# Set Alert Preferences (Alert Group) on a On-call Schedule - Admin Panel
> Source URL for below info: https://api1.simboconnect.com/helpb/books/simboconnect-ai-phone-copilot/page/set-alert-preferences-alert-group-on-a-on-call-schedule-admin-panel

**Purpose:** Explain what the Alert Preferences field does during scheduling.

### What it controls

Alert Preferences define the protocol that Phone Copilot uses to notify the on-call person. A protocol can include up to three steps and can mix email, text, and phone calls with specific wait times and backups. The actual protocols are created and maintained in <span class="s2">**Alert Groups**</span>. The schedule simply references one of those protocols.

### Steps

1. When adding or editing a schedule, open <span class="s1">**Alert Preferences**</span>.
2. Choose the protocol name that matches your escalation policy.
3. Save.

### Example protocol idea

- Step 1: send text immediately.
- Step 2: if unresolved after 15 minutes, place an automated call.
- Step 3: if still unresolved, alert a backup contact.

### Tips and good practices

- Keep names of alert protocols clear and short.
- Test new protocols during a low-risk period.
- Use different protocols for routine vs urgent call types.
> Source URL for above info: https://api1.simboconnect.com/helpb/books/simboconnect-ai-phone-copilot/page/set-alert-preferences-alert-group-on-a-on-call-schedule-admin-panel