Tech Desk 
Jul 13, 2025
Google is rolling out a new capability in the Google Contacts app that allows users to quickly view recent calls and messages from their contacts.
The so-called “Recent activity” capability works similarly to the Pixel VIPs feature and is part of the recent Google Contacts v4.58.
The Recent activity card is now available and is shown between the “Contact info” and “Connected apps” sections. The card shows the latest phone call with details like the date, time, length of the call, or whether the call was missed.
If the contact used Google Messages to message you, you will see a preview of the last text message and the number used in the preview, including a direct link to open the original conversation.
To enable the full functionality, the user will have to allow SMS permissions to allow the app to show previously sent messages. The app presents you with a how-to, step-by-step tutorial to change those settings.
If you have used Pixel VIPs or the Google Messages widget before, this new feature will be similar. The intent is to allow a user to quickly get back in touch with a meaningful contact, as quickly as right from the Contacts app.
This update is useful for people who regularly communicate with friends, family, or work contacts and want to keep track of recent conversations. Google is slowly expanding this feature to more users after testing it over the past week.
