The smartphone interface is the first thing we see when using the device, and the incoming call screen plays a key role here. The standard design offered by manufacturers often seems boring or insufficiently informative to users. Fortunately, modern versions of the operating system Android provide ample opportunities for customizing the appearance of calls.
Changing the call screen may be necessary for various reasons: from the desire to personalize the device to your taste to the need to improve the readability of contacts in poor lighting conditions. The setup process varies depending on the model of your gadget, be it Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi or pure Pixel. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for transforming the call interface.
It is important to understand that a deep modification of the system may require the installation of third-party software, while basic changes are available in standard settings. We'll look at both options so you can choose the best path for your situation.
Built-in options for changing themes on different skins
Smartphone manufacturers often implement their own add-ons on top of the base system Android, which are called skins. They determine the visual style of the device, including the call screen. On many modern models, you can change the design without downloading additional applications, using built-in personalization tools.
For example, owners of devices from Xiaomi and Redmi have access to the powerful “Themes” application. Here you can download full-fledged design packages that change not only the icons, but also the lock screen, as well as the phone book and incoming call interface. You just need to go to the application, select the “Calls” category or find a topic with the desired visual and click the “Apply” button.
Users Samsung can use the store Galaxy Themes. In the "Wallpaper and Style" section, separate modules for the call screen are often available. This is convenient, as it allows you to change only the dialer without affecting the rest of the system interface. However, it is worth considering that most high-quality themes in the official store may be paid.
⚠️ Attention: When installing themes from third-party sources that are not official stores of manufacturers, there is a risk of receiving malware or disrupting system stability. Always check the developer's rating.
Clean Android, which is used in smartphones Google Pixel i Motorola, has more stringent restrictions. Here, changing the visual style of the call using built-in tools is almost impossible without receiving root access. In such cases, the only safe solution is to use specialized applications from the store Google Play, which we will talk about later.
Using third-party applications for customization
If the built-in capabilities of your shell do not suit you or they simply do not exist, applications from the store come to the rescue Google Play. There are many apps specifically designed to replace the standard calling interface with a more beautiful and functional one. Such applications work on top of the standard dialer, intercepting the event of an incoming call.
One of the most popular solutions is the application Truecaller, which, in addition to identifying numbers, offers the “Call Screener” function and the ability to change the subject of the call. Specialized call launchers also stand out, such as Call Screen Theme & Dialer or ExDialer. These apps allow you to set a video as a background, change the layout of buttons and add animations.
The installation process usually looks like this: you download the application, give it the necessary permissions to access your contacts and phone, and then select the design you like from the app menu. After activation, the new interface will be displayed for every incoming call.
- 🎨 Video wallpapers: opportunity to set live video to the background of an incoming call.
- 📞 Blocking spam: many calling applications have built-in databases of spam numbers.
- ⚙️ Setting up gestures: the ability to answer a call by swiping or turning the device.
It is worth remembering that running such applications in the background may consume additional battery power. In addition, some features, such as displaying contacts, require broad permissions, which may raise concerns for privacy-conscious users.
Before installing a dialer changer app, check its permissions. If simply changing the theme requires access to your SMS or location, it is better to abandon such software in favor of more secure analogues.
Instructions for changing the background for a specific contact
Often users need to change the call screen not globally, but for a specific person. This helps you instantly understand who is calling, without even looking at the caller’s name, simply by looking at a unique picture or video. This function is supported by most modern versions Android and does not require installation of additional software.
First, open the standard “Contacts” or “Phone” application. Find the desired subscriber in the list and go to their detailed information page. Here you will see the current avatar or placeholder with the first letter of the name. Click on the pencil icon or the “Edit” button to go to the contact card editing mode.
In editing mode, find the field to add a photo. It is usually located at the top of the screen. When you click on it, the system will prompt you to select an image from the gallery or take a new photo with your camera. After selecting a picture, you can crop it to the desired format and save the changes.
Contacts -> Select subscriber -> Edit -> Add photo -> SaveSome shells, for example One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi, allow you to install not only static photos, but also short videos. If this feature is available, there will be a video camera icon next to the photo selection button. By selecting the video file, you will get a dynamic call screen that will play every time that specific person calls.
☑️ Setting up a contact
Display problems and system resolutions
Sometimes after installing a new theme or application, the call screen may not be displayed correctly: pictures are stretched, buttons become invisible, or the call simply is not displayed, but only a signal sounds. Most often, the problem lies in the lack of necessary system permissions or a software version conflict.
In modern versions Android (starting from 10 and higher), the rules for running applications in the background have become more stringent. In order for a calling app to show its interface on top of other apps, it needs to be granted a special permission called “Display on top of other apps.” Without this, you will hear beeps, but the screen will remain black or locked.
To check the settings, go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Display on top of other applications. Find your calling app in the list and make sure the switch is turned on. It is also worth checking the permissions for access to memory and microphone, as without them some functions may not work.
| Problem | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Black screen when calling | No overlay permission | Enable "On top of other applications" |
| Can't see the caller's name | No access to contacts | Give permission in the application settings |
| Theme is reset to standard | Conflict with system update | Reinstall theme or application |
| Video not playing | Unsupported file format | Convert video to MP4 |
If the problem persists after checking all permissions, try clearing the application cache. Go to Settings → Applications, select the desired app, click “Storage” and select “Clear cache”. This often helps eliminate glitches associated with incorrect loading of interface elements.
What to do if the theme stops working after an Android update?
After major system updates (for example, from Android 13 to 14), developers often change the interface API. Old themes may become incompatible. Solution: Delete the old theme, check for updates to the themes app on Google Play, and install the version adapted for the new OS. If there is no update, you will have to look for a new topic.
The impact of customization on performance and battery
Installing complex visual effects, especially video wallpapers and animated themes, inevitably affects the resources of the smartphone. The processor and graphics accelerator are forced to process additional data at the time of an incoming call, which can lead to micro-delays or increased energy consumption.
On budget devices with a small amount of RAM, using “heavy” themes can cause the call interface to slow down. In critical situations, this may even prevent you from answering a call quickly. Therefore, owners of older or inexpensive models are recommended to give preference to static images instead of videos.
The background operation of dialer replacement applications also consumes energy. Even if you are not making calls, the application must remain active in memory to intercept the incoming signal. This can reduce the battery life of the device by 5-10% per day, depending on the optimization of the specific software.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the smartphone began to quickly discharge or heat up after installing a new call theme, try disabling the application or returning to the standard interface. Constant overheating can negatively impact battery life.
To minimize the impact on performance, close all unnecessary applications before an important conversation and make sure you have enough free memory on your device. Regularly clearing the cache will also help keep the system in good shape when using custom interfaces.
Balance between beauty and performance: on powerful flagships you can use any video themes without consequences, but on budget phones it is better to limit yourself to static images for stable operation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the call screen without installing applications?
Yes, this is possible if your smartphone has a proprietary shell with a theme store (for example, Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei). In the theme settings you can often download and apply a new ringer style. On pure Android, this option is usually absent.
Why is the installed theme not applied to incoming calls?
Most often the problem is the lack of “Display on top of other applications” permission. It is also possible that the theme is incompatible with your version of Android or conflicts with another calling application.
Is it safe to use third-party callers from the Play Market?
In general, yes, if the application has a high rating and a large number of downloads. However, avoid apps that require suspicious permissions that are not related to the calling function (access to SMS, geolocation, etc.).
Is it possible to put your video on a call for all contacts at once?
This cannot be done using standard Android tools - the video is tied to a specific contact. However, some third-party calling applications allow you to set a common video background for all incoming calls in the settings of the app itself.
Will the call screen setting be reset after rebooting the phone?
No, correctly installed themes and contact settings are saved after a reboot. If the setting is reset, it means that the application responsible for the theme was removed or stopped by the system to save energy.