Google Contacts app Archives

AppWizard

October 15, 2025

Google Messages adds Key Verifier and spam link detection

Google has introduced two safety features for its Messages app: the Android Key Verifier and a spam protection feature. The Android Key Verifier is available for users on Android 10 and above, using QR codes to verify end-to-end encrypted message exchanges. Users can verify keys by tapping on the contact's name and selecting “Verify keys.” A confirmation message appears upon successful verification, and users are alerted if a contact's key changes due to reasons like acquiring a new device or SIM card, key expiration, or encryption protocol upgrades. Potential malicious reasons for key changes include man-in-the-middle attacks and SIM swapping. Users are advised to keep the Android System Key Verifier app updated. The spam protection feature prevents access to harmful links in texts unless marked as “not spam,” and it is now available worldwide.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Experience the new material 3 design in Google Contacts: What’s changed?

Google Contacts has received a Material 3 Expressive redesign, featuring container-style contact cards and larger, pill-shaped icons for calling, messaging, video chatting, and emailing. The "Contact info" label above the phone number has been removed for a cleaner presentation, and the update is available with version 4.6.1.x via the Google Play Store. Additionally, Google is testing customizable full-screen calling cards in the Phone beta app, allowing users to display a full-screen image of the caller and personalize fonts and colors. This feature is currently accessible to a limited number of users on the Phone by Google 188 beta app version.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Google’s Calling Cards are rolling out now, and this is our first proper look!

Google has launched its Calling Cards feature in the Contacts and Phone apps, allowing users to create personalized profiles for their contacts. This feature, similar to Apple's Contact Posters, enables users to customize how their contacts appear to them rather than just self-customization. The Calling Cards feature is accessible in the Google Contacts app (version 4.61.28.792249534) without additional configuration and is being rolled out to select users. Users can create a Calling Card by selecting an image and choosing a font style and color for the contact's name. All Calling Cards sync across devices linked to the same Google account. The feature is also integrated into the Google Phone app (version 188.0.793710089-publicbeta-pixel2024) and is currently in beta testing, with plans for wider accessibility in the future.

BetaBeacon

June 28, 2025

Android Set to Introduce a Game-Changing iPhone Feature Enhancing Your Call Experience

Google Contacts app version 4.55 may soon allow users to use images as contact photos and calling cards, potentially linking a user's profile image to a dynamic call screen. The feature could support full-screen images, custom fonts, and cloud synchronization for easy management across devices. This new feature aims to enhance the visual appeal of Android phone calls by allowing users to personalize their call displays with images and text. However, Google has not confirmed the existence of calling cards yet.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google announces new security features for Android for protection against scam and theft

Google unveiled new security and privacy features for its Android platform, focusing on safeguarding calls, screen sharing, messages, device access, and system-level permissions. Key measures include blocking unsafe actions during calls with unknown contacts, restrictions on side-loading apps from unverified sources, and limiting accessibility permissions to prevent scams. Users on Android 6 or later will not be able to disable Google Play Protect, which scans for harmful applications. Enhanced screen-sharing protection includes reminders to stop sharing after calls and a warning screen for banking apps when sharing with unknown numbers. Google Messages will improve scam detection using on-device AI for various fraud types. Verification keys in the Google Contacts app will allow users to authenticate contacts, with end-to-end encryption for verified conversations. Identity Check protection requiring biometric authentication will be extended to more devices, and stricter controls on Factory Reset functions will be implemented. Google is also enhancing its Play Protect program to detect unsafe apps and strengthening Advanced Protection Mode for public figures, along with introducing a new Find My Hub feature.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Google Contacts app looks a little different now, here’s what changed

Google has released version 4.49 of its Contacts app for Android, introducing several updates. A new card in the Organize tab displays the user's email address, total number of contacts, and the time since the last synchronization. An info icon explains that contacts sync automatically with the device and are accessible across Google services. The app now features a "Google Contacts sync settings" option for easier management of sync settings. Additionally, the account menu has been modified to require users to tap a chevron to view all signed-in accounts, creating a cleaner interface. Recent features also allow users to set emoji and monograms as contact pictures.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

Google Contacts could streamline connected app video calls (APK teardown)

Google Contacts is set to enhance its video call functionality in version 4.46.53.705303683. Users will be able to set a default app for video calls by long-pressing the video call button, allowing for direct connections through their preferred application. Additionally, users can view all available calling options for a contact with multiple numbers by long-pressing the video call button. If a contact is unavailable on the selected app, a network bar icon will indicate that the call will be routed through the carrier.

AppWizard

November 21, 2024

Google Phone app could soon let you rat out that scam call (APK teardown)

The Google Phone app has introduced a feature that allows users to report calls as spam or scam, which effectively blocks unwanted communications. Users can long-press on a call log entry to access options for blocking or reporting, sending information directly to Google. An upcoming update will enhance this reporting process by allowing users to provide additional details when reporting a scam, including specific questions about the nature of the scam and what the scammer pretended to be. The Google Contacts app will also receive an upgrade with a new Lookup button for numbers not saved in the user's contact list, previously exclusive to the Phone app.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

Goodbye to Android 8: Android Auto no longer works on older phones

Samsung has released an update for its Wallet/Pay app on the Galaxy Watch, now at version 5.1.82.20406. The update enhances user experience by improving navigation and functionality, resulting in increased speed and reliability for wallet access and payment processing. It also addresses issues from previous versions to improve stability and user-friendliness. Users can install the update by connecting their watch to a smartphone, navigating to the Galaxy Store, and checking for updates. Additionally, Google has introduced a new individual contacts Tile in the Google Contacts app, which may soon be available for Galaxy Watch users.

AppWizard

September 17, 2024

Google Contacts just gave its contact creation a fresh coat of paint

Google Contacts has introduced a new "Create contact" page in version 4.39.53 for Android users, featuring a streamlined and organized interface. The update retains essential features like adding a profile picture, first name, last name, and company details, while presenting key fields such as phone numbers and email addresses as pill-shaped buttons. The "Add phone" option is pre-selected but can be removed easily. Users can add notes and access additional fields like middle name, phonetic pronunciation, prefix, suffix, job title, and website through an "Add fields" button. The design improves usability by prioritizing essential information and enhancing visibility with a centered layout. The update is being rolled out gradually to Android users.