Pixel's ringer feature: How to silence embarrassing phone calls

We've all been there: You're in a meeting, or somewhere quiet where random loud noises are generally frowned upon. And then your phone rings. Ordinarily, you might have set your device to silent or vibrate, but for whatever reason you didn't do that, and now you're facing startled stares from everyone in the room.

First off, it's not a big deal. Take a breath, you will come back from this. Second, if you happen to own a Pixel device, Google has introduced a new feature that should help.

A new option available in the Sound section of the Settings app makes it so your phone will vibrate first when it gets a call, then increase the volume of the ring gradually after the fact to get your attention. Better yet, this feature isn't limited to the Pixel 4 — so owners of older Google phones, as well as the low-cost Pixel 3a, won't be left out.

1. Open the Settings app

2. Tap Sound

3. Tap Vibrate for calls

4. Tap Vibrate first then ring gradually

Adam Ismail is a staff writer at Jalopnik and previously worked on Tom's Guide covering smartphones, car tech and gaming. His love for all things mobile began with the original Motorola Droid; since then he’s owned a variety of Android and iOS-powered handsets, refusing to stay loyal to one platform. His work has also appeared on Digital Trends and GTPlanet. When he’s not fiddling with the latest devices, he’s at an indie pop show, recording a podcast or playing Sega Dreamcast.