Phone by Google for Android

Phone by Google is a phone-calling application by Google LLC that serves as the official dialer and call-management tool for Android devices. It brings together essential calling functions such as spam protection, caller ID, visual voicemail, and call screening into a single, straightforward interface. The app is designed to make everyday phone use more reliable and less intrusive, helping users identify unknown numbers and avoid unwanted interruptions before they even answer. Since its initial release in December 2015, it has become one of the most widely used communication tools on Android, with over five billion installs and a user rating of about 4.43 out of 5 based on more than 52 million ratings, reflecting its broad appeal and consistent performance. The app is free to use, contains no ads, and offers no in-app purchases, which makes it an accessible option for anyone looking for a dependable dialer without extra costs or clutter. It is compatible with most Android devices running Android 11 and above, and the current downloadable version is 242.0.998227485, updated on October 14, 2026, with the latest overall update arriving on November 5, 2026. The app also extends to Wear OS, allowing users to manage calls from their smartwatch for added convenience. The most recent changes focus on enhancing Call Screen for Pixel devices in the US, where the Google Assistant can now automatically screen unknown callers and filter out detected robocalls before the phone even rings. If the call is not a robocall, the phone rings shortly afterward, providing helpful context about who is calling and why, which gives users more control over their incoming calls. Beyond this update, the app continues to offer a suite of features that aim to reduce the stress of dealing with spam and unknown numbers, making it a practical choice for both casual users and those who rely heavily on their phone for communication.

Key features

• Spam protection with warnings about suspicious callers and the ability to block numbers permanently
• Caller ID that identifies businesses and other callers so you can answer with confidence
• Hold for Me feature that lets Google Assistant wait on hold and notify you when someone is ready to talk
• Call Screen that answers unknown callers, filters detected spammers, and provides context about unrecognized numbers
• Visual voicemail with the ability to view, play, read transcriptions, delete, or save messages directly in the app
• Call recording that captures important information, with a disclosure announced to all parties when recording starts
• Intuitive and lightweight design with dark mode support to reduce eye strain and save battery
• Emergency support that shows your current location during emergency calls and allows sharing assistance information without speaking

How to install

1. Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file, which is about 38 MB in size.
2. When Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the 'Install unknown apps' setting for that source.
3. Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or file manager.
4. Tap Install and wait for the installation to complete, which should only take a few moments.
5. Open the app from your app drawer or home screen and follow any initial setup prompts.
6. Ensure your device runs Android 11 or higher, as this is the minimum required version for the app to function properly.

Latest changes

The latest update focuses on Call Screen for Pixel devices in the US. The Google Assistant now automatically screens unknown callers and filters out detected robocalls before the phone rings. For non-robocalls, the phone rings shortly after, providing helpful context about the caller and the reason for the call.

This app is ideal for everyday Android users who want a clean and reliable dialer without bloatware, people who frequently receive spam or telemarketing calls and want better protection, and those who value features like visual voicemail and call screening to manage their communication more efficiently.

To get the most out of Call Screen, make sure your device language is set to English and you are in a supported region, as automatic screening is currently available only in the US with English language settings.

Phone by Google is a solid, feature-rich dialer that excels at spam protection and caller identification, making it a worthwhile replacement for many default phone apps. While some advanced features are restricted by device or region, the core calling experience is smooth, free, and ad-free. For most Android users, especially those tired of unwanted calls, it offers a clear upgrade in functionality and peace of mind.