Call settings on Android: where to look and how to change call settings

Setting up calls on smartphones Android is one of the most popular functions that users look for immediately after purchasing a device. Not only the comfort of communication, but also battery saving, spam protection, and in some cases, even the security of personal data depends on the correct configuration. However, finding the necessary parameters is not always easy: manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi or Google Pixel place them in different sections of the menu, and the names of the items may differ depending on the version Android and shell.

In this article we will look at where exactly the call settings are hidden on most modern devices, how to open them through standard and alternative methods, as well as which parameters should be changed first. We will pay special attention to the differences between pure Android (for example, on Pixel or Motorola) and branded shells (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS). If you've ever been lost looking for an option to turn off vibration when calling or set up call forwarding, this guide is for you.

Where is the main call settings menu

The most obvious way to call settings is through the app "Phone" (sometimes called "Calls" or "Contacts"). However, even here manufacturers are making their own adjustments. Let's consider a universal algorithm:

1. Open the application "Phone" (handset icon on the main screen or in the application menu).

2. Click on the three dots (⋮) or the gear icon (⚙️) in the upper right corner - this is the button "Settings".

3. In the menu that opens, select the item "Call settings", "Call settings" or similar (name may vary).

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UI) the path will be different:

Phone → Three dots (⋮) → Settings → Additional settings

If the "Phone" application is missing (for example, on some Huawei or Honor), try to find the settings through the system menu:

Settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions/Default Settings

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 14+ and new shells (for example, HyperOS from Xiaomi), the location of items may change. If you don’t find the section you need, check system updates or use the settings search (magnifying glass icon at the top of the menu).

Differences in menus from different manufacturers

Branded shells Android often move or rename standard settings. The table below compares the paths to call settings on popular brands:

On devices Sony or Nokia with an almost "clean" Android call menu usually coincides with the version from Google, but there may be no support for some functions (for example, video calls via Duo).

How to change the ringtone and vibration

One of the most popular settings is changing the ringtone. On most devices this is done like this:

1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration (or Settings → Sound).

2. Select "Ringtone" or "Notification sound".

3. In the list of melodies, select the one you need or press "Add ringtone"if you want to use your own music.

To disable vibration when calling:

• 🔊 Go to Settings → Sound → Vibration when calling and turn off the slider.
• 📱 On Samsung: Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration → Vibration when calling.
• 🎵 On Xiaomi: Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration → Vibrate on calls (may be called "Vibration for incoming calls").

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Google Pixel 7+) the option to vibrate when call is hidden in Settings → System → Gestures → Vibrate on touch. If you don’t find the option, check this path.

Setting call forwarding

Forwarding (or conditional switching) allows you to redirect calls to another number if your phone is not available. This feature is useful when you are out of coverage or using a second SIM. To set it up:

1. Open the application "Phone" → ⋮ → Settings → Additional settings → Call forwarding.

2. Select SIM card (if any several).

3. Specify the forwarding condition:

   • 📞 "Always" — forward all calls;
   • 🚫 "If busy";
   • 🔕 "If there is no answer";
   • ❌ "If not available".

On Samsung the path may look like this:

Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Additional services → Call forwarding

To disable forwarding, select "Disable" in the same menu.

Make sure the SIM card is active|Check your balance (some operators charge for forwarding)|Test call to another number|Disable the function after use, if you don’t need it all the time

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Additional functions: call recording, spam filter, quick replies

Modern smartphones offer advanced options for managing calls. Let's look at the most useful ones:

• 🎤 Recording conversations:

  On Xiaomi i Realme is built into the "Phone" application (Settings → Call recording). On Samsung you need to install third-party software (for example, Cube Call Recorder).

• 🚫 Spam filter:

  Enabled in Settings → Spam and protection (on Google Pixel integrated with Google Phone).On Xiaomi there is a separate section "Black list".

• ⚡ Quick replies:

  Allows you to send an SMS response to an incoming call without accepting it. Settings: Settings → Quick replies (available on One UI i ColorOS).

• 🔄 Waiting and holding call:

  Activated in Settings → Additional settings → Call hold. Useful for business users.

On devices with Android 13+ appeared function "Audio separation" —it allows you to output the call sound to the speaker, and the voice of the interlocutor to the Bluetooth headset. To enable it:

Settings → Accessibility → Audio separation

Resetting call settings to factory settings

If, after experimenting with the parameters, calls no longer work correctly (for example, vibration does not work or the caller ID is not displayed), you can return the settings to factory settings. To do this:

1. Open Settings → Applications.

2. Find the application "Phone" (or "Calls") and select it.

3. Click "Storage" → "Delete data" or "Reset settings".

4. Confirm the action. Attention: this will delete the call history!

Alternative method (without losing history):

Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset application settings

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI), resetting the "Phone" settings may affect the operation of SIM cards. After the procedure, it is recommended to restart the smartphone.

Problems with call settings and their solutions

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the necessary options are not available or do not work correctly. Let's look at typical problems and ways to solve them:

If the problem persists after all the manipulations, try:

• 🔄 Restart the device.
• 📱 Update the "Phone" application via Google Play.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network settings).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about call settings

Settings → Notifications → Notifications on the lock screen → Hide content

Settings → Notifications → Phone → Show on lock screen → Disable