Back in May, Google announced a new feature for Pixel users designed to decrease the frustrations associated with robocalls and other spam-type phone calls. The new settings are still in beta testing, so not everyone may see these options on their Pixel just yet.
One feature being tested on Pixel 6 phones or newer uses AI to filter out possibly unwanted calls, as reported by 9to5Google. The new version of Call Screen is automatically available on Pixel in the United States and enables users to find out who’s calling before they answer the phone.
Google outlined how to set up automatic call screening. First, make sure you have updated your phone to the latest version. Open the Phone app, tap the more icon, go to settings, then select ‘Spam and Call Screen’. From there, turn on “See caller and spam ID’, then select ‘Call Screen’. In this section, you’ll see an option to select the types of callers you want to be screened under ‘Unknown Call Settings’.
You have a few options here:
- Ring Phone
- Automatically screen. Decline robocalls
- Silently decline
Automatically Screen/Decline Robocalls won’t ring your phone, but you will see a silent “Screening an unknown call” notification. Google Assistant will answer the call for you and its AI feature will ask who’s calling and what they want while sending you a transcript of the caller’s responses.
Google Assitant will ask the caller:
- “Do you need to get a hold of them urgently?”
- “Please remove this number from your mailing and contact list. Thanks, and goodbye.”
- “They can’t talk right now, but they’ll give you a call later. Thanks, and goodbye.”
- “It’s difficult to understand you at the moment. Could you repeat what you just said?”
Google Assistant will hang up on robocalls and spam. If the caller passes Google Assistant’s screening, it will pass the call on to you and the call will ring like normal. You have the option to answer, decline, or swipe down to ignore.
Google notes that these features do not work with third-party call recording apps, though you can select ‘Save Call Screen Audio’ which will provide you with a recording of the caller’s side of the conversation. Google’s AI responses will not be recorded. Your call won’t be recorded either if you decide to answer the call. If you use Bluetooth devices or headphones, your Pixel won’t automatically screen calls.