How to Use Call Screen on Google Pixel Phones

If you own a Google Pixel phone, you have access to one of the most powerful features in the Android ecosystem: Call Screen.

This feature uses Google Assistant to answer calls for you, asking the caller for their name and reason for calling. You see a real-time transcript of their response and can decide whether to pick up, hang up, or mark the call as spam—all without ever speaking to the caller.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to enable and use Call Screen to take back control of your phone.

Before we dive into the "how-to," here is why you should be using it:

• Eliminate Spam: It automatically filters out robocalls and known spam numbers.
• Privacy: Find out who is calling before you commit to a conversation.
• Quiet Meetings: Screen a call while in a meeting to see if it's urgent without disrupting the room.
• Accessibility: Great for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, allowing them to communicate via text.

Call Screen is built directly into the Google Phone app. Here is how to turn it on:

1. Open the Phone app on your Pixel.
2. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Tap on Spam and Call Screen (sometimes just labeled Call Screen depending on your model).
5. Tap Call Screen.

For the best experience, you can set up Call Screen to work automatically. This is available on Pixel 6 and newer models in the US.

In the Call Screen settings menu, you will see options for Protection Level:

• Basic: Declines known spam only.
• Medium: Screens suspicious calls and declines spam.
• Maximum: Screens all unknown numbers.

We recommend starting with Medium. This strikes a good balance—your contacts get through instantly, but potential spam is intercepted by Google Assistant.

Even if you don't use automatic screening, you can trigger it manually for any incoming call.

1. Wait for a call: When your phone rings, you will see a "Screen call" button above the "Answer" and "Decline" buttons.
2. Tap "Screen call": Google Assistant will answer and say: "Hi, the person you're calling is using a screening service from Google, and will get a copy of this conversation. Go ahead and say your name, and why you're calling."
3. Read the transcript: As the caller speaks, their words appear on your screen in real-time.
4. Choose an action:
   • Pick up: Tap the green phone icon to answer.
   • Hang up: Tap the red phone icon to disconnect.
   • Ask more info: Tap suggested chips like "Tell me more" or "Is it urgent?".

We all get calls from numbers we don't recognize. Instead of ignoring it (and wondering if it was important) or answering it (and risking a telemarketer), just tap Screen call. If it's your doctor or a delivery driver, they'll say so, and you can pick up immediately.

If you are working and don't want to break your flow for a wrong number, let the Assistant handle it. You can glance at the transcript and decide in seconds if it's worth your attention.

Google's Call Screen is more than just a spam filter; it's a personal secretary that lives in your pocket. By setting it up today, you can save time, reduce interruptions, and ensure you only talk to the people you actually want to hear from.