How to contact your Airbnb host
You can message your host through the Airbnb app or website in two ways: before you book, by clicking "Contact Host" on the listing page, or after you book, through the Messages section of your reservation. Before booking, your message goes to the host's general inbox and they may not see it for hours or days. After you book, messages appear in a dedicated conversation thread tied to your reservation, and hosts typically respond faster because the booking is confirmed.
The messaging system is built into Airbnb — you do not need the host's email address or phone number to start a conversation. All communication stays within the app or website unless the host chooses to share their contact details with you directly.
Key Takeaways
- Before you book, click "Contact Host" on the listing page; the host may take time to respond because the booking is not yet confirmed.
- After you book, use the Messages section in your reservation to reach your host; they usually respond faster once the booking is locked in.
- Hosts can share their phone number or email with you during the conversation if they choose to, but you should not ask for it unprompted.
- If your host does not respond within 24 hours after you book, you can contact Airbnb support to report the issue.
- Keep all communication in the Airbnb app or website during the booking and stay period; this protects both you and the host.
Messaging before you book a listing
On the listing page, scroll down until you see the host's profile section. Below their name and rating, you will find a button labeled "Contact Host." Click it to open a message box. Type your question — common ones are about pet policies, parking, check-in time, or whether the host can accommodate a late arrival. Be specific and keep it short.
The host receives your message in their general inbox, not tied to a specific reservation. They are not required to respond, and many hosts do not check messages from people who have not yet booked. Response time can be anywhere from a few hours to several days. If the host does not respond within 48 hours and you are still interested in the listing, you can book anyway — but understand that a slow pre-booking response may signal a slower host overall.
Do not ask the host for their email address or phone number before you book. If they want to share it, they will offer it. Asking puts them in an awkward position and violates Airbnb's terms, which require communication to stay on the platform until after booking.
Messaging after you book a reservation
Once your booking is confirmed, a Messages tab appears in your reservation details. This is where all future communication with your host happens. Click into that thread to send messages about check-in time, parking instructions, house rules, or anything else related to your stay.
Hosts respond much faster to post-booking messages because the reservation is confirmed and they know you are a real guest. Most hosts reply within a few hours. This is the right place to ask for late check-in, request extra towels, or clarify directions to the property. Keep the tone friendly and straightforward.
If your host shares their phone number or email in the Messages thread, you can use it to contact them directly — but only if they offered it first. Some hosts prefer phone calls for urgent matters like a broken lock or a missed check-in time.
What to do if your host does not respond
If you have booked and your host has not responded to a message within 24 hours, especially if your check-in is coming up, contact Airbnb support. Open the app or website, go to your reservation, and select "Get Help." Describe the issue — for example, "I have not heard from my host about check-in time and I arrive tomorrow." Airbnb can reach out to the host on your behalf or provide you with their phone number if they have one on file.
If the host never responds and you cannot reach them by check-in time, Airbnb will work with you to find a solution, which may include cancellation with a refund or rebooking at another property. Document all your messages and the times you sent them so you have a record for support.
Using the app versus the website
The messaging feature works the same way on the Airbnb app and the website. On the app, tap the Messages icon at the bottom of the screen to see all your conversations. On the website, click your profile picture in the top right, then select "Messages." Both show the same conversation history, so you can switch between app and website without losing track of what you have already said.
The app sends push notifications when your host replies, so you will know right away. If you use the website, you may not see a notification unless you have browser notifications turned on. For time-sensitive matters — like confirming a late check-in — the app is faster because you will see the response when ready.
Things not to do when messaging your host
Do not ask your host to communicate outside Airbnb before you book or during your stay. Do not request their phone number, email, or social media unless they offer it first. Airbnb's terms require all communication to stay on the platform so that both you and the host have a record of what was agreed to. If something goes wrong, Airbnb support can only help if the conversation is documented in the app or website.
Do not send multiple messages in quick succession if your host has not replied yet. One clear message is enough. Do not use the messaging system to complain about the listing or make demands — save serious issues for the review or for Airbnb support. Keep your tone respectful and assume the host is busy; a polite, specific message gets a faster response than a frustrated one.
When to contact Airbnb support instead of your host
If your host is unresponsive, the listing does not match the photos, there is a safety issue, or something is broken in the property, contact Airbnb support rather than waiting for the host to reply. Go to your reservation, select "Get Help," and describe the problem. Support can intervene, mediate between you and the host, or process a refund if needed.
You should also contact support if the host asks you to pay them directly, communicate off-platform, or do anything that violates Airbnb's rules. Support is there to protect both guests and hosts, and they take these violations seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I message a host before I decide whether to book?
Yes. Click "Contact Host" on the listing page to send a message before you book. The host may take time to respond because you are not yet a confirmed guest. If you need a fast answer, consider booking a different listing with a host who has a faster response rate, or book and message after confirmation.
What if the host gives me their phone number — should I call instead of messaging?
Only if they offered their number and said it was okay to call. Some hosts prefer messages for a record of the conversation. If you do call, follow up with a message in the app summarizing what you discussed, so both of you have documentation.
Can I ask the host to lower the price or add amenities through messaging?
You can ask, but hosts are not required to say yes. Price changes and extra amenities are usually handled through Airbnb's official channels, not through direct negotiation. If the host agrees to something, ask them to document it in the Messages thread so you have proof.
What if I message my host and they never read it?
If your message is unread and your check-in is approaching, contact Airbnb support. They can try to reach the host by phone or email, or they can help you cancel and rebook if the host is truly unreachable. Do not assume the host is ignoring you — they may not have seen the notification.
Is it safe to share my phone number with a host through Airbnb messages?
It is safer to let the host offer their number first. If you do share yours, do it only after you have booked and only if the host seems trustworthy. You can always block the number later if needed. Keep sensitive information like your home address or financial details out of messages entirely.