Call Screening vs Call Filtering: Choosing the Best Fit for Your Need

Ever feel like your phone rings more for spam than actual people?🤔

You’re not alone.

With robocalls, unknown callers, and unwanted calls flooding in, it’s no wonder phone users are turning to tools like call screening and call filtering to take back control.

But what’s the difference between the two, and which one should you choose? 🤷‍♂️

In this guide, we break down Call Screening vs Call Filtering, how they work, their pros and cons, and how to pick the right fit for your needs, whether you’re on iPhone or Android.

Let’s dive in !!! 🚀

What is Call Screening?

Call screening is a telecommunications service that permits people to screen incoming calls prior to deciding how to address the call.

Using services like caller ID, the user can see the caller’s name, number, and location before deciding to answer the call, send it to voicemail, or reject the call. Call screening is helpful as the user is better able to manage interruptions and can prioritize calls.

Furthermore, some enhanced call screening systems may present and provide the user with even better context about the caller to assist in their decision-making process in regard to conducting a call. In summary, call screening is a useful, systematic way to manage communication.

How Does Call Screening Work?

It is important for businesses to ensure that they don’t inadvertently miss important calls while rejecting unwanted and irrelevant calls.

Choosing the appropriate call-routing service is critical to help you meet your customer’s needs and ensure efficiency.

Here’s how call screening works:

Step 1: Incoming Call Detection

When a call comes in, the system intercepts the call before it rings the phone. The system scans the call incoming call and provides indications of “importance” or “spam.”

Step 2: Caller Identification

The system scans the incoming call using different identification mechanisms such as Caller ID and CRM integration.

This catches you up from the moment the phone rings.

Step 3: Call Assessment

The system assesses the call based on criteria defined in the contact management.

• Is the caller a known contact or a potential lead?
• Is the number flagged as spam or unwanted?

Calls from unidentified and/or suspect phone numbers are flagged for action.

Step 4: Screening Options for the Recipient

If it is an unknown caller who makes the call, the system may prompt the caller to introduce himself or state the purpose of the call.

The Caller ID, name of the caller, and other details alert the recipient. The recipient may then choose to:

• Answer it immediately if urgent.
• Send it to voicemail for listening later if you are busy or not interested.
• Forward it to a more suitable team member if needed.
• Block the call if it’s identified as spam or unwanted.

Step 5: Automated Responses

In the event of an unavailable recipient, a pre-recorded message can be programmed that will respond even when the user is distracted.

The message can request the caller share additional information or provide basic information to keep the communication going.

Step 6: Post-Call Management

Once the call has been made or screened, the system stores vital details such as:

• The caller information.
• The time of the call.
• The call outcome like answered, left on voicemail, or blocked.

This information is utilized to enhance future call handling and reporting, enabling companies to fine-tune their processes in the long run.

Pros and Cons of Call Screening

When it comes to managing incoming calls, call screening offers a range of benefits that can help keep your phone free from interruptions and unnecessary distractions.

However, like anything, it has its downsides, too.

Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of call screening:

What is Call filtering?

Call filtering refers to a telecom feature used to identify and manage incoming calls according to preset conditions to give users more control over their interactions on their phones.

Call filtering consists of filtering out calls to block or forward those identified as unwanted, including calls that are considered spam, are not live calls (e.g., robocalls), or are from an anonymous number. With call filtering, users can limit distractions as well as potential scams.

There are many ways to implement call filtering. Many phone operators offer call-blocking tools to prevent illegal and unwanted calls from reaching your phone.

Smartphone users can download call-blocking apps that will track all incoming calls while acting as filters by reading historical call data or user reporting to predict and intercept anticipated scam calls before successfully reaching the user.

Many of the apps provide alerts in real-time and allow users to customize their call filter experience.

How Does Call Filtering Work?

Call filtering allows a user to manage incoming calls at the user level by detecting and filtering unwanted or harmful calls, including spam calls, robocalls, and fraud calls.

Call filtering optimizes the user experience by reducing interruptions and protecting the user from scams.

How Call Filtering Works:

• Caller Identification: When a call is received, the call filtering system analyzes the caller’s information, including the phone number and caller ID details.
• Database Comparison: The system checks the caller’s information against large databases of known spam numbers, robocallers, and callers suspected of fraud. The databases are continuously updated based on user reports and regulatory data.

• Behavioral Analysis: Advanced call filters utilize algorithms to assess patterns and behaviors typical of unwanted calls, such as high-frequency calling or sequential number dialing.
• User Preferences: Users can filter calls as they like by adding numbers to their whitelist (these are the numbers they want the calls from) and also to their blacklist (these are the numbers they want to block).

Pros and Cons of Call Filtering

When dealing with unwanted calls, call filtering can be a lifesaver. By filtering out robocalls and spam calls automatically it can be time-saving and prevent your phone from being cluttered with perpetual disruption.

However, like any feature, it has its ups and downs. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of call filtering to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Call Screening vs Call Filtering: Key Differences

As you take control of your phone, both call filtering and call screening provide two distinct methods to handle incoming calls and block harassing calls.

Whereas both features reduce disruption from unwanted calls, such as robocalls and spam, they operate differently.

Having an understanding of what the key differences are can help you decide on the best practice for your situation.

Below, we break down the key differences between call screening and call filtering to guide your decision:

Final Words

It’s never been easier to manage incoming calls with Call Screening and Call Filtering. Call screening enables you to screen calls before answering, giving you more control over your phone interactions. Alternatively, call filtering rejects unwanted calls automatically, giving you more time and less distraction.

If you want total control, call screening might suit you best. But if you prefer something more automated, call filtering is the way to go.

Both functions keep you protected from spam and robocalls, improving your phone experience and making it easier to communicate.

FAQS

Is call screening the same as call blocking?

No, call screening lets you check who’s calling before answering. Call blocking automatically prevents specific numbers from reaching you.

What is the meaning of call screening?

Call screening means identifying and evaluating incoming calls before deciding to answer, reject, or send them to voicemail.

Why do many managers want their calls screened?

Managers use call screening to prioritize important calls, avoid interruptions, and maintain productivity.

What is the call screening process?

The call screening process involves analyzing caller information, detecting spam, and either blocking the call or allowing it to proceed.

What does it mean if someone is screening their calls?

It means they are using a system or feature to identify and prioritize incoming calls before answering.

What is call screening on AT&T phone?

call screening is a feature that helps AT&T users identify, filter, and block spam or unknown calls before they ring through.

How to block spam calls?

There are many ways to block spam calls, here are some of the ways explained:

• Enable spam protection in your phone settings (iPhone or Android).
• Use call filter apps like Verizon Call Filter, Truecaller, or Hiya.
• Turn on Google Call Screening on Android for automatic screening.
• Block numbers manually from your recent calls list.
• Activate features like Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone.
• Use carrier tools like Verizon Spam Filter or AT&T Call Protect.