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Missed-call text templates: what to send when you can't pick up
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A good missed-call text is one short message from your business number: your name, your business, when you'll call back and an easy next step, like replying with what they need. Below are eight copy-paste versions for working hours, after hours, urgent jobs and booking links, plus a voicemail script and a STOP reply.
Fill in your details below (or the [brackets] by hand), then paste the text into your phone app's missed-call auto-reply setting. Every template follows the same rules: one text per missed call, about the call they just made, with no offers or discounts. The why behind each rule is in our missed-call text-back guide.
What should the text say during working hours?
Who you are, that you're on a job, and when you'll call back. Pick the one that sounds like you.
Hi, it's [Your name] at [Business]. Sorry I missed your call. I'm on a job and will call you back [call-back time]. Reply with what you need.
[Business] here. Sorry I missed you. I'll call you back [call-back time].
Hi, [Your name] from [Business]. I'm on a job right now. Text me your address and a quick description (a photo helps) and I'll get back to you [call-back time].
Sorry I missed your call, it's [Your name] at [Business]. I'll call you back [call-back time], or you can request a time here: [booking link]
What should the text say after hours?
Say you're closed, and say exactly when they'll hear from you. Only promise a time you'll keep.
Thanks for calling [Business]. We're closed right now. [Your name] will call you back first thing tomorrow. Reply with what you need and I'll have it ready.
Sorry I missed you, it's [Your name] at [Business]. If it can't wait, reply URGENT with your address and what's going on, and I'll call you as soon as I can.
Only use template 6 if you really do answer urgent texts quickly. Don't promise an arrival time in an automatic message.
What do you send when they text back?
Thanks, got it. I can take a look [day/time]. Does that work? If it's easier to talk, I'll call you [call-back time]. [Your name], [Business]
Got it. You won't get more texts from [Business].
After a STOP, send nothing else to that number. Many texting services handle STOP automatically, so check yours before adding template 8, or the customer may get two confirmations.
What should your voicemail greeting say?
Match it to the text, so callers who wait for the beep hear the same promise. Read it out loud once and time it. Shorter is better.
You've reached [Business], this is [Your name]. I'm on a job right now. Leave your name, address and what you need, and I'll call you back [call-back time]. You'll also get a text from this number.
If you run Google Local Services Ads, a caller who listens to your greeting for more than 20 seconds during business hours can be a charged lead even if you never talk. A short greeting plus a fast text-back gets more value from those calls. See our LSA missed-call guide.
These templates are examples, not legal advice. Texting rules can vary by state. Ask your texting provider what consent and registration they require.
Questions trade pros ask
How long should a missed-call text be?
Short enough to read at a glance. A standard text holds 160 plain characters, and longer ones arrive in parts. The count under each template shows how many parts yours will take.
Should I send a second text if they don't reply?
No. Send one text per missed call, then call back when you said you would. A string of automatic texts starts to feel like marketing.
What do I send if someone replies STOP?
At most one short confirmation, like template 8, then nothing more to that number. The FCC says people can opt out of automated texts in any reasonable way.
Sources
- Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts (FCC consumer guide) Consent and opt-out for automated texts. Checked Oct 17, 2026.
- Messaging Principles and Best Practices (CTIA, May 2023) STOP handling and opt-out confirmation. Checked Oct 17, 2026.