Phone by Google: Calling and Spam Protection

Phone by Google is a calling application by Google LLC that handles phone calls, spam blocking, caller identification, and related communication tools on Android devices. It serves as the official dialer for many Android phones, offering a straightforward interface for everyday calling while layering in protective features that help users avoid unwanted interruptions. The app is designed to be lightweight and fast, keeping frequent contacts accessible and making routine call management feel effortless rather than technical.

Beyond basic dialing, the app brings several assistant-powered conveniences to the table. Call Screen can answer unknown callers automatically, filtering out detected robocalls before they ring, and on Pixel devices in the US, the latest update lets the Google Assistant screen unknown callers on its own and provide context about who is calling and why when it is not a robocall. Hold for Me can wait on hold with a business for you and notify you when a person is ready, while visual voicemail shows transcriptions and lets you play messages in any order. Call recording is also available on supported devices, with a disclosure announced when recording starts.

Spam protection and caller ID are central to the experience. You can see warnings about suspicious callers, block numbers so they cannot reach you again, and identify businesses before answering thanks to Google’s extensive caller ID coverage. The app also supports emergency calls by displaying your current location and allowing you to share assistance details with the operator without speaking. It works on most Android devices running Android 11 and above, and it is also available for Wear OS, though some features are limited to certain devices or regions, such as the US, UK, and Australia for emergency support.

Key features

• Powerful spam protection with warnings about suspicious callers and the ability to block numbers
• Google’s extensive caller ID coverage lets you know which business is calling before you answer
• Call Screen answers unknown callers, filters out detected spammers, and provides context about callers you don’t recognize
• Hold for Me lets Google Assistant wait on hold for you and notify you when someone is ready to talk
• Visual voicemail with transcriptions, allowing you to view, play, delete, or save messages in any order
• Call recording on supported devices, with a disclosure announced when recording starts
• Simple, lightweight design with dark mode to save battery and reduce eye strain at night
• Emergency support showing your current location and letting you share assistance details with the operator without speaking
• Automatic screening of unknown callers on Pixel devices in the US with the latest update

How to install

1. Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file for Phone by Google (size: 38 MB).
2. When Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install apps from this source by enabling the 'Install unknown apps' setting.
3. Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or Downloads folder.
4. Tap Install and wait for the installation to complete.
5. Open the app and set it as your default phone app if prompted.
6. Note: The app requires Android 11 (minimum OS version) or higher to run.

Recent updates

The latest update to Call Screen on Pixel devices in the US makes the Google Assistant automatically screen unknown callers and filter out detected robocalls before your phone rings. If a call isn't a robocall, your phone will ring shortly afterward with helpful context about who is calling and why.

This app suits everyday Android users who want a reliable dialer with built-in spam protection, busy people who frequently deal with telemarketers or hold lines and need caller ID and screening, and Pixel owners in the US who can take full advantage of the assistant-powered Call Screen and Hold for Me features.

For the best Call Screen experience, enable automatic screening in the app’s settings on Pixel devices in the US; this lets the Google Assistant filter robocalls before your phone rings and provides context for legitimate callers.

Phone by Google is a solid, feature-rich dialer that excels at spam protection and caller identification, with thoughtful extras like visual voicemail and call recording. While some advanced features are region- or device-locked, the core calling experience is reliable and intuitive, making it a worthwhile default phone app for most Android users.