How to contact a host on Airbnb
You can message an Airbnb host through the app or website before you book, and through your reservation page after you book. Before booking, click the "Contact Host" button on the listing page — the host will see your message in their inbox and can reply within 24 hours, though many respond faster. After you book, all messages go through your reservation page under the "Messages" tab, and the host receives a notification each time you write.
The method changes slightly depending on whether you have already reserved the property. Hosts are required to respond to pre-booking questions, but response time is not may provide. Once you have a confirmed reservation, messaging becomes your main way to coordinate check-in details, ask questions about the space, or report problems.
Key Takeaways
- Before you book, use the "Contact Host" button on the listing page to ask questions — the host can see your message and profile before deciding whether to accept your reservation request.
- After you book, message through your reservation page under "Messages" — this creates a record that Airbnb can see if a dispute arises.
- Hosts are not required to respond to pre-booking messages within a set time, but most reply within a few hours or a day.
- Never move communication off the Airbnb platform to email, phone, or text — Airbnb's messaging system protects both you and the host.
Messaging before you book
On any listing page, scroll down to find the host's name and profile photo. Below that, you will see a "Contact Host" button. Click it to open a message box. Type your question — common ones are about pet policies, parking, late check-in, or whether the host will accept your reservation if you have no reviews yet.
The host receives your message in their inbox along with a link to your profile. They can see your photo, reviews from other hosts, and how long you have been on Airbnb. This is your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you want to stay. A polite, specific message ("I am traveling for work and need reliable wifi and a desk") gets better responses than a generic one.
The host can reply, decline to answer, or ignore the message. If they ignore it, you can still book the property — your reservation request will go through the normal process. If the host has set their listing to "when ready Book," you skip this step entirely and book without messaging first.
Messaging after you book
Once your reservation is confirmed, go to your Airbnb account and find the reservation in your "Trips" section. Click on the reservation and look for the "Messages" tab. This is where all communication with the host now happens. Any message you send here is logged and visible to Airbnb, which matters if you need to report a problem later.
Use this space to confirm check-in time, ask for the wifi password, request late checkout, or let the host know you are arriving early. The host will see a notification each time you message and can respond from their host dashboard or the app. Keep the conversation on this platform — do not ask the host for their phone number or email to chat outside Airbnb.
What to do if the host does not respond
If you messaged before booking and the host never replied, you can still submit a reservation request. The host then has 24 hours to accept or decline. If they decline without responding to your earlier question, you know the answer is no and can move on to another listing.
If you have already booked and the host is not responding to messages about check-in details, contact Airbnb support. Go to the Help Center, select your reservation, and choose "Contact us." Describe the problem — for example, "I arrive tomorrow and the host has not confirmed the check-in time." Airbnb can contact the host on your behalf or step in if the host is unresponsive.
How to find the host's response time
Before you message, check the host's profile to see their typical response time. On the listing page, click the host's name to open their profile. Look for a line that says "Responds within [X hours]" — this is based on how quickly they have answered messages in the past. A host who responds within a few hours is usually more reliable than one who takes a day or more.
Response time is not a may provide, especially during busy seasons or if the host is traveling. If the host's profile says they respond within 24 hours but you need an answer sooner, book a different property or contact Airbnb support before your trip to flag the concern.
Why you should never leave the Airbnb platform
Hosts sometimes ask guests to text them, email them, or call them directly. Do not do this. Airbnb's messaging system protects you both — it creates a record of what was said, and Airbnb can step in if there is a dispute about what was promised. If a host asks you to pay outside Airbnb or communicate off-platform, that is a red flag.
If a host gives you their phone number for check-in logistics only — like "call me when you arrive" — that is normal. But for booking details, house rules, or anything that affects your stay, keep it in the Airbnb messages. If something goes wrong, you will need that record.
Messaging during your stay
You can message the host during your stay if you have questions about the space, need help with appliances, or want to report a maintenance issue. Use the same "Messages" tab in your reservation. The host may not respond when ready if they do not live on-site, but they should reply within a few hours for urgent problems like no hot water or a broken lock.
If the host does not respond to an urgent issue, contact Airbnb support right away. Airbnb has a system for handling problems during stays and can sometimes arrange a refund or alternative accommodation if the listing does not match the description or is unsafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call or text the host instead of messaging through Airbnb?
You can ask the host for their phone number, and some will provide it for check-in coordination. However, keep important details — like changes to your reservation or complaints about the space — in the Airbnb messages. This creates a record that protects you if there is a dispute.
How long should I wait for the host to respond before I book a different place?
If you message before booking and do not hear back within a few hours, book a different listing. You do not need the host's permission to reserve — you can submit a reservation request and they have 24 hours to accept or decline. If you need an answer sooner, choose a property with "when ready Book" enabled.
What if the host asks me to pay them directly or book outside Airbnb?
Do not do it. This is against Airbnb's rules and leaves you unprotected if something goes wrong. Report the host to Airbnb by going to the Help Center and selecting "Report a listing or host." Airbnb takes this seriously.
Can I message the host after my stay is over?
Yes, you can message through your reservation page even after checkout. This is useful if you left something behind or want to ask the host a follow-up question. However, once you have left a review, the host can no longer change their response, so do not expect them to address complaints in messages after the fact.
What should I do if the host is rude or harassing in messages?
Take screenshots of the messages and report the host to Airbnb. Go to your reservation, click "Help," and select "Report a host." Describe what happened and attach the screenshots. Airbnb investigates reports of harassment and can suspend or remove hosts who violate their community standards.