The visual perception of a smartphone plays a huge role in everyday use, especially considering the frequency of calls. Users often find the default dialing interface provided by your device manufacturer to be boring, too simple, or simply not in line with personal preferences. This is especially true for the incoming call screen, where the location and appearance of the “Accept” and “Reject” buttons are key controls.
Unfortunately, in “pure” Android or in proprietary shells like One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi, the ability to change these elements without obtaining superuser rights is very limited. However, the mobile application industry offers many solutions that allow you not just to change the wallpaper, but to completely replace it. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for transforming the call interface. call screen. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for transforming the call interface.
You should not expect that you can change just the handset icon in the system settings in a couple of clicks. The process will require installing additional software or deeply customizing the theme. We will look at safe methods that will not disrupt the operation of your gadget, and warn about possible pitfalls when using third-party call launchers.
Why standard buttons make you want to change them
Many users are wondering about changing the call interface not just for aesthetic reasons. Sometimes the standard design is simply inconvenient. The buttons may be too small for people with large fingers or, conversely, located in such a way that they are easy to accidentally touch during a call. Ergonomics The call screen is an important factor affecting the comfort of using a smartphone.
In addition, manufacturers often use specific color schemes that may not match yours general design theme or simply irritate the eye. For example, a bright green reply button on a black background may seem too contrasting to some. Changing the visual style allows you to personalize the device for yourself, making it unique.
It is also worth mentioning the functionality. Some third-party solutions offer additional buttons right on the incoming call screen, such as quick launch of the messenger or blocking specific contacts. This expands the capabilities of the standard phone application, adding useful tools that are not in the stock version of Android.
Using third-party applications to replace the call screen
The most effective and affordable way to radically change call acceptance buttons is to install specialized applications from the Google Play Store. These apps completely replace the system screen for an incoming call with their own interface. You do not need permissions root to operate most of these utilities, which makes the method safe for the average user.
After installing the application, you need to grant it the appropriate permissions. Typically this is access to telephony, contacts and display on top of other windows. Without permission to display on top of other applications the new call screen simply cannot appear on top of the locked screen or other running apps. The setup process is usually intuitive and takes a couple of minutes.
In such applications, you can often not only select a ready-made design, but also customize it manually. You can change the shape of the buttons, their color, add animation when pressed, or even set a live wallpaper for the call background. This provides almost limitless possibilities for customization the appearance of your smartphone.
- 📱 True Phone Dialer & Contacts is one of the most popular solutions, offering a huge selection of themes and a high degree of customization of the call interface.
- 🎨 ExDialer is a classic application known for its support for a huge number of custom themes created community.
- 🔔 Call Screen Themes is a utility that focuses specifically on the visual component, allowing you to quickly apply ready-made packages of icons and backgrounds.
Before installing a new dialer, be sure to export your contacts to a VCF file or synchronize them with your Google account to avoid data loss when switching applications.
It’s worth it Please note that using a third-party calling application may affect the battery life of the device. Constantly running background processes to intercept a call requires additional resources. However, modern optimized applications minimize this impact, making it almost unnoticeable in everyday use.
Changing the theme in branded shells
Owners of smartphones from brands such as Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei i Oppohave a built-in tool for changing the appearance of the system. These devices come pre-installed with special “Themes” or “Theme Stores” that allow you to change not only the wallpaper, but also system icons, including dialer interface elements.
To use this method, find the “Themes” application in the menu of your smartphone. Inside the store you can find thousands of design options. When choosing a theme, pay attention to the preview: it often shows what the lock screen and incoming call screen will look like. Applying the theme occurs in one click and does not require installing unnecessary apps.
However, this method has its limitations. You depend on what the theme developer offers. If you like the general style, but the call buttons in this theme look awkward, you won’t be able to change them separately—you’ll have to change the entire theme. In addition, some deep system elements may remain unchanged due to limitations proprietary shell.
| Smartphone brand | Theme store name | Ability to change call icons | Availability of free themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Themes | Full replacement | Huge selection |
| Samsung | Galaxy Themes | Partial replacement | There are paid and free |
| Huawei / Honor | Themes (Themes) | Full replacement | Rich library |
| Oppo / Realme | Theme (Theme Store) | Depends on the model | Mostly paid |
Why on Some Samsungs cannot change buttons?
In the latest versions of the One UI shell, Samsung has limited the ability to deeply customize system elements through the theme store for security and system stability reasons.
In this case, you will need to re-enter the theme store and apply the design or update the theme itself to a version compatible with the new firmware. This is standard behavior for most launchers themizers.
Instructions for setting up the True Phone application
Let's consider the setup process using the example of one of the market leaders - the application True Phone. This choice is due to its flexibility and stability on most Android devices. To get started, download the application from the official store and launch it.
When you launch it for the first time, the system will ask you to make the application the default phone. Agree with this action, otherwise the new interface will not be activated for incoming calls. Next, go to the settings section, which is usually indicated by a gear or three dots in the corner of the screen.
You need to find the section responsible for appearance. B True Phone he is called “Themes” or “Design”. Click on it and you will see a list of available styles. Select the one you like and click “Apply”. Now, the next time you make a call, you will see new buttons.
☑️ Setting up the call screen
If standard themes are not enough, you can download additional packages. Often, developers or users create separate theme files that need to be downloaded and imported into the application. To do this, there is an “Import” or “Upload Theme” button in the theme menu. After downloading a file with the extension .tpl or similar, it will appear in your list of available designs.
⚠️ Attention: When granting permissions to a third-party calling application, be careful. Make sure that you download software only from trusted sources, such as Google Play, to avoid leaking your contact information and call history.
Problems with display on the locked screen
One of the most common problems when changing call buttons is the situation when the new interface appears only on an unlocked phone, but the old one or nothing at all remains on the lock screen is shown. This is due to Android security policies that restrict apps from running in sleep mode to save battery.
To fix this, you need to go to the settings of your smartphone, find the “Applications” section and select the installed dialer. In the Battery or Energy Saving menu, select No Limits or Do Not Optimize. This will allow the application to run in the background and wake up the screen when there is an incoming call.
Also check the permissions for displaying on top of other windows. In some shells, such as MIUI, this setting is hidden in a special menu “Permission Manager” or “Advanced Permissions”. Without this flag, the system will block the appearance of a new interface on top of the lock screen, considering this a potentially dangerous action.
The main reason why new buttons do not appear on the locked screen is aggressive battery optimization, which “kills” the application process before the call.
If the problem persists, try disabling the “Adaptive Brightness” function in the settings of the calling application itself. Sometimes the light sensor conflicts with the software overlay, causing the buttons to become invisible or too dim in certain lighting conditions. Manually adjusting the brightness of the interface often solves this problem.
Return to the standard calling interface
It happens that the new design is boring or is unstable, and you want to return everything as it was. The process of resetting to factory settings is usually simple, but requires understanding which application is currently responsible for calls. You need to go to the general settings of your smartphone again.
Find the “Applications” or “Application Manager” section. Select your current calling application from the list. There should be an "Open as Default" or "Default Settings" button. Click on it and select the “Reset settings” option or simply select the “Phone” system application from the list.
After that, the next time there is an incoming call, the system again uses the standard interface preset by the manufacturer. If you installed a third-party theme through your brand's theme store, simply go to the Themes app, go to your profile, and click Apply on the default theme (usually called Classic or Default).
⚠️ Note: After uninstalling the calling app, make sure the system automatically switches to the default dialer. Otherwise, you may miss an important call, since there will be no interface on the screen for answering.
Do not delete the “Phone” system application, even if you use a third-party analogue. It contains important libraries and drivers for the modem. Removing or disabling the system dialer may result in network errors and the inability to make emergency calls.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to install third-party calling applications?
Yes, if you download them from the official Google Play store. Such applications are scanned for viruses and malicious code. However, always check the permissions that the app asks for: it needs access to your phone and contacts, but not to your gallery or microphone (except during a conversation).
Why did the vibration sound when calling disappear after changing the theme?
Some custom themes or applications can overwrite system sound profiles. Check your sound settings in the calling application itself or in the general settings of your smartphone. It is possible that the “Silent” or “Vibration” profile was accidentally activated when changing the design.
Is it possible to change call buttons without installing applications on pure Android?
On “pure” Android (Pixel, Motorola) without root access it is almost impossible to change the system call buttons. System interface files are protected from modification. The only option is to use launchers that can intercept calls, but they are still third-party applications.
Does changing the call interface affect the quality of communication?
No, the visual part (buttons, background, animation) does not affect the radio module and the quality of voice transmission. The quality of communication depends on the operator, network coverage and the hardware of your smartphone, and not on what color your “Reply” button is.
What to do if the new buttons overlap information about the caller?
This is a layout error for a specific theme. Try choosing a different theme in the same application, or go to the design settings and change the font size or arrangement of elements. If the problem is not solved, it is better to return to the standard interface.