What to Know
Call screening helps prioritize important calls while blocking spam and robocalls.
On iPhone: You can set up the options ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ or ‘Do Not Disturb Mode', to automatically send calls from unknown numbers to voicemail, or stop calls on chosen hours.
On Samsung (Android): You have two major features, ‘Caller ID’ and ‘Spam Protection’. These features warn you about potential spam and unknown callers. They are available on most Samsung Galaxy models (from Galaxy S7 and newer).
On Google Pixel: Best for built-in call screening and voicemail transcript, making it ideal for those looking to avoid third-party solutions.
According to the FCC, automated phone calls are a significant problem, with 4 billion robocalls reaching Americans each month. These unwanted calls interrupt work, consume valuable time, and potentially lead to fraud. Both companies and individuals require reliable tools to filter out spam while ensuring they receive essential calls.
This is where call screening steps in. By filtering calls based on caller identity, priority, or intent, call screening tools let users take control of their communication, boost productivity, and avoid distractions.
Whether you’re a small business or a busy individual, understanding how to screen calls is crucial.
What Is Phone Call Screening?
Definition
Call screening lets you check who's calling before you pick up the phone. It shows you who's calling and why, so you can decide whether to answer, ignore, or forward the call. The system uses AI filtering to catch and block unwanted calls like spam, robocalls, and scams. This helps keep your phone line clear of unwanted calls while making sure you don't miss important ones.
Benefits of Call Screening
Screening your calls comes with obvious benefits:
- Spam blocking: Prevents unwanted calls and robocalls from interrupting your day.
- Lead qualification: Ensures that high-priority business leads get through, while low-priority calls are redirected.
- Improved productivity: Reduces distractions by filtering non-essential calls.
- Privacy protection: Keeps personal numbers secure by blocking unrecognized callers.
- After-hours management: Directs non-urgent calls to voicemail or scheduled follow-ups.
How to Screen Calls?
How to Screen Calls on iPhone
Native Options to Screen Calls on iPhone
- Silence Unknown Callers: Automatically sends calls from unknown numbers to voicemail.
- Do Not Disturb Mode: Limits interruptions during specified hours or tasks.
The Best Call Screening Apps on iPhone
Allô: Uses AI to manage calls effectively by screening out unwanted calls, directing calls to the right people, and creating clear call summaries. This helps businesses handle their phone communications better by focusing on important calls and blocking spam.
There are four ways to screen calls with Allô:
- Gatekeeper: Filter calls before they ring on your phone. You can choose between a custom message or a customizable IVR menu to better manage your incoming calls. Gatekeeper will also block spam calls and get insights about who's calling and why.
- AI answering service: Set up an AI receptionist to qualify calls before transferring them to you. When you're busy, the AI can take messages, allowing you to follow up later by checking the call summary.
- Caller ID: Allô’s Caller ID looks up phone numbers to reveal the name and context, helping you decide whether to pick up or let it go to voicemail. You can add custom names and categorize your calls too.
- Voicemail transcription: Review your voicemails as text and respond to messages directly from the transcript—no need to answer the phone when you're busy.
Pricing: Allô has a starting price of $19 per number, per month.
- Hiya: Uses a global database to block spam and scam calls. It keeps your call history clean by filtering out suspicious numbers and updates its system regularly to catch new scam patterns.Pricing: Hiya has a one-time $25 USD setup fee, and then you will be charged $0.12 USD per call. A credit card is mandatory.
- TrueCaller: Uses a shared database built by its users to block spam calls and scams. As more people report unwanted calls, the system gets better at protecting everyone from spam. This creates a simple but effective way to keep your phone free from annoying calls.
Pricing: Truecaller is a free app and supported for iPhone and Android. However if you want, you can have the Premium/Pro membership to unlock some extra features and no ads.
How to Screen Calls on Android
Native Options to Screen Calls on Android
- Google Call Screening (Pixel phones): Uses Google Assistant to filter out spam calls automatically.To set up, remember that the call screening is available in Google Pixel 3 and later models.
Enable Call Screening
- Locate and tap on the Phone app (usually pre-installed on Pixel devices).
- Tap the three-dot menu (or hamburger menu) at the top-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Scroll down and tap on Spam and Call Screen.
- Select Call Screen and toggle it ON.
- Choose options for handling spam, robocalls, and unknown numbers.
- Caller ID and Spam Protection (Samsung): Warns users about potential spam and unknown callers.
This feature is available on most Samsung Galaxy models (from Galaxy S7 and newer).Enable Caller ID and Spam Protection
- Find and tap the Phone app on your home screen or app drawer.
- Tap the three-dot menu (top-right corner of the screen).
- Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down and tap on Caller ID and Spam Protection.
- Toggle the switch to On (green).
- A prompt will ask for permission to enable the feature. Tap Agree or Allow.
[ Both Android and iPhone have the option of ‘Do not disturb mode’, which combines spam protection and call screening to minimize call interruptions.]
The Best Call Screening Apps on Android
- Allô: As mentioned above, Allô offers AI-driven call screening, real-time spam blocking, and lead prioritization.
2. Truecaller: This app was first Android only, but right now it is available on iPhones and Android phones. Truecaller detects spam, scam, and robocalls with community-driven data.
3. CallApp: Combines caller ID, call recording, and spam blocking.
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* Hiya is a third-party company that provides spam protection and caller ID services. Samsung integrates Hiya’s technology directly into their Phone app, meaning you don’t need to download the Hiya app separately (though you can for additional features).
How to Pick a Call Screening Service
When choosing a call screening solution, consider the following:
Call screening is more than a convenience—it’s a productivity tool that protects your time and keeps your business running smoothly.
