Last week, Google introduced the Material 3 Expressive update to its dialer app, marking a notable shift in the layout, design, and functionality of the native Phone app for Android users. While updates are typically welcomed, this particular change has stirred discontent among users, particularly due to alterations that disrupt established habits, such as the new gesture for accepting incoming calls. For those yearning for the familiar interface, options are available to revert to the previous version of the Google dialer.
What’s new on Google’s Phone app?
The revamped home page of the Phone app now features a combined ‘Favourites’ and ‘Recents’ section, streamlining access to these frequently used tabs. The dialer icon, once conveniently floating at the bottom right, has been relocated to the bottom menu alongside the ‘Home’ and ‘Voicemail’ tabs. Users looking to access their saved contacts will now need to utilize the search bar at the top or select the ‘View contacts’ option just below it. However, the most controversial change is the introduction of a sliding gesture to answer or decline calls, replacing the traditional tap method that many users have grown accustomed to.
Google has not provided a straightforward option to revert to the old design, leaving users with limited choices. While uninstalling the update can restore the previous version, it comes with the caveat of enduring potential bugs. Fortunately, for those primarily concerned about the new call slider, a single-tap option can be enabled through the settings.
Switch to the old Google dialer on Android
- Launch the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Search for Phone by Google and navigate to its app page.
- Tap the ellipses in the top right corner of the screen.
- Uncheck the box next to Enable auto-update.
- Hit Uninstall. This will remove the latest update while keeping the app intact.
Change the call gesture
If reverting to the previous version isn’t appealing, users can still modify the call acceptance method back to the familiar tap gesture. Here’s how:
- Launch the Phone app on your device.
- Tap the hamburger menu in the top right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Navigate to Incoming call gesture.
- Tap on Incoming call gesture.
- Select Single tap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why has the Phone app by Google changed on my smartphone?
The update to the Phone app is part of Google’s rollout of the new Material 3 Expressive design language, which is being implemented gradually across devices.
What’s new on the Google Phone app?
This update introduces a fresh layout, moving the floating dialer icon to the bottom menu and merging the tabs for favourite contacts and recent calls. The method for accepting incoming calls has shifted from a tap to a slide gesture.
Is there a way to bring back the old look of the Google Phone app?
Currently, there is no built-in option to revert to the old design. However, users can uninstall the recent update via the Google Play Store by searching for ‘Phone by Google’, tapping on the result, and selecting ‘Uninstall’. Remember to disable auto-update for future updates.
Can I change the incoming call slider to a button?
Yes, by launching the Phone app, accessing the hamburger menu, navigating to Settings > Incoming call gesture, and selecting ‘Single tap’, users can revert to a button-style acceptance method.
How do I get Android 16 on my phone?
To update to Android 16, navigate to Settings > System and update > Software update, then select ‘Update now’.
Read Also: YouTube Music has unveiled new features including taste match and album comments.
How to get the old Google dialer (Phone app) on Android
Last week, Google introduced the Material 3 Expressive update to its dialer app, marking a notable shift in the layout, design, and functionality of the native Phone app for Android users. While updates are typically welcomed, this particular change has stirred discontent among users, particularly due to alterations that disrupt established habits, such as the new gesture for accepting incoming calls. For those yearning for the familiar interface, options are available to revert to the previous version of the Google dialer.
What’s new on Google’s Phone app?
The revamped home page of the Phone app now features a combined ‘Favourites’ and ‘Recents’ section, streamlining access to these frequently used tabs. The dialer icon, once conveniently floating at the bottom right, has been relocated to the bottom menu alongside the ‘Home’ and ‘Voicemail’ tabs. Users looking to access their saved contacts will now need to utilize the search bar at the top or select the ‘View contacts’ option just below it. However, the most controversial change is the introduction of a sliding gesture to answer or decline calls, replacing the traditional tap method that many users have grown accustomed to.
Google has not provided a straightforward option to revert to the old design, leaving users with limited choices. While uninstalling the update can restore the previous version, it comes with the caveat of enduring potential bugs. Fortunately, for those primarily concerned about the new call slider, a single-tap option can be enabled through the settings.
Switch to the old Google dialer on Android
Change the call gesture
If reverting to the previous version isn’t appealing, users can still modify the call acceptance method back to the familiar tap gesture. Here’s how:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why has the Phone app by Google changed on my smartphone?
The update to the Phone app is part of Google’s rollout of the new Material 3 Expressive design language, which is being implemented gradually across devices.
What’s new on the Google Phone app?
This update introduces a fresh layout, moving the floating dialer icon to the bottom menu and merging the tabs for favourite contacts and recent calls. The method for accepting incoming calls has shifted from a tap to a slide gesture.
Is there a way to bring back the old look of the Google Phone app?
Currently, there is no built-in option to revert to the old design. However, users can uninstall the recent update via the Google Play Store by searching for ‘Phone by Google’, tapping on the result, and selecting ‘Uninstall’. Remember to disable auto-update for future updates.
Can I change the incoming call slider to a button?
Yes, by launching the Phone app, accessing the hamburger menu, navigating to Settings > Incoming call gesture, and selecting ‘Single tap’, users can revert to a button-style acceptance method.
How do I get Android 16 on my phone?
To update to Android 16, navigate to Settings > System and update > Software update, then select ‘Update now’.
Read Also: YouTube Music has unveiled new features including taste match and album comments.