CareCalls recognises simple text replies on the number that delivers your reminders and check-ins. Most commands are a single word. Reply from the mobile number registered on the service (primary or second number on the account).

This guide covers product commands for day-to-day use. For consent, opt-out routes, and regulatory detail, see the SMS & calling programme.

CommandSendWhat it does
ConfirmY or YesAcknowledge a reminder, check-in, or alert you received
SkipS or SkipSkip upcoming reminder or check-in deliveries — scope depends on delivery factors
Pause serviceDeactivate or PauseStop repeat deliveries until you unpause
Resume serviceActivate or UnpauseTurn repeat deliveries back on after a pause

Keywords are not case-sensitive — yes, skip, and activate work the same as the capitalised forms.

Confirm a reminder or check-in (Y / Yes)

When a reminder or check-in arrives by text, reply Y or Yes to confirm you received it.

If you do not reply in time, CareCalls may retry (by default two attempts, about 10 minutes apart). If both fail and alerts are configured, people in the support network may be notified. See how to confirm a reminder or check-in for phone keypress confirmation and calling back before a retry.

Skip upcoming deliveries (S / Skip)

Send S or Skip when you need a short break — for example you are out, asleep, or already handled what the next prompt would cover.

What happens next depends on how delivery skip behaviour is set on Delivery factors in the web app (/manage/delivery-factors). Supporters and call receivers with access can review or change this after logging in — open Delivery factors from the manage dashboard (under Update service details).

Setting on Delivery factorsWhat S / Skip does
Skip next delivery onlyCancels the next scheduled reminder or check-in only, whenever it is due — not limited to the next hour
Skip deliveries within a time windowCancels every reminder and check-in due within the chosen window (30, 60, or 120 minutes) from when you send the text

The default for new services is usually skip deliveries within a time window (commonly 60 minutes). Your service may use either mode.

Skip by text works the same way as skip by phone — both follow the delivery factors setting. If Allow skip requests by phone or text is turned off on Delivery factors, automatic skip is disabled and the request is handled differently (for example routed to customer service).

Skip does not pause the whole service or change future days outside the behaviour above. To pause for longer, use Deactivate or Pause, or manage start/stop dates online.

Pause or resume the service (Deactivate, Pause, Activate, Unpause)

Send Deactivate or Pause to stop repeat reminders and check-ins until you send Activate or Unpause.

These text commands take effect immediately on the service linked to the number you text from. They are the SMS equivalent of the phone-menu pause toggle. For scheduled pauses, future start/stop dates, or permanent cancellation, use the web app — see edit, pause, or cancel a service.

STOP and START (opt out and opt back in)

You can opt out of all messages from the CareCalls delivery number at any time by replying STOP (or CANCEL, END, UNSUBSCRIBE, and similar standard opt-out words).

After you opt out, reminders, check-ins, and alerts cannot reach that number until you opt back in. Reply START, UNSTOP, or SUBSCRIBE to authorise the number again.

Opt-out and opt-in confirmations are handled automatically. Full routes (email, account settings, and marketing unsubscribe) are listed in the SMS & calling programme.

Help and unrecognised texts

Reply HELP or INFO, or send any text that is not a recognised command, and you receive a short auto-reply with confirm instructions and a link back to this page (carecalls.io/smshelp). For support, email support@carecalls.io.

We do not manually monitor message content sent to the delivery number.