How to set up automatic SMS reply on Android in 2026

TL;DR: Android natively supports only "quick reply" when manually rejecting a call. For automatic SMS on missed calls (when you don't pick up), you need a third-party app: Tasker (€4 one-time, 4 hours setup), SMS Auto Reply (free with ads), or MissCall (€4-32/month, 2 minutes setup, web admin, multi-phone — but EU only).

This article covers all three solutions in detail.

Why you'd want automatic SMS on missed calls

Anyone who answers phones as part of work has the same problem: phone rings at a wrong moment (in surgery, at a viewing, on a job, in court, at a wedding, driving), you don't pick up. Customer doesn't know why — could be vacation, illness, defunct business. They find competition on Google in 30 seconds.

Automatic SMS reply solves this — caller gets immediate "I'll call back" message. They know you're alive and working. They wait.

Option 1: Native Android (limited)

Modern Androids have a built-in "quick reply" feature when manually rejecting a call.

Setup (Samsung One UI 6)

1. Phone app → ⋮ → Settings
2. Quick Decline messages
3. Edit existing or add new

Setup (Pixel / stock Android)

1. Phone app → ⋮ → Settings
2. Quick responses
3. Edit responses

Limitation: Only works when you actively swipe to reject. Not when you simply miss the call (away, in surgery, no signal).

Verdict: Limited but free. OK for occasional use.

Option 2: Tasker (powerful, technical)

Tasker is an Android automation framework that can do almost anything, including auto-SMS on missed calls.

Cost: €4 one-time on Google Play.

Setup time: 2-4 hours for first profile.

Setup steps (high level)

1. Install Tasker
2. Create new Profile → Event → Phone → Missed Call
3. Create Task → "Send SMS"
4. Set message text, recipient (variable %CNUM = caller number)
5. Add conditions (time, contact filter)
6. Test extensively

Pros:

• Maximum flexibility
• One-time payment
• Privacy (everything on phone, no cloud)

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
• Often breaks with Android updates (battery optimization changes)
• No web admin
• No statistics
• No multi-phone

Verdict: Great for tech-savvy DIY. Not for typical SMB owner.

Option 3: MissCall (SaaS, easy, EU only)

MissCall is a Czech B2B SaaS specifically for automatic SMS replies.

Cost: From €4/month (Personal plan). 60 days free.

Setup time: 2 minutes.

Setup steps

1. Sign up on misscall.io/en
2. Download Android APK
3. Open app, log in
4. Choose template (or write your own)
5. Set schedule (working hours, holidays, etc.)
6. Done

Pros:

• 2 minutes setup
• Web admin for changes — the only feature competitors don't have
• Multi-phone (up to 30 in Corporate plan)
• Statistics
• GDPR compliant (EU servers)
• Native Czech, Slovak, Polish, English (German planned)
• Stable across Android updates

Cons:

• Recurring cost (€4-32/month)
• Requires internet on phone
• Cloud-based (uptime dependency, currently 99.97%)
• EU only — not available in USA, Canada, UK, Switzerland, Australia

Verdict: Best for SMBs and freelancers in EU who want to focus on business not tech setup. See features → | See pricing →

Other options

SMS Auto Reply (Lemi Apps): Free with ads. Limited. Spotty Android compatibility. OK for occasional personal use, NOT for business.

Auto Text (HNIB Apps): Multi-platform (SMS + WhatsApp). Requires Accessibility Service (privacy concern). $2.99/month.

Virtual call centers (Daktela, Virtuální 24): From €100/month. Overkill for solo freelancers. Right for big call centers.

How to write a good SMS template

Whatever solution you pick, the template matters more than the tech. A good template:

1. Under 160 characters (1 SMS)
2. Starts with thanks ("Thanks for calling")
3. Says when you'll call back (specific time commitment)
4. Offers alternative (SMS, email, web, emergency line)

Example for plumber:

"Thanks for calling. I'm on a job, will call back this evening. For emergency leak (water, gas), call 112."

Antipatterns:

• Don't add caller's name (you don't know it)
• Don't apologize at length
• Don't use generic plurals ("Our team is busy")
• Don't overuse emoji (Unicode = 2 SMS)

For 100 ready-to-use templates by profession, see our templates library.

My recommendation

For most EU SMBs and freelancers: MissCall. 2 minutes setup, web admin, multi-phone, GDPR-compliant. The €4/month pays for itself with 1 saved customer per month.

For tech-savvy DIY: Tasker is great if you have 2-4 hours and don't mind occasional fix-ups.

For casual personal use: Native Android quick reply is enough.

For iPhone users: Sorry. Apple doesn't allow apps to send SMS in background. Try the Shortcuts app for very limited automation, but no real solution exists.

For non-EU users: MissCall isn't available in USA, Canada, UK, Switzerland, Australia. Try local alternatives (US: Sakari, EZ Texting; UK: Textlocal; CH: GoSMS).