How To Get Back The From Old Google Dialer Interface in Android Device
Long-standing users of Android are acquainted with the traditional interface of the Google Phone app, or the Google Dialer. It was basic, simple to navigate, and made its comprehension as well as usage clear. But in recent times when nobody has noticed Google has slipped in a significant update that has redesigned how millions of people make and take calls.
The new interface, released under the new Material You Expressive design system is modern and colorful but not everybody is thrilled. Most of the users claim that the new design is confusing, more difficult to navigate and less convenient to perform rituals such as search of contacts and ending the calls.
This has raised a major question in the sense of whether there is any way to restore the old Google Dialer interface. The answer is this is true. You can revert to the old design with a couple of steps and prevent it to update any further.
In this post, we describe the updates, why people are unhappy with them, and how you can revert to an older version on your Android smartphone.
The New Google Dialer Was Changed How?
The changes became immediately evident when the update came. Users were presented with a completely new interface including the following distinctions:
1. Merged Tabs- the app previously featured separate tabs of Favorites and Recents. Both of these have now been combined into one tab: “Home”. This scrolling feed combines recent calls with top contacts, which is distracting to the user.
2. Dial Pad Change of Place- Earlier on it could be seen that the numeric keypad was being displayed as a hovering button used to access it quickly. The latter has been changed, such that the new design places in a different tab with bigger and round buttons. Although this looks smart, it requires an additional effort to make a call.
3. Having Useful Contacts Disabled-The old interface brought contacts closer to the operator. They are now found behind the search box which means users have to dig in more to locate the saved numbers.
4. Incoming Call Screen revamp- users previously used a vert-selection swipe to answer an incoming call, which is now changed to horizontal like iOS. Some users find this to their advantage and others complain that it slows them.
5. New End Call Button-The end-call button now becomes a red round button which occupies most part of the screen. It is very visible, and a lot of individuals criticize that it seems to be amateurish when compared to the minimalistic design which was the old one.
6. Secret Settings – options such as call record, mute or speaker are now housed in a menu that is accessed through additional taps. Previously they could be seen without any obstruction.
The reasons that very frustrated users.
The old dialer came up as muscle memory to many. Without even seeing they knew the places to tap and so on. Suddenly, Google transformed that with no possibility to decide between old and new.
The responses have been flooding in on social sites such as Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and technology-related discussion boards. Other labelled the update as unnecessary and some even compared with the iOS by Apple.
Testimonials
Functionally it is fine but the red hang up button makes its cheap appearance.”
I dislike that the contacts are not visible any longer. People take up time all the time I telephone, and this delays me.”
Why make new design a compulsion without an option of reverting back?
With such a wave of frustration, people have been looking up to find ways of restoring the old interface.
How to revert to the old Google Dialer
Fortunately, it is not hard to restore the previous design. You do not have to be a root user and you do not need any tools. All you need to do is to uninstall Phone app updates.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Launch the Google play store on your android phone.
2. Search the bar using the term Phone by Google.
3. Tap the result in the app.
4. When you tap on the app page, tap Uninstall Updates.
There is no need to worry that this will wipe away the app. It will just revert it to factory settings.
5. After removal of the updates restart your phone.
6. Re-open the Phone app--you will find the older design back again
What to do so it will not upload anymore.
Apps updated via Google Play Store are updated automatically and the new design could come back in a few days. In order to avoid this, you should disable auto-update on the Phone app.
1. Access the Play Store and visit the page of the Phone by Google app.
2. Click the three-dot icon on the top-right part.
3. Deactivate and uncheck the option Enable auto-update.
Your Phone will not upgrade to the latest version automatically, and will await your upgrade.
Stuff to Remember
Although this rollback is effective, the following points should be taken into consideration:
Security Risks: The older versions fail to get up to date security patches. This may cause your phone to be susceptible to bugs or exploits.
Lack of new features: You may be deprived of new capabilities such as high-quality caller identification, spam prevention, or integration with other Google applications.
Dark Mode Setting: Google may roll out push to new design in future Android updates. This technique is not permanent
Google Dialer alternatives
Certain phone manufacturers such as OnePlus, OPPO, and realme have their own dialer called ODialer. The application is stable and easy to use making it popular with many users as the new Google design is not.
ODialer can be downloaded directly to the Play Store in case it is appropriate to your device. The UI is neat and different to the previous Google dialer.
Why Google changed it
It is reported that the new design forms part of the larger Material You Expressive initiative by Google to give the apps a newer look, which is colorful and consistent.
Google claims that the new UI is better accessible and has larger buttons which easier to see by a person with vision challenges. Nonetheless, it seems that the redesign was not as friendly to routine users as it was to low frequency users.
Responses in across-the-world
In India, readers of popular technology discussion boards reported that the update broke daily calling habits.
In the US, the cards are swarmed by screen shots of the old and new interface.
In Europe, in most of the tech blogs, the update was reviewed as confusing yet stylish.
The response across the world indicates that when it comes to the fresh design, some appreciate it but a large percentage would wish to have the choice as they, at least, feel comfortable with the old.
Expert Opinion
Tech experts are sure that problem is not redesign but the absence of choice. Companies tend to impose new designs, all over the name of consistency, when it comes to something as important as the dialer, however, users must be given the option of choosing what they want.
Others propose that Google would include a switch: the traditional appearance” or the updated look. This would enable everybody to make a choice and avoid backlash.
FAQs
Q1. Are my contacts and calls deleted after uninstalling updates?
Your information is not at risk. The only interface modification is the app one
Q2. Is it possible to Default design can be permanent?
Not permanently. The new design could be imposed in future upgrades of Android. However, until then deactivating auto update will help.
Q3. Will this have an impact on the performance of my phone?
None of great impact However not all new features and security benefits can be enjoyed.
Q4. Can I use other dialer?
Yes, ODialer by OPPO, OnePlus and realme is good. You could also try downloading 3rd party dialer apps via the Play Store.
Q5. What was the reason Google recreated the interface?
To be more consistent with the Material You approach to design or better accessibility.
Conclusion
The new Google Dialer has been a matter of both likes and dislikes among Android community. Its new style is liked by some but is less convenient to many regular users. Those who miss the old interface, the easiest method to get it back is to uninstall the updates.
Nevertheless, this is only a short-term solution. With Google still bringing newer designs to its applications, it is possible that the older look can be forgotten as well. Until that time, Android users can choose between remaining in the past and feeling comfortable and adapting to the future that Google is presenting.
