Skip to content

Missed-call text-back.In plain English.

Definition

Updated

Missed-call text-back automatically sends a text to someone whose call you missed, so they hear from you before they try someone else.

The FCC treats texts as calls under the TCPA. Its consumer guide says commercial texts require written consent, while consent for informational texts may be oral.

No FCC rule says a missed call counts as consent to texts. When the FCC was asked whether leaving a voicemail signals consent to an automatic reply, it called that question moot in the case before it, and it said that capturing a number from the Caller ID of an earlier call doesn't prove consent on its own.

Keep the first text informational: name your business, say how you'll follow up and include a way to opt out, such as replying STOP. Under FCC rules in force since April 11, 2025, people can opt out by any reasonable means and you must honor it within ten business days.

From November 25, 2026, a sender can designate an exclusive way to opt out, and can meet the disclosure rule by showing just one of the standard opt-out words, such as 'stop', in each text. Marketing texts, such as offers and promotions, need the customer's prior express written consent first.

Example: 'Sorry we missed your call, this is Rivera Plumbing. We'll call you back within 15 minutes. Reply STOP to opt out.'

Sources

  1. FCC: Stop unwanted robocalls and texts, checked Nov 6, 2026
  2. FCC 15-72: TCPA Omnibus Declaratory Ruling and Order (2015), checked Nov 6, 2026
  3. Federal Register: Strengthening the ability of consumers to stop robocalls (March 2024), checked Nov 6, 2026
  4. Federal Register: Effective date notice, April 11, 2025, checked Nov 6, 2026
  5. Federal Register: Enhancing the ability of consumers to control the robocalls (October 2026), checked Nov 6, 2026