There was a time when almost every Android OEM shipped its own apps for essentials like calls, messages, compass, clock, calculator, and more.
However, over the past few years, most Android OEMs have switched to Google’s first-party apps.
Most Android phones now come with the Google Messages app as the default texting option, and the same goes for the Phone app and others.
While this has created a consistent experience across Android devices, it has also taken away the unique flavor and twist that OEMs used to add to their apps.
Thankfully, Google has been updating the Messages and Phone apps with new features regularly.
While the Phone app has improved a lot with the recent Material 3 Expressive design changes, the company has also added one feature that not many people know about or use, and that is calling cards.
Calling Cards make every call feel more personal
A small but fun feature that adds style to your calls
One of the key differences between an Android phone and an iPhone, apart from the base OS and app experience, has always been how personal an iPhone feels to its owner.
Apple allows you to customize nearly every part of your iPhone, from backgrounds in the Messages app to custom ringtones for different contacts and more.
However, one way every iPhone looks unique is through the calling screen when someone rings. The iPhone shows a default contact poster set by the caller, but you can also create personalized posters for your contacts.
It’s a small feature, but it genuinely makes calling a better experience by showing a large edge-to-edge image of the person calling instead of a small round contact photo.
Google recently added a similar feature to the Phone app called Calling Cards. Like iOS, you can now set personalized posters for your contacts so that whenever they call, you get a full-screen photo and a more personal calling screen.
Calling Cards bring a personal touch to every call.
Similar to iOS, you can customize the full calling card of your favorite contacts. You can easily change the image, text, and even apply fun new Material 3 Expressive shapes on top of your photos.
And even though it’s still not as seamless as iOS — since your contacts can’t set them on their phones to sync automatically (yet) — after you create them on your phone, they sync across all your devices and make calling a much more enjoyable experience.
Here’s how you can create a calling card on your Phone app for your favorite contacts in just a few steps.
How to create Calling Cards for your favorite contacts in the Google Phone app
Customize your calls in the Phone app in just a few quick steps
Creating a calling card for your contacts is simple and can be done directly through the Google Phone app on your smartphone.
The feature has rolled out widely, so it should be easily available, but make sure to update the app to the latest version from the Google Play Store before proceeding.
- Open the Phone app on your smartphone and search for the contact you want to create a calling card for.
- In the contact info that appears, tap the Try adding a Calling Card banner. If you don’t see it, tap the pen icon in the upper-right corner.
- Now you can set both the contact image and the calling card for the selected contact.
- Tap the plus button on the right to set the calling card.
- You can use the camera app, choose a picture from your gallery, or pick one from Google Photos.
- Now customize your calling card. You can pinch to zoom in or out, or move the photo using one finger. You can also adjust the font color, shape, and size.
- When finished, tap Done in the upper-right corner.
- The Phone app will offer to use the same picture as the contact image. You can confirm and crop or tap Skip.
- If you’re satisfied with your calling card, tap Save.
And that’s it. Now, when this contact calls you, your phone will display the calling card you created instead of the default (and boring) Android calling screen.
Moreover, in the future, if you want to change the calling card image, follow the same steps.
Calling cards make it simple to add a personal touch to your Android phone
All in all, even though calling cards may not be the most revolutionary feature Google has added in recent months, they certainly add more customization to your Android phone and make it feel a bit more personal.
It’s one of the many hidden features in Google apps that not a lot of people know about, but one that can make the experience better.
