Google tests urgent call feature that can bypass Do Not Disturb

Google is testing a new Phone app feature that makes it easier for people to notice when a call really can’t wait. Android Authority spotted the change in the latest beta build, and it looks like Google wants important calls to reach people right away, even if their phones are on silent or in Do Not Disturb mode.

The feature, called “Expressive Calling,” lets you tag your call with a short message before you hit the dial button. Instead of just seeing your name pop up, the person you’re calling would also see a small note explaining why you’re calling.

Early code shows a few built-in reasons like an emergency, something you want to share, a quick chat, or a simple question. Each tag shows up with a small emoji, so it stands out instantly.

Google seems to be testing the idea of adding more reasons later on, and there’s a chance users may be able to write their own message, too. The whole goal is simple: give people a bit of context before they pick up, so they know what to expect.

The most eye-catching part is how it handles emergencies. If you tag a call as urgent, the app can push past the other person’s Do Not Disturb settings and make the phone ring anyway. That way, the call doesn’t get lost when someone has silenced their phone. To stop this from being abused, Google appears to be limiting it to people who already have each other saved as contacts, so random callers can’t spam the feature.

There’s also a new type of missed-call alert for these cases. If someone misses an emergency-tagged call, the phone will highlight that it was an urgent one.

The feature uses RCS, the same modern messaging system Google has been pushing for years. Because these little call-reason messages are sent before the call actually connects, the app needs SMS permission to make everything work. And if the person on the other end doesn’t use an app that supports RCS, they may not see the message the way Google intends.

Google hasn’t said when this feature will roll out. The beta code shows that it’s still being built and that the interface isn’t final yet. For now, it’s just a peek at a more helpful calling experience that might show up in a future update of the Phone app.