Apple has packed iOS 26 with several exciting features, including Adaptive Power Mode, full-screen screenshot previews, the ability to set alarm snooze time, an option to turn off CarPlay screenshots, see full call history, and Automix for Apple Music. Among these, one of the standout additions is the new Call Screening feature, also known as “Screen Unknown Callers.”
While call screening can be useful for avoiding spam or robocalls, some users may prefer to receive all incoming calls directly without intervention. If you’d like to turn off Call Screening on iPhone, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Call Screening on iOS 26?
Call Screening in iOS 26 lets you automatically filter unknown calls before your phone rings. When someone not in your contacts calls you, your iPhone picks up on your behalf and asks the caller for their name and reason for calling.
Your iPhone rings only after the caller responds, allowing you to decide whether to answer or ignore. This way, you’re protected from spam calls, telemarketers, or unnecessary interruptions.
What Happens When You Disable Call Screening?
When you disable Call Screening, your iPhone no longer intercepts unknown calls. Instead:
- Calls from unknown numbers will ring on your iPhone like any normal call.
- You can still silence unknown calls if you don’t want to be disturbed, but they won’t be screened first.
- You may receive more spam or telemarketing calls since screening is no longer active.
This is useful if you expect important calls from new numbers (e.g., job interviews, deliveries, or medical appointments) and don’t want them to be delayed by the screening prompt.
How to Turn Off Call Screening in iOS 26 on iPhone
You can easily turn off screen calls on your iPhone. These steps apply to iPhone 17, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone Air, and other iPhones running iOS 26.
To remove Call Screening from an iPhone:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll to the bottom, go to Apps, and tap Phone.
- Scroll down to Screen Unknown Callers.
- Choose Never to turn Call Screening off.
That’s it! Once disabled, your iPhone will ring instantly for all incoming calls, whether the number is saved in your contacts or not.
Turning On Call Screening on Your iPhone
If spam calls become a problem later, you can re-enable Call Screening or use Apple’s Silence Unknown Callers option as an alternative.
To turn Call Screening back on, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Screen Unknown Callers (following the steps above) and select Ask Reason for Calling.
It is a garbage add on. The spam calls still ring through, meanwhile prospective clients have another hoop to jump through and even when they do respond the phone doesn’t ring it just creates a voice mail with no notice it’s there. I have had calls go unanswered because I didn’t know they called and left a reply.