How to Use Call Screen on a Google Pixel Phone

Call Screen lets a Pixel answer an incoming call for you and ask why the person is calling. You read the live transcript before deciding whether to pick up, block, report spam, or ignore the call.

These steps apply to Google Pixel phones with Phone by Google. Full live transcription is available on Pixel 3 and later, while basic screening can work on other Android phones with the Google Phone app.

Does This Affect You?

Use this if robocalls, telemarketers, or unknown numbers keep interrupting you and you want to check the call before speaking.

Screen an Incoming Call

1. When a call arrives, look for Screen call or the shield-style screening button.
2. Tap Screen call.
3. The phone answers and asks the caller to identify themselves and explain the call.
4. Read the live transcript on your screen.
5. Choose an option such as reporting and blocking spam, picking up with I will take it from here, or letting the call end.

Turn Call Screen On if the Button Is Missing

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu and open Settings.
3. Tap Spam and Call Screen.
4. Turn on Show Screen call option.
5. Make sure See caller ID and spam is also enabled.
6. Check the next incoming call for the Screen call button.

Automatically Screen Likely Spam

1. Open Phone settings again.
2. Tap Spam and Call Screen.
3. Tap Automatically screen calls if your Pixel shows the option.
4. Choose whether to screen unknown numbers, likely spam, or the suggested spam categories.

Automatic screening answers matching calls without you tapping first, but you can still watch the transcript and jump in.

Extra Call Screen Notes

Silent Spam Filtering Is Separate

Filter suspected spam calls can send high-confidence spam directly to voicemail without ringing. That option is separate from Call Screen and can be used alongside it.

Transcripts Are for the Moment

The live Call Screen text is not meant to be a permanent searchable record. If you need a copy, take a screenshot while it is visible.

Carrier and Wi-Fi Calls

Call Screen works with Wi-Fi calling and does not depend heavily on the carrier because the screening and transcription happen on the phone.

Sources

• Google Support: Screen calls and block spam calls with Pixel
• Google Support: Manage spam and Call Screen settings
• Google Store: Pixel calling features overview

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