When Google introduced the Pixel 10 series on August 20, 2025, one of the highlights was the debut of Take a Message, a modern re-imagining of voicemail inside the Google Phone app. At first, many assumed this feature would remain exclusive to the latest flagship lineup. However, Google has now confirmed that Take a Message is rolling out to older Pixel phones, starting with the Pixel 4 and continuing through to the Pixel 9. In addition, Pixel Watch owners can also benefit from the update, provided they are paired with a Pixel 6 or newer device.
This announcement means millions of Pixel owners worldwide can now access a feature designed to simplify how missed calls are handled. Instead of relying solely on carrier voicemail, Google’s app creates a private, on-device alternative that integrates neatly into the call history.
What Exactly Is “Take a Message”?
The Take a Message function acts as a personal assistant for calls you cannot answer. If you decline or miss a call, the Phone app automatically invites the caller to leave a short message. This message is then:
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Recorded in audio form
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Transcribed into text instantly
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Displayed in the Recents tab of the Phone app
What makes this tool different from traditional voicemail is that it is entirely managed within the Phone app itself. Both the transcription and the audio remain securely stored on the device, never uploaded to Google’s servers.
Summary Table
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Feature Name |
Take a Message |
Launch Date |
August 20, 2025 with Pixel 10 series |
Availability |
Pixel 4 and newer; Pixel Watch 2+ (paired with Pixel 6 or newer) |
Regions |
US, UK, Ireland, Australia |
Carrier Limitations |
Works with most carriers; not supported on Dish in the US |
Storage & Privacy |
Messages and transcripts stored locally, not in the cloud |
Extra Features |
Spam call filtering, Call Notes “Next Steps” AI |
How to Enable |
Google Phone app → Settings → Take a Message → Toggle On |
Official Site |
Supported Devices
Google has confirmed support for:
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Pixel Phones: Pixel 4 and newer (including the Pixel 10 series)
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Pixel Watches: Pixel Watch 2 and later models, but only when paired with a Pixel 6 or newer phone
This makes the feature widely accessible across several generations of Google hardware.
Regional Availability and Carrier Support
For now, Take a Message is limited to four regions:
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United States
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United Kingdom
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Ireland
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Australia
While most major carriers in these countries support the feature, there are exceptions. In the US, for example, Dish customers will not be able to use Take a Message at launch.
Enabling Take a Message
On Pixel Phones
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Update to the latest version of the Google Phone app from the Play Store
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Open the app and tap More
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Go to Settings
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Find Take a Message and toggle it on
On Pixel Watches
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On your paired Pixel phone, open the Google Phone app
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Navigate to More → Settings → Take a Message
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Toggle the feature on for the paired watch
Once activated, the caller will either hear a default greeting or a personalized greeting recorded by you before leaving their message.
Why It Matters
Traditional voicemail is often slow, carrier-dependent, and inconsistent across networks. By integrating a transcription service directly into the Google Phone app, Pixel devices gain a seamless method to:
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Quickly read or listen to messages
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Filter spam calls before they reach voicemail
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Store everything locally, ensuring higher privacy
Spam calls are also automatically screened and blocked without requiring an internet connection.
Related Features
Alongside Take a Message, Google is expanding Call Notes with “Next Steps” AI. This feature analyzes the context of a call and suggests possible actions such as scheduling a meeting or setting a reminder. It is already arriving on Pixel 9 devices and is expected to reach more models gradually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need the Pixel 10 to use Take a Message?
A. No. The feature is now available on Pixel 4 and newer models, as well as Pixel Watch 2+ (when paired with Pixel 6 or newer).
Q2: Is the feature available worldwide?
A. Not yet. Google currently supports Take a Message in the US, UK, Ireland, and Australia only.
Q3: Will my carrier affect whether I can use it?
A. Yes. While most carriers support the feature, Dish (in the US) does not.
Q4: Does Google store my messages on the cloud?
A. No. Both the audio and transcription remain stored privately on your device.
Q5: How is Take a Message different from voicemail?
A. It is faster, fully integrated into the Phone app, includes live transcription, and does not rely on carrier voicemail systems.
Q6: How do I activate it?
A. Update your Phone app to the latest version, go to Settings, find Take a Message, and turn it on.
Conclusion
The Take a Message rollout marks another step in Google’s plan to modernize how Pixel devices handle everyday communication. By replacing outdated voicemail systems with an AI-driven, private, and user-friendly tool, Google is giving Pixel owners a clear advantage. For users in supported regions, enabling this feature is a quick way to make missed calls less of a hassle and ensure important information is never lost.
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