Google’s New Calling Cards for Android: How to Use Them

Google has been busy adding new touches of personalization to Android, and one of the latest is the Calling Cards feature. First spotted in late July, this update is now rolling out widely to Android devices, giving users a more stylish way to see who’s calling.

If you’ve ever admired Apple’s Contact Posters on iPhone, you’ll feel right at home—Calling Cards lets you create full-screen visuals with photos, colors, and text styles for each contact, adding personality to your incoming calls.

Let’s break down what this feature is, how to set it up, and why it might become your favorite new Android addition.

What Are Calling Cards?

Traditionally, incoming calls on Android display the caller’s name, number, and maybe a profile picture. With Calling Cards, Google upgrades this experience by allowing you to design a full-screen contact identity.

This means you can select a picture, customize fonts and colors, and create a unique screen for each of your friends and family members. Instead of the plain call screen, you’ll be greeted with something far more personal and fun.

Requirements to Access Calling Cards

Calling Cards are tied to the Google Contacts and Google Phone apps. According to early rollouts, the feature is visible on devices like the Pixel 9a, running:

• Google Contacts app: Version 4.61.28.792249534
  
  

• Google Phone app: Version 188.0.793710089

If you don’t see the option yet, don’t worry. Google tends to roll out updates gradually. Some users reported needing to join the Google Phone beta program to see Calling Cards immediately, but the feature should soon reach the stable version as well.

How to Create and Edit Calling Cards

Setting up Calling Cards is simple, and you can do it through either the Phone or Contacts app. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Contacts app.
   
   

2. Select the contact you want to personalize.
   
   

3. Tap “Try adding a calling card.”
   
   

4. Add a photo from your camera, gallery, or Google Photos.
   
   

5. Customize the design—pinch and zoom the image, adjust placement, and choose text styles and colors.
   
   

6. Preview your Calling Card, then tap Done.
   
   

7. Save your creation, and enjoy a stylish new screen when that contact calls you.
   
   

If the option doesn’t appear, tap the pencil icon to edit the contact manually and add a Calling Card from there.

While Calling Cards focus on personalizing your calls, managing contacts and data across devices often requires a bit more. That’s where app share tools like Smart Transfer come in handy.

Smart Transfer is a third-party iOS to android transfer app designed to transfer messages, contacts, photos, videos, and more, from one phone to another quickly and wirelessly. So, if you’re upgrading to a new Android phone and want to keep all your contacts (along with their new Calling Cards) intact, Smart Transfer makes the process smooth.

Instead of losing your carefully curated contact designs when switching devices, Smart Transfer ensures they move along with you—seamlessly bridging the gap between personalization and practicality.

Why Calling Cards Matter

Google’s Calling Cards may not be the most groundbreaking Android feature, but they add something that’s often overlooked—delight. Customizing how your friends and family appear on your screen makes every call feel more personal.

Combined with tools like Smart Transfer for easy data migration, Android is clearly focusing not just on utility but also on user experience and emotional connection. Sometimes, it’s the smallest touches that make technology feel more human.