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    3 min read 4 stepsJuly 18, 2026Verified July 2026

    How to Turn On Android's Built-In Scam Call Detection

    Google Phone app can now listen for scam patterns during a call and warn you in real time. Here's how to turn the feature on.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Safety & Privacy
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    3 min read
    Steps
    4
    Topics covered
    android
    scam calls
    phone safety
    google phone app

    In this guide (4 steps):

    1. 1.Open the Google Phone app
    2. 2.Go to Settings, then Scam Detection
    3. 3.Turn the feature on
    4. 4.Know what to do if you get a warning
    1

    Open the Google Phone app

    ~15s
    Tap the Phone app you use to make calls (this feature is part of the Google Phone app, sometimes called the "Phone by Google" app).
    2

    Go to Settings, then Scam Detection

    ~16s
    Tap the three-dot menu or your profile icon in the top corner, choose Settings, then look for "Scam Detection" or "Call screening."

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: If you don't see this option, check that your Google Phone app is updated to the latest version from the Play Store.

    3

    Turn the feature on

    ~15s
    Switch the Scam Detection toggle to on. You can usually choose whether you want just an on-screen alert or an alert plus a vibration when a call sounds suspicious.
    4

    Know what to do if you get a warning

    ~16s
    If your phone warns you mid-call, don't panic — but do not give out personal information, account numbers, or payment details. Hang up and call the organization back using a number from their official website or the back of your card.

    You Did It!

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    Google has added a scam detection feature to the Google Phone app on many Android phones. While you're on a call, it listens for common scam conversation patterns, such as a caller pretending to be from your bank and asking you to move money, or claiming to be a government agency demanding gift cards. If it detects a likely scam pattern, your phone shows a warning on screen and can vibrate to get your attention, all without sending any audio or transcript to Google.

    This feature works entirely on your device using on-device AI, which means the audio of your calls is not sent anywhere or stored by Google. It's designed to catch you in the moment, since scam calls rely on catching people off guard and rushing them into a decision before they have time to think it through. It's especially useful for calls from numbers not saved in your contacts, since those are the calls most likely to be scams.

    The feature is off by default and needs to be turned on in your phone's settings. Availability depends on your phone's Android version and country. And it currently supports English-language calls, with more languages being added over time. Source: support.google.com/phoneapp (Scam Detection in Google Phone app).

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    scam calls
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    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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