# Call Screening

> The "press any key to accept" prompt that stops a phone's voicemail from answering a forwarded call and cutting off the other numbers.

Source: https://edesy.in/docs/call-forwarding/rules/call-screening

Call screening asks the person who picks up a forwarded call to press a key before the caller is connected. They hear "You have a forwarded call. Press any key to accept." This stops a phone's voicemail from answering the call and cutting off the other numbers. Screening is on by default.

## How it works

1. A forward-to phone answers.
2. The person hears "You have a forwarded call. Press any key to accept."
3. **They press any key** within 8 seconds: the caller is connected.
4. **No key is pressed** (voicemail, or nobody there): that phone is dropped. With ring all at once the other phones keep ringing; with ring one by one the next number rings.

The prompt also tells your team the call came through your business number, even when they have chosen to see the [original caller's number](https://edesy.in/docs/call-forwarding/rules/caller-id-display).

## On or off

| | Screening on (default) | Screening off |
|---|---|---|
| API | `confirm_required: true` | `confirm_required: false` |
| Voicemail can take the call | No | Yes, if a phone's voicemail answers first |
| Speed for the caller | A moment slower | Connected the instant someone answers |

Set it with **Require "press a key to accept"** on the rule, or with the API:

```bash
curl -X PATCH https://voice-api.edesy.in/v1/forwarding/rules/RULE_ID \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_your_api_key" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{ "confirm_required": false }'
```

## FAQ

**Why is my team answering but the caller never connects?**
Screening is on and they did not press a key. Tell them to press any key at the prompt, or turn screening off.

**Which key do they press?**
Any key on the keypad.

**How long do they have?**
About 8 seconds after the prompt.

**Should I turn it off?**
Keep it on if any forward-to phone has voicemail. Turn it off only if every number is a desk phone or line without voicemail.