Call Screening on iPhone, Pixel and Galaxy for Unknown Callers Explained

You know the feeling. Your phone rings, you look down and see a number you don’t recognize. Now you need to decide whether you want to reply or let the message go to voicemail. This choice becomes more difficult when you’re waiting for a call from a doctor, repairman, or someone else who may not be one of your contacts.

Luckily, your phone can now help you figure out who’s on the other end before you get involved. With iOS 27, your iPhone can ask an unknown caller their name and why they’re calling. Google Pixel phones have their own call screening feature. Compatible Samsung Galaxy phones can also use AI-powered call screening. Here’s how each works on the latest software.

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Call screening tools can help you decide whether an unknown caller deserves your attention before answering. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to Filter Unknown Callers on iPhone

Apple’s call screening feature can automatically answer calls from unknown numbers without interrupting you. The caller is asked to state their name and the reason for the call. After you answer, your iPhone will ring and show you what they said. This gives you a little more information before you decide whether to respond.

How to enable call screening on iPhone

• Open settings
• Scroll down and tap Apps
• Tap Phone
• Scroll down to Filter unknown callers
• Select Ask reason for call

Once you enable it, calls from unknown numbers will ask you for more information before your iPhone rings. Apple also gives you two other options in the same section. Never deactivate call screening. Silence sends calls from unsaved numbers directly to voicemail and keeps them in your Recents list. For many people, asking the reason for the call can be a useful middle ground. You can still hear from someone important without answering every unknown number immediately.

You can also filter suspected spam calls

While you’re in the phone’s settings, you can also check out Apple’s call screening options. Go to Settings → Apps → Phone, then scroll down to the call screening section. Enabling spam allows your carrier to identify potential spam or fraud calls. These calls can then be silenced, sent to voicemail, and moved to the spam list. You can also enable unknown callers. This moves calls from unknown numbers out of your main recent calls list and into a separate list of unknown callers.

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iOS 27 can ask callers from unsaved numbers why they’re calling before your iPhone rings. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How Samsung Galaxy Filters Unknown Calls

Samsung has also introduced call screening to compatible Galaxy phones. Samsung says the feature is available on supported Galaxy phones running One UI 8.5 or later. However, feature availability may still vary by Galaxy model, carrier, and region. Galaxy call screening can answer the caller and ask why they are calling. You can then read the caller’s response as a live transcript.

How to enable call screening on Samsung Galaxy

• Open the Phone app
• Tap the three vertical dots
• Tap Settings
• Tap Call screening
• Enable call screening
• Enable automatic call screening if you want unknown calls to be automatically filtered

Samsung also lets you choose a transcription language and customize the assistant’s voice. If you prefer to decide which calls will be screened, you can do so manually. When an incoming call appears, tap Call assistance, then tap Call screening. The AI ​​assistant answers for you and asks the caller to indicate the purpose of the call. Their response then appears as text on your screen. If you don’t see Call Screening, check for the latest Galaxy software update. You should also make sure the Samsung Phone app is up to date. Some Galaxy models may not support this feature.

On compatible Samsung Galaxy phones, enable call screening and automatic call screening to automatically filter suspected spam and scam calls. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to Filter Unknown Calls on a Google Pixel

Google Pixel phones take a slightly different approach with Call Screen. The feature can answer some calls for you and ask the caller why they are calling. Depending on your Pixel and settings, Google may also automatically screen certain calls.

How to Enable Call Screen on Pixel

• Open the Phone app
• Press the three dots
• Tap Settings
• Tap Spam & Call Screen or Call Screen.
• Tap Call screen
• Enable automatic call screen
• Choose your preferred level of protection

On newer Pixel phones, you may see Maximum Protection, Medium Protection, and Basic Protection. Medium protection is Google’s recommended setting and filters suspicious calls while rejecting known spam. Maximum protection filters unknown numbers more aggressively, while basic protection mainly rejects known spam. You can always screen a call manually. When an unknown number comes in, tap Screen Call. Call Assist will ask you who is calling and why while you watch the response appear as a live transcript. From there, you can answer the call, hang up, or use one of the suggested responses.

The Pixel’s automatic call filter can filter suspicious calls and reject known spam before they reach you. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why Filtering Can Automatically Silence Every Unknown Caller

Sending each unknown number directly to voicemail certainly reduces interruptions. However, it can also send legitimate callers there. Maybe you’re waiting for a doctor’s office to call you from a number you’ve never seen. Maybe a service technician needs to reach you from a work phone. Call screening gives that person the opportunity to explain why they are trying to reach you. You can then make a call to see if you want to answer.

There is also a safety benefit. Scammers often hope that someone will call them quickly. Screening puts another step between the caller and you. However, don’t assume someone is legitimate just because they answered the screening question. Fraudsters can always lie about their identity. Caller ID can also be spoofed.

Don’t Let a Compelling Answer Let Your Guard Down

Call screening gives you information. It does not verify anyone’s identity. If a caller claims to represent your bank or other business and suddenly asks you for money or login information, end the call. The same advice applies if someone asks for a one-time security code. Instead, contact the organization yourself through its official app or website. For financial accounts, you can also use the phone number printed on your card or statement. This is especially important as phone scams become more and more convincing. Scammers can spoof familiar numbers and create a sense of urgency to pressure you to act quickly.

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

I like the idea of ​​asking an unknown caller to explain themselves before they get my attention. With iOS 27, iPhone owners can ask unknown callers to provide a name and reason before the phone rings. Pixel owners can use Google’s Call Screen, while compatible Galaxy phones offer their own call screening feature. To me, filtering makes more sense than automatically silencing every unknown number. There are many legitimate reasons why someone outside of your contacts may need to reach you. However, consider the screening response as information rather than evidence. If the conversation turns to passwords, money, or account access, hang up and contact the company yourself.

Would you prefer your phone to screen all unknown callers first, or would you always prefer to send unknown numbers straight to voicemail? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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