Google is piloting a new feature, Call Reason, for Android users to mark calls as urgent. This beta feature, rolling out through the Phone by Google app, allows contacts to indicate call importance before answering, if both parties use Android and Google’s default calling app.
The Call Reason feature displays an “urgent” indicator on the incoming call screen and in the call history for recipients. This aims to inform users when a call from a contact requires immediate attention, potentially reducing unanswered important calls.
Video: Google
The functionality is presently limited to marking calls as urgent. Call Reason also intends to serve as a reminder for specific callback purposes, with the urgent message appearing in call history. The beta feature’s availability is subject to variation by phone manufacturer.
Users can check for the update via the Google Play Store by navigating to their profile icon, selecting “Manage apps & devices,” and then “Check for updates.” To confirm that Phone by Google is the default calling application, users should access their device’s Settings app, then proceed to “Apps” and “Default apps.”
