One of the best features of your Google Pixel is a powerful voicemail replacement

There are several cool features that set the Google Pixel line apart from other Android phones: Pixel Call Assist, Super Res Zoom, and Magic Editor, to name a few. However, one of the most exciting reasons to own a Google Pixel is the Take a Message feature that was introduced with the release of the Pixel 10 phones in 2025. It’s also now available on all Pixel phones starting with the Pixel 4, and you could use it as a powerful voicemail replacement.

Take a Message is designed to handle your missed or declined calls by transcribing the caller’s message. You can view the transcription in real time and you can even join the call mid-message. Privacy-conscious users prefer it over traditional voicemail because the entire process happens natively on your device; it’s completely separate from your phone carrier. Even if you have one of the most reliable phone carriers, there’s no reason to leave them with more call data than necessary.

You can set up Take a message on your Google Pixel phone by opening the Phone app, tapping the three-dot menu, then going to Settings > Take a message. You can also enable this feature on a Pixel Watch 2 or higher by pairing it with a Pixel 6 or higher phone. There is an option to personalize the greeting callers will hear by setting up your own personalized greeting, making it virtually indistinguishable from a regular voice message coming from the other end.

Phone experts at Android Authority have observed evidence suggesting that Google is preparing to release Take a Message for more Android phones. A snippet of code was spotted in the Google Pixel Phone app stating “enabledBeeslyV2NonPixel.” “Beesly” is known to be the codename for the Take Message feature, and the “NonPixel” segment clearly suggests the intention for the feature to be functional on other devices.

Google is speaking out about how its AI features attempt to improve the smartphone experience. If some of these handy features extend beyond the Pixel line, would now be a good time to move away from the Google-branded environment? Recently, Samsung added new features to One UI 8.5 for Galaxy phones, including an AI-based call screening feature that could pair well with Take a Message if the latter arrives in the Galaxy ecosystem. On the other hand, there’s still a lot to enjoy as a loyal Pixel fan. In fact, if it’s been a while since you’ve upgraded, the Google Pixel 9 is still worth buying in 2026 at the right price.