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Samsung

Samsung: Add a Custom Photo to a Contact

If a contact still shows only the first letter of the name or one of the animated default images that come with your Samsung device, calls and messages look generic instead of personal. This happens because no custom photo has been assigned to that contact yet. Swapping in your own picture makes the caller instantly recognizable on the call screen and in Messages.

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Step 1 of 8: Tap on **Contacts**

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Tap on Contacts

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Android 11 · One UI 3
Add a Photo to a Contact – One UI 3: step 1 – Tap on Contacts
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Samsung

Add a Photo to a Contact auf Samsung

On Samsung phones, every contact without a saved picture falls back to either the first letter of the name or one of the built-in default images, some of which are animated. This is a display default of the Contacts app, not a limitation of your account or SIM card. Once you assign a real photo, it replaces that placeholder everywhere the contact appears: incoming calls, the dialer, Messages, and notifications.

To set a custom photo, open Tap on ContactsChoose a ContactTap on EditTap on Photo. From there you can pick Choose Gallery or Camera to either select an existing image or take a new one on the spot.

After picking an image, use Select a Photo and then Adjust the Photo and tap Done to crop it into the circular frame used for contact pictures. Finish with Tap on Save to store the change.

If the photo does not show up right away in the call screen, the contact list may need a moment to refresh, or the app might be caching the old default image. Reopening the Contacts app usually clears that up. This method only changes the local photo on your device; it does not sync to the other person's phone or to any cloud contact service unless you have contact sync enabled separately.

Frequently asked questions

The Contacts app sometimes caches the previous image. Close and reopen the app, or restart your phone if the new photo still does not appear on the call screen.

Compatible devices

Tap your device — opens its hub with matching guides.

Android 11 · One UI 3

No compatible devices are listed for this version.