Call Screening for Unknown Callers

Spam and unknown calls are a pain, but iOS 26 finally brings a solution. Call Screening gives you the ability to filter those unknown numbers before they ever ring through.

When someone calls you from an unrecognized number, your iPhone answers on your behalf, asking them to say their name and the reason they’re calling. Your iPhone will analyze the response to help decide if it’s a spam call, and show you what the caller said so you can decide if you want to pick up or let it go to voicemail.

This is one of those features where you won’t appreciate how much you needed it until you try it. It cuts down on robocalls and telemarketers almost instantly. Call Screening might not be turned on by default, but you can set it up by following these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on Apps.
3. Scroll down again and go to Phone.
4. Scroll down one more time and, under Screen Unknown Callers, select Ask Reason for Calling or Silence, depending on your preference.

Once it’s active, every unknown number will be intercepted. Regular contacts, favorites, and recent callers will come through as normal, so you don’t need to worry about missing important calls.