Do you want to know what to say when returning a missed call?
Whether you say it in a call or a return text, it’s best to be professional and polite, right?
Well, this article is here to help you get the right tone.
We’ve gathered some alternatives to show you how to return a call professionally.
Is It Rude to Not Return a Missed Call?
It is rude not to return a missed call. Generally, it’s rude to miss a call without even attempting to call back to apologize.
We recommend sending a text or calling back immediately to avoid any awkwardness or rudeness. It’s best to be as quick as you can about it, too.
Of course, there are plenty of reasons why someone might miss a call. So, it’s not rude to miss the initial call. It’s only rude not to return it.
If you don’t know the number, it’s less rude. After all, you don’t have to call back an unknown number (though it would be good if you’d like to know who’s calling).
If you know who is calling, it’s more rude. You should always return someone’s call if you know them (i.e., if it’s an employee).
Pros
- As long as you politely return a call, you will have no problems.
- It’s best to check who’s calling you, even if you don’t know the number.
Cons
- Returning an unknown number’s call could get you in trouble (i.e., if it’s a scam caller).
- You might not have a good enough excuse prepared, which could be problematic when returning a call.
So, it’s rude not to return a missed call. Therefore, you should know what to say when you have missed a call from your boss or even someone you don’t know.
Keep reading to learn how to respond to a missed call by text professionally. We’ll also show you what to say if you call someone back and apologize directly.
What to Say When Returning a Missed Call
- Sorry, I noticed I missed your call
- Thank you for your call earlier
- I’m sorry I couldn’t answer your call earlier
- I apologize for missing your call. What can I do for you?
- I’m returning your call. How can I be of service?
- I’m sorry I was too busy to take your call earlier
- I must have missed your call earlier today
- I’m here now to assist with anything you need
- Please accept my apologies for missing your call
1. Sorry, I Noticed I Missed Your Call
You can start with “sorry, I noticed I missed your call” when returning someone’s call.
It’s professional and honest. You don’t need to specify why you missed their call, but this is a great way to let someone know that it was an accident or you were otherwise occupied.
You can also check out these examples to learn how to use it:
Sorry, I noticed I missed your call earlier. What did you want from me?
Sorry, I noticed I missed your call! Did you need me for anything important?
2. Thank You for Your Call Earlier
Feel free to use “thank you for your call earlier” in formal instances.
This is a great way to show that you missed a call but appreciate the caller. It keeps things friendly and honest, showing that it was never your intention to miss it.
If you want to know what to say when returning a missed call for an interview, check these out:
Thank you for your call earlier. It was important to me, and I’d like to assist you.
Oh, thank you for your call earlier, but I wasn’t able to take it at the time.
3. I’m Sorry I Couldn’t Answer Your Call Earlier
You can use “I’m sorry I couldn’t answer your call earlier.” It works when calling someone back or sending an apologetic text.
It’s a great way to keep things formal and open. After all, there are plenty of reasons why someone might miss a call. All you can do is apologize and call someone back!
Also, here are some great examples to show you what to say in a return call:
I’m sorry I couldn’t answer your call earlier. What did you want to talk about?
I’m sorry I couldn’t answer your call earlier. Let me know when you’re free to call again.
4. I Apologize for Missing Your Call. What Can I Do for You?
Feel free to use “I apologize for missing your call. What can I do for you?” when returning a call to a customer.
It’s a great way to show you’re willing to help. Even if you missed the initial call, this is a great choice that lets a customer know you’re happy to help out because it’s your duty.
We highly recommend it because it stays formal and polite. You can’t go wrong with it, and it’ll let customers know how much you care.
Check out these return call and message samples to learn what to say in a returned call:
I apologize for missing your call. What can I do for you? Please let me know.
I apologize for missing your call. What can I do for you now that I’m free?
5. I’m Returning Your Call. How Can I Be of Service?
Another useful synonym to write after a missed call is “I’m returning your call. How can I be of service?”
Again, this works best when contacting a client or customer. It shows that you missed the initial call, but you want to keep a positive working relationship with them.
Here’s a great example showing you what to include in a return message:
I’m returning your call. How can I be of service? Feel free to let me know what you need.
Or, you can review this message sample to learn more:
I can see you’re busy, but I’m returning your call. How can I be of service?
6. I’m Sorry I Was Too Busy to Take Your Call Earlier
Try writing “I’m sorry I was too busy to take your call earlier.”
This is a formal and honest way to show that you missed a call.
It works well when calling someone back or sending a text to apologize. It’s respectful and clear. Also, it gives you a chance to fix the situation if you miss an important call.
Feel free to review this example to learn what to say when returning a missed call about a job:
I’m sorry I was too busy to take your call earlier. Do you have any updates for me?
You can also review this message sample to learn more:
I’m sorry I was too busy to take your call earlier. What can I do for you?
7. I Must Have Missed Your Call Earlier Today
Another great alternative is “I must have missed your call earlier today.”
This one works best if you’re unsure whether someone’s call was important. You can use it if you don’t know what the call is about.
It shows you’re happy to return a call, but you’re unsure if it will be productive.
Check out this example to learn how to return someone’s call:
I must have missed your call earlier today. I didn’t see it at the time, so I’m returning it now.
You can also review this text message example to learn more:
I must have missed your call earlier today. Is there anything you need?
8. I’m Here Now to Assist With Anything You Need
You can also include “I’m here now to assist with anything you need” after missing your boss’s call.
It shows that you weren’t available at first, but you want to correct it.
So, using this in a phone call or text message is a great way to take responsibility and apologize for not being available.
Feel free to review this example to see how to call someone back with it:
I’m so sorry for missing your call! I’m here now to assist with anything you need from me.
Or, you can refer to this text message sample to learn more:
I’m here now to assist with anything you need. Feel free to let me know what I can do.
9. Please Accept My Apologies for Missing Your Call
We want to finish with “please accept my apologies for missing your call.” It’s a formal synonym that works really well in most professional instances.
Like many of the synonyms here, you can include it in a text message to your boss. However, it might also work in an email if you think it’s more appropriate.
So, if you want to see how to leave a message for a missed call, refer to this example:
Please accept my apologies for missing your call. And when you get this, let me know what you need.
Or, you can send a text message including the phrase:
Please accept my apologies for missing your call. Is there anything I can do for you right now?