WhatsApp Is Developing a Call Screening Feature to Check Why Unknown Numbers Are Calling
WhatsApp is developing a new call filtering feature for Android users that could help them manage calls from unknown numbers more effectively. The upcoming feature is expected to allow the app to answer an incoming call from an unsaved number, ask the caller to explain why they are calling and display a transcript of the response to the recipient. Users would then be able to review the information before deciding whether to answer the call.
According to WABetaInfo, a website that tracks WhatsApp updates and beta releases, the feature was identified in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.41.4. The feature is currently under development and is not yet available for beta testing. WhatsApp has not announced an official release date.
The proposed update is intended to improve the existing Silence Unknown Callers feature by giving users more flexible ways to handle unfamiliar calls without automatically missing potentially important communications.
How the new WhatsApp call screening feature may work
The proposed feature is expected to introduce three call management options within WhatsApp's privacy settings.
The first option would allow users to disable call filtering and receive notifications for incoming calls from both saved and unknown numbers. This would suit people who prefer to receive all calls without additional screening.
The second option would continue to silence calls from unknown numbers automatically. These calls would still appear in the Calls tab and notifications, but the phone would not ring. This option is similar to WhatsApp's existing Silence Unknown Callers feature.
The third option would allow WhatsApp to answer an incoming call from an unknown number and ask the caller to explain the purpose of the call. The application would then generate a transcript of the caller's response for the recipient to review.
After reading the transcript, users could decide whether to answer the call or leave it unanswered. This approach could help people distinguish potentially important calls from unsolicited calls without having to speak directly to every unfamiliar caller.
The three options are still part of a feature under development. Their final design and availability could change before WhatsApp releases the update.
Why WhatsApp is improving unknown caller management
Unknown calls can interrupt work, studies and personal activities. They may also come from telemarketing services, automated calling systems or individuals attempting to commit fraud.
WhatsApp already offers a feature that silences calls from numbers that are not saved in a user's address book. Although this helps reduce interruptions, it can also make it easier to miss legitimate calls from delivery personnel, service providers, colleagues or people contacting someone for the first time.
The proposed screening option could address this limitation by giving callers an opportunity to explain why they are calling. Rather than automatically silencing every unknown number, users could review the caller's stated purpose before deciding what to do.
The feature would not necessarily identify a caller as genuine or fraudulent. A caller's explanation should be treated as information to consider, rather than proof of identity. Users would still need to exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar people.
How the proposed transcription feature may protect privacy
According to WABetaInfo, the transcript is expected to be generated directly on the user's device using language packs, rather than by sending the call audio to WhatsApp's servers for transcription.
The report states that this on-device processing is intended to support privacy and preserve WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption protections. Users may also be able to select the language used for transcription.
These details are based on information reported during development. The final implementation and privacy documentation should be checked when the feature is officially released.
On-device transcription could be useful for people who prefer to read a caller's explanation instead of immediately speaking to an unfamiliar person. However, the feature should not be treated as a complete solution to spam calls, scams or impersonation attempts.
Users should avoid sharing passwords, banking details, one-time passwords or other sensitive information with unknown callers, even if the caller provides a convincing explanation for contacting them.
WhatsApp already provides tools for unknown calls
The proposed feature builds on WhatsApp's existing call privacy controls. The current Silence Unknown Callers option automatically silences calls from numbers that are not saved in a user's contacts while keeping a record of those calls in the app.
WhatsApp has also been introducing additional context for calls from unknown numbers on Android. In an announcement dated August 25, 2026, Meta said WhatsApp was adding information such as whether an unfamiliar number was registered in another country and whether the user shared any groups with the caller.
These features reflect a broader effort to give users more information before they respond to unfamiliar contacts. However, the availability of individual features may differ depending on the app version, operating system and rollout status.
Users who want to manage unwanted calls can check WhatsApp's privacy settings for the options currently available on their devices.
Similar call screening technology is available on iPhones
WhatsApp's proposed feature follows a similar approach to call screening introduced by Apple with iOS 26. Apple's feature can answer calls from unknown numbers, ask callers to identify themselves and explain their reason for calling, and display a transcription so users can decide whether to respond.
WhatsApp appears to be exploring a comparable experience for Android users. If introduced, the feature could make call screening available within a messaging application that many people already use for personal and professional communication.
However, the two implementations may differ in their settings, supported languages and technical operation. Users should refer to official product documentation for the final details.
When will the new feature be available?
As of October 20, 2026, WhatsApp's call filtering feature remains under development. WABetaInfo has reported that it has not yet reached the beta testing stage, and Meta has not announced a public release date.
The feature could be made available to selected beta testers in a future update before a wider rollout. Until WhatsApp confirms its release, users should not assume that the call screening option is available in the standard Android application.
Overall, the proposed update could give WhatsApp users another way to manage unfamiliar calls, reduce interruptions and review a caller's stated reason before deciding whether to answer. Its practical value will depend on the final design, privacy safeguards and availability when the company officially releases it.
Source: WABetaInfo's report dated October 20, 2026, and The Indian Express's coverage of WhatsApp's call screening development.
