> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.novu.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Multi-Channel Notification Fallback Workflows

> Build multi-channel notification workflows with delays and fallbacks. Send in-app first, then email or SMS if unread.

Build multi-channel fallback workflows in Novu by chaining channel steps with delay and condition logic. A common pattern sends an in-app notification first, waits 24 hours, then sends email or SMS if the message remains unread.

## How do I build an in-app to email fallback workflow?

1. Add an **in-app step** as the first channel step.
2. Add a **delay step** (for example, 24 hours).
3. Add a **step condition** that checks whether the in-app notification was read.
4. Add an **email step** (or SMS step) that runs only when the condition is met.

See [step conditions](/platform/workflow/add-and-configure-steps/step-conditions) for filtering steps based on subscriber state.

## Example fallback flow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Send in-app notification">
    Deliver the alert to the subscriber's Inbox immediately.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait 24 hours">
    Use a [delay step](/platform/workflow/add-and-configure-steps/configure-action-steps/delay) to pause before the fallback.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check if unread">
    Apply a step condition so the email step runs only when the in-app message is still unread.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send email fallback">
    Deliver the same content through the subscriber's email integration.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## How do I route VIP subscribers to SMS?

Use [step conditions](/platform/workflow/add-and-configure-steps/step-conditions) with subscriber metadata. If `subscriber.data.tier === 'vip'`, route to an SMS step; otherwise use email.

Pass tier data when creating or updating the subscriber, or inline when triggering the workflow.

## Related guides

* [Add and configure steps](/platform/workflow/add-and-configure-steps)
* [Delay step](/platform/workflow/add-and-configure-steps/configure-action-steps/delay)
* [Subscriber preferences](/platform/concepts/preferences)

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I fallback from email to SMS?">
    Yes. Chain any channel steps with delays and conditions. Ensure the subscriber has the required contact fields and integrations configured for each channel.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I respect subscriber channel preferences?">
    Novu applies subscriber [preferences](/platform/concepts/preferences) automatically. Subscribers who opt out of a channel will not receive messages on that channel even if the workflow includes the step.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>