Have you noticed a sudden change in your phone’s dialer menu or contacts list? You may have thought your device was hacked or malfunctioning. Don’t panic. What you are seeing is part of a major redesign by Google.
The company has rolled out a fresh version of its Phone app, introducing a new look and shifting how you interact with your contacts and call history.
These changes are tied to Google’s Material 3 Expressive design and are now live in version 186 and above.
Why Have Phone Interface and Contacts Suddenly Changed? Inside Google’s Phone App Overhaul and Unified Tabs
Google is moving its core apps to a new design language known as Material 3. This shift focuses on giving users a cleaner, modern, and more consistent experience across all Google services. The Phone app, which millions rely on daily, is one of the latest to undergo this transformation.
At the center of the redesign is simplicity. The new interface reduces clutter and makes common actions like dialing, checking call history, and finding contacts more straightforward. Google says this update will streamline your calling experience while also preventing common frustrations such as accidental call responses.
The most noticeable change is the merging of the Favourites and Recents tabs. They now appear under one unified Home tab. Your starred contacts are displayed in a horizontal bar at the top, while the call log sits right below. This new layout reduces extra tapping and makes it easier to view who you contact most often.
Another significant update is the relocation of the keypad. It now lives in the middle tab, replacing the old floating button. The number pad itself has been redesigned with rounded corners and a sheet-like look that fits Google’s wider Material 3 aesthetic.
Contacts have also moved. They no longer sit in a bottom tab but are hidden inside a navigation drawer. To access them, you can use the search bar at the top of the screen, which also opens options for Settings, Clear call history, and Help and feedback.
New Ways to Answer and Decline Calls
Perhaps the most functional change in this redesign is how users answer or reject calls. The old swipe-up or swipe-down gesture is gone. In its place, Google has added a horizontal swipe or even a single-tap option.
This update may feel strange at first, but Google says it has a practical purpose. Many people accidentally answer or decline calls while pulling their phones from their pockets or bags. A sideways swipe or tap is meant to cut down on these mistakes and give users more control.
The voicemail screen has also been polished. While the core functions remain unchanged, it now features a list-style layout that blends seamlessly with the rest of the interface.
How to Undo the Updates
Not every user enjoys sudden changes. If you prefer the old layout and want your phone app back to normal, you can roll back the updates.
To do this, open the Google Play Store and search for Phone by Google. Once you’re on the app page, tap the three-dot menu at the top and select Uninstall updates. Confirm the choice when prompted. Your app will then return to the earlier version.
However, keep in mind that these changes are not just about app updates. Google is pushing them through server-side rollouts. This means some users may not see the new design even after updating, while others might get it automatically depending on their device and region.
In short, the new interface will eventually reach almost every user, and reversing updates may only delay the change for a short time.
Final Thoughts
If you are asking why phone interface and contacts have suddenly changed, the answer lies in Google’s ongoing design overhaul. These updates are part of the company’s effort to give users a modern, simple, and more efficient experience. While the new look may take some getting used to, it comes with thoughtful improvements such as easier navigation, cleaner visuals, and reduced accidental actions.
For now, users have the option to uninstall updates if they strongly prefer the old design. But with Google rolling out changes across its ecosystem, the new interface is here to stay.
