Call screening is the process of examining incoming calls based on Caller ID. If the number is a match for a blocked phone number, or is anonymous/private, the call may be blocked or restricted.

The call screening feature can restrict calls from different area codes, private numbers, virtual phone numbers, and unavailable callers. Phone numbers identified as VIP customers can be forwarded above other inbound calling rules.

Google has recently made call screening mainstream for Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 users with the Google Assistant. It is a new feature for those with Pixel phones. Call screening for VoIP phone systems is done at the provider, not on the device itself.

All Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones support call screening. When connected to a cloud phone system, the call screening feature applies at the carrier level. You can use the feature on your desk phone, softphone, or from your smartphone app.

Screening calls help you manage calls more efficiently whether you are at the office, at home, or on the road. There's nothing the user needs to do to reject calls. There isn't a screen call button; it works automatically.

Caller ID is a telephone service that sends the caller’s phone number to the receiving phone. Most modern desk phones and smartphones will display the phone number on the screen when receiving an inbound call.

Number screening and automatic call screening use the Caller ID to make decisions. You can also block anonymous calls with no ID with our anonymous call rejection feature.

It’s relevant to mention that Caller ID is simply a phone number. Your telephone network cross-references various databases online to display a name or business name for a phone number.

You can restrict incoming calls based on many different factors. You have complete control over which types of phone calls make it past your internet phone system.

Call screening criteria:

• Caller ID number
• "Private" caller ID
• Unavailable caller ID
• Time of day
• Day of week

These specific details can be used in conjunction with each other for the ultimate filter for incoming calls.

You can segment each call to your inbound call center based on these criteria. For inbound calls outside of business hours, you can play a greeting message that explains how the customer can get in touch.

Yes, you can benefit from call screening on your cell phone. With Nextiva's call screening and business phone app, you can take advantage of its call rejection capabilities. Employees can configure their desired settings in the Nextiva Voice Portal.

For personal calls, it depends on your phone and carrier. Newer Android phones such as the Google Pixel 3, Pixel 4, offers real-time call screening functions.

For other iPhones, you have to rely on third-party apps or services. Check with your cellular network provider for network-level call filtering.

A neat trick for those that want to mask their caller ID to say “Private Caller” or “Unknown” is to dial *67 before the rest of the phone number. It works on cell phones, too. However, your call is still traceable for law enforcement, you can perhaps surprise a friend or client to see if they are screening your calls in particular.

Companies that use a VoIP phone system can adjust their caller ID for each business phone number. Nextiva supports up to 15 characters, but note that telephone networks may not necessarily display it the same. Ideally, you would want to choose your name or your company’s name.