Hate the New Google Phone App? Here’s How to Restore the Old Design

Google’s Phone app, better known as the Google Dialer, has gone through a major redesign this year. The update brings a new layout, rounder buttons, and swipe-to-answer gestures, but many users aren’t happy.

If you’re struggling with the new interface, there is a way to get the old design back. But here’s the catch: it’s only a temporary solution. Google could force the new UI through future updates, and older versions of the app may eventually stop working as expected.

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What Changed in the New Google Phone App

The redesign folds the Favourites and Recents tabs into a new Home tab, pushes the keypad into its own section with larger round keys, and makes incoming calls default to a horizontal swipe to answer. During a call, buttons now appear in pill shapes, with a big red “End Call” button at the bottom.

These changes sound small but they’ve thrown many users off. Since updates are automatic through the Play Store, most didn’t even know it was coming.

Step 1: Uninstall Updates to Get the Old Layout

The quickest way to bring back the old UI is to roll back the app by uninstalling updates. This doesn’t remove the Phone app itself, since it’s a system app, but it reverts to the version your phone originally shipped with.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for Phone by Google.
3. Tap the app, then choose Uninstall.
4. Confirm and restart your phone.

Once your phone restarts, the classic layout should return.

Step 2: Stop Auto-Updates

To prevent the redesign from immediately reinstalling, you’ll need to turn off auto-updates for this app.

1. Open the Phone by Google page in the Play Store.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the corner.
3. Uncheck Enable auto-update.

Be aware: disabling auto-updates can leave you without important security patches and bug fixes. You may need to check for updates manually from time to time.

Step 3: Consider Alternatives

If you use a OnePlus, OPPO, or realme phone, you can install ODialer from the Play Store. It’s OPPO’s official dialer app and works as a straightforward alternative.

Why This Won’t Last Forever

While rolling back works right now, it’s not guaranteed to hold. Future system updates or forced app updates could remove the old UI for good. That means this method should be seen as a stopgap, not a permanent fix. For now, it’s the only reliable way to bring back the familiar layout.