A modern smartphone is not just a means of communication, but a central communication hub, where every aspect of interaction with the outside world can be fine-tuned. When a user wonders how to change an incoming call on Android, he may have many aspects in mind: from a banal ringtone change to complex settings for forwarding or blocking unwanted contacts. Standard settings often seem confusing due to the abundance of options that shell manufacturers hide in different menus. However, understanding the logic of the operating system allows you to quickly find the desired control lever.
In this article we will analyze in detail all possible scenarios for modifying incoming calls. You will learn how to set personalized ringtones for different groups of contacts, which will allow you to recognize the importance of a call without looking at the screen. We will touch on issues of visual design, spam blocking, and even touch on the technical aspects of working with SIM cards in dual-SIM devices.
Operating system Android provides flexible tools for managing calls, but their availability depends on the OS version and model of your device. For example, on a clean menu, the menu may differ from the shells. Therefore, the instructions will indicate general paths and specific nuances that will help you adapt the tips to your gadget. Being prepared for interface changes is the key to successful setup. Android menu may differ from shells Samsung One UI or Xiaomi MIUI. Therefore, the instructions will indicate general paths and specific nuances that will help you adapt the tips to your gadget. Being prepared for interface changes is the key to successful setup.
Setting up personalized ringtones for contacts
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about customizing calls is changing the standard ringtone. However, few people know that you can assign unique sound signals to each person in the phone book. This is especially useful when the phone is face down or in your pocket. To do this, open the application Contact or Phone and find the person you want.
Tap on the contact's name to open their card and select the edit option (usually the pencil icon). In the list of fields, find the item Melody or Ringtone. By clicking on it, you will see a list of available tracks, including those stored in the device’s memory. Once selected, save your changes. Now calls from this subscriber will be accompanied by a unique sound.
For more advanced settings, you can use third-party applications from Google Play, which allow you to assign not only audio, but also vibration patterns. This creates a tactile sensation of an incoming call that cannot be confused with anything else.
Use short excerpts of songs (up to 30 seconds) for ringtones so as not to irritate others and save battery power during long vibrations.
It is also possible to assign different melodies to SIM cards if you have two of them. This helps you instantly understand which number the call is coming to - personal or work. To do this, go to the call settings and select SIM card settings, where you can set your own sound profile for each card.
Visual design and call themes
Sound accompaniment is not the only way to change an incoming call on Android. The visual component plays a huge role, especially for those who like to personalize the interface. Many smartphone manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, Samsung and Realme, implement their own themes that completely change the appearance of the call.
To change the theme of the call, go to the application Themes (names may vary: Themes, Theme Store, Galaxy Store). In the search, enter “Calls” or “Call screen”. You'll find hundreds of options, from minimalist watch faces to animated video backgrounds. After downloading the theme, it will be applied to all incoming calls.
- 🎨 Video ringtones: allow you to set live video to fill the entire screen when there is an incoming call.
- 📞 Smart screens: show additional information about the caller, integrated with social networks.
- 🌑 Dark theme: reduces eye strain and OLED screens during night calls.
It is worth noting that installing heavy video wallpapers may consume more energy. If you notice that your battery is draining faster, try switching back to static images. Also, some “heavy” themes may cause delays in displaying the answer button on older smartphone models.
Managing call forwarding and call waiting
The forwarding functionality is a powerful tool that allows you to redirect incoming calls to another number or to voicemail. This is indispensable in situations where you are in an area of poor reception or are busy with important work, but do not want to miss calls. You can configure this through the phone menu or using USSD codes.
To access the settings through the interface, open the application Phone, click on the three dots in the corner and select Settings. Find the section Call accounts or Additional settings, where there will be an item Forwarding. Options are available here: forwarding always, if busy, if not answered, or if unavailable.
| Forwarding type | Description | Activation code (example) |
|---|---|---|
| Always | All calls go to another number | **21*number# |
| If busy | Only when talking to another subscriber | **67*number# |
| If there is no answer | After several rings without answer | **61*number# |
| If unavailable | When the phone is turned off or offline | **62*number# |
It is important to distinguish between forwarding controlled by the operator’s network and that which configured on the device. USSD codes (sets of numbers and symbols) send a command directly to the operator’s server, so they work even without the Internet and are often more reliable than Android system settings. However, the codes may differ between different telecom operators.
⚠️ Attention: Forwarding incoming calls to other numbers may be charged by your operator as an outgoing call. Check the tariff conditions in your personal account before activating the function to avoid unexpected expenses.
Another useful function is Call waiting. It allows you not to miss a second call while you are talking with the first caller. You can activate it in the same call settings menu. When the second call arrives, you will hear a characteristic beep and see a notification on the screen.
Blocking unwanted numbers and spam filters
The problem of recession and intrusive calls is more relevant than ever. Android offers built-in security mechanisms that can be flexibly configured. Changing an incoming call in this context means making sure that it simply does not take place or is instantly rejected by the system.
The application Phone (especially in the version from Google) has a built-in spam call filter. To activate it, go to Settings → Caller ID and anti-spam protection. The system will automatically check incoming numbers against a database of known scammers and mark them in red or reset them.
☑️ Setting up anti-spam protection spam
You can also manually create black list. To do this, open your call history, click on the number and select Block/Report spam. After this, all communication attempts from this number will be blocked. The caller will hear a busy signal or a "subscriber unavailable" signal, depending on the operator's settings.
There are more radical methods, such as Do Not Disturb mode. In this mode, you can set up exceptions, allowing calls only from selected contacts, while all others are blocked. This is ideal for night time or meetings.
Setting up two SIM cards and priorities
Owners of devices with two SIM cards are often faced with confusion: which card to call from and how to distinguish between incoming calls. Android allows you to assign priorities and names for each SIM card, which simplifies navigation.
Go to Settings → Network and Internet → SIM cards. Here you can rename the cards (for example, "Work", "Personal") and choose colors to represent them. When there is an incoming call, the screen will clearly show which number the call was received.
You can also customize the behavior for outgoing calls: always ask which card to use, or use one of the default cards them. For incoming calls, it is important that the ringtones or visual indicators differ. Some shells allow you to set different wallpapers for each SIM card.
⚠️ Attention: The SIM card management interface may differ significantly on smartphones of different brands. If you do not find the described items, use the settings search by entering the query “SIM” or “Dual SIM cards.”
What to do if the second SIM card does not see the network?
Make sure that the SIM card slot is not damaged. Try swapping the cards. Check if the second card is activated in the settings (the slider should be enabled). In rare cases, resetting the network settings is required.
Using third-party applications for calls
If the standard Android capabilities do not suit you, the market offers many alternatives. Third-party dialers (dialers) can completely replace the standard interface, providing advanced functionality: recording conversations, managing gestures, changing the theme and even encryption.
Popular applications like Truecaller, CallApp or Simple Dialer allow you to deeply customize the process. You can change button sizes, fonts, background images, and call answering logic (such as answering with a wave of your hand). Installing such an application will require granting permissions to access contacts and call logs.
However, you should be careful: some “heavy” dialers may conflict with system settings or slow down the device. Before installing, read reviews and check the permissions the app asks for. Remember that on some new versions of Android (starting from version 10), third-party applications cannot become the default dialer without complex manipulations or the presence of root access.
Third-party applications provide maximum flexibility in configuration, but may require more system resources and have access to your personal correspondence and contacts.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How to return the standard ringtone if I set my own?
To do this, go to Settings → Sounds and vibration → Ringtone. Select "Default" or "System" from the list. If you changed the melody for a specific contact, go to his card and select the standard option in the melody field.
Why forwarding does not work, although I entered the code correct?
The forwarding service may not be activated by your telecom operator. It may also be blocked by the tariff plan. Try calling the operator's support service or checking the status of the service in your personal account.
Is it possible to set video as a call for all contacts at once?
Yes, if your smartphone supports the "Video ringtone" or "Live themes" function. This is done through the app Topics or in the lock screen/call settings. However, on some models, the video background works only for selected contacts.
How to turn off vibration only for an incoming call, leaving it for messages?
Go to Settings → Sounds and vibration. Find the section Vibration when calling and disable it. Make sure that general vibration in the system is turned on so that notifications from instant messengers continue to vibrate.
Does changing the call subject affect the quality communication?
No, visual design (themes, wallpapers, fonts) does not affect the quality of voice communication or connection speed. The quality depends on the network signal, operator and technical condition of the smartphone antenna.