Google has rolled out a new feature for its Pixel phones that allows users to screen calls from unknown or spam callers using Google Assistant. The feature, which was previously available only in the US, is now expanding to more countries and languages, including India and Hindi.
How does call screening work?
Call screening is a feature that uses Google Assistant to answer calls from numbers that are not in your contacts list. Google Assistant asks the caller to state their name and the reason for calling, and transcribes their response in real-time on your phone screen. You can then decide whether to pick up, hang up, or mark the call as spam.
Call screening can also detect and block spam calls automatically, without ringing your phone or notifying you. Google says that call screening uses on-device technology to keep your calls private and secure.
Which Pixel phones support call screening?
Call screening is supported on Pixel 3 and newer devices, running Android 14 or higher. However, the feature is not available in all regions and languages. Google says that it is gradually rolling out call screening to more countries and languages, and users can check the availability of the feature in their settings.
According to a Reddit user, call screening is now available in India, and supports English (India) and Hindi (India) languages. The user claims to have enabled the feature on a rooted OnePlus 7 running a custom version of Android 14, and shared screenshots of the feature working in Hindi.
What are the benefits of call screening?
Call screening can help you avoid unwanted or spam calls, and save your time and battery. You can also protect yourself from scams and frauds, as Google Assistant can filter out callers who try to trick you into giving personal or financial information.
Call screening can also improve your call quality, as Google Assistant can ask the caller to speak louder or clearer if the audio is not clear. You can also access the transcript and audio of the screened calls in your call history, and report any issues or feedback to Google.
How to enable call screening on Pixel phones?
To enable call screening on your Pixel phone, follow these steps:
- Open the Phone app on your Pixel phone.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon on the top right corner, and select Settings.
- Tap Spam and Call Screen.
- Tap Call Screen.
- Tap the option that says Unknown call settings.
- Choose how you want Google Assistant to screen your calls. You can choose from the following options:
- Automatically screen. Decline robocalls: Google Assistant will screen all calls from numbers that are not in your contacts, and decline calls that are detected as spam or robocalls. You will not be notified of these calls, and they will not appear in your call history.
- Automatically screen. Silence unknown callers: Google Assistant will screen all calls from numbers that are not in your contacts, and silence calls that are not detected as spam or robocalls. You will see a notification of these calls, and they will appear in your call history.
- Ring phone: Google Assistant will not screen any calls, and your phone will ring normally for all calls.
You can also customize your call screen settings for specific contacts or groups, such as starred contacts, first-time callers, or private or hidden numbers.
Call screening is a useful feature that can enhance your Pixel phone experience and protect you from unwanted or spam calls. Google is working on expanding the availability and functionality of the feature to more regions and languages, and users can expect more updates and improvements in the future.
