Apple has introduced a smarter way to handle unknown callers in iOS 26 with its new Call Screening feature. Whether you're tired of spam calls or just want more control over who reaches you, this tool can help. In this guide, we’ll show you how to enable Call Screening on your iPhone, and what to do if it’s not working as expected.
Apple is enhancing the Phone app experience in iOS 26 with smarter call management tools designed to help you avoid spam, screen unknown callers, and save time. Here’s a quick look at the key upgrades:
Auto-screen unknown calls: iOS 26 can automatically answer calls from unknown numbers and prompt the caller to state their name and reason for calling.
Live transcription: The caller’s response is transcribed in real time so you can decide whether to answer or ignore—without picking up the phone.
Privacy-focused: All processing is done on-device, so no audio is sent to the cloud. Your voice and personal info stay private.
Manual opt-in: The feature is off by default and can be enabled in your Phone settings.
Hold Assist: While on hold, your iPhone listens for a real person and alerts you when someone picks up—so you don’t have to wait on the line.
These new tools bring smarter, more private ways to handle calls—whether it’s avoiding robocalls or multitasking during long hold times.
Part 2. How to Turn On Call Screening on iPhone iOS 26
Unlike certain other iOS 26 features, Call Screening isn’t enabled by default—you’ll have to turn it on manually:
Open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap Apps.
Choose the Phone app.
Find the Calls from Unknown Numbers section and toggle Call Screening on.
Part 3: Why Is iOS 26 Call Screening Not Working?
When iOS 26 call screening is not working on your iPhone, don’t worry it can happen for a few simple reasons:
Apple may not support call screening in all countries yet.
If you haven’t updated to the latest iOS 26 version, the feature might be missing or unstable.
Wrong language or region settings can stop call screening from working properly.
Call screening may be disabled in your Phone settings by default.
Like any new iOS update, small bugs can affect how call screening works.
Your mobile carrier may not support this feature yet.
Part 4: How to Fix Call Screening iOS 26 Issues (4 Proven Ways)
iPhone call screening settings not working for you, here are 4 simple ways to get things back on track. These steps can help you fix call screening iOS 26 issues quickly no tech skills required.
Method 1: Check iOS Version and Update if Needed
One of the most common reasons call screening and hold assist iOS 26 doesn’t work is because the iOS version is outdated or incomplete. Apple often releases small updates after major versions to fix bugs and improve new features like call screening.
Open the Settings app from your home screen.
Scroll down and tap General.
Select Software Update from the list. If a new update is available, tap Download and Install.
Follow the prompts, agree to any terms, and let your iPhone restart once the update is complete.
Method 2: Restart Your iPhone
The fastest fix for iOS 26 call screening issues may be to restart your iPhone. This quick step refreshes your device’s background processes, clears out temporary issues, and often brings back missing features like call screening and hold assist without any extra effort.
Press and hold the Side button along with the Volume Up or Down button until the power-off slider appears on your screen.
Slide to power off your iPhone and wait for the screen to go completely black.
After about 10–15 seconds, press and hold the Side button again until the Apple logo shows up.
Method 3: Set Correct Language & Region
Incorrect Language & Region settings can affect how some iOS features work, including call screening and hold assist iOS 26. If your iPhone isn’t set to a supported language or country, the feature may stay disabled or glitchy. Adjusting these settings often helps fix call screening iOS 26 effectively.
Go to your iPhone’s Settings.
Tap General.
Now tap on Language & Region.
Under iPhone Language, make sure it's set to English (United States) or another region known to support iOS 26 call features.
Check the Region setting and change it to United States if it’s set to a region where call screening might be restricted.
After making changes, restart your iPhone to apply the new settings.
Test the call screening function again by receiving a call from an unfamiliar number.
Method 4: Fix iOS 26 Call Screening Issue with ReiBoot (No Data Loss)
Tenorshare ReiBoot can help if you're still having iOS 26 call screening issues. It’s a professional iOS repair tool that’s made for people who want to fix system problems without losing their data. Whether your call screening and hold assist iOS 26 features aren’t working or your iPhone is freezing, ReiBoot offers a one-click solution. It works smoothly with all iOS versions and is perfect for non-technical users who just want their iPhone working again fast, safe, and without hassle.
Top Features of Tenorshare ReiBoot:
Repairs over 150+ iOS system issues (call, screen, update errors, etc.)
No data loss using Standard Repair mode
Compatible with iOS 26 and all earlier versions
One-click Recovery Mode (enter/exit easily)
Simple interface for all user levels
Secure and trusted by millions worldwide
Here how to fix iOS 26 call screening not working with Tenorshare reiboot:
Download and install ReiBoot on your computer. Open the program and plug your iPhone into the computer. Click the "Start" button to begin the iOS System Recovery process.
Click on Standard Repair. Make sure to read the note below carefully so you don’t make any mistakes.
Download the firmware package. If you already have the firmware file, you can also import it manually.
Click Start Standard Repair. Wait while the software fixes your device.
When the repair is finished, your device will restart normally, so you can try updating to iOS 26 again with experiencing call screen feature normally.
Conclusion:
iOS 26 call screening is not working specially when you're relying on it to avoid unwanted interruptions. While minor tweaks in settings can help, deeper issues may need a smarter solution. That’s where Tenorshare ReiBoot steps in. This powerful tool fixes system-level glitches, including call screening and Hold Assist issues, without wiping your data. With just one click, you can repair your iPhone, upgrade, or even downgrade from iOS 26 easily.
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By Jenefey Aaron
2025-06-13 / iOS 26