Explorer

Google’s New 'Expressive Calling' Feature Makes Urgent Calls Impossible To Ignore: How It Works

Google is rolling out Expressive Calling in its Phone app, using visual alerts and strong vibrations to highlight urgent calls and even bypass Do Not Disturb when enabled.

Show Quick Read
Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom
  • Google Phone app beta introduces 'Expressive Calling' for urgent calls.
  • Urgent calls feature stronger visual alerts and vibrations for receiver.
  • Callers can mark calls as urgent; receiver sees

Google has started rolling out a new calling upgrade inside its Phone app, aimed at making important calls harder to miss. The new feature is called Expressive Calling and is currently reaching some users who are part of the Phone by Google beta programme. This update focuses only on calls and uses visual alerts and vibrations to show urgency. It is especially useful when someone really needs to reach you and doesn’t want their call to get ignored or lost among regular notifications. 

Here is a simple breakdown of how Google’s new calling feature works and who can use it right now.

Google ‘Expressive Calling’ Feature Rolls Out To Phone 

The Google Expressive Calling feature is now visible for some users using the beta version of the Phone by Google app. The feature can be found by opening Phone Settings, tapping on General, and scrolling down to Expressive Calling. Once available, the main toggle is already turned on by default.

This feature enhances incoming calls with stronger visual signals and vibration effects. The idea is simple: urgent calls should feel urgent. 

There is also an optional setting that allows these urgent calls to break through Do Not Disturb mode, which can help in time-sensitive situations.

As of now, Expressive Calling only seems to work when both the caller and the receiver are using the Phone by Google beta app. 

How Google Urgent Calls Works

When both users are eligible, the caller sees a prompt during the call asking if they want to mark it as urgent. If they choose yes, the call is sent as an urgent call.

On the receiver’s phone, the incoming call screen clearly displays a message saying “It’s urgent!” along with an animated siren emoji. The call also comes with stronger vibration and visual effects, making it stand out from normal calls.

If the urgent call is missed, it does not disappear quietly. Instead, it is marked as urgent in the call history, making it easier to identify and return important missed calls later.

This new calling feature is still in early testing and limited to beta users, but it shows Google’s focus on improving real-world communication, not just adding smart features.

About the author Annie Sharma

Annie Sharma is a technology journalist at ABP Live English, focused on breaking down complex tech stories into clear, reader-friendly narratives. Gaining hands-on experience in digital storytelling and news writing with leading publications, Annie believes technology should feel accessible rather than overwhelming, and follows a clear, reader-first approach in her work.

For tips and queries, you can reach out to her at annies@abpnetwork.com.

Read More

Top Headlines

Sam Altman Apologises After OpenAI Fails To Flag Police Before Fatal Canada Shooting
Sam Altman Apologises After OpenAI Fails To Flag Police Before Fatal Canada Shooting
Big Blow To Paytm: RBI Revokes Payments Bank Licence Over Compliance Failures
Big Blow To Paytm: RBI Revokes Payments Bank Licence Over Compliance Failures
Vivo X300 FE vs X200 FE: Which Phone Should You Be Excited About?
Vivo X300 FE vs X200 FE: Which Phone Should You Be Excited About?
Are You Jio, Airtel Or BSNL Prepaid User? Your Mobile Bill Just Got More Expensive
Are You Jio, Airtel Or BSNL Prepaid User? Your Mobile Bill Just Got More Expensive

Videos

BREAKING: FBI Reaches California Home of Trump Shooter as Probe Intensifies
CBS Report: Trump Shooter Wanted to Kill Top White House Figures
Breaking News: Shocking Signal from Iran? Mojtaba Khamenei Listed Among Martyrs
Seconds of chaos: Agents rush to protect Trump as gunfire erupts
Security Alert: Secret Service under scrutiny after breach during high-profile Washington event

Photo Gallery

25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Embed widget