New Smartphone Features Help Screen Unknown Callers

Smartphones are increasingly incorporating features designed to identify unknown callers before a call is answered. iOS 27 on iPhones, Google Pixel phones with Call Screen, and compatible Samsung Galaxy phones now offer AI-powered call screening capabilities that can ask callers for their name and the reason for their call.

iPhone Call Screening

Apple's Call Screening feature, available with iOS 27, can automatically answer calls from unknown numbers. The system prompts the caller to state their name and the purpose of their call. This information is then transcribed and displayed on the user's iPhone, allowing them to decide whether to answer.

To enable this feature on an iPhone, users should navigate to Settings, tap Phone, and then select 'Screen Unknown Callers.' Choosing the 'Ask Reason for Calling' option activates the screening process. Alternatively, users can opt to 'Silence' unknown calls, sending them directly to voicemail, or disable the feature entirely by selecting 'Never.'

In addition to screening unknown callers, iPhone users can also manage spam and fraud calls through the Phone settings. Enabling 'Spam' allows carriers to identify and silence potential spam calls, diverting them to voicemail and a dedicated Spam list. The 'Unknown Callers' option moves calls from unsaved numbers to a separate list, keeping the main Recents list clearer.

Samsung Galaxy Call Screening

Samsung Galaxy phones with One UI 8.5 or later can utilize a similar call screening feature. This function answers incoming calls from unknown numbers and prompts the caller to explain their reason for contacting. The response is then provided as a live transcription on the device.

To activate Call screening on a Samsung Galaxy, users need to open the Phone app, tap the three vertical dots, select Settings, and then tap 'Call screening.' From there, they can turn on 'Call screening' and, optionally, 'Auto screen calls' for automatic screening of unknown numbers. Users can also customize the assistant's voice and choose a transcription language. For manual screening, users can tap 'Call assist' on an incoming call, followed by 'Call screening.'

Feature availability can vary based on the specific Galaxy model, carrier, and region. Users experiencing issues should ensure their phone's software and the Samsung Phone app are up to date.

Google Pixel Call Screen

Google Pixel phones feature Call Screen, which can answer certain calls and inquire about the caller's identity and purpose. Depending on the device and settings, this feature can screen calls automatically.

To enable Call Screen on a Pixel phone, open the Phone app, tap the three dots, go to Settings, and select 'Spam and Call Screen' or 'Call Screen.' Users can then turn on 'Automatic Call Screen' and choose a protection level: Maximum, Medium, or Basic. Google recommends the Medium setting, which screens suspicious calls while declining known spam.

Manual screening is also an option. When an unfamiliar number appears, tapping 'Screen call' initiates Call Assist, which asks the caller for their information. The response is displayed as a live transcript, allowing the user to choose whether to answer, hang up, or use suggested replies.

Benefits and Precautions

Call screening offers an advantage over simply sending all unknown numbers to voicemail, as it allows legitimate callers, such as medical offices or service technicians, to explain their reasons for calling without an immediate interruption. It also adds a layer of security by creating an initial barrier for scam callers.

However, users are cautioned not to assume a caller is legitimate based solely on their screening response. Scammers can provide false information, and caller ID can be spoofed. If a caller requests sensitive information such as money, login credentials, or security codes, users should terminate the call and contact the organization directly through official channels. This is particularly important as phone scams become more sophisticated, often using fake urgency to prompt hasty actions.