Call screening options refer to the various choices and features available to individuals when managing incoming calls. These options empower users to decide how to handle each call based on the caller’s information, enabling them to filter out unwanted calls and prioritize important communications. Different devices, operating systems, and phone services may offer variations of these options, but here are some common call screening choices:
- Answer: The recipient answers the call, engaging in a conversation with the caller.
- Send to Voicemail: The recipient declines the call and sends it directly to voicemail. This option allows the caller to leave a message that the recipient can listen to later.
- Block Caller: The recipient adds the caller’s number to a blocklist, preventing future calls from that number.
- Report as Spam: Some phones and services allow users to mark calls as spam or report them, which can help identify and prevent similar unwanted calls in the future.
- Silence the Call: The recipient silences the ringing of the phone without declining the call. This can be useful when the recipient wants to avoid being disturbed without outright rejecting the call.
- Do Not Disturb: This mode silences calls and notifications during specific times or when the user activates it. It’s particularly helpful for preventing interruptions during meetings or sleep.
- Whitelist: Users can create a whitelist of approved contacts. Calls from numbers on the whitelist are allowed to ring through, while calls from other numbers may be blocked or sent to voicemail.
- Custom Responses: Some phones offer preset text or voice messages that users can send to callers instead of answering the call directly. For example, a user could send a “I’m busy right now” message.
- Screen Calls: Certain devices and services allow users to listen to a caller’s message while it’s being recorded before deciding whether to answer the call.
- Caller ID Verification: Some services verify the identity of the caller before connecting the call, ensuring that the caller is not using a fake or spoofed number.
- Call History and Logs: Users can review their call history and logs to see which calls were missed, answered, or sent to voicemail. This information helps users manage their communication effectively.
It’s worth noting that call screening options may vary based on the type of device (smartphone, landline, etc.), the operating system, and the service provider. To make the most of call screening, users should explore their device’s settings and familiarize themselves with the available options.