Google’s upcoming tool lets users tag calls as urgent — adding emojis and labels so friends don’t miss emergencies or time-sensitive moments.
Google is introducing a new Android feature designed to ensure users don’t miss critical phone calls in an era filled with spam, scams, and endless distractions. The feature, called “Call Reason,” allows callers to label a call as urgent before the recipient picks up — making it far harder to ignore.
The system adds a message and emoji to the incoming call screen, clearly showing why someone is calling. If the user doesn’t answer, the label appears in the missed call log, helping them identify which calls actually mattered.
For example, someone could tag a call with “🚨 It’s urgent” if there’s an emergency, or with “🔔 News to share” or “❓ Quick question” for less critical situations.
HOW IT WORKS
Call Reason will appear inside the Google Phone app on Android. Users can choose from several preset tags revealed by an APK deep-dive from Android Authority:
- 🚨 It’s urgent
- 🔔 News to share
- 👋 Catching up
- ❓ Quick question
The feature works directly between contacts, meaning both people only need to be in each other’s contact list — no special setup or additional apps required.
Call Reason is currently in beta, available only in select countries. Users who qualify can opt in through the testing link inside the Phone app. A wider rollout will come once Google finalizes development.
MORE UPDATES COMING WITH ANDROID 16
Google also announced additional features arriving with Android 16, including:
- ✨ Combined emojis
- 🎙️ Real-time emotional captions that reflect tone, emphasis, and excitement
- 🛡️ New group-chat spam detection for Messages
- 🔐 Enhanced spam protection and caller ID tools
Together, these updates aim to modernize Android’s communication tools and reduce the friction of managing endless calls, messages, and notifications.
