GoHighLevel missed call text back sends an automatic text to a caller you did not answer. You turn it on under Settings, Phone System, Voice, Voicemail and Missed Call Text Back, tick Enable, click Customize, write the message and save, and set the incoming call timeout (10 to 20 seconds is what HighLevel typically recommends) that decides when a call counts as missed. The two things that go wrong are duplicate texts (the feature fires on every missed call) and texting without registration. This page gives the exact setup, a safer workflow version, message wording that works, a test plan and a fix table. The menu path is from HighLevel's help center, read October 19, 2026; labels can change.
How to set up GoHighLevel missed call text back
- Register texting first. US business texting from LC Phone needs A2P 10DLC registration (HighLevel says campaign registration is required after brand approval before you can send SMS from standard 10-digit US local numbers; see its registration guide). See A2P registration failures.
- Open Settings (bottom left of the sub-account), then Phone System, then Voice, then Voicemail and Missed Call Text Back, and select Missed Call Text Back in the side panel.
- Tick Enable Missed Call Text Back and click Customize.
- Write the message. Merge fields such as the contact's name only populate if the system already knows the contact.
- Send a test from the number you will use, review how it looks, and click Save.
- Set the incoming call timeout. It decides when a call counts as missed; HighLevel typically recommends 10 to 20 seconds.
Source: HighLevel's missed call text back configuration guide. Contacts' do-not-disturb settings are respected, and if the dialed number cannot send SMS, HighLevel picks an eligible sending number.
- 10 to 20 secondsIncoming call timeout: the call counts as missed
- ImmediatelyOne text goes out
- Same timeTag added so repeat calls do not repeat the text
- 24 hoursTag removed; a later missed call can text again
How to stop duplicate missed call texts
HighLevel's guide notes that the feature triggers an SMS for every missed call, so a caller who rings three times gets three texts. The fix HighLevel suggests is to customize the recipe in Workflows with a wait step or tag-based filters. We build it as a workflow:
| Step | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trigger: Call Status is missed (see HighLevel's Call Status trigger) | Starts only for missed calls |
| 2 | If/Else: contact already has tag "mctb-sent"? | Stops repeat texts to the same caller |
| 3 | Send SMS with a short reply-friendly message | One text, then silence |
| 4 | Add tag "mctb-sent", create or update the opportunity, notify the assigned user | Gives a human the lead |
| 5 | Wait 24 hours, remove the tag | Lets a later missed call text again |
Use either the built-in setting or the workflow for texting, not both, or callers get two texts. Test it before you turn off the setting.
What should a missed call text say?
A missed call text should say sorry for missing the call, use your business name, and offer a reply or a booking link, with a separate message for after hours.
| Business | Message |
|---|---|
| General | Hi, this is {{location.name}}. Sorry we missed your call. How can we help? Reply here and we will get right back to you. |
| Appointment business | Hi, sorry we missed your call at {{location.name}}. Want to book a time? Reply YES and we will send a link, or tell us what you need. |
| After hours | Thanks for calling {{location.name}}. We are closed now and will reply first thing in the morning. What can we help with? |
Keep it informational, ask one question, and do not put sensitive details in it. If your business is a clinic, read the healthcare page first. The sender carries the legal responsibility for consent and content, and the FCC's 47 CFR 64.1200 treats a text message as a call and sets consent requirements for autodialed messages; see what a 2026 TCPA case against a GoHighLevel user shows. This is not legal advice.
Why is GoHighLevel missed call text back not working?
GoHighLevel missed call text back usually fails because the setting is off, A2P registration is not approved or the wallet is low, and callers get several texts because it fires on every missed call.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No text is sent at all | The setting is off, A2P registration is not approved, or the wallet is low | Check Enable, registration status, and the wallet balance |
| Callers get several texts | The feature fires on every missed call | Use the workflow version with a tag check |
| The name merge field is blank | The caller is not an existing contact | Write the message so it reads well without a name |
| Texts go to a landline | SMS cannot reach landlines | Accept it, or add a call task for staff |
| It texts people who asked not to be contacted | Do-not-disturb or STOP handling | HighLevel respects contact DND; check the contact's status |
| Texts are not delivered | Carrier filtering, unregistered campaign | Review the registration and message content |
For general workflow problems see workflows not triggering. HighLevel also offers a separate Missed Call WhatsApp Back setting in the same area; the SMS feature does not send WhatsApp messages.
Sources and further reading
Checked at the time of writing; prices, features and policies change. Checked 2026-10-19.
- HighLevel: Where and how to configure the Missed Call Text Back feature (modified September 7, 2026) for the menu path, the call timeout, repeat texts, do-not-disturb handling and Missed Call WhatsApp Back
- HighLevel: Workflow trigger, Call Status for the workflow version
- HighLevel: A2P 10DLC campaign registration guide (modified September 11, 2026) for registration before US texting
- 47 CFR 64.1200 (FCC delivery restrictions) for consent rules; this is not legal advice
Frequently asked questions about GoHighLevel missed call text back
Where is missed call text back in GoHighLevel?
Settings, Phone System, Voice, Voicemail and Missed Call Text Back, then Missed Call Text Back in the side panel, per HighLevel's guide. Labels may change, so check your account.
What timeout should I use?
The incoming call timeout decides when a call counts as missed. HighLevel typically recommends 10 to 20 seconds.
Why do callers get more than one text?
Callers get more than one text because the feature triggers for every missed call. Use a workflow with a tag filter or a wait step to send only one.
Do I need A2P registration for missed call text back?
For business texting to US numbers from LC Phone, yes. Register first; see our A2P guide.
Does it work with WhatsApp?
The SMS missed-call text-back feature does not work with WhatsApp. HighLevel has a separate Missed Call WhatsApp Back setting.
Can I use it for after-hours calls?
Yes, you can use missed-call text-back for after-hours calls, and many businesses do. Use a message that says when you will reply, and consider Voice AI for real answers; see Voice AI pricing.
Can you build and test this for me?
Yes, it is part of our GoHighLevel automation service; the first call is free.