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

# How do I turn on a waitlist for a program?

> Enable the waitlist for a program from the Waitlist tab in the program's settings.

<Note>
  **Must know**

  * Available on plans that include **Waitlists** — the **Waitlist** settings only appear when the feature is on your plan. If you don't see them, ask your Uplifter contact.
  * Programs set to **Application Required** enrollment hide the Waitlist settings and can't use a waitlist.
  * A waitlist only kicks in once the program hits its **Maximum Capacity**, so the program needs a capacity set.
</Note>

Turn a waitlist on from inside the program's settings.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the program's settings">
    Go to **Registrations → Programs** and open the program — click the gear (**Configure**) icon on its card, or open the program and click the **Settings** button. Then click the **Waitlist** tab. (A still-draft program opens its **Edit Program** wizard instead, where Waitlist is a step rather than a tab.)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Turn on Enable Waitlist">
    Switch on **Enable Waitlist**. The description reads "Allow athletes to join a waitlist when the program is full." Two more settings appear underneath — **Automatic Promotion** and **Maximum Waitlist Size**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Save the program. From now on, once the program reaches capacity and the waitlist has room, families see a **Join Waitlist** button on your public site instead of being turned away.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Leaving **Enable Waitlist** off means a full program simply shows as full with no way to line up.

The two follow-on settings are covered in their own articles: capping how many can wait, and letting Uplifter fill spots for you.

**Related:** [How do I limit the size of a waitlist?](/club/waitlists/how-do-i-limit-the-size-of-a-waitlist) · [How do I automatically promote people off the waitlist?](/club/waitlists/how-do-i-automatically-promote-people-off-the-waitlist) · [How do I set a program's capacity?](/club/programs-classes/set-capacity-and-waitlist) · [What is a program waitlist?](/club/waitlists/what-is-a-program-waitlist)