Google phone app adds fun calling cards

Google is rolling out a fresh way to make your calls more personal. The Google Phone app now features Calling Cards, a playful update that transforms how contacts appear when they call you. Instead of the small contact photos you’re used to, you’ll see full-screen images paired with stylized names. It’s a fun, visual upgrade that gives you more control over your call experience.

This feature is similar to Apple’s Contact Posters, which debuted for iPhone users in 2023. But Google’s version has its own spin. Let’s break down what Calling Cards are, how to use them, and what else is new in the Phone app.

Credit: Google

What are Google Phone Calling Cards?

Calling Cards let you design custom call screens for your contacts. Instead of the standard, tiny thumbnail image, you can create a bold, full-screen look when someone calls.

These cards include:

Full-screen photos pulled from your gallery, camera, or Google Photos
Stylized fonts and colors to display contact names
Custom setups for each person on your device

Unlike Apple’s feature, your cards won’t show up when you call someone else. They’re only visible on your own phone, meaning you get complete freedom to design how you see each contact.

Credit: Google

How to set up Calling Cards in Google Phone

Here’s a step-by-step guide: First, update your Google Phone app to version v188 or newer.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone.
In the top search bar, type “Phone by Google” and tap Enter.
Find the app in the results (it typically appears as ‘Phone by Google’ with a blue phone icon).
Tap the app listing to open its detail page.
If an Update button appears, tap it. (If you only see Open, your app is already up to date.)
Wait for the update to finish downloading and installing.

Steps to update your Google Phone app

Steps to Personalize Your Contacts

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Open the Phone app and check for a banner on the Home tab that says “Introducing Calling Card: Customize how you see your contact when they call you.”
Tap the banner or navigate manually through your Contacts.
Choose a contact you want to customize.
Select a photo from your gallery, camera, or Google Photos.
Pick a font and color for their name.
Save the card and repeat the process for as many contacts as you like.

Whenever that person calls, your phone will light up with the personalized design you created.

Note: The full rollout may take days to weeks. Keep checking your Phone and Contacts apps for the “Introducing Calling Card” banner.

What else is new in the Google Phone app?

Calling Cards aren’t the only new feature. Google also introduced a Take a Message option. This tool acts like a modern voicemail assistant:

Why this matters

This update shows how Google is leaning into its Material 3 Expressive design language, giving Android users a sleeker and more playful interface. Between the bold visual Calling Cards and the practical Take a Message feature, the Phone app feels both more modern and more useful.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Google’s new Calling Cards give you a fun way to personalize your calls while keeping everything simple and easy to set up. Combined with Take a Message, the Phone app is shaping up to be more than just a utility; it’s becoming an extension of your style and communication.

What kind of creative Calling Cards will you design for your favorite contacts? Let us know in the comments below.

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