Instead, this Google Assistant feature, once only available on Pixel-branded handsets, does far more. It can also answer a phone call for you when needed. Not only providing an audio recording of the interaction. But also allowing direct on-screen transcripts and the ability to influence what your Assistant says. And, of course, whether or not the call comes through. However, getting to the feature isn’t going to be the most intuitive. Especially since it’s not actually built into the Google Assistant app or associated Assistant settings. But that’s exactly what this guide is here to examine. Namely, how to screen calls using Google Assistant in Android 12. Whether you’re on a Google Pixel phone or not.
This won’t work the same for every user
Now, it’s worth taking some time to explain right out of the gate that this feature won’t work the same for everybody with an Android phone. Google launched the ability to screen unwanted and spam calls using Assistant, initially, as an exclusive Pixel smartphone feature. That’s changed, to a certain extent, with Android 12. But not all of the features you’ll find in the Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro will be on every smartphone. For instance, Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a with 5G pack a feature called “Hold for me” in the same menu as the Call Screen features. That may also be found on select older phones in the Pixel line-up. The feature, as its branding implies, lets you use Google Assistant AI when you’re placed on hold. Specifically, to hold on the line while you get on with your day. When you’re taken off hold, the Assistant lets you know so you don’t miss the call. On Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, conversely, more features are present. Including the ability to automatically screen calls. That’s as opposed to needing to press a “Screen Call” button whenever a call is incoming. It also comes with the added ability to direct calls via “Direct My Call.” That feature also works as implied. Namely, by walking you through — complete with visuals — calls to automated systems. Those features and their settings will be found on some devices but not others. So we’ll be focusing this guide on those features not exclusive to Pixel. But which works on Android 12, in general.
Here’s how to screen calls in Android 12 using Google Assistant
As noted above, this guide will be sticking to the features found in just about every Android 12 gadget. So you may need to look to other how-to guides if you need more details on those, Android 12, specifically, or for Pixel handsets.
