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It can be confusing when your phone’s apps change without warning. Recently, the Google Phone app got a new look called Material 3 Expressive. The goal was to make it feel more modern. However, many people have found the new design difficult to use.
If you feel this way, you are not alone. Users have pointed out that the new layout is clumsy and not as simple as it used to be. For instance, your favorite contacts, which were once easy to see, are now in a small list at the top that you have to scroll through sideways. Finding your full contact list also takes more taps than before. The buttons are bigger and have different shapes, which can be distracting.
These changes can interrupt the simple habits you’ve formed for making calls. When an app you use every day suddenly works differently, it can be a genuine annoyance. The good news is that you have options to go back to the familiar version you prefer.
How to Return to the Previous App Version
You can often switch back to the original version of the Phone app that came with your device. This process removes the recent updates that changed the design. It is a straightforward solution, but it requires careful steps to avoid losing important information.
Follow this guide to uninstall the updates:
- Back Up Your Data First: Before you begin, it is wise to back up your call history. Some phones might clear this data during the process. You can use your phone’s built-in backup service or a third-party app to save your call log and any customized spam settings.
- Go to Your Phone’s Settings: Open the main “Settings” app on your Android device. This is usually represented by a gear icon.
- Find the Apps Menu: Scroll down and tap on “Apps.” On some phones, this might be called “Apps & notifications” or “Application Manager.”
- Locate the Phone App: You may need to tap “See all apps” to view the complete list. Look for the app named “Phone.” It might also be called “Dialer.”
- Uninstall the Updates: Once you have selected the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the screen. A menu will appear with an option that says “Uninstall updates.” Tap it.
- Confirm Your Choice: A message will pop up asking if you want to replace the app with the factory version. Confirm that you do. The app will revert to the design it had when your phone was new.
Preventing the App from Updating Again
After you have restored the old design, you will want to make sure it stays that way. The Google Play Store is set to update your apps automatically by default. To prevent the Phone app from updating itself again, you need to turn this feature off.
Here is how to disable automatic updates:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
- Tap on “Network preferences.”
- Choose “Auto-update apps.”
- In the pop-up window, select “Don’t auto-update apps” and tap “Done.”
Keep in mind that this setting will apply to all of your apps. This means you will need to update your other apps manually by going to the Play Store, tapping your profile, selecting “Manage apps & device,” and approving any available updates.
An Alternative Method: Using an APK File
For some phones, especially those made by Samsung or Xiaomi, the “Uninstall updates” option may not be available. In these situations, you can try another method called sideloading. This involves manually installing an older version of the app using a file called an APK.
This approach gives you more control, but it also comes with risks. You must download APK files from a trustworthy source to avoid security problems.
- Find a Reliable Source: Websites like APKMirror are widely trusted for providing safe, older versions of Android apps. Do not download APK files from unknown websites.
- Uninstall the Current Version: If you can, uninstall the current Phone app from your device first.
- Download and Install: Find the version of the Google Phone app you want on the trusted website and download its APK file. You may need to give your browser permission to install apps from unknown sources in your phone’s settings. Once you do, open the downloaded file to install it.
A Different Perspective on the New Design
While many find the new update disruptive, it is worth considering why Google made the change. The new Material 3 design aims to create a single, unified look across all of Google’s apps, like Gmail and Calendar. Over time, this consistency can make it easier to switch between different Google services.
Some users have found that after a few days, they get used to the new layout. The changes that feel strange at first might become familiar with a little patience. If you are not completely opposed to the new look, you might try using it for a week to see if it grows on you. However, the choice is yours, and you should use the version of the app that works best for you.