GoHighLevel Missed Call Text Back: Step-by-Step Setup (2026)
Every missed call is a lead that might call your competitor next. Missed call text back fixes this: when someone calls your business and nobody answers, GoHighLevel automatically sends them a text within seconds, so the conversation keeps going.
This guide shows you how to set it up step by step with a GoHighLevel workflow, what to write in the message, and the mistakes that stop it from working.
What you need first
A GoHighLevel phone number (LC Phone or a connected Twilio number) that customers actually call.
A2P 10DLC approval if you text US numbers. Without it, your texts may be blocked or filtered. If yours was rejected, see how to fix a rejected A2P registration.
A booking calendar, so the text can include a link to book.
Step 1: Create a new workflow
Go to Automation → Workflows → Create Workflow → Start from scratch. Name it something clear, such as "Missed Call Text Back".
Step 2: Add the call trigger
Click Add New Trigger and choose the Call Status trigger. Add filters so it only fires when it should:
Call direction: incoming.
Call status: the statuses that mean nobody picked up, such as no answer, busy or voicemail.
If you use more than one phone number, you can also filter by the number that was called, so each location or service gets its own message.
Step 3: Add a short wait
Add a Wait step of about one minute. This avoids texting someone who is already calling back or whose call you return straight away.
Step 4: Send the SMS
Add a Send SMS action. Keep the message short, friendly and useful. Use the contact's first name if you have it, and include your booking link. For example:
Hi {{contact.first_name}}, sorry we missed your call! This is [Business Name]. How can we help? You can reply here or book a time that suits you: [booking link]
Tips for the message:
Say who you are, because the caller may not recognise your number.
Ask a question, so they reply instead of calling someone else.
Stay under 160 characters where you can, so it sends as one text.
Step 5: Notify your team
Add an Internal Notification action (SMS, email or app notification) so someone follows up personally. You can also create a task or move the contact into a "Missed Call" pipeline stage.
Step 6: Stop the follow-up when they reply
In the workflow settings, turn on the option to stop the workflow when the contact replies, so they do not get extra automated messages while you are talking to them.
Step 7: Test it
Save and publish the workflow, then call your GoHighLevel number from a different phone and let it ring out. Check that the text arrives, the contact is created or updated, and your team gets the notification.
Common mistakes
No A2P approval: the workflow runs but the SMS never arrives.
Workflow left in draft: it has to be published to run.
Calls forwarded to a mobile: if your forwarding number has its own voicemail, the call can look answered. Test with your real call setup.
Texting every caller, including existing clients: add a filter or a different message for contacts with a "client" tag.
Texting at night: use a wait-until step or business hours if you do not want messages sent at 2 am.
Make it smarter with AI
Once the basic version works, you can connect GoHighLevel Conversation AI so replies are answered instantly and the AI can book appointments for you. Read our guide to Conversation AI setup mistakes before you switch it on.
Frequently asked questions
Does missed call text back work for landlines?
Texts can only be delivered to numbers that accept SMS. If a caller uses a landline, the text will not arrive, so keep a call-back task for your team.
How much does it cost to run?
You pay GoHighLevel's normal SMS usage rate for each text, which is usually a fraction of a cent to a few cents per message depending on the country.
Can I send a WhatsApp message instead?
Yes, if WhatsApp is connected to your sub-account, you can use a WhatsApp action instead of SMS, using an approved template.
Want it set up for you?
GHL Expertise sets up missed call text back, appointment reminders, no-show follow-up and full lead follow-up systems in GoHighLevel, tested and ready to go. Book a free 30-minute call or see our GoHighLevel automation services.
