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Call screening
Most AI receptionists just transfer the call. Tactly asks you first.
A caller asks for you. Tactly tells them one moment, rings you privately, and says who it is and what they want. You decide what happens next, and the caller never hears you decide.
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- TactlyThanks for calling Copperline Signs. This is the virtual assistant, and this call may be recorded. How can I help you?
- CallerHi, this is Priya from Northgate Media. Can I speak with the owner about advertising?
- TactlyOne moment, let me see if they're available.
- Checking with the owner privately
- TactlyThey aren't available right now, but I can take a message. What's the best number for you?
How does call screening work?
Call screening is an optional Tactly setting. When a caller asks for someone, Tactly says "One moment, let me see if they're available" and the caller hears ordinary ringing. Meanwhile Tactly rings that person's own phone and says who is calling and why. They choose: put the caller through, have Tactly take a message, or say they are not interested, and Tactly turns the caller down politely.
1. The caller hears one moment, then ringing
Tactly never leaves a caller in silence. They are told it is checking, and they hear normal ringing while it does.
2. You hear who is calling and why
Your phone rings with Tactly on the line, saying something like "Gene from ABC Company is calling about a new fax machine. Do you want to take it?" The caller cannot hear this part.
3. You pick what happens
Put them through, take a message, or not interested. If you do not pick up or your voicemail answers, Tactly goes back to the caller and takes a message.
Turn it on in your settings
In Settings, open AI Receptionist, then Transfers & booking, and switch on "Screen calls before transferring". You can also turn it on in the calls step of the setup wizard.
Try call screening
You play the owner. Pick a caller and decide.
Start the call, listen to who is calling and why, then choose what happens next. Turn the sound off and the transcript plays on its own.
The caller
What they hear- Pick a caller, then start the call.
Your phone
Only you hear this- Your phone rings only if the caller asks for you.
A simulation in your browser, with made-up callers. On a real call, call screening rings your own phone, and it needs a direct line or a cell phone, not a main number with an extension.
What call screening costs
Call screening like a human receptionist, without the receptionist bill.
A live answering service screens calls with a person. Tactly does the same check with you, on any plan.
Human answering services
Ruby
$250 a month for 50 minutes
Entry plan on their pricing pageSmith.ai
$300 a month for 30 calls
Entry plan on their pricing page
A person screens each call. Published prices, checked October 17, 2026. Prices change, so check their sites for current rates.
Tactly
| Plan | Price | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $49 a month | 100 |
| Pro | $99 a month | 250 |
| Growth | $199 a month | 600 |
Call screening is included on every plan, no add-on.
On Starter, that is less than a fifth of Ruby's entry price for twice the minutes.
The private check with you is part of the call, so it counts toward that call’s minutes. Call screening needs a direct line or a cell phone, not a main number with an extension or a phone menu.
Straight talk
What it will not do.
Knowing the limits is how you set it up well.
- It does not screen calls to the voice demo on this site. It works on real phone calls.
- It cannot get past an extension or a phone menu, so each person it checks with needs a direct line or a cell phone.
- It is not free of minutes. It is included on every plan, from $49/mo, with no add-on, but the private check is part of the call and uses that call's minutes.
- It does not switch itself on. Screening stays off until you turn it on, and it applies to transfers, not to calls Tactly handles start to finish.
FAQ
Questions, answered
What is call screening?
It is a check before a transfer. Tactly rings the person a caller asked for, tells them who is calling and why, and lets them choose whether to take the call.
Does the caller hear me decline?
No. The caller hears ringing while Tactly checks. If you pass, Tactly tells them politely that you cannot take the call, and if you ask for a message, it says you are not available right now and takes one.
How do I turn on call screening?
Go to Settings, then AI Receptionist, then Transfers & booking, and switch on "Screen calls before transferring". The setup wizard's calls step has the same switch.
Does call screening cost extra?
No add-on. It is included on every plan, from $49/mo. The check with you happens during the call, so its time counts toward that call's minutes.
Can it screen a number with an extension?
No. Tactly needs to reach the person directly, so use a direct line or a cell phone for anyone you want calls screened for.
What if I do not answer?
Tactly goes back to the caller and takes a message, so the call still ends with something useful in your inbox.
More features
Appointment booking
Nobody wants to leave a message and wait for a callback just to get a time. Tactly looks at your calendar, offers what is open, and books it before the call ends.
Learn more →Call transfer
Tactly takes the routine questions off your plate. When a caller needs a person during your hours, it puts them through to whoever handles that kind of call.
Learn more →After-hours answering
The calls that come in at 7 p.m. on a Sunday are often the ones that want you most. Tactly picks up and helps them, even with the team away.
Learn more →Stop sending callers to voicemail.
Start your free trial, make a test call from your own phone, and switch it on when it sounds right.
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