> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.dialbird.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Auto-replies

> Text people back automatically when you miss their call or they message out of hours.

An auto-reply texts someone back for you, so a caller you could not get to does not just hear nothing. It is a good way to reassure customers that you have seen them and will be in touch, even when you are on a job.

Auto-replies are set up **per number**. Go to **Settings**, then **Phone numbers**, open a number, and find **Auto-replies** under the **Automation** tab.

## The two auto-replies

There are exactly two, and you can turn on either, both, or neither:

* **Missed call auto-reply** texts someone after you miss their call. Something like *"Sorry we missed you, we'll call you straight back."*
* **Out-of-hours auto-reply** texts someone who contacts you outside your business hours. Something like *"Thanks for getting in touch, we're closed now but we'll reply first thing."*

Each one is a simple on/off switch with a message box underneath. When you switch one on, you have to give it a message before you can save.

<Note>
  The out-of-hours one uses your **business hours** for that number. If you haven't set those, it won't know when you're closed. Set them under the **Availability** tab.
</Note>

## Setting one up

1. Open the number's **Automation** tab, then **Auto-replies**.
2. Turn on the one you want.
3. Type the message you want sent. You can write up to 1,000 characters, and Dialbird counts them for you.
4. Save.

When Dialbird sends one, it shows in the chat with a little **Auto-reply** label, so you can tell it apart from something you typed.

<Note>
  These are the only two auto-replies. There's no way to reply automatically to a certain word, or to first-time texters, just missed calls and out-of-hours.
</Note>