How to Use Call Screen with Gemini on Pixel 11

Pixel 11 owners can now let Gemini handle the first part of unknown calls. When you choose to screen a call, Gemini asks the caller why they are reaching out in a more natural conversation, shows a live transcript, and waits until you decide to answer or end the call. The update arrived with the November 2026 Pixel Drop and is available on Pixel 11 series devices in the US.

This guide shows how to turn on Call Screen, screen a call manually, and use the new conversational features.

What the Gemini Call Screen Upgrade Does

Call Screen has long let the Phone app answer unknown or suspicious calls and ask who is calling and why. On Pixel 11 and later, Gemini takes over that exchange. It conducts a short, conversational dialogue instead of a rigid script. You see the live transcript on screen the entire time. You can jump in and answer, hang up, or choose a call action such as reporting spam or asking them to call back later.

The feature runs on-device for the screening itself. Transcripts stay on the phone. Automatic screening still depends on the protection level you choose. Manual screening remains available on every call from an unknown number.

Availability is limited to the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold in the United States. Device language must be set to English and a US SIM is required for the full call-action menu. The same conversational screening is coming to Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 5.

Requirements and Setup

Confirm you have a Pixel 11 series phone updated to the latest software. Update the Phone app from the Play Store if an update appears. Call Screen does not work with third-party call-recording apps; turn those off first.

To enable automatic screening:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the menu (three dots or More) then Settings.
3. Tap Spam and Call Screen or Call Screen.
4. Tap Call Screen.
5. Turn on Automatically screen calls.
6. Choose a protection level:
   • Basic: declines known spam.
   • Medium: screens suspicious or possibly faked numbers.
   • Maximum: screens every first-time or unknown caller before the phone rings.

Contacts you have saved are never screened. You can also adjust unknown-call settings on older Pixels, but Pixel 7 and newer use the protection levels above.

If you prefer to decide case by case, leave automatic screening off and use the manual Screen call button when a call arrives.

Screening a Call Step by Step

When an unknown number rings:

1. Tap Screen call on the incoming-call screen.
2. Call Assist (now powered by Gemini on Pixel 11) answers and asks the caller why they are reaching out.
3. Watch the live transcript appear in real time.
4. Decide your next step:
   • Tap the green button to answer and take over the conversation.
   • Tap the red button to hang up.
   • Choose a suggested call action if one appears (report as spam, call back later, etc.).

Gemini continues the exchange until you intervene. On Pixel 11 the questions sound more natural and can adapt to the caller’s replies. You stay in control the entire time.

After the call ends, the transcript is saved on the device so you can review it later from the call log.

Tips for Best Results

• Test the feature with a friend so you hear how Gemini sounds and how fast the transcript updates.
• Use Maximum protection only if you receive many unknown calls; Medium works for most people.
• Keep the Phone app updated. Google continues to improve the conversational quality.
• If screening fails, confirm Bluetooth headphones are not connected (some devices skip automatic screening when audio is routed elsewhere) and that you are not roaming.
• For related Gemini features that arrived in the same Pixel Drop, see our guide on Gemini Intelligence features for Pixel devices.

Conclusion

The Gemini upgrade makes Call Screen more useful on Pixel 11. Unknown callers now face a conversational agent while you watch the transcript and choose when to join. Turn on the protection level that matches your call volume, try a manual screen on the next unknown number, and keep the live transcript in view. The feature stays under your control and keeps the interaction on the device.

Official details remain on the Google Pixel Phone Help pages for Call Screen and the November Pixel Drop announcement.

Sources

• Google Blog: November Pixel Drop (10 November 2026)
• Google Support: Screen your calls before you answer them
• Google Support: Call Assist and Call Screen settings