Missed call auto-reply automatically texts people when you miss their call, so they know you'll follow up. It works whether or not your Receptionist answers the call. Texts are sent from your Beside number, and replies land on that same line.
Turn on auto-reply
On the web
Go to Settings → Phone Numbers and open the line you want to use
Open the Automations tab
Under Missed calls auto-reply, turn on Auto reply to missed calls
The toggle saves automatically. If you don't have a saved message yet, Beside seeds a default one when you turn it on.
On iOS or Android
Open Settings for the line you want to use
Tap Missed call auto-reply
Turn on Auto reply to missed calls
The toggle saves automatically.
Customize the message
When auto-reply is on, you can edit the message that gets sent.
Default message:
"Sorry we missed your call. Feel free to text us here, or we'll follow up shortly."
Tips:
Keep it short and clear
Add your business name if you want it included
The message can't be empty
Saving on the web
Edit the message in Automations → Missed calls auto-reply
Tap Save when you're done
Tap Discard to revert to the last saved message
If you try to leave the page, switch tabs, or go back with unsaved edits, Beside asks you to keep editing or discard your changes. An empty message can't be saved.
Saving on iOS or Android
Edit the message, then tap Save in the navigation bar. If you leave with unsaved changes (or an empty message), Beside prompts you to discard or keep editing.
About the signature
Every auto-reply includes your text signature at the end - the same signature used for Receptionist text messages.
Example:
"– Sent by Acme's Receptionist (Beside on App Store)"
To change it, go to Receptionist → Text and edit Signature.
On the web, the Automations screen also notes which number sends auto-replies and that your text signature is included. Tap Learn more there to open this article.
When a text is sent
Beside sends the auto-reply when:
Someone calls your Beside number, and
The call isn't answered by you or your team
This includes:
Calls you miss while the Receptionist is off
Calls the Receptionist answers (the text sends after that call ends)
When a text isn't sent
Auto-reply is skipped if:
You or a teammate already answered the call
The Receptionist transferred the caller and someone picked up
You (or a teammate) already texted that caller after the missed call
That caller already received an auto-reply from this line in the last 24 hours
The caller has opted out of automated texts
Good to know
💡 No Text Receptionist needed: Auto-reply does not require Text Receptionist to be on. The text still sends.
If the caller texts back and Text Receptionist is off, their reply still lands on your line as a normal message. The Receptionist just won't auto-continue the conversation.
The same caller won't get another auto-reply from that line for 24 hours.
FAQ
Do I need Text Receptionist turned on for auto-reply to work?
Do I need Text Receptionist turned on for auto-reply to work?
No. Missed call auto-reply works independently of Text Receptionist. The text still sends even if Text Receptionist is off.
Does auto-reply send even if my Receptionist answers the call?
Does auto-reply send even if my Receptionist answers the call?
Yes. Auto-reply works whether or not your Receptionist answers. If the Receptionist handles the call, the text sends after that call ends.
How often can the same caller get an auto-reply?
How often can the same caller get an auto-reply?
Once every 24 hours per line. If that caller already received an auto-reply from this line in the last 24 hours, they won't get another one on a repeat missed call.
Can I change the signature on the auto-reply?
Can I change the signature on the auto-reply?
Yes. The signature is shared with your Receptionist text messages, so update it once from AI Receptionist → Text → Signature and it applies everywhere, including auto-reply.
What if I already texted the caller myself?
What if I already texted the caller myself?
Auto-reply is skipped. If you or a teammate already texted that caller after the missed call, Beside won't send a duplicate auto-reply.
Can I turn off the message and just send a blank text?
Can I turn off the message and just send a blank text?
No. The message can't be empty. If you want to stop auto-replies entirely, turn off Auto reply to missed calls instead.
Where do I find this setting on the web?
Where do I find this setting on the web?
Settings → Phone Numbers → [your line] → Automations → Missed calls auto-reply.