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What you need before creating a reminder
- WooCommerce Subscriptions installed and configured.
- A production WordPress site. Subscription reminders are disabled automatically on staging and other non-production environments.
- For the official Email Reminders for WooCommerce Subscriptions extension: WooCommerce 5.0.0 or later and WooCommerce Subscriptions 3.1.0 or later.
- The newer built-in Subscription Notifications feature requires WooCommerce Subscriptions 6.9.0 or later.
Create a built-in subscription reminder
- Enable the global switch: In WordPress admin, go to WooCommerce > Settings > Subscriptions. Turn on Send reminder emails to subscribers.
- Choose the lead time: Set Reminder timing in days, weeks, or months. The latest supported timing is one day before the subscription event. Subscriptions shorter than three days do not receive scheduled notifications.
- Enable the specific email: Open WooCommerce > Settings > Emails. Enable the renewal, expiration, or free-trial notification you need, then select its Manage screen.
- Edit the available fields: Adjust the subject, heading, recipient behavior, and message content shown by your installation. Save your changes.
- Confirm the schedule: Go to WooCommerce > Status > Scheduled Actions and search for the subscription ID or notification hook. Running an action immediately sends the email to the customer, so use that control only when you intend to trigger delivery.
Write useful reminder content
Make the message specific enough for a customer to act without opening a support ticket. Include:
- The subscription product or plan.
- The exact renewal or expiration date.
- The amount and currency that will be charged, when the template exposes those details.
- Whether payment will happen automatically or the customer must renew manually.
- A clear route to update payment details, manage the subscription, or complete renewal.
- Your support email or help channel.
Automatic-renewal wording
Explain that the saved payment method will be charged on the stated date, and tell the customer where to update that method before the charge.
Manual-renewal wording
Tell the customer that no automatic charge will complete and that they must follow the renewal link or account instructions to pay. If early renewal is enabled, identify that option explicitly.
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Use multiple reminders and custom templates
The official Email Reminders for WooCommerce Subscriptions extension is intended for schedules more detailed than the built-in single lead time. After installing it, go to WooCommerce > Settings > Subscriptions > Email Reminders.
Configure reminder events
The extension supports trial-ending, manual-renewal, automatic-renewal, before-expiry, and after-expiry reminders. Enter comma-separated offsets such as 3,2,1 to send messages three, two, and one day before an event.
Create and test a template
Create or edit the custom reminder template in the same settings area, then use its test-email function before enabling the schedule. Check the subject, personalization, links, dates, and mobile layout in the test message. The extension records reminder activity in the subscription notes after sending.
Choose the right reminder setup
| Setup | Best for | Timing | Template control | Operational checks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Subscription Notifications | Standard renewal, expiry, and trial notices | One configured lead time; no later than one day before the event | WooCommerce email settings and the default template fields | Background scheduling and Scheduled Actions |
| Email Reminders for WooCommerce Subscriptions extension | Multiple reminders and additional event types | Multiple comma-separated offsets, such as 3,2,1 |
Custom reminder templates and test emails | Scheduled Actions plus subscription notes |
Why a WooCommerce subscription reminder is not sending
One of the two required switches is off
Check both locations: WooCommerce > Settings > Subscriptions for Send reminder emails to subscribers, and WooCommerce > Settings > Emails for the individual notification. Delivery requires both to be enabled.
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The site is staging or otherwise non-production
Move testing to a production environment or use the extension’s test-email function. Scheduled subscription reminders are disabled on non-production sites.
The subscription or timing does not qualify
Confirm that the subscription lasts at least three days and that the configured reminder is no later than one day before the event. Shorter subscriptions do not receive scheduled notifications.
The background action is missing or failed
Open WooCommerce > Status > Scheduled Actions and filter for the wcs_customer_notifications group or the woocommerce_scheduled_subscription_customer_notification hook. A missing action points to a scheduling or configuration problem; a failed action needs its logged error investigated before retrying.
The extension schedule needs verification
Review the subscription’s notes to confirm whether the extension recorded the reminder. If it did not, revisit WooCommerce > Settings > Subscriptions > Email Reminders, verify the offsets, and send a test email from the template screen.
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Final pre-launch checklist
- The site is production.
- The global reminder setting is enabled.
- The relevant email notification is enabled and saved.
- The lead time meets the one-day maximum and the subscription is at least three days long.
- The message distinguishes automatic charging from manual renewal.
- Dates, amounts, account links, payment instructions, and support details are correct.
- A Scheduled Action exists, or an extension test email and subscription-note entry confirm the setup.
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