Can my phone text people back automatically when I miss a call?

iPhone's Respond with Text and Android's Quick responses send a reply when you decline a call. For calls you simply miss, the free option is a saved text shortcut you send from your recent calls. Fully automatic missed-call texts usually need a business phone system, job software that supports it, or a paid service.

Should I quote a price in the missed-call text?

Usually not. Ask for the suburb and the job, then quote on the call back once you know what's involved.

What should a locksmith voicemail say?

Your business name, that you're on a job, what to leave (name, suburb, lockout or quote) and when you'll call back. Keep it to about 20 seconds.

Do I need an opt-out line on a missed-call text?

The ACMA says messages that offer, advertise or promote goods or services are commercial and need consent, sender identification and a working unsubscribe option. A plain reply with your business name and call-back time is a response to the caller. If you add offers, follow the Spam Act rules. This is general information, not legal advice.

Missed-call replies for locksmiths

LocalePulse / Guides / Missed-call replies for locksmiths

Guide for Australian locksmiths

A locked-out caller usually rings the next locksmith if nobody answers. A quick text back, sent from your recent calls, can keep the job.

Direct answer

When a locksmith misses a call, the best reply is a text within minutes that gives your business name, when you'll call back or how soon you could get there, and asks for the suburb and the job: lockout (house or car), lock change, or a quote. Save it as a keyboard shortcut so it takes a few taps from your recent calls, and set your phone's decline-with-text reply for calls you can't take. Don't quote a price or an arrival time you can't keep.

Updated 17 October 2026 · Sources listed at the end of this page

What to ask, by call type

Call	Ask in the text	Why
House lockout	Suburb, and whether anyone is at risk inside (a child, a pet, a stove on)	Urgency, and whether they need 000 instead
Car lockout	Suburb or street, make and model	Tells you what tools and blanks to bring
Lock change or rekey	Suburb, how many doors, the lock brand if they know it	Lets you quote on the call back
Security or quote	Suburb and a photo of the door or lock	Saves a wasted visit

Set it up in 10 minutes

Record a voicemail greeting. Your business name, that you're on a job, what to leave (suburb and the job) and when you'll ring back.
Save the text as a shortcut. iPhone: Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. Android with Gboard: Gboard settings > Dictionary > Personal dictionary. Paste the text and give it a short code such as "lkx".
Edit the decline-with-text replies. iPhone: Settings > Apps > Phone > Respond with Text (on older iOS, Settings > Phone). Google Phone app: Settings > Quick responses.
Check what you already pay for. Some job software and business phone systems can send an automatic text after a missed call. Look in the settings before buying anything new.
Only promise what you'll keep. "I'll call you back in 15 minutes" is better than an arrival time you can't make.

Free texts you can paste

Lockout

Hi, it's [Name] from [Business]. Sorry I missed your call, I'm on a job. I'll ring you back within [15 minutes]. Reply with your suburb and whether it's a house or a car. If someone is in danger, call 000.

Car lockout

Hi, it's [Name] from [Business]. Sorry I missed your call. Reply with where you are and the make and model, and I'll call you back within [15 minutes] with a time.

Lock change or rekey

Hi, it's [Name] from [Business]. Sorry I missed your call, I'm on a job. I'll ring you back by [time]. Reply with your suburb, how many doors, and the lock brand if you know it.

After hours

Hi, it's [Name] from [Business]. Sorry I missed your call. [We're closed until [time] tomorrow / After-hours call-outs are available: reply URGENT and I'll call you back.] Reply with your suburb and the job.

Decline-with-text (short)

[Business]: on a job, can't talk. Calling you back shortly. Text me your suburb and the job.

Voicemail greeting (about 20 seconds)

Hi, you've reached [Name] at [Business]. I'm on a job right now. Leave your name, your suburb and whether you're locked out or need a quote, and I'll ring you back within [time]. You can also text this number.

Keep these as direct replies to the person who called you. If you add offers or promotions, the message becomes commercial and the Spam Act's consent, sender-identification and unsubscribe rules apply. Only touch your phone when it's safe and legal to do so. This page is general information, not legal advice.

FAQ

Can my phone text people back automatically when I miss a call?: iPhone's Respond with Text and Android's Quick responses send a reply when you decline a call. For calls you simply miss, the free option is a saved text shortcut you send from your recent calls. Fully automatic missed-call texts usually need a business phone system, job software that supports it, or a paid service.
Should I quote a price in the missed-call text?: Usually not. Ask for the suburb and the job, then quote on the call back once you know what's involved.
What should a locksmith voicemail say?: Your business name, that you're on a job, what to leave (name, suburb, lockout or quote) and when you'll call back. Keep it to about 20 seconds.
Do I need an opt-out line on a missed-call text?: The ACMA says messages that offer, advertise or promote goods or services are commercial and need consent, sender identification and a working unsubscribe option. A plain reply with your business name and call-back time is a response to the caller. If you add offers, follow the Spam Act rules. This is general information, not legal advice.

Sources

Apple Support: Answer or decline incoming calls on iPhone and Use text replacements on iPhone
Google Phone app Help: Change call settings (Quick responses)
Gboard Help: Get word suggestions & fix mistakes (personal dictionary)
ACMA: Avoid sending spam