How to send a message to an Airbnb host
You can message an Airbnb host through the app or website before you book, after you book, or while you're staying. Before booking, click the "Contact Host" button on the listing page—it appears near the price and "Reserve" button. After you've booked, open your reservation in the "Trips" section, scroll down, and tap or click "Message" to start a conversation. The host will see your message in their inbox and can reply within a few hours or up to a day, depending on how often they check messages.
Messages stay in the Airbnb system—you cannot switch to text, email, or phone until after you've both agreed to meet. Airbnb keeps all communication on the platform so there's a record if something goes wrong and the company can step in if needed. If a host asks you to message them outside Airbnb before you book, that's a red flag and you should report the listing.
Key Takeaways
- Before you book, use the "Contact Host" button on the listing page to ask questions about the property or your stay.
- After you book, find the "Message" button in your Trips section to communicate about check-in, house rules, or problems.
- Keep all messages inside the Airbnb app or website—do not move to text or email before the host invites you to after booking.
- Hosts are not required to reply before you book, but most respond within 24 hours if they are active.
- If a host asks you to contact them outside Airbnb before you reserve, report the listing to Airbnb.
Messaging before you book a listing
The "Contact Host" button appears on every listing page. Click or tap it to open a message box where you can ask the host questions about the property, their cancellation policy, or anything else that matters to your stay. This is useful if you want to know whether they allow pets, if the wifi is strong enough for work, or if they can accommodate an early check-in.
The host is not required to reply before you book, and some hosts ignore pre-booking messages. If you don't hear back within a few hours and the reservation window is closing, you can still book without a reply—but understand that the host may not be responsive. If you do get a reply and the host says no to something important (like a pet or early arrival), you can choose not to book and look for another listing instead.
Do not share your phone number, email, or social media in a pre-booking message. Airbnb's rules forbid hosts from asking for this, and sharing it anyway puts you at risk. If a host asks you to message them on WhatsApp or text before you book, cancel and report the listing.
Messaging after you've made a reservation
Once your booking is confirmed, the "Message" button appears in your Trips section. Use this to confirm check-in time, ask about parking, request extra towels, or report a problem with the property. Most hosts check messages regularly during the days around your stay, so you'll usually get a reply within a few hours.
If you arrive and something is broken or missing—the wifi doesn't work, the bed is uncomfortable, the shower has no hot water—message the host right away with a photo if you can. Give them a chance to fix it before you leave a review. If they don't respond or won't fix it, you can contact Airbnb support through the app and they may refund part of your stay or move you to another place.
What to include in your message
Be specific and polite. Instead of "Is this a good place?" ask "Does the apartment have a washer and dryer, or is there a laundromat nearby?" Instead of "The place is dirty," send a photo and write "The kitchen counter has sticky residue—can you clean it before I arrive?" Hosts respond better to clear questions and specific problems than to vague complaints.
Keep messages short. A host is more likely to read and reply to three sentences than to a paragraph. If you have many questions, send one message with a numbered list rather than five separate messages.
When a host doesn't reply
If you've booked and the host hasn't replied to your message within 24 hours, try again with a shorter, simpler question. Sometimes messages get buried or the host is busy. If you're arriving soon and still haven't heard back, contact Airbnb support—they can reach the host or help you reschedule.
If the host replies but refuses to help with a legitimate problem (like a broken lock or no heat), document everything with photos and messages, then contact Airbnb. The company can mediate or refund you if the host is not meeting their obligations.
How to report a host who breaks messaging rules
If a host asks you to move your conversation to text, email, or another app before you book, report the listing. Open the listing page, scroll to the bottom, and tap or click "Report this listing." Select "Host is asking to communicate off-platform" and submit. Airbnb takes this seriously because it's how scammers avoid detection.
If a host sends you a message that feels unsafe, inappropriate, or discriminatory, screenshot it and report it to Airbnb support through the app. Go to your Trips, open the conversation, tap the three dots or menu icon, and select "Report message" or "Get help."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I message a host after I cancel my booking?
No. Once you cancel, the message thread closes and you can no longer contact the host through Airbnb. If you need to reach them about a refund or a problem, contact Airbnb support instead.
What if the host messages me asking for my phone number or email?
Do not share it. This violates Airbnb's rules and puts you at risk. Tell the host you prefer to keep messages on Airbnb, and if they keep asking, report the conversation to Airbnb support.
How long does it take for a host to reply?
Most hosts reply within a few hours to 24 hours, depending on their timezone and how often they check messages. Some hosts are slower, especially if they manage multiple listings. If it's urgent and you've already booked, contact Airbnb support.
Can I see old messages from a past stay?
Yes. Your message history with a host stays in the app forever, even after the stay is over. You can scroll back and read old conversations anytime.
What if I message the wrong host by accident?
Send a quick follow-up message saying you messaged by mistake. Most hosts will understand. You cannot delete messages, so the mistake will stay in the thread, but a polite correction usually clears it up.