Most AI receptionists just transfer the call. The AI Receptionist asks you first.
A caller asks for you. The receptionist tells them one moment, rings you privately, and says who is calling and why. You decide whether to take the call, get a message, or pass.
Try it live: call (305) 928-1811. Tactly answers our own line, so you hear exactly what your callers would.
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- Off until you turn it on
- Included on every plan
- The caller hears ringing
- Thanks for calling Ridgeway Print Co, this is the virtual assistant. How can I help you?
- Hi, this is Gene from ABC Company. Is Dana there? It's about a new fax machine.
- One moment, let me see if Dana is available.
- Checking with Dana privately
How does AI receptionist call screening work?
With call screening on, a caller who asks for someone hears "One moment, let me see if they're available" and ordinary ringing. Meanwhile the receptionist privately rings that person, says who is calling and why, and waits for an answer: put them through, take a message, or not interested. If nobody answers, it takes a message. It works on real phone calls to a direct line or cell, and is included on every plan.
Three steps, and the caller hears none of the middle one
- 1
The caller hears one moment, then ringing
When a caller asks for someone, the receptionist says "One moment, let me see if they're available." The caller hears ordinary ringing while it checks, not silence.
- 2
It tells you who is calling and why
Your phone rings with the receptionist on the line: "Hi Dana, Gene from ABC Company is calling about a new fax machine. Do you want to take the call?" The caller cannot hear this.
- 3
You choose what happens
Say put them through and the call connects. Ask for a message and the caller is told you are not available right now. Say not interested and they are turned down politely.
You play the owner. Pick a caller and decide.
Start the call, listen to who is calling and why, then choose what happens next. With the sound off, 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.
Call screening like a human receptionist, without the receptionist bill.
A live answering service screens calls with a person. The AI Receptionist 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.
WorkspaceCMS AI Receptionist
| 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.
What to know about call screening
Real phone calls
Screening runs on calls to your business number. The voice demo on this site does not ring anyone.
A direct line or a cell
It has to reach the person directly, so it cannot get past an extension or a phone menu. Use a direct line or a cell for anyone you want calls screened for.
It uses call minutes
It is included on every plan, from $49/mo, with no add-on. The private check is part of the call, so its time counts toward that call's minutes.
No answer means a message
If you do not pick up or your voicemail answers, the receptionist goes back to the caller and takes a message for you.
Switch it on in your settings
- 1
Open your settings
In your dashboard, go to Settings, then AI Receptionist, then Transfers & booking.
- 2
Switch on screening
Turn on "Screen calls before transferring". The setup wizard's calls step has the same switch if you are just getting started.
- 3
Check your numbers
Make sure each transfer number is a direct line or a cell, then place a test call from your own phone.
Call screening, answered.
What is AI call screening?
It is a check before a transfer. When a caller asks for someone, the AI Receptionist privately rings that person, says who is calling and why, and lets them decide whether to take the call.
What does the caller hear while it checks?
They hear "One moment, let me see if they're available" and then ordinary ringing. They never hear the conversation between you and the receptionist.
What are my choices when it rings me?
Put the caller through, have the receptionist take a message, or say you are not interested. A message is taken with a polite "not available right now", and a pass is declined politely.
What if I do not answer?
The receptionist goes back to the caller and takes a message, and it arrives in your call summary like any other.
Can it screen a number with an extension?
No. It needs to reach the person directly, so it cannot get past an extension or a phone menu. Use a direct line or a cell phone.
How much does call screening cost?
It is included on every plan, from $49/mo, with no add-on. The private check is part of the call, so it counts toward that call's minutes.
How do I turn it on?
Go to Settings, then 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.
More about the AI Receptionist
- TransfersWhen a caller asks for a person during your hours, the AI receptionist says so and transfers the call to the number you choose.
- After hoursNights, weekends and holidays covered. The AI receptionist tells callers you are closed, books them a time or takes a message for the morning.
- vs answering serviceAn honest comparison of an AI receptionist, voicemail, a live answering service and a front-desk hire, and when each one makes sense.
- AI Receptionist overviewAn AI receptionist that answers your business calls, books appointments, transfers to your team and emails a summary of every call. From $49/mo.
Press play and listen to Tactly take a call.
Example calls in Tactly’s voice, with a sample voice playing the caller. Pick a call and the transcript follows along as it is spoken. More sample calls on Tactly.ai →
- TactlyThank you for calling Calder and Voss Law Firm. I'm the virtual assistant, and this call may be recorded. How can I help you?
- CallerHi. So, I was in a car accident yesterday, and I think I need a lawyer.
- TactlyI'm sorry that happened. Is anyone hurt and in need of help right now?
- CallerNo, no, I'm home now. My neck's just sore, that's all.
- TactlyThank you. Dana in Intake handles new cases. Would you like me to connect you to her now?
- CallerYes, please, that would be great.
- TactlyConnecting you to Dana now. One moment.
- Transferred to Dana, Intake
A new caller was in a car accident yesterday and has a sore neck. They are looking for a lawyer and were transferred to Dana in Intake.
Try it live: call (305) 928-1811. Tactly answers our own line, so you hear exactly what your callers would.
Hear who is calling first.
Then decide.
Call screening is in every plan, from $49/mo.
Want calls handed off without a check? see call transfer