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What is missed call text back? How it works for UK trades (2026)

Updated August 2026 6 min read By TextBack Pro

Every time a UK tradesperson misses a call, there is an 80% chance that caller will never try again. They will ring the next plumber, electrician, or roofer on Google instead.

Missed call text back is an automated service that sends an SMS reply to anyone who calls your business and gets no answer. The message goes out within seconds, before the caller has had time to dial someone else.

80%
of callers who reach voicemail never call back
<5s
average SMS reply time with TextBack Pro
3x
more leads recovered vs voicemail alone

How does missed call text back work?

The process works through call forwarding and an automated SMS system:

  1. 1
    A customer calls your number

    They ring your existing mobile or business number, the same one you have always used.

  2. 2
    You do not answer

    You are on the tools, driving, or with another customer. The call goes unanswered after your set number of rings.

  3. 3
    The call forwards to TextBack Pro

    Your phone's built-in call forwarding routes the missed call to your dedicated TextBack Pro number. This happens in the background with no action needed from you.

  4. 4
    An SMS fires within seconds

    The caller's mobile receives a personalised text message: "Hi, sorry we missed your call at ABC Plumbing. Reply here and we will get back to you shortly." The message goes out in under 5 seconds.

  5. 5
    The AI handles replies

    If the caller texts back, an AI assistant continues the conversation, answers common questions, and on Pro and Scale plans can book an appointment directly into your Google Calendar.

Key point: If you answer the call, nothing happens. The SMS only fires when a call is genuinely missed. Customers who reach you are not affected.

Who needs missed call text back?

Any UK business that receives phone enquiries and sometimes cannot answer is a candidate. But it is most impactful for:

  • Tradespeople who are on the tools all day (plumbers, electricians, gas engineers, roofers, builders, locksmiths)
  • Sole traders with no receptionist or team to cover calls
  • Businesses with fluctuating demand where missing one call can mean missing a job worth hundreds of pounds
  • Out-of-hours enquiries where callers ring evenings or weekends and expect a quick response

What does the SMS look like?

You write the message yourself in your TextBack Pro dashboard. Most tradespeople use something like:

"Hi, sorry we missed your call at [Your Business Name]. We are probably on a job right now. Reply to this message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Text STOP to unsubscribe."

You can customise the tone, mention your trade, add your website, or include a promotional offer. The message goes out from a UK mobile number so it looks like a normal text.

Missed call text back vs voicemail: what is the difference?

Feature Voicemail Missed call text back
Caller response rate~20% leave a message80%+ read the SMS
Speed of replyYou call back laterSMS in under 5 seconds
Works out of hoursYes (passive)Yes (active)
Continues conversationNoAI replies to texts
Books appointmentsNoYes (Pro and Scale)
Monthly costFreeFrom £47/month

Is missed call text back legal in the UK?

Yes. Sending an SMS to someone who has just called your business is lawful under UK GDPR on a legitimate interest basis. The caller initiated contact by ringing you first, which establishes the legitimate interest. You must:

  • Include an easy opt-out in the message (such as "Text STOP to unsubscribe")
  • Not send marketing messages beyond the initial reply unless the person has opted in
  • Keep a record of opt-outs and honour them immediately

TextBack Pro handles opt-out management automatically. Any caller who replies STOP is immediately removed from future messages.

How to set up missed call text back in 5 minutes

  1. 1
    Sign up for a free trial at textbackpro.co.uk

    No credit card required. Your account is created instantly.

  2. 2
    Get your dedicated UK phone number

    TextBack Pro assigns you a UK (+44) number. This is the number that receives your forwarded missed calls.

  3. 3
    Enable call forwarding

    Dial the short code we provide on your phone. Works on EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and all UK networks. Takes about 30 seconds.

  4. 4
    Write your SMS template

    Add your business name and a friendly message. We provide a template to get you started.

  5. 5
    You are live

    The next missed call triggers an automatic SMS reply. Check the dashboard to see calls and replies in real time.

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Frequently asked questions

What is missed call text back?
Missed call text back is an automated service that sends an SMS reply to anyone who calls your business and gets no answer. The message goes out within seconds, keeping the lead warm before they call a competitor.
Is it legal to text someone who called me in the UK?
Yes. Sending an SMS to someone who has just called your business is lawful under UK GDPR on a legitimate interest basis. You must include an opt-out option (STOP to unsubscribe) in your message. TextBack Pro handles this automatically.
Will it send a text if I answer the call?
No. The SMS only fires when a call is genuinely missed. If you pick up, nothing is sent.
How much does it cost?
TextBack Pro starts at £47 per month, which includes one UK phone number and up to 200 missed call replies per month. There is a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.
Does it work on EE, O2, Vodafone and Three?
Yes. Call forwarding works on all major UK mobile and landline networks.
Can it book appointments automatically?
Yes, on Pro and Scale plans. When your Google Calendar is connected, the AI assistant can check availability and book appointments during the SMS conversation.