Where to find the messaging button on Airbnb

You can message your host through the Airbnb app or website in the listing details page. Look for a button labeled "Contact Host" or "Message" — it appears near the top of the listing, usually next to the host's name and profile photo. Click or tap it to open a text box where you can type your question.

Once you have sent a message, the conversation moves to your Airbnb inbox. You can find your inbox by clicking the envelope icon in the top right corner of the Airbnb website, or by tapping the messages icon in the mobile app. All your host conversations appear there in a list, with the most recent at the top.

Key Takeaways

  • The "Contact Host" button sits on the listing page before you book, and messaging moves to your inbox after you send your first message.
  • Hosts are required to respond within 24 hours, though many reply much faster during their active hours.
  • You can message a host before booking to ask about house rules, parking, or check-in details without committing to a reservation.
  • After you book, use the same inbox to ask questions about the property, request late check-in, or report problems during your stay.
  • If a host does not respond or you need urgent help, Airbnb's Resolution Center and customer support can step in.

Messaging before you book a reservation

You do not have to book first to contact a host. On any listing page, click "Contact Host" to send a message without making a reservation. This is the right move if you want to ask whether the host allows pets, confirm the exact check-in time, or learn about they have parking before you commit.

Hosts see these pre-booking messages and can reply to help you decide. Some hosts answer within minutes; others may take several hours or until the next day. If a host does not respond to your question within a day, you can assume they may be slow to communicate and decide whether to book elsewhere.

Messaging after you have booked

Once your reservation is confirmed, your messages with the host appear in your Airbnb inbox. You can message about anything related to your stay: asking for restaurant recommendations, requesting an earlier or later check-in, reporting a broken appliance, or clarifying house rules.

Keep messages in the Airbnb app or website rather than switching to text, email, or phone calls. Airbnb records all in-app messages, which protects both you and the host if a dispute arises. If the host gives you their phone number or email and you contact them outside Airbnb, the platform cannot see that conversation if something goes wrong.

What to expect in response time

Airbnb requires hosts to respond to messages within 24 hours. In practice, many hosts reply much faster — often within an hour during daytime hours. Some hosts are slower because they manage multiple properties, work full-time jobs, or live in a different time zone.

If you are messaging close to your check-in date and need a fast answer about parking or entry instructions, send your message as early as possible. A message sent at 6 a.m. is more likely to get a same-day reply than one sent at 11 p.m. If your check-in is tomorrow and you have not heard back, you can contact Airbnb support directly rather than waiting.

How to handle a host who does not respond

If a host has not replied within 24 hours and your check-in is approaching, go to the Resolution Center in your Airbnb account. From there, you can document the lack of response and contact Airbnb support. Airbnb staff can reach the host on your behalf or help you reschedule or cancel if the host is unreachable.

For urgent issues during your stay — a broken lock, no hot water, or a safety concern — do not wait for a message reply. Call Airbnb's customer support line directly. They have a phone number for emergencies and can dispatch help or authorize a refund without waiting for the host to respond.

Tips for getting a faster reply

Be specific in your message. Instead of "Is check-in flexible?" write "I am arriving at 4 p.m. on March 15th. Is early check-in possible, or should I plan to arrive at 3 p.m.?" Hosts answer detailed questions faster because they do not have to send a follow-up asking for clarification.

Keep your tone friendly and straightforward. Hosts are more likely to go out of their way for guests who are polite and reasonable. If you are reporting a problem, describe what is broken or missing without blaming the host — "The kitchen sink is not draining" gets a faster response than "Your place is dirty."

Avoid sending multiple messages in a row about the same topic. One clear message is better than three short ones, which can feel like spam and may slow down a response.

Messaging about problems or disputes

If something is wrong with the property — the Wi-Fi does not work, the bed is uncomfortable, or the listing description was inaccurate — message the host first and give them a chance to fix it. Take photos of the problem and describe it clearly. Many hosts will offer a partial refund or move you to another room if you report an issue promptly.

If the host does not respond or refuses to help, document the conversation and contact Airbnb support through the Resolution Center. Airbnb can review the messages and your photos and may issue a refund or credit without the host's agreement. Do not leave a negative review until you have given the host and Airbnb a chance to resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call my host instead of messaging?

You can call if the host has shared their phone number with you in a message, but Airbnb recommends keeping conversations in the app so there is a record. If you call and something goes wrong, Airbnb cannot see that conversation and may not be able to help you. Use the app first; call only if the host invites you to.

What if the host asks me to pay them directly instead of through Airbnb?

Do not do it. Airbnb prohibits off-platform payments, and if you pay the host directly, you lose all protection if the host cancels or the property is not as described. Always pay through Airbnb's system, even if the host offers a discount for paying outside the platform.

How do I know if my message was delivered?

In the Airbnb app and website, your message appears in the conversation thread when ready after you send it. If the host has read your message, you may see a "seen" indicator, though this varies by device. The message is delivered as long as it appears in your inbox.

Can I message a host after my stay is over?

Yes, you can message a host anytime after your stay. This is useful if you left something behind and want to ask if they found it, or if you have a question about a charge on your bill. The conversation thread stays open in your inbox.

What should I do if a host is rude or threatening in messages?

Screenshot the messages and report them to Airbnb through the Resolution Center. Airbnb takes harassment seriously and can remove a host from the platform if they are abusive. Do not continue the conversation — save the evidence and let Airbnb handle it.