🧭 Access your appointment settings
Open the Beside app on your phone.
Go to the Settings tab.
Under the Phone section, tap AI Receptionist.
In the General tab, select Book Appointments under Essential.
From there, you can connect your calendar and customize your scheduling preferences.
✅ What your AI Receptionist can do
When a caller or texter requests a meeting, your AI Receptionist will:
Ask for the reason for the meeting, preferred time, and email address.
Check your calendar availability in real time.
Book the meeting automatically or suggest an alternative slot.
Add the confirmed event to:
Your Google or Outlook Calendar
The Beside Inbox conversation and call summary
Once booked:
The caller receives a confirmation text from your Beside number.
If an email was provided, a confirmation email is also sent.
The booking appears instantly in your calendar, often while the call is still active.
🔗 Connect your calendar
Beside currently supports Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar.
To enable calendar scheduling:
Tap Connect Calendar.
Choose your provider (Google or Outlook).
Complete the secure sign-in flow to grant permission.
Set your:
Preferred scheduling hours
Destination calendar (where new events are created)
Once connected, your AI Receptionist can book directly into your linked calendar.
🧠 How it works in practice
If your AI Receptionist handles a call that includes a scheduling request, it will:
Ask the caller for the purpose of the meeting, their email, and a preferred time
Check your availability using your selected calendar and hours
Book the event (or suggest another time if needed)
Add it to your calendar and Beside Inbox thread
Once a booking is made:
A confirmation text is immediately sent to the caller from your Beside number
A confirmation email is also sent - if the caller's email was successfully captured
The booking is confirmed in real time, often while the call is still ongoing
If you cancel the event later, a cancellation text is automatically sent from your number to notify the caller
👉 You can cancel any appointment at any time from the conversation view.
Example flow:
Caller: “Can I schedule a consultation for tomorrow afternoon?”
Your AI Receptionist: “Sure! What time works best for you?”
It checks your calendar and confirms:
“You’re available at 3 PM — I’ve added the meeting to your schedule.”
Both you and the caller receive confirmation instantly.
⚠️ Things to know
Works only for AI-handled calls and messages, not direct live calls.
iCal is not supported - you’ll need a Google or Outlook account
Bookings will only happen during your preferred hours
You can update or disconnect your calendar anytime in Settings → AI Receptionist → Book Appointments