Here are answers to the most common questions about Gini's phone call protection.
How Screening Works
What is conditional call forwarding?
Conditional call forwarding only forwards calls in specific situations - when your line is busy, when you don't answer, or when your phone is unreachable. This lets your phone ring normally while ensuring missed calls are screened by Gini.
Will I still see who is calling?
Yes! When a call is forwarded to Gini, our AI screens the caller and sends you a notification with the caller's information and what they said. You can then decide whether to call back.
Do I need to set up forwarding for each condition?
For best protection, we recommend setting up forwarding for all three conditions: When Busy, When Unanswered, and When Unreachable. This ensures all missed calls are screened.
Can I disable forwarding temporarily?
Yes! You can disable call forwarding at any time using the disable codes in the Gini app. Simply dial the code, and your calls will go back to normal. You can re-enable whenever you want.
Will this affect my regular voicemail?
Yes, when call forwarding is active, unanswered calls go to Gini instead of your carrier voicemail. Gini will screen the caller and provide you with a summary.
Does call forwarding cost extra?
Call forwarding is typically included with your phone plan at no extra cost. Some carriers may count forwarded minutes against your plan. Check with your carrier if unsure.
What if I have a business phone or VoIP?
Business phones and VoIP services often have different call forwarding methods. Check your service provider's dashboard or contact their support for setup instructions.
Call Screening Details
What does Gini say to callers?
Gini greets callers with something like: "Hi, you've reached [Your Name]'s call screening service. May I ask who's calling and the reason for your call?"
Can callers leave a regular voicemail?
When Gini screens calls, it has a conversation with the caller instead of traditional voicemail. You receive a summary and recording of this conversation. If you want traditional voicemail, you can disable Gini's forwarding.
How long are recordings kept?
Call recordings are kept for 90 days, or until you delete them manually - whichever comes first.
Can I listen to the actual call?
Yes. For each screened call, you can listen to the recording of the conversation between the caller and Gini's AI.
What if the caller hangs up?
If a caller hangs up without responding to Gini, you'll receive a notification saying the call was screened but the caller didn't leave information. This often means it was a robocall.
Allow List and Block List
What's the difference between Allow List and Block List?
- Allow List: Callers ring through directly without screening
- Block List: Callers are rejected immediately and can't leave messages
How many numbers can I add?
There's no practical limit to the number of contacts you can add to either list.
Are my contacts automatically on the Allow List?
If you import your contacts, they're treated like Allow List entries - their calls ring through without screening.
Can scammers fake numbers on my Allow List?
Unfortunately, yes. Scammers can "spoof" phone numbers to appear as someone else. If a call from a trusted number seems suspicious, hang up and call them back directly.
Technical Questions
Does this use my phone's minutes?
Forwarded calls may use minutes depending on your plan. Most modern plans include unlimited calling, so this isn't usually an issue.
Does Gini work internationally?
Gini's call forwarding works in the United States. International calls to your US number can be screened, but international forwarding codes may vary.
What happens if I switch carriers?
You'll need to set up call forwarding again with your new carrier's codes. Different carriers use different code formats.
Can I use Gini with Google Voice?
Google Voice has its own call forwarding. You may need to adjust Google Voice settings for Gini to work properly, or forward from Google Voice to Gini.
Troubleshooting
Why did a scam call still get through?
Possible reasons:
- The caller is on your Allow List or contacts
- Call forwarding wasn't active
- You answered before forwarding kicked in
Why am I not getting notifications?
Check that:
- Notifications are enabled for Gini in your phone's settings
- You have a good internet connection
- The Gini app is up to date
Calls go straight to my carrier voicemail
This usually means call forwarding isn't active. Check by dialing *#21# (AT&T/T-Mobile) or re-dial the forwarding codes.
Privacy
Are my calls recorded?
Only the screening conversations (between Gini's AI and the caller) are recorded. Your personal phone calls are never recorded.
Who can hear my call recordings?
Only you can access recordings of your screened calls. No one at Gini listens unless you request support and grant permission.
Can I delete recordings?
Yes, you can delete any recording at any time from the call details screen in the app.
Still have questions? Contact our support team - we're here to help!