Turning off Google Call Screening is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. By disabling this feature, you’ll stop Google Assistant from screening your calls, which means you’ll answer your phone like usual without any pre-call prompts or messages.
How to Turn Off Google Call Screening
Before you start turning off the call screening feature, it’s important to note that this will disable the screening service for all incoming calls. This means you’ll no longer have the option to have Google Assistant screen unknown callers.
Step 1: Open the Phone App
Open the phone app on your Android device.
The phone app is typically found on the home screen or in the app drawer. It’s usually represented by an icon of a phone receiver.
Step 2: Tap on the Three Dots
Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen.
These dots are often referred to as the "more" or "menu" button. Tapping on this will open up a menu of additional options.
Step 3: Select ‘Settings’
Choose ‘Settings’ from the dropdown menu.
Settings is where you can adjust all the call-related options for your phone app, including call screening.
Step 4: Tap on ‘Spam and Call Screen’
Find and tap on ‘Spam and Call Screen’ in the settings menu.
This option will take you to the call screening settings where you can manage this feature.
Step 5: Turn Off Call Screening
Toggle off the option for ‘Call Screen.’
By turning this off, you are disabling the call screening feature, and calls will no longer be pre-screened by Google Assistant.
After completing these steps, all your incoming calls will ring through to you directly, and you won’t have any call screening prompts or messages.
Tips for Turning Off Google Call Screening
- Check if your device is compatible with the call screening feature before attempting to turn it off.
- Ensure your phone app is updated to the latest version as this can affect the availability of the call screening settings.
- Consider the reasons you want to turn off call screening, as it can be a useful tool for avoiding spam or unwanted calls.
- Remember that you can always turn call screening back on if you change your mind later.
- If you have trouble finding the call screening settings, refer to your device’s manual or online support for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Google Call Screening?
Google Call Screening is a feature that uses Google Assistant to screen incoming calls from unknown numbers.
Can I turn off call screening for specific numbers?
No, turning off call screening applies to all incoming calls, not just specific numbers.
Will turning off call screening increase spam calls?
It may, as the feature is designed to help identify and filter out potential spam calls.
Can I still use Google Assistant if I turn off call screening?
Yes, Google Assistant has many other functions that you can use even with call screening turned off.
Is call screening available on all Android devices?
No, call screening availability depends on your device and carrier. Not all devices support this feature.
Summary
- Open the phone app.
- Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Select ‘Settings.’
- Tap on ‘Spam and Call Screen.’
- Toggle off ‘Call Screen.’
Conclusion
Turning off Google Call Screening is a straightforward process that you can easily accomplish in a few steps. Whether you prefer to screen calls yourself or simply find the feature unnecessary, disabling it can make your phone experience more suited to your preferences. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of not having this tool active, as it can be beneficial for filtering out spam and unwanted calls. But if you decide that it’s not for you, you now know how to turn off Google call screening. If you ever wish to enable it again, just follow the steps in reverse. Happy calling!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.