What it does
When an inbound call goes unanswered, GoHighLevel sends the caller a text automatically. The feature lives in the sub-account phone settings. Answered calls do not trigger it.
Where to turn it on
Open Settings, then Phone System, then Voice, then Voicemail & Missed Call Text Back, and find the Missed Call Text Back section. HighLevel supplies no default message, so you write your own there. Merge fields such as the contact name work in the message.
What counts as a missed call
The voicemail call timeout decides it. That setting controls how long the phone rings before the call counts as missed and the text goes out. HighLevel typically recommends a timeout of 10 to 20 seconds.
Which number sends the text
HighLevel picks the sender in this order:
- The number the caller dialed, if it can send texts.
- A number you have already messaged that contact from.
- Your default outbound number.
- Another eligible messaging number in the location.
Stop the repeat texts
The feature sends a text for every missed call, including when the same person calls again a minute later. HighLevel suggests editing the existing workflow recipe to add a wait step of about 20 minutes, or to filter with tags such as first call and second call.
You can also build the follow-up yourself with the Call Details trigger. Set the call direction to incoming and the statuses to busy or not answered, then add actions such as notifying your team, creating a task, or texting the caller. HighLevel warns that the trigger fires on each status change, so add conditions or a cooldown period to avoid duplicate actions.
Check these before you switch it on
- Texting needs A2P 10DLC registration or toll-free verification. Without it the text is not eligible to send.
- Every missed-call text counts toward your SMS usage and charges.
- HighLevel respects Do Not Disturb and each contact's communication preferences, so some callers will not get the message.
- Write the message yourself. A first line that works: who you are, that you missed the call, and how to reply or book.
A message that works
Something like: "Hi {{contact.first_name}}, this is [business name]. Sorry we missed your call. Reply here with what you need, or book a time: [link]." Swap in your business name and booking link, and keep it short enough to read on a lock screen.
Common questions
Does it text every missed call?
Yes. HighLevel sends a text for every missed call, even when the same caller rings several times in a short window. Add a wait step or tag filter to the workflow recipe to limit repeats.
Do I need A2P registration for missed call text back?
Yes for US business texting. HighLevel lists A2P 10DLC registration or toll-free verification as a requirement for SMS eligibility.
Do answered calls send a text?
No. Only unanswered inbound calls trigger the message.