Check in instructions shortcut from messages.

[Cristina--And-Cody-0]

Airbnb has an excellent check in feature with step by step description and picture. The problem is that feature is not used by all guests. 
I wish there was a shortcut from messages to send to arriving guests so they can click on it and it could guide them step by step. 

like they did for check out - but we need one for check in. 

[Kelsey366]

@Joan2709 thank you so much.

[Jamie1360]

This has been working for me for the past few weeks, but I tested the link again today for all my listings and the link diverts me back to the airbnb trips page. Is this because I don't have an active reservation for the listing? Or have they somehow deactivated the link?

[Joan2709]

@Jamie1360 

Yes...it appears Airbnb has changed the link string and now they attach it to the reservation ID. 

Most just create a document with photos and put on DropBox or Google Docs. Then put the link in a message to the guest. At first it appeared the link wouldn't work, but once the message was actually sent to the guest (Scheduled Message) the link was active and worked just fine.

You can also remind guests to go to their Trips Tab and click the photo of the listing. Then scroll down to: 

Checking In 

How to Get Inside

They will see your Check-in Photos and Instructions 48hrs prior to checkin

[Rudolf103]

Hi all,

Has anyone else experienced issues with the property ID link method for sharing check-in instructions? It seems to have stopped working.

I've created a new forum post to gather more information and hopefully get this resolved: [link to https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Ask-about-your-listing/Check-in-Instructions-Link-Not-Working-Pr...]. Please share your experiences there!

Thanks!
Rudolf

[Ross1162]

I have been using this link option ever since I read it here from you and it’s been fantastic!

However, I just found out it no longer works. I tried to re-do the link again, but it still only redirects you to the listing photos now instead of the check-in instructions. Let me know if you’re having this same issue or if you know about any new known issues with it?

Thank you!!

[Joan2709]

@Ross1162 

I have the same issue. Airbnb has changed the link to connect to the individual reservation rather than the check-in instructions on the listing.

We just added how to check-in in our Check-In Message:

⫸ How to Check-In

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/100

1. Go to your Trips Tab in the Airbnb App

2. Tap photo of Listing

3. Scroll down to Checking In/How to Get Inside

[Ross1162]

thank you for getting back to me!

That’s a real bummer. 

So to clarify, do you just provide them with the numbered steps you listed there or do you also provide them with the how-to link you pasted as well?

thanks again Joan. 

[Linh276]

This only works for ones that already have a rsvp?

i tried to set it up using the link + my property ID then I tried to click on the link to test it out and it did not show anything but the log in page 

[Emilie]

Loads of good questions @Linh276 and @Ross1162! 

@Joan2709 Calling upon your vast knowledge yet again - do you know more about how sharing these instructions works perhaps? 🙂

[Joan2709]

@Emilie 

Unfortunately, Airbnb has removed the ability to use the link? It worked great, so no idea why? Hosts have asked for a long time now for a message shortcut link we could add that links directly to our Arrival Guide, but to no avail. We have had to add something to our check-in message to explain where they can go to find the info in the App, but the previous link was so much clearer and easier for guests:

⫸ How to Check-In

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/100

1. Go to your Trips Tab in the Airbnb App

2. Tap photo of Listing

3. Scroll down to Checking In/How to Get Inside

[Ross1162]

Per your advice, we ended up providing specific directions for how to find the check- in photos within "trips" on the app with an auto-generated message that sends out a few hours before they arrive. We've actually found this to be more helpful than the old way of providing the link. Our guests seem to have an easier time following the instructions, rather than clicking the link (many just skimmed past the link).

Thank you again @Joan2709 

A previous guest showed us how the steps look on their end in the app when trying to find the photo instructions - so here are the details we added to the steps you provided in your above message (in case you want to use too):

⫸ How to Check-In
1. Go to your Trips Tab in the Airbnb App
2. Tap photo of Listing
3. Scroll down and tap on “Getting inside”
4. Scroll past “How to unlock” to see “How to get inside”
5. Follow picture instructions on how to enter our space

[Joan2709]

@Ross1162 

Thank you...glad it is working better for you and thanks for the steps...

I did a personal trip myself and here is what I saw in the App (April 2025 - not sure if it has changed with new release?)

[Kelly2575]

Hi there!!!! @Joan2709 

In the app, we included photos and step-by-step instructions to help guests find our listing as part of the "check-in instructions," but guests can't seem to find it.

So....

1) What are the exact instructions we can share with guests to find those check-in instructions and photos in the app? (i.e. clip "TRIPS"...then click x,y, z....etc.)

2) I know Airbnb allows hosts to share links to certain info, but a link to check-in instructions/pics doesn't seem to be an option.  Is there a way to share a link that takes guests to those directions and photos we have included? 

I came across a youtube link that @Joan2709 posted last year, which described how to create your own makeshift link to the check-in instructions and photos by using this template link, and then replacing the "XXX" with your own unique airbnb listing number, which is the long number found in your listing URL, but I tried that and it didn't seem to work.

https://www.airbnb.com/reservation/check-in-guide/XXX

Here is that initial YOUTUBE video.  Pertinent section is 1:00 - 4:00 into video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dntsl4jHCew&t=353s

Thanks soooooo much for your help.

[Joan2709]

@Kelly2575 

Here is what we are using now in our check-in message, since Airbnb removed the link to Check-in Instructions:

⫸ How to Check-In

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/100

1. Go to your Trips Tab in the Airbnb App

2. Tap photo of Listing

3. Scroll down to Checking In/How to Get Inside

4. View Photos & Instructions for Checking In

Here is what the guest sees (this was April - so may have changed)

[Bob297]

@Cristina--And-Cody-0 @Joan2709 @Bettye6 @Emma3331 
I have a standard document that I send via whatsapp
I also use whatsapp to give touristical info