Change the Call Screen on Android: Full Guide
To change the call screen on an Android phone, you typically open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, select Settings, and look for a “Call screen� or “Caller ID� option—though the exact path varies by phone maker. This guide covers the built-in call screen options on stock Android and major brands like Samsung, plus how to use third-party dialer apps to customize the look and behavior of incoming calls.
What Is the Call Screen?
The call screen is the interface you see when you receive or make a phone call. It shows the caller’s name or number, buttons to answer or decline, and sometimes extra options like sending a quick text or recording the call. On most Android phones, the call screen is part of the Phone app, but it can also be influenced by the system UI and the launcher you use.
There are two main types of call screens:
- Incoming call screen – appears when someone calls you, with answer/decline buttons and often a swipe or tap gesture.
- In-call screen – appears during a call, showing mute, speaker, keypad, and other controls.
Changing the call screen usually means changing the look, layout, or behavior of these screens, not just the wallpaper behind them.
How to Change the Call Screen on Stock Android
On a Pixel or other phone running near-stock Android, the call screen is managed by the Google Phone app. Here’s how to change its settings:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Call screen – this lets you choose how the Google Assistant handles unknown callers (e.g., “Screen automatically� or “Ring�).
- To change the visual appearance, go to Display options or Caller ID – you can often toggle “Full-screen photo� or “Dark mode� for incoming calls.
Note that the exact menu names may differ slightly depending on your Android version. If you don’t see a “Call screen� option, look for “Caller ID & spam� or “Call display.�
Changing the Call Screen on Samsung Phones
Samsung’s One UI uses its own Phone app, which offers different customization options:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu and choose Settings.
- Select Caller ID and spam protection – this controls how numbers are identified but not the visual layout.
- To change the background or theme of the call screen, go to Settings > Wallpaper and style > Themes and apply a theme that changes the phone app’s colors.
- You can also enable “Show caller information� or “Full-screen caller ID� if available.
Samsung does not allow you to change the call screen layout directly, but themes can alter its color scheme and some elements.
Using Third-Party Call Screen Apps
If your phone’s built-in options are too limited, you can install a third-party dialer app from the Google Play Store. These apps replace the default Phone app and give you full control over the call screen’s appearance and features.
Popular options include:
- Truecaller – shows caller ID and spam detection, and lets you customize the incoming call screen with themes.
- CallApp – offers custom themes, call recording, and a full-screen caller ID.
- Drupe – a contact-centric dialer with a unique call screen that shows quick actions.
- Simple Dialer – a lightweight, open-source option that is less customizable but free of ads.
After installing, you’ll be prompted to set the app as your default Phone app. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Phone app and select the new one.
Common Problems and Fixes
Users often run into issues when trying to change the call screen. Here are the most frequent ones and how to solve them:
- No “Call screen� option in settings – This usually means your phone uses a custom skin (like MIUI or ColorOS) that has a different name. Look for “Caller ID,� “Incoming call,� or “Call display� instead.
- Third-party app not working – Make sure you set it as the default Phone app. Also, some apps require permission to access contacts and phone logs.
- Call screen looks different after an update – Android updates can change the UI. Check the Phone app’s settings for new display options.
- Can’t change background – On many phones, the call screen background is tied to the system theme or wallpaper. Try changing the wallpaper or applying a new theme.
How to Choose the Right Call Screen Style
When deciding how to customize your call screen, consider these factors:
- Functionality – Do you need quick access to messaging, recording, or translation? Choose an app that offers those features.
- Privacy – Some third-party apps upload your contact list to their servers. Read the privacy policy before installing.
- Performance – Heavy apps can slow down the call screen. Stick to well-optimized apps with good ratings.
- Ease of use – A simple, clean interface may be better than a cluttered one with too many buttons.
Costs and Safety Considerations
Most call screen customization is free, but some apps offer premium subscriptions for extra themes or features. Be cautious about apps that ask for excessive permissions, such as access to your microphone or contacts, when they only need to display caller ID.
Also, note that changing your call screen does not affect your phone number or carrier services. It’s purely a visual/functional change on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the call screen background to my own photo?
On stock Android, you can’t directly set a custom photo as the call screen background. However, some third-party apps like CallApp allow you to use any image as the background for incoming calls. Samsung phones let you change the theme, but not the exact wallpaper for the call screen.
Will changing the call screen affect call quality?
No, the call screen is purely a user interface element. It does not affect the audio quality, network connection, or call routing.
Why does my call screen show “Unknown� for numbers I have saved?
This usually happens if the contact is stored on your SIM card or if the phone hasn’t synced contacts. Go to your Contacts app, ensure your Google account is synced, and check that the contact has a phone number saved correctly.
Can I use a third-party call screen app without losing visual voicemail?
Yes, but you may need to set the third-party app as the default phone app, which can sometimes disable carrier-specific features like visual voicemail. You can usually still access voicemail by dialing your number or using the carrier’s app.
Is it safe to use Truecaller for the call screen?
Truecaller is widely used, but it does upload your contact list to its servers to provide caller ID. If you’re concerned about privacy, consider using a dialer that doesn’t require such access, or adjust the app’s settings to limit data sharing.
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