Highlights

• Google Contact’s new update allows users to customise contact profile photos with monograms or emojis.
• New features include assigning monograms, setting emojis as contact photos and using the Inspire Me button for automatic combinations.
• The feature is rolling out in phases, which means all users don’t have access to it yet.

Google is giving users more ways to personalise contact photos in Google Contacts. You can now assign monograms or emojis to contact profile pictures, adding a bit of fun and customisation to your address book. Here’s what we know.

With the latest update to Google Contacts (version 4.48.27.720364420), users can now do the following –

• Assign a monogram (one or two letter initials) with customisable fonts and background colours.
• Set an emoji as a contact photo, choosing from a wide range of options.
• Use the Inspire Me button that automatically generates different font, emoji and background colour combinations.
• Enable a monochrome mode for a more minimalist look.

These customisations aren’t limited to Google Contacts as they’ll also appear in Google Messages when interacting with that contact.

The feature was first spotted by Android Authority, and while it’s live for some users, not everyone on the latest build has access yet. Google is likely rolling it out in phases.

In the report, Android Authority Editor Hadlee Simons wrote, “Android Authority contributor AssembleDebug spotted the option to set emojis or monograms as contact pictures in the Google Contacts app (version 4.48.27.720364420). I’m not seeing this on my own phone just yet, so this might be a gradual release at first.”

Previously in 2024, Google automatically replaced user-selected contact photos in Google Messages with the contact’s Google account avatar. However, this move wasn’t welcomed by many users. Later in January 2025, Google finally let users switch back to their original contact photos before introducing the current update offering new customisation options.

FAQs

Q1. What new customisation options does Google Contacts offer?

Answer. Users can now assign monograms with customizable fonts and background colours, set emojis as contact photos, and use the ‘Inspire Me’ button for automatic combinations. There is also a monochrome mode for a minimalist look.

Q2. Will these customisations in Google Contacts appear elsewhere?

Answer. Yes, these customisations will also appear in Google Messages when interacting with that contact.

Q3. Is the new feature available to all users?

Answer. The feature is currently live for some users, but not everyone on the latest build has access yet as Google is likely rolling it out in phases.

Also Read: Google Contacts Adds Reminder Feature, Monogram Customisations & More

Also Read: How to Add Emojis on WhatsApp on Android & iPhones