Switching back to the Old Google Dialer UI has become a common need for many Android users. The new Google Phone app design has confused and frustrated people worldwide.
Its updated style changes buttons, layouts, and gestures, breaking old habits. Users want the older, simpler design back for easier calling. Thankfully, there are many ways to restore it successfully.
Why Switch Back to the Old Google Dialer UI
The Google Phone app, also called Google Dialer, is widely used. Almost every Pixel phone and many stock Android devices use it. In mid-2025, Google introduced a new design. This update included Material You changes, expressive Material 3 layout, and animated touches.
The new design brought three navigation tabs: Home, Keypad, and Voicemail. It also introduced new swipe and tap gestures. Google said the design aimed for better simplicity and user experience. But users did not feel happy after the release.
Most users found the design very confusing and busy. Small button shifts made simple actions feel slow and difficult. People who relied on years of muscle memory now struggled. Even answering or rejecting calls took more effort than before.
Social media is filled with complaints, jokes, and memes. One popular meme showed a mother asking what happened to her phone. This reflected how frustrating the new design feels for many people.
The backlash grew as many wanted their old interface back. The old Google Dialer was clear, simple, and quick.
Users trusted it for smooth calling without confusion. Therefore, people started searching for methods to Switch Back to the Old Google Dialer UI.
Methods to Switch Back to the Old Google Dialer UI
Google does not provide an official button to switch back. However, different reliable tricks can restore the classic design.
Some are easy for all users, while some need advanced skills. It is always safe to back up contacts and call logs first. Downgrading apps sometimes affects saved data.
1. Uninstall Updates from Google Play Store
The easiest option is uninstalling updates from the Phone app. The Google Dialer is a system app, so it cannot be removed completely. But you can remove updates and return to the original version. This version often has the old familiar interface.
Steps through Play Store:
- Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
- Search for a phone by Google and open it.
- Tap Uninstall to remove installed updates.
- Confirm the uninstall by tapping again.
- Restart your smartphone after the process.
Steps through Settings:
- Open Settings on your Android device.
- Go to Apps > Phone (Phone by Google).
- Tap the three-dot menu on the top.
- Select Uninstall updates and confirm.
- Restart the Phone app once done.
After restarting, the old Google Dialer UI should return.
2. Disable Automatic Updates
After uninstalling updates, the new version may return later. Automatic updates in the Play Store reinstall the latest design. To stop this, you need to disable auto-updates for the app.
Steps to disable auto-updates:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for Phone by Google.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Uncheck the option Enable auto-update.
Now the app will not update automatically. The old version stays until you update it manually.
Warning: Disabling updates may increase security risks. Updated apps usually fix bugs and protect your phone.
If you disable updates, check manually for security patches. Only use this method if you fully understand possible risks.
3. Use Third-Party Dialer Apps
Sometimes uninstalling updates may not work on all phones. In that case, using third-party dialers is another solution. These apps give similar features and old-style layouts. Many people prefer them for simplicity and customization.
Popular alternatives include:
- True Phone Dialer: customizable, fast, and user-friendly.
- Simple Dialer: very basic and lightweight design.
- Contacts+: combines contacts, dialer, and messaging.
- ODialer: official OPPO dialer for OPPO, OnePlus, and realme phones.
These apps often mimic the older Google Dialer experience. They make calling again easy for people who dislike the new UI.
4. Root and Rollback Method
For advanced users, rooting the phone is another option. After rooting, you can install older APK versions of the Phone app. This completely restores the old interface permanently.
Benefits of this method:
- Full control over which version stays.
- Permanent rollback without auto-updates.
Risks of this method:
- Rooting voids your phone warranty.
- Rooting carries the risk of damaging the device.
- Only people with technical knowledge should attempt it.
This method is not recommended for normal users. It is better suited only for experienced Android enthusiasts.
Why People Still Prefer the Old Google Dialer UI
The old Google Dialer UI was simple and reliable. People had built habits using it daily for years. Every option was placed neatly and clearly on the screen. Users could answer, reject, or search contacts quickly.
The new Material 3 Expressive design feels more complicated. The swipe gestures confuse many people, especially older ones. Call handling has become slower and less intuitive for them. Users dislike wasting extra seconds searching for buttons.
The huge number of complaints shows strong dislike for the redesign. Social media discussions highlight how much people miss the older interface. Many users feel Google should give a simple toggle. This would allow switching between old and new designs easily.
Until Google adds such a toggle, people rely on these tricks. Uninstalling updates, disabling auto-updates, or using third-party apps remain the most practical solutions today.
As We Conclude
Switching back to the Old Google Dialer UI is still possible through different tricks. Many people dislike the new Material 3 design because it feels confusing and less user-friendly.
These solutions help users enjoy the old familiar interface again. Until Google provides a built-in toggle, these tricks remain the most effective way.
