> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.limecall.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.limecall.com/callback/hours.md).

# Hours

Make the widget behave differently when you are open and when you are closed.

Open **Widget → Hours**.

The widget can offer different things depending on whether anyone is available to answer.

## Where hours come from

The widget follows your **Business hours**, set under **Settings → Business hours**. Set them there once and every part of LimeCall — the widget, the AI receptionist, routing — agrees on when you are open.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Check the time zone on your business hours. Hours set in the wrong zone are the most common cause of a widget that says you are closed during your actual working day.
{% endhint %}

## Open-hours behaviour

While you are open, the widget offers an immediate callback. This is the primary path and should stay enabled.

## Closed-hours behaviour

Choose one:

| Option                      | Effect                                                                       |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Offer scheduling            | The visitor picks a time in your next open window. Best for most businesses. |
| Collect a message           | The visitor leaves their details and you follow up.                          |
| Hand to the AI receptionist | The AI answers straight away, whatever the hour.                             |
| Hide the widget             | No contact option outside hours.                                             |

Hiding the widget is rarely the right choice — a visitor at 9pm is still a lead, and offering nothing loses them.

## Handing over to the AI

If you have an AI receptionist configured, pointing your closed hours at it is the strongest option: the visitor gets an answer immediately instead of a form, and the AI can qualify them and book a meeting while you sleep.

See [AI Receptionist](/ai-receptionist.md).

## Holidays and one-off closures

Add exceptions under **Settings → Business hours**. An exception overrides the weekly pattern for that date, so you do not have to edit your standard hours for a public holiday and remember to change them back.

## Per-person availability

Individual team members set their own hours under **Settings → My hours**. Business hours decide whether *the company* is open; personal hours decide whether *that person* is rung.

If a call arrives during business hours but everyone's personal hours have ended, there is nobody to ring — and the call falls through to your missed-call handling. When testing out-of-hours behaviour, check both layers.