchant Admin.

**Enabling pre-arrival engagement**

1. In the Merchant Admin, go to **Engage > Virtual Lounge**.
2. Find the **Direct reservation guests to your Virtual Lounge** card and click **Enable Now**.
3. Confirm by clicking **Enable Now** in the modal.

To make the most of it, also enable SMS notifications (see Guest notifications above) — SMS links have high open rates before a visit.

When a guest opens the link, your Virtual Lounge shows a Reservation Details card at the top with all their booking information. The rest of your lounge content appears below.

![](/files/P4phxRTo3mEig4YY5hPt)

**What to put on your Virtual Lounge**

To get the most from pre-arrival engagement, populate your Virtual Lounge with useful content:

* Links to your menu, FAQ, parking information, and website
* Engagement cards for happy hour deals, set promotions, wine pairings, or upcoming events
* Redeemables that guests can claim before they arrive (e.g. a complimentary dish with a minimum spend)

You can also configure content to show only on specific days or for specific stores — so weekday guests see your weekday menu, and each location shows relevant promotions.


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