Dealing with a constant barrage of spam calls can be frustrating and disruptive. Thankfully, iOS 26 introduces a new call screening feature designed to significantly reduce these unwanted interruptions. This built-in functionality, separate from Apple Intelligence, is available on iPhones compatible with iOS 26, such as the iPhone 14 Pro, offering a practical solution to filter out potential spam calls.
How to Enable Call Screening on Your iPhone
Setting up call screening is straightforward and only takes a few steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap Apps.
- Select Phone.
You’ll find the call screening options under the Screen Unknown Callers section.
Understanding Your Call Screening Options
iOS 26 provides three call screening options, each offering a different level of control:
- Never: This is the default setting. Calls from unsaved numbers will ring on your phone as usual, and missed calls will appear in your recent calls list.
- Ask Reason for Calling: With this setting, when someone not in your contacts calls, your iPhone will ask them to state their reason for calling before ringing your phone. After the caller answers a few questions, you’ll receive a transcript of their response and can then decide whether to answer.
- Silence: This is the most aggressive option. Any calls from unsaved numbers are automatically silenced and sent directly to voicemail.
The Best Option for Most Users: “Ask Reason for Calling”
While all three options offer some level of spam protection, asking for the reason for calling is generally the most sensible approach for most iPhone users. It balances spam filtering with the ability to receive important calls. For instance, asking the caller to state their purpose allowed the author to receive calls from the doctor’s office regarding test results, which would have been missed if “Silence” was chosen. Choosing “Never” would require manually vetting every unknown caller, a time-consuming and impractical solution.
The “Ask Reason for Calling” option provides a smart middle ground, allowing you to block obvious spam while ensuring you don’s miss important communications.
Flexibility and Customization
The beauty of iOS 26’s call screening feature is its flexibility. If you find that the Ask Reason for Calling setting isn’t working for you, you can easily return to the Phone settings and choose a different option. And remember, you always have the option to completely silence your iPhone, effectively eliminating all incoming calls. Some users, like the author’s wife, have adopted this approach and report a significantly improved level of peace of mind.
In conclusion, iOS 26’s call screening feature is a valuable addition for iPhone users looking to reduce spam calls. The ability to screen calls before they ring offers a simple, effective way to maintain control over your phone and avoid unwanted interruptions.
