Depending on the information Google knows about the incoming phone call:
- If Google is confident the source is spam (e.g. known spam center). The call is blocked outright. It still has a log that a call from this has been blocked.
- If it only suspects spam, Google will answer the call using AI bot, something like "Hi, I'm Google Assistant on behalf of XYZ, what's the call for?". The phone shows that it's screening a phone call, but doesn't ring. Only after the caller gives the reason, and it passes the spam check, then it rings the phone. You can always pick up the call early if you recognize what they talks about (from the transcript)
- If it's known good source (contact list, doctors,...), then it rings directly.
So far, the rate of spam I got is 0, and it screens about 20 calls a month.
Depending on the information Google knows about the incoming phone call:
- If Google is confident the source is spam (e.g. known spam center). The call is blocked outright. It still has a log that a call from this has been blocked.
- If it only suspects spam, Google will answer the call using AI bot, something like "Hi, I'm Google Assistant on behalf of XYZ, what's the call for?". The phone shows that it's screening a phone call, but doesn't ring. Only after the caller gives the reason, and it passes the spam check, then it rings the phone. You can always pick up the call early if you recognize what they talks about (from the transcript)
- If it's known good source (contact list, doctors,...), then it rings directly.
So far, the rate of spam I got is 0, and it screens about 20 calls a month.
Given how many times Google has warned me that existing or potential clients phoning me are Spam, your second bullet there sounds terrifying.
I'd be turning that 'feature' off first.
Just for those reading, Nomo Max on iOS replicates this feature.
This feature is a part of iOS 26 by default. No third-party app needed and it uses Apple’s rich data set on the backend.
Settings -> Apps -> Phone -> Screen unknown callers
Works very well in iOS 18
How? I get multiple everyday. Is there a setting I need to enable?