How to turn on dinner reminders
Updated October 2026 · 2 min read
Quick answer
Turn on notifications, pick a time, and Timer sends one calm nudge with what's planned. No guilt, no nagging.
Switch it on
Open Profile, then Notifications. Allow notifications when your phone asks.
Pick the meals and time
Choose breakfast, lunch or dinner and set a time. You can send the nudge to yourself or to the whole household.
What it says
It tells you what is planned, like "Dinner's decided". If nothing is planned, it offers a quick idea.
Limits
At most one nudge per person per meal per day. A household member can decline nudges others send them.
Turn it off
Switch it off any time in the same place.
Why use a reminder?
Most people do not forget to eat. They forget to prepare. A quiet nudge at the right time, such as "take the chicken out of the freezer," saves a lot of last-minute stress.
What makes a good reminder time?
Think about when you actually decide.
| Goal | Best time |
|---|---|
| Defrost something | Morning, before you leave |
| Start a slow cooker | Mid-morning |
| Decide dinner | Early afternoon |
| Start cooking | 45 to 60 minutes before you eat |
| Defrost something | Morning, before you leave |
| Start a slow cooker | Mid-morning |
| Decide dinner | Early afternoon |
| Start cooking | 45 to 60 minutes before you eat |
What should a reminder say?
Short and kind. It should tell you what is planned and nothing more. Guilt does not help anyone cook. A calm line like "Dinner's decided" is enough.
How many nudges are too many?
One per person per meal per day is plenty. More than that turns into noise and people turn it all off. If you find yourself ignoring reminders, move the time rather than adding more.
What about reminders for other people?
You can send a nudge to someone else in your household. Use it kindly and rarely. Everyone has the right to decline, so ask first if you are not sure.
Can reminders help with food safety?
Yes. A reminder to move chicken from the freezer to the fridge the night before is safer than defrosting on the counter. The USDA recommends thawing in the fridge, in cold water changed every 30 minutes, or in the microwave if you will cook right away.
How do you turn them off?
In the same place you turned them on. There is no penalty for turning them off, and you can turn them back on whenever you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check that notifications are allowed for your browser or app, and that a time is set.
Timer is one of Plenishly's six kitchen helpers. It sends the nudges.
Check that notifications are allowed for your browser or phone, and that a time is set.
Yes. You can choose breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any mix.