Sometimes you need someone to answer right away. Maybe you are locked out. Maybe those concert tickets are about to go on sale. Android users are about to get a helpful upgrade that gives their calls more context 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 you dial.When you use it, the person receiving your call sees the urgent label on their screen. If they miss it, the same note shows up in their call history. That quick hint can give your call priority without you needing to send a separate message.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.MANAGE ANDROID APPS WITH THE NEW 'UNINSTALL' BUTTONCall Reason appears inside the Phone by Google app on Android devices. The feature only works when both people use Google's default calling app and the contact is saved in your phone. Many Android phones ship with Phone by Google preinstalled, especially Pixel models, while others like Samsung may use their own dialer instead. If your device does not 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 the conversation should not wait.This simple tool helps friends and family answer faster. It also gives them a reminder if they miss the call. Since the note stays in the call log, it nudges them to call back sooner.Missed calls are common. Many people silence their phones while working or driving. Call Reason bridges that gap with a small but meaningful alert that adds context. You can give someone a heads-up that the call needs quick attention without creating extra steps or confusion.Right now, Call Reason only supports the urgent label. Google has hinted that more options could come later, like short custom messages or emoji-style indicators. That could add even more clarity when your call is tied to a specific topic.5 HIDDEN BATTERY DRAINERS YOU CAN FIX RIGHT NOWNot every Android phone shows 'Phone by Google' in its settings. Some manufacturers, especially Samsung, use their own Phone app. Here is a quick way to confirm if you have the Google version on your device.Open Google Play StoreSearch for Phone by GoogleIf you see Open or Update, it is installedIf you see Install, your phone does not have it yet.If the Install button appears, you can download it with one tap.Once it is installed, your phone may prompt you to set it as your default calling app. If it does not, you can change it manually.Once Phone by Google is installed, you need to make it your main calling app. Call Reason only works when Phone by Google is set as your default calling app. Installing it is not enough. You must switch your phone to use the Google dialer for the feature to appear. Here's how to enable it by following these steps.On Pixel devicesSettings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer.Open SettingsTap AppsTap Default appsTap Phone appSelect Phone by Google, which uses a blue icon with a white phone handsetOn Samsung Galaxy phonesSettings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer.Open SettingsTap AppsTap the three dotsTap Choose default appsTap Phone appSelect Phone by Google if available. It uses a blue icon with a white phone handset, which looks different from Samsung's green Phone iconSamsung may block or hide the Google Phone app on some carrier models. If you do not see it after installation, your device may not support switching. Once you have Phone by Google set as your default calling app, using Call Reason is very simple. Both you and the person you are calling must use the Phone by Google app for the urgent label to appear.When you are ready to call someone:Open the Phone by Google appGo to your Contacts or RecentsTap the contact you want to callBefore you press the call button, look for the Call Reason option on the screenTap Urgent to attach the urgent labelThen tap the call button to place your callThe urgent badge is sent with your outgoing call so the person knows your call needs attention.When your call reaches them, they will see:Your name and numberA bold "Urgent" label under your name on the incoming call screenIf they miss the call:The urgent label appears in their call historyThey can tap your missed call to return it quicklyNo extra steps are needed on their end. They do not 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.For the urgent label to show:Both people must use Phone by GoogleBoth devices must support the Call Reason beta rolloutThe person must be saved in your ContactsIf any of those pieces are missing, the option will not appear.5 PHONE SETTINGS TO CHANGE RIGHT NOW FOR A SAFER SMARTPHONEUse the urgent label only for situations that need fast attentionKeep your contacts list updated so the feature works as intendedEncourage close friends or family to use the Phone by Google app for full compatibilityCheck your call history for urgent notes if you miss an important call Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.Call Reason feels like one of those small upgrades that can make everyday calling a little smoother. It gives your friends a quick sense of why you're reaching out and helps cut through the guesswork when timing matters. As the feature expands, it could turn into an even more helpful way to share context before someone taps Accept.What situation in your life would make you use the urgent label first? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.