What to Say When a Stranger Texts You: 150 Creative Responses

You’re going about your day when suddenly, your phone buzzes with a message from an unknown number. You open it and read a text that leaves you wondering, “Who is this?” It’s a situation we’ve all faced, and it can be awkward trying to figure out how to respond to a stranger texting you out of the blue.

150 Ways To Responding To a Text From an Unknown Number

In this article, we’ve gathered creative responses that will help you handle these unexpected messages with confidence. Whether it’s a random inquiry, a promotional text, or someone trying to make conversation, these replies will give you plenty of options to keep the conversation going—or to politely end it if necessary.

No more worrying about what to say next. Let’s dive into a list of clever, fun, and thoughtful responses that will help you stay in control of the conversation while keeping things comfortable and safe.

General Casual Responses

1. Hey there! Who’s this?
2. Hi! How’s it going?
3. Hello! What’s up?
4. Hey, how can I help?
5. Hi! I don’t think we’ve met before.
6. Hey! What’s going on?
7. Hello, who’s texting?
8. Hey there, how are you?
9. Hi, what’s up?
10. Hello, how’s your day going?
11. Hey, how can I assist you?
12. Hi! What’s new?
13. Hey, nice to hear from you!
14. Hello! What’s on your mind?
15. Hi, what can I do for you?
16. Hey! How’s everything?
17. Hi, how’s it going today?
18. Hey, what’s happening?
19. Hello, who’s this? Sorry, I don’t recognize your number.
20. Hey there, what’s up?
21. Hi! Do we know each other?
22. Hey, long time no see! Who’s this?
23. Hello! I wasn’t expecting a text from you.
24. Hi, just got your message. What’s up?
25. Hey there! How’s everything going?
26. Hello! Hope your day’s going well.
27. Hi! What can I do for you today?
28. Hey! It’s great to hear from you. Who’s this?
29. Hello! How’s everything on your end?
30. Hey, what’s new with you?
31. Hi there, who’s reaching out?
32. Hello! What’s going on with you?
33. Hey, how’s your day been so far?
34. Hi, hope you’re having a good day!

Funny or Playful Replies

1. Are you from outer space? Because your number looks unfamiliar!
2. I was just thinking I needed a new friend—are you applying for the job?
3. If you’re a secret agent, I promise I won’t tell anyone!
4. I’m sorry, I don’t talk to people without cookies.
5. I think I’ve found my new best friend. Do you accept bribes?
6. Did we meet at a party, or are you just a friendly ghost?
7. Did you just text me because you knew I was waiting for a random message?
8. Okay, tell me the truth. Are you secretly famous?
9. Whoa, I didn’t expect a message from the future. Is this a time traveler?
10. Sorry, my phone only accepts messages from aliens or superheroes.
11. I was about to take a nap, but now I guess I’ll talk to you instead!
12. Well, this is unexpected… Should I be scared or excited?
13. I was just thinking how nice it would be to receive a mysterious message today.
14. I’m not sure who you are, but you’ve got my attention now!
15. Are we texting, or is this a reality show where I’m the unsuspecting contestant?
16. You’ve reached the inbox of an aspiring superhero. What’s your emergency?
17. I’m kind of busy trying to solve the mystery of who you are. Help me out?
18. Is this a hidden camera show? Because I’m about to say something embarrassing.
19. I was just practicing my texting skills, and you’re the lucky recipient!
20. If this is a message from the future, can you tell me who wins the lottery?
21. Is this a test of my texting reflexes? Because I’m ready!
22. I didn’t know I was this popular. Who else is texting me today?
23. Did I just win something? Or is this a surprise party invite?
24. A message from a stranger? Are you sure this isn’t a trap?
25. I’d respond more creatively, but I’m still recovering from the shock of your text!
26. Is it weird if I’m already picturing you as a character in a novel?
27. I didn’t think this day could get any weirder, but here we are.
28. I’m suspicious… Are you secretly a spy trying to recruit me?
29. You’re a mystery wrapped in an enigma, aren’t you?
30. Hold on, let me get my detective hat on to figure out who you are.
31. I’m almost certain I’ve seen your name in a movie. Are you an actor?
32. Your text is like a plot twist I wasn’t expecting—what happens next?

Mysterious and Intriguing Responses

1. The question is, who are you?
2. Does it really matter who I am?
3. Only time will tell…
4. Secrets are best kept for now…
5. Some things are better left unsaid.
6. You’ll find out soon enough.
7. I can’t reveal too much just yet.
8. The truth is out there, but not here.
9. Who I am isn’t as important as why you’re texting me.
10. The game has only just begun.
11. Who I am is a riddle waiting to be solved.
12. Let’s just say I’m someone you’ll want to know more about.
13. All will be revealed in time.
14. I am the answer to a question you haven’t asked yet.
15. You’ve reached the right person… or have you?
16. Some things are better left as mysteries.
17. I’m not quite what I seem.
18. Keep guessing, and you might get closer.
19. If you want to know, you’ll have to wait for the next clue.
20. You’ll soon learn more than you expect.
21. Ever wondered what a mystery feels like? You’re talking to it.
22. The less you know, the more intriguing it gets.
23. Can you figure me out? That’s the real challenge.
24. The answer lies within the question you haven’t asked.
25. Consider this your first clue.
26. Who am I? That’s for you to discover.
27. Some mysteries aren’t meant to be solved quickly.
28. I could tell you, but you’d have to unlock the mystery first.
29. I’m just a shadow, slipping through the cracks.
30. I’m like a book with no title—yet.
31. Let’s just say I’m someone with stories to tell.
32. Ever heard of a secret worth keeping?
33. If you follow the right trail, you’ll uncover the truth.
34. It’s not about who I am, but what I’m about to show you.

Polite but Vague Responses

1. I’m not sure, but I’ll try to get back to you on that.
2. That’s an interesting question; I’ll need some time to think about it.
3. I’ll see what I can do and let you know.
4. That’s something I can’t answer at the moment, but I’ll get back to you.
5. I’m not completely sure, but I can look into it for you.
6. Let me think about it and I’ll get back to you.
7. I’ll have to double-check, but I’ll get back to you shortly.
8. I’m not the best person to ask, but I’ll try to help.
9. I’m not entirely sure, but I’ll do my best to assist you.
10. That’s a bit out of my scope, but I’ll let you know if I find anything.
11. I’ll need to look into that before I can give you a proper answer.
12. I’m not the right person for this, but I’ll try to point you in the right direction.
13. I’ll have to get back to you on that, sorry for the delay.
14. I’m not 100% sure, but I’ll check into it.
15. I’m not sure about that, but I’ll see what I can do.
16. I’ll get back to you when I have more information.
17. That’s a good question, I’ll look into it for you.
18. I’m not entirely certain, but I’ll do some research.
19. I’m not sure at the moment, but I’ll figure it out soon.
20. I’ll try to find more details and let you know.
21. I can’t say for sure, but I’ll see what I can find.
22. That’s something I’ll need to check on, but I’ll get back to you.
23. I’m not entirely sure, but I can ask around.
24. I’m not certain right now, but I’ll find out soon.
25. That’s a good point, let me check on it and get back to you.
26. I’m not sure off the top of my head, but I can check on it.
27. I’ll need to confirm that, but I’ll let you know what I find.
28. I’m not entirely sure, but I’ll try to find out.
29. I’ll have to take a look at it and update you soon.
30. I’m not certain, but I’ll see if I can get more details.

Direct and Honest Responses

1. I’m not sure who this is. Can you remind me?
2. I don’t have much information on that, but I’ll be honest with you.
3. I’m not interested in talking right now, but thanks for reaching out.
4. I don’t recognize your number, could you remind me who you are?
5. I’m not the right person to ask about this, but I’ll let you know if I can help.
6. I’m sorry, I really don’t have time to discuss this at the moment.
7. I don’t feel comfortable answering that, sorry.
8. I’m not familiar with that topic, so I can’t help much.
9. I don’t have the details you’re looking for, sorry.
10. I really don’t know anything about that.
11. Honestly, I don’t feel like chatting right now.
12. I don’t recognize your number, but I’m happy to help if you tell me more.
13. I don’t know how to help, but I’m being honest with you.
14. I’m not interested in continuing this conversation, sorry.
15. I don’t think I have the right information for this.
16. I’m not the best person to answer that, but I’ll be honest about it.
17. I’m not sure, but I’ll give you a truthful answer if I find out.
18. I don’t want to give you any false information, so I’ll just say I don’t know.
19. I’m not sure what you’re asking, but I’m being honest—I don’t have an answer.
20. I can’t help with that, but I’ll be upfront about it.

Final Thoughts 

Whether you’re dealing with a curious stranger, a marketing message, or someone simply reaching out to say hello, having a variety of responses at your disposal is essential. Be sure to balance friendliness with caution, and trust your instincts. You don’t owe anyone your time or personal information unless you feel comfortable. Stay safe and have fun with your creative responses!