How to use the Google Pixel Take a Message feature

What does the Take a Message feature do?

The Take a Message feature, available in the Google Phone app, can answer some calls when you're unable to do so.

When a call comes in:

1. The phone automatically answers the call.
2. A greeting is sent to the caller.
3. The words of the caller are transcribed in real time on your device.
4. You can choose to answer the call or let the feature record a message.

Recordings and transcripts are saved directly to the device. They can be viewed in the Phone app.

Note: Videotron's Voicemail will continue to manage missed calls when the feature is not enabled or when it is not available.

1. Launch the Phone app.
2. Tap the Settings menu.
3. Select Take a Message.
4. Slide the button to the right (On) or left (Off) to turn the feature on or off.

If Visual Voicemail is not being used, the feature may turn on automatically in some cases.

Using Take a Message

When an incoming call is eligible for the feature:

1. A notification will indicate that a message is being recorded.
2. You will be able to read the transcript in real time, while the caller is speaking.
3. To take the call, tap Answer.
4. To allow the caller to continue, no action on your part is necessary.

Take a Message may not be available when:

• your device is in roaming mode;
• your phone is out of network reach;
• your phone is turned off;
• the call does not meet the conditions set out by Google;
• the call is transferred to Videotron's Voicemail before Take a Message can answer.

1. Launch the Phone app.
2. Tap the Recent tab or the relevant call.
3. Select a call handled by Take a Message.
4. Access the audio recording and transcript of the message.

Customizing the greeting

It is possible to customize the message that callers hear when a call is answered.

Depending on your device and the version of the Phone app, you can

• record a customized greeting;
• keep multiple greetings;
• select the greeting you want to use.

Which Pixel models can support Take a Message?

Take a Message is available on Google Pixel 6 phones and later.

Availability of some features may vary by language, region, and device software version.

Check Google's official documentation for the most up-to-date terms of service.

Known limitations of Take a Message

• The feature requires the Google Phone app. 
• Availability depends on language, country, and region.  
• Some features, such as real-time transcription, may not be available in all languages.  
• The feature can automatically turn off when the device is roaming.  
• Recordings and transcripts are saved locally on the device.  
• Some AI-powered features may evolve with Google's software updates. 

Frequently asked questions about Take a Message