How to Run a When2meet-Style Availability Poll Without Accounts

By the FreeAvail team · Last updated: October 2026

The point of a When2meet-style poll is that nobody has to sign up for anything. Here is how to run one from start to finish without asking anyone to make an account, including you.

1. Create the event

Use a name people will recognize in a busy chat, like "CHEM 210 lab group – week 9," not "meeting." Pick the date range you are considering and the earliest and latest times anyone would meet. FreeAvail uses 15-minute slots, so times like 3:45 are not a problem.

Create a free event

Open the share sheet and copy the link into your group chat, email, or Discord. If you are in a room together, show the QR code from the share sheet so people can scan it on the spot. Asking in person is the fastest way to get replies.

3. Have people add their names and mark times

Each person types a name and marks when they are free. On a phone, a tap marks one slot, pressing and holding for a moment, then dragging marks a run of slots, and a normal swipe scrolls the page. On a laptop, click and drag. Ask everyone to use a name the group will recognize, so you are not guessing who "J" is. People can come back and change their times later.

4. Read the overlap

The group view shades each slot by how many people are free, and FreeAvail points out the top window plus alternates. Check that the people you really need are in that window before you commit.

5. Post the decision and clean up

Post the final time, place, or video link in the chat. When the event is no longer useful, the host can delete it.

Things to know

  • Times show in the host's time zone. FreeAvail labels the zone but does not convert it. If your group is spread out, read how to schedule across time zones.
  • Keep your host view. Host access is tied to the browser you created the event in. Bookmark it in the browser you created it in, not a private window; a different browser or cleared site data won't open the host view.
  • Scheduling a project meeting? See how to schedule a group project meeting.

Compare FreeAvail with other tools on our free When2meet alternative page, or create a free event now. No account needed.

FAQ

Does anyone need an account to use a FreeAvail poll?

No. Neither the host nor the people responding need an account.

Can people change their availability after submitting?

Yes. People can come back to the link and update their times anytime.

Does FreeAvail convert time zones?

No. Times are shown in the host's time zone, and the zone is labeled so people elsewhere can adjust.