An unknown number appearing on a car dashboard forces a quick decision with no good options. Answering a spam call wastes attention. Ignoring a real call risks missing something important. Google has now extended its Call Screen feature to Android Auto, giving drivers a way to let their phone handle that decision first, according to Engadget.
Call Screen works through a tool called Call Assist. When an unknown call comes in, Call Assist can answer it, ask the caller who they are and why they're calling, and generate a live transcript. The driver can then decide whether to pick up, hang up, or send a suggested response.
The feature has two modes. Manual screening lets the driver choose to screen a specific call when it comes in. Automatic screening, available on supported Pixel phones, works without any interaction from the driver. If Call Assist determines that a call is spam, the phone hangs up on its own. If it does not identify the call as spam, the phone rings and displays information about how the caller responded to the initial screening.
Google states that Call Screen runs entirely on the device and does not require Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection. Call audio and transcripts are not saved to the user's Google Account, Google Assistant activity, or Web and App Activity.
Drivers do not set up Call Screen inside Android Auto. The setup happens in the Phone by Google app, through the settings menu under Spam and Call Screen. The specific options available depend on the Pixel model. Pixel 7 and newer devices support automatic screening and allow users to set protection levels for categories including spam, possibly faked numbers, and first-time callers. Pixel 6 and older models use a separate set of controls called Unknown call settings.
Android Auto compatibility and Call Screen availability operate on two separate tracks. Android Auto itself requires Android 9 or newer for USB connections and Android 11 or later for wireless connections, along with 5 GHz Wi-Fi support. Meeting those requirements allows the phone to run Android Auto, but it does not guarantee access to Call Screen. That feature is tied to the Phone by Google app and specific Pixel hardware, not to Android Auto directly.
Google's Android Auto documentation notes that using Phone by Google as the default calling app brings some of the app's smart calling features into the car. The company has not announced a separate Call Screen configuration process specific to Android Auto beyond that guidance.
