Tech Desk 
Aug 29, 2025
Google is rolling out a new feature to its Phone app called Calling Cards, which offers users more customisation over the way incoming calls display on users’ devices.
The update removes the small, thumb-sized contact photos used in phone calls and replaces them with full-screen images and stylised names reminiscent of Apple’s new Contact Posters launched on iPhones in 2023.
The new Google Phone Calling Cards feature fits under Google's larger Material 3 Expressive design update, revamping the form and function of Google apps on Android.
Google says the Calling Cards option is publicly available in version v188 of the Phone app (as well as more recent updates), but they are phasing in the rollout of the feature across the globe, so even if it is not currently available on your device, you may have to wait.
How does Google's Calling Card feature work?
When Calling Cards is made available to users, an announcement banner can be found in the Home tab of the app under Calling Cards.
Users are taken to a setup screen where they can customise information for each contact that includes an image from the Phone app gallery, Google Photos, or the camera, as well as different font and name display colour options.
Meanwhile, Apple’s implementation of Contact Posters makes sharing designs possible with other iPhone users, in the case of Android’s Calling Cards, they are limited to your own device, meaning the calling cards users design for their own device won't be seen by any of their contacts.
The update also introduces a handy “Take a message” feature for managing missed calls. It works by automatically answering and transcribing voicemails.
Users can record a personalised greeting or select from presets, and transcripts appear in the Phone app’s Recents tab. Importantly, Google says all messages are stored privately on the device.
This feature is available on Pixel 4 or newer phones and on Pixel Watch 2 when paired with Pixel 6 or later.
