WhatsApp is developing a new call filtering feature for Android to help users screen calls from unknown numbers.
The feature will offer three options: allow all calls, silence unknown callers, or automatically answer and transcribe the caller’s response directly on your device. Powered by on-device language processing, this live transcription lets users instantly identify important callers without risking privacy.
Currently under development in beta, the tool aims to give users greater control over unwanted spam and distractions.
WhatsApp already allows users to silence calls from unknown numbers. However, this can result in important calls from delivery agents, doctors and other unfamiliar contacts going unnoticed. The upcoming call filtering feature is designed to address this limitation by offering additional options for managing such calls.
The new feature is expected to provide users with three options for handling calls from unknown numbers.
The first option, labelled “Never,” will disable call filtering and allow all calls to come through normally. The second option will silence calls from unknown numbers, similar to WhatsApp’s existing functionality.
The third option will automatically answer calls from unknown numbers and ask callers why they are calling. This will allow users to understand the purpose of a call before deciding whether to respond.
After the caller explains the reason for calling, WhatsApp will generate a private transcript of the response. Users can review the transcript and decide whether the call requires their attention.
According to the report, the transcription process will take place directly on the user’s device using language packs, rather than sending call data to WhatsApp’s servers for transcription. This approach is intended to protect user privacy.
Users will also reportedly be able to select their preferred language for the transcript.
The call filtering feature remains under development and is not yet available for beta testing. WhatsApp has not announced an official release date for Android users.
Once introduced, the feature could help users reduce unwanted interruptions while making it easier to identify important calls from numbers that are not saved in their contact lists.
