Updated Sep 30, 2026

How to set up missed-call text-back

A caller with water on the floor won't wait. If nobody answers, they dial the next plumber. A text-back goes out within a minute to say who you are and when you'll call.

Step 1: turn on auto-reply

• iPhone: Settings → Focus → Driving, or a custom Focus. Set Auto-Reply to "All Contacts" or "Everyone", paste the message from step 3, and turn the Focus on during jobs.
• Android (Samsung): Phone app → Settings → Quick decline messages. Change the first one to your message, then swipe up on decline to send it in one tap.
• Google Voice or a business line app: look for "missed call auto-reply" or "auto-text" in settings. Some carriers add it for a few dollars a month.

If your line rings on more than one phone, set up each one.

Step 2: fix the voicemail greeting

Record a greeting that names a time: "You've reached [Business]. I'm on a job and I return every call by 5 pm. Leave your name and street, and I'll text you first."

Step 3: write the message

Give a name, a promise and a question.

Hi, this is [First name] at [Business]. I'm on a job and can't pick up. I return every call by [time]. What's going on at the house? Text me here and I'll tell you if it can wait.

Skip links and coupons, so it reads like a person answered.

Step 4: test it

1. Have a friend call while you decline it.
2. Time the text. Under a minute is the bar.
3. Read what arrived on their phone and fix typos.
4. Call from another phone to hear the whole greeting.

Done

That's the free fix. It won't follow up tomorrow, ask for a review after the job or book the estimate.