What you can change on the iPhone calling screen

When someone calls your iPhone, you see a full-screen display with their name or number, a large accept or decline button, and sometimes their photo. Apple lets you change several parts of this screen: which photo appears, whether the caller's name shows in large text or small text, and which apps handle incoming calls. You cannot change the button colors or the overall layout, but you can control what information displays and how it looks.

The changes you make depend on where the information comes from. Your contacts app controls whose photo appears and what name displays. Your phone settings control the text size and style. Your default calling app determines which service handles the incoming call screen itself.

Key Takeaways

  • The caller's photo on the incoming call screen comes from your Contacts app, so edit the contact card to change the image.
  • You can switch between a large caller name display and a smaller one in Settings > Phone > Incoming Calls.
  • If you use a third-party calling app like WhatsApp or Google Voice, setting it as your default calling app changes how incoming calls appear.
  • The incoming call screen layout itself cannot be customized beyond these options — button placement and colors are fixed by iOS.

Changing the caller's photo on the incoming call screen

The photo that appears when someone calls comes directly from their contact card. Open the Contacts app, find the person's name, and tap Edit in the top right corner. Tap the photo placeholder or existing photo at the top of the card.

You can take a new photo with your camera, choose one from your photo library, or use an emoji or monogram if you prefer. After you select the image, tap Done to save it. The next time that person calls, their updated photo will appear on your incoming call screen.

If a contact has no photo saved, the incoming call screen shows their name or number on a colored background instead. Adding a photo to any contact will replace that plain background with the image you chose.

Switching between large and small caller name display

By default, iOS shows the caller's name in very large text that takes up most of the screen. If you prefer a smaller, more compact display, you can change this in your phone settings. Open Settings, tap Phone, then scroll down and tap Incoming Calls.

You will see two options: Large (the default) and Small. Tap Small to make the caller's name appear in a smaller font at the top of the screen, leaving more space visible behind it. This setting applies to all incoming calls, regardless of who is calling.

If you change your mind, return to the same menu and select Large to go back to the original display style.

Using a third-party calling app as your default

If you use WhatsApp, Google Voice, Skype, or another calling app, you can set it as your default calling app. This changes how incoming calls from that service appear on your screen. Open Settings, tap Phone, then tap Default Voice App.

You will see a list of compatible calling apps installed on your device. Select the one you want to use. From that point forward, calls through that app will use its own incoming call screen design instead of Apple's standard screen.

This setting only affects calls made through the third-party app itself. Calls to your regular phone number still use the standard iOS incoming call screen. If you want to switch back to Apple's calling screen for all calls, return to Default Voice App and select Phone.

What you cannot change on the incoming call screen

The overall layout of the incoming call screen is controlled by iOS and cannot be modified. You cannot change the position or size of the accept and decline buttons, change their colors, add custom buttons, or alter the background behind the caller information.

You also cannot hide the caller's name or number entirely, remove the photo, or change which information appears. If you want a completely different incoming call experience, switching to a third-party calling app is your only option, though that only works for calls through that specific app.

Troubleshooting when changes do not appear

If you changed a contact's photo but the old image still appears on incoming calls, force close the Phone app and reopen it. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer iPhones) to open the app switcher, find Phone, and swipe it away. Then open Phone again from your home screen.

If you changed the caller name display size and it did not take effect, restart your iPhone. Hold the power button until you see the power-off slider, then slide to power off. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.

If a third-party calling app is set as your default but calls still show the standard iOS screen, check that the app itself is updated to the latest version. Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and look for pending updates. Some older versions of calling apps do not support being set as the default.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a custom emoji or letter instead of a photo for a contact?

Yes. When editing a contact, tap the photo area and select the emoji or monogram option. You can choose a single letter or an emoji that will appear as a colored circle on the incoming call screen instead of a photo.

Why does the incoming call screen show a number instead of a name?

The caller's name appears only if you have saved their contact information. If the number is not in your Contacts app, iOS displays the number instead. Add the number to your contacts with a name, and the name will appear on future calls from that number.

Does changing the incoming call screen size affect other parts of my phone?

No. The Large or Small setting only changes how the incoming call screen looks. It does not affect text size in other apps, your home screen, or any other part of iOS.

If I set a third-party app as my default, will all my calls go through it?

No. Only calls made through that app will use its incoming call screen. Calls to your regular phone number still use the standard iOS screen and go through your carrier's network.

Can I change the background color of the incoming call screen?

No. The background is always either the caller's photo or a solid color based on their contact card. You cannot customize the color or use a custom background image.