Best Ways to Screen Calls on Android Without Blocking

In an era of constant connectivity, our smartphones have become a double-edged sword. While they keep us connected to loved ones and professional opportunities, they also expose us to a relentless stream of “mystery calls.”

The common reaction is to simply block any number that isn’t in our contact list. 

But blocking is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. When you block a number, you risk missing the delivery driver trying to find your apartment, the doctor’s office calling with test results, or a long-lost friend reaching out from a new device.

True “call screening” is the art of identifying who is calling and why they are calling before you ever pick up. 

Here is a resourceful guide on the best ways to screen calls on Android without hitting the block button.

Let’s get started.

The Power of Visual Context

The biggest problem with traditional caller ID is that it only gives you a string of numbers. Even if a name appears, it doesn’t tell you the intent of the call. 

This is where FaceCall changes the dynamic entirely.

Instead of a static name or a blank screen, FaceCall utilizes Video Caller ID. 

This feature allows callers to present themselves through a short video snippet before the recipient answers.

The most significant advancement in call screening is the shift from text-based identification to visual identification. This is the core of FaceCall.

While traditional caller ID gives you a name or a location, FaceCall’s Video Caller ID provides an immediate visual context.

When you receive a call through FaceCall, you aren’t just looking at a string of digits. You see a video intro of the caller. This “Video ID” acts as a modern, dynamic business card.

• Immediate Recognition: You can instantly see if the person calling is a friend, a colleague, or a professional service provider.
• Contextual Cues: A video allows the caller to show you why they are calling. Whether they are holding up a specific item, standing in front of a landmark, or simply offering a professional greeting, the “why” is established before you answer.
• Transparency: Because FaceCall is built on video communication, it removes the anonymity that scammers rely on. You aren’t guessing who is on the other end; you are seeing them.

Utilizing Android’s “Silence Unknown Callers”

If you want to screen calls without blocking, you should utilize the native Android settings to manage your interruptions. Instead of blocking, you can “Silence” numbers that aren’t in your contact list.

How to set it up:

1. Open your Phone app.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Look for Spam and Call Screen.
4. Enable Silence Unknown Callers.

The Benefit: The call won’t ring and interrupt your work, but it will still appear in your “Recents” list. 

This allows you to check the number later or see if they left a message. Unlike blocking, this leaves the door open for legitimate callers to reach you without buzzing in your pocket at the wrong time.

Also Read: How to customize your Video Caller ID

Google’s “Call Screen” (Native Pixel Feature)

If you are using a Google Pixel device, you have access to one of the most robust built-in screening tools available. Google Call Screen uses the Google Assistant to “talk” to the caller for you.

• Real-Time Transcripts: When you tap “Screen Call,” the Assistant asks the caller why they are calling. You see their response transcribed in real-time on your screen.
• Interactive Responses: You can tap “canned” responses like “Tell me more” or “I’ll call you back” without ever having to speak.
• Why it’s effective: It forces the caller to state their business. Most automated bots will hang up immediately, while legitimate humans will explain themselves, allowing you to pick up mid-sentence if you realize the call is important.

How to Set Up FaceCall on your Android?

Setting up FaceCall on an Android takes only a few minutes. Here are the five simple steps to do so:

1. Search for “FaceCall” in the Play Store and install it.
2. Open the app and record a short video introduction for your profile.
3. In the FaceCall app settings, check and enable options for security, filtering, and contact restrictions.
4. For every call you get, the caller also has the option to record a video intro to contextualize the call.
5. You can answer only those calls you’d like to.

Simple Habits that Make Your Spam Protection Even Stronger

Technology works best when you support it with good habits. Here are a few to keep in mind:

1. When you trust a caller or sender, save them as a contact. This prevents their messages or calls from being filtered by mistake.
2. Avoid replying to unknown texts. It can confirm to scammers that your number is active and, in some cases, can re-enable dangerous links.
3. Banks, government agencies, and legitimate companies will not ask for full passwords or one-time codes over a random call or message. Do not share it with anyone
4. Report serious scams to authorities. In the United States, you can report illegal calls and texts to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and broader fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
5. Sometimes a real message or call will be misclassified. Check Unknown Senders, Spam, and voicemail lists regularly so that you do not miss something important.
6. When something matters, move the conversation to a secure, encrypted video call in FaceCall, where identity is clearer, and spam protection is built into the experience.

Final Thoughts

Spam will probably not disappear tomorrow. 

Robocalls, scam texts, and abusive video requests are part of the modern digital landscape, and statistics show that the volume of these attacks is still increasing worldwide.

However, your phone does not have to feel exposed. 

You turn your phone into a much safer space with FaceCall.

Try FaceCall today.