If you have updated your iPhone to iOS 26, then you might have noticed a new Screen Unknown Callers feature in the Phone app. This feature is designed to eliminate distractions for the user.
When the Screen Unknown Callers feature is enabled, your iPhone automatically picks up an incoming call from an unsaved number and asks the reason for calling. It displays their response to you, after which you can decide whether you want to pick up the call or not.
If you don’t want to use this feature and want to turn it off, then this guide is for you.
Turn off Call Screening feature
- Start by opening the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on the Apps option.
- On the Apps page, find and tap on the Phone option. This page gives you access to controls related to the Phone app.
- Scroll down until you get to the Screen Unknown Callers section.
- Here, select the Never option. When never is selected, calls from unsaved numbers will ring, and missed calls will be displayed on the recents list of the Phone app.
From now on, iPhone will no longer silence an incoming call or ask the caller the reason for their call, and your iPhone will ring as soon as the call arrives.
That’s it, this is how you can turn off iOS 26’s screen unknown callers feature and return to normal Phone functionality.
