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Sometimes you need someone to respond immediately. Maybe you’re locked out. Maybe those concert tickets are about to go on sale. Android users are about to benefit from a useful upgrade that gives more context to their calls when time matters.
Google is rolling out a beta feature called Call Reason in the Phone by Google app that lets you mark a call as urgent before dialing.
When you use it, the person receiving your call sees the urgent label on their screen. If they miss it, the same note appears in their call history. This quick hint can prioritize your call without you needing to send a separate message.
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Call Reason lets you flag a call as urgent before dialing, giving your contacts a clear signal that your call requires prompt attention. (Google)
How the Call Reason feature works
The reason for the call appears in the Phone by Google app on Android devices. The feature only works when both people are using Google’s default calling app and the contact is saved on your phone. Many Android phones come with Phone by Google preinstalled, especially Pixel models, while others, like Samsung, may use their own dialer instead. If your device doesn’t use Phone by Google by default, you may not see the feature until you install or switch to the Google version. Once marked as urgent, your call displays a clear indicator that tells the other person that the conversation should not wait.
This simple tool helps your friends and family respond faster. It also gives them a reminder if they miss the call. Since the note remains in the call log, it encourages them to call back sooner.
Why this Call Reason feature on Android can help you
Missed calls are common. Many people silence their phones while working or driving. Call Reason fills this gap with a small but meaningful alert that adds context. You can alert someone that the call requires prompt attention without creating additional steps or confusion.
Currently, Call Reason only supports urgent label. Google hinted that more options could come later, like short personalized messages or emoji-style indicators. This could add even more clarity when your call is related to a specific topic.
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Both people must be using the Phone by Google app for urgent label to work, making your calls stand out when timing matters most. (Google)
How to check if you have “Phone by Google” on your Android
Not all Android phones display “Phone by Google” in their settings. Some manufacturers, notably Samsung, use their own Phone app. Here’s a quick way to confirm if you have the Google version on your device.
Visit the Play Store
Open Google Play Store
To research Phone by Google
If you see Open Or Updateit is installed
If you see Installyour phone doesn’t have it yet.
If the Install appears, you can download it with just one click.
After installing the Google Phone app
Once installed, your phone may ask you to set it as your default calling app. If not, you can change it manually.
Switch to Phone by Google by default
Once Phone by Google is installed, you need to make it your primary calling app. Call Reason only works when Phone by Google is set as the default calling app. Installing it is not enough. You need to change your phone to use Google dialer for the feature to appear. Here’s how to enable it by following these steps.
On Pixel devices
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone manufacturer.
Open Settings
Faucet Applications
Faucet Default apps
Faucet Phone app
Select Phone by Googlewhich uses a blue icon with a white telephone handset
On Samsung Galaxy phones
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone manufacturer.
Open Settings
Faucet Applications
Press the three points
Faucet Choose default apps
Faucet Phone app
Select Phone by Google if available. He uses a blue icon with a white telephone handsetwhich is different from the green icon on Samsung’s phone
Samsung may block or hide the Google Phone app on certain carrier models. If you don’t see it after installation, your device may not support switching.
How to Use Call Reason Urgent Tag on Android
Once Phone by Google is set as your default calling app, using Call Reason is very simple. You and the person you are calling must use the Phone by Google app for the emergency label to appear.
How to mark your call as urgent
When you are ready to call someone:
Open it Phone by Google application
Go to your Contacts Or Recent
Press the contact you want to call
Before pressing the call button, find the Reason for call option on screen
Faucet Urgent stick the urgent label
Then press the call button to make your call
The urgent badge is sent with your outgoing call so the person knows your call needs attention.
What the other person sees
When your call reaches them, they will see:
Your name and number
A daring “Urgent” label under your name on incoming call screen
If they miss the call:
The urgent label appears in their call history
They can tap your missed call to return it quickly
No additional steps are needed on their end. They don’t need to press anything special to receive an urgent call. Their only requirement is that they also use Phone by Google as their default calling app.
What both people need to have to make it work
For the urgent label to appear:
Both people must use Phone by Google
Both devices must support the Call Reason Beta Rollout
The person must be saved in your contacts
If any of these parts are missing, the option will not appear.
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When someone receives an urgent call, the label appears on their screen and in their call history if they missed it, making it easy to call back quickly. (Google)
Tips for getting the most out of Call Reason
Use the urgent label only for situations that require rapid attention
Keep your updated contact list so the functionality works as expected
Encourage your close friends or family to use the Phone app via Google for full compatibility
Check your call history for urgent notes if you miss an important call
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Kurt’s Key Takeaways
Call Reason feels like one of those small upgrades that can make everyday calls a little smoother. This gives your friends a quick idea of why you’re contacting them and helps you avoid guesswork when timing is important. As the feature grows, it could become an even more useful way to share context before someone presses Accept.
What situation in your life would make you use the emergency label first? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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