Call Screening Comes to iPhone in iOS 26: What It Is and How to Use It

Tired of spam or unknown callers interrupting your day? If you own an iPhone, iOS 26 has just the solution you need. With the new Call Screening feature, your iPhone now handles unknown calls for you—gathering essential details before you ever decide to answer. That means fewer distractions and more control.

Keep reading to learn how Call Screening works on iPhone, how to enable it, and how to troubleshoot it if needed.

What Is Call Screening on iPhone?

Call Screening is one of the standout iOS 26 features. It builds on the existing Live Voicemail functionality but takes it a step further. When someone unknown tries to call you, your iPhone—via Call Screening—asks for their name and the reason for the call.

You’ll see a live transcription of their response in real time. This gives you the freedom to decide whether to answer, decline, ignore, or respond—all without picking up the call.

It’s like having a polite assistant ask, “Who’s calling and why?” and then letting you decide.

Why Use Call Screening on iOS 26?

Call Screening isn’t just about blocking spam—it empowers you to manage calls on your terms. Here’s why you should enable this feature:

• Avoid Distractions: Let your iPhone handle unknown callers while you stay focused.
• Protect Your Privacy: Screen suspicious calls without revealing your identity or voice.
• Filter Robocalls & Scams: Identify unwanted calls before you even hear a ring.
• Stay Informed: Know who’s calling and why—without answering.
• Work Without Interruptions: Ideal for meetings, focus time, or relaxation.

How to Turn On Call Screening on iPhone

Unlike some other iOS 26 features, Call Screening is off by default. You’ll need to enable it manually:

1. Open the Settings app, scroll down and tap Apps.
2. Select the Phone app.
3. Under Calls from Unknown Numbers, toggle on Call Screening.

That’s it! Your iPhone is now equipped to handle unknown callers intelligently.

What Happens When a Call Is Screened?

When you receive a call from an unknown number:

• Call Screening steps in and asks the caller,” Hi, if you record your name and reason for calling, I’ll see if this person is available.”
• Once the caller states their name and reason for the call, Call Screening responds with, ” Thanks [Caller’s Name]. Please stay on the line.”
• During this time, you’ll see a live transcription of what they say on your screen and your iPhone will ring.

You can now:

• Answer: Swipe right on the call slider or tap the Answer button to pick up the call.
• Decline: Press the side button twice to hang up, or tap the Decline button and send it to voicemail.
• Respond via text: Type a message if needed.
• Ignore: Do nothing and review the transcript later in your Recents tab.

Related: Hold Assist in iOS 26: What It Is and How It Works

Call Screening Not Working in iOS 26? Try These Fixes

If Call Screening isn’t working on your iPhone, try these steps:

• Update to iOS 26: Ensure you’re running the latest compatible version of iOS 26.
• Turn It On: Confirm that Call Screening is enabled under Phone app settings.
• Check Region and Language: As of now, Call Screening works in English (Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, the UK, and the US). Your language and region settings must match.
• Check Silence Unknown Callers: If this is enabled (Settings > Apps > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers), it may interfere with Call Screening by sending unknown calls directly to voicemail. Try turning it off and testing again.
• Beta Limitations: If you’re using the iOS 26 beta, expect occasional bugs. Switching to the stable release can help.
• Restart Your iPhone: A simple reboot can fix temporary glitches.

No More Guessing Who’s Calling

Call Screening in iOS 26 isn’t just a feature—it’s peace of mind. Whether you’re trying to reduce distractions, avoid spam, or just want to know who’s calling before answering, this smart tool puts you in control.