How to Activate Google’s Anti-Spam Call Feature

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Google has introduced a new anti-spam call feature designed to block unsolicited calls, including those with silent lines, aggressive sales pitches, or scams, according to reports from Revista Semana and Infobae. The tool, which users can activate on Android devices, leverages machine learning to identify and filter suspicious calls, marking a significant step in combating persistent telemarketing and fraud.

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The feature, first highlighted in a June 2026 article by Revista Semana, allows users to enable “Call Screening” through Google’s built-in phone app. When activated, the system automatically answers incoming calls and uses AI to determine if the call is spam. If flagged, the call is sent to voicemail, and users receive a notification with a summary of the call’s content. This process, described as “seamless” by Infobae, aims to reduce user interaction with fraudulent or unwanted calls.

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Google’s implementation aligns with broader efforts to enhance user privacy and security. A 2026 statement from the company’s Android team emphasized that the tool “prioritizes user control while minimizing disruptions.” The feature is available on Android 10 and later versions, with updates rolling out globally over the following weeks. Users can access the setting by opening the Phone app, tapping the three-dot menu, and selecting “Call Screening.”

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The development comes amid rising concerns about telecom fraud. According to a 2026 report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), U.S. consumers reported over 2.5 million scam calls in the first quarter of 2026 alone. While Google’s tool does not eliminate all spam calls, it represents a proactive approach to reducing user exposure. “This is a critical improvement for users who are constantly bombarded by unwanted calls,” said a cybersecurity analyst at the FTC, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

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Revista Semana’s report noted that the feature’s effectiveness depends on Google’s ability to update its AI models with real-time data. The company has partnered with telecom providers to share anonymized call metadata, though privacy advocates have raised questions about data usage. “Transparency is key,” said a representative from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), who called for clearer guidelines on how user data is handled.

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Infobae’s coverage also highlighted the tool’s integration with Google’s broader privacy suite, including its “Smart Reply” and “Spam Filter” features. Users can customize settings to allow calls from specific contacts or block numbers flagged by the system. The article cited a user test group in Spain, where 82% of participants reported a “significant reduction” in spam calls after enabling the feature.

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While the tool is currently limited to Android devices, Google has not announced plans for iOS compatibility. Apple’s equivalent feature, “Silence Unknown Callers,” launched in 2023, uses a similar approach but lacks the AI-driven content analysis of Google’s system. Industry observers note that cross-platform solutions could further enhance user protection.

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The rollout follows a series of regulatory pressures on tech companies to address spam calls. In 2025, the European Union passed the “Call Transparency Directive,” requiring platforms to provide clearer spam filtering options. Google’s update is seen as a response to these evolving standards, though critics argue more stringent measures are needed.

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For users seeking to activate the feature, the process involves updating the Google Phone app to the latest version and enabling “Call Screening” in the settings. Additional instructions are available on Google’s support page, which also includes troubleshooting tips for false positives.

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As spam call volumes continue to rise, the effectiveness of such tools will depend on ongoing collaboration between tech firms, regulators, and telecom providers. Google’s latest update underscores the growing importance of AI in safeguarding user experiences, but experts caution that no single solution can fully eliminate the threat. “This is part of a larger ecosystem,” said a cybersecurity researcher at MIT, “and continuous innovation is essential.”