5 settings I at all times change within the Android Telephone app

It is a common joke within the tech biz as of late, however it’s true — usually, we neglect that our smartphones are speculated to make cellphone calls. It is simpler to shoot somebody an electronic mail or a textual content message, and telephones serve 1,000,000 different functions, from video games and fitness tracking to social media and recording rides. The best way Apple’s advertising goes, you’d suppose most Hollywood motion pictures have been shot utilizing iPhones.

For those who really do need to use your Android cellphone for its nominal function, there are a selection of settings you’ll be able to change to get probably the most out of it. Notice that these are simply the tweaks I want once I get to every day an Android gadget. It could be price exploring settings by yourself, merely utilizing the strategies under as a place to begin. I will add that not each Android cellphone goes to share the identical menu labels, and even the identical choices in some circumstances, so I am not going to delve (too) deep into directions.

Enabling Name Display

The very best is reserved for the Google trustworthy

Certainly one of greatest options of iOS 26 is optionally available call screening, however as with various iPhone options, it appeared on Android units first. This allows you to immediate a caller to elucidate who they’re and why they’re calling earlier than you reply — in the event you reply in any respect. Alternately, you’ll be able to reply with canned or AI-generated responses, the latter tailor-made to what the caller really stated throughout the screening course of.

There are just a few limitations. Non-Google Android units solely help handbook screening at most, triggered by tapping Display name when your cellphone rings. And even then, handbook management is barely accessible in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Eire, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK, and the US. For those who do not see the choice seem in any respect, strive opening the Telephone app and going to Extra -> Settings -> Spam and Name Display/Name Display.

For those who personal a Pixel gadget and dwell within the US, you’ll be able to activate automated screening by going to the identical menu. One benefit of this (assuming you have got a Pixel 7 or later) is you could select various levels of safety. All ranges will block identified spam — however you’ll be able to restrict screening to “suspicious” (probably faked) numbers in the event you do not need to interrogate each quantity that is not in your contact checklist. I would advocate full screening in the event you’re recurrently bombarded by spam. The partial possibility could also be helpful in the event you’re anticipating calls from new numbers, like shoppers or job recruiters.

Turning on Caller ID bulletins

Train warning

If there’s something on this checklist that is certain to upset you, it is in all probability this one, and I perceive why. It may be annoying sufficient when a cellphone rings in public, not to mention the concept of an artificial voice proclaiming the title or quantity. And in the event you’re the one that owns the gadget, chances are you’ll not need your non-public life revealed out loud, or blasted in your ear.

I exploit my cellphone underneath very specific circumstances, nevertheless. If I am not alone in my dwelling workplace, I am probably in my automobile, on the health club, or using my EUC. Having calls introduced isn’t solely high-quality, however generally important — I can not precisely test my display screen once I’m underneath a loaded barbell or carving down a motorbike path.

You possibly can alter this function within the Telephone app by going to Extra -> Settings -> Caller ID announcement -> Announce caller ID. Most individuals ought to in all probability select Solely when utilizing a headset, which may prevent hassle while you’re preoccupied the way in which I’m, however with out telling everybody your private enterprise. The opposite choices are All the time and By no means.

Disabling Name Bubbles

Helpful however distracting

Credit score: Pocket-lint / Google

When Android first gained messaging bubbles a few years in the past, I used to be completely happy, principally as a result of it promised simpler multitasking at a time when that was missing within the OS. However the extra I used it, the extra irritated I turned, as a result of these bubbles have been getting in the way in which of interface parts in different apps. I did not want a reminder that I had an ongoing dialog, and Android’s present multitasking interface makes it easy sufficient to modify apps.

In terms of the official Telephone app, bubbles are on by default. They do have their worth — other than making it simpler to renew a name, you’ll be able to mute it, put it on speakerphone, or grasp up with out having to go anyplace. However in the event you’re experiencing the identical frustrations as me, comply with these steps:

1. Faucet and maintain the Telephone app icon.
2. Faucet Information (i).
3. Choose Superior -> Show over different apps.
4. Lastly, toggle Permit show over different apps.

Activating Flip to Slience/Flip to Shhh

One other edge for Pixel homeowners

This setting is one I am not often ready to make use of, since my cellphone is usually in my pocket or sitting on a stand, however it’s good to have the choice. As its title suggests, this allows you to flip your cellphone over to mute an incoming name. {Hardware} and software program buttons can accomplish the identical factor, however flipping is often simpler, say if a name wakes you up at 6AM and also you need nothing greater than to return to sleep.

On Pixel units from the Pixel 2 onwards, Flip to Shhh is on by default. All it’s a must to do is make it possible for your cellphone is screen-up on a flat floor, then flip it upside-down when the time comes. That “flat” half is vital — the choice depends in your cellphone’s movement sensors, so it may not work correctly in case your cellphone is resting on one thing uneven like a sofa cushion.

With no Pixel in hand, you should still have entry to Flip to Silence. It is functionally related — you may simply need to navigate to Settings -> Superior -> Flip to silence within the Telephone app. If you cannot discover the choice, it may be price exploring different menus, however there may be the likelihood that your cellphone is not suitable.

Somewhat counter-intuitive

Okay, you have bought me on a technicality — you’ll be able to’t really set customized ringtones by way of the Telephone app. However that is one of the vital vital issues for me on any gadget, since if I hear my spouse’s tone, I do know to select up instantly. If it is a generic ringtone, I ought to in all probability test the incoming quantity first, since a lot of the calls I get are spam.

So how do you set a ringtone for particular person contacts? Sometimes, that is the method:

1. Obtain or copy the audio file you need to use to the Information app.
2. Open the Google Contacts app.
3. Choose the Repair & handle tab on the backside.
4. Beneath Different instruments, select Contact ringtones.
5. Faucet Add contact ringtone.
6. Choose a contact, then the ringtone you need to use.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for as many customized tones as you need to use.

The large catch to that is that whereas contacts sync between units utilizing the identical Google Account, ringtones do not. You possibly can put your favourite recordsdata in Google Drive, however you may need to reassign them to every contact when you arrange a brand new cellphone.