Google is bringing the Contacts tab back to the bottom navigation bar in its Phone app, reversing part of the August 2025 Material 3 Expressive redesign that removed the dedicated tab and left users accessing their address book through the navigation drawer or an entry in the Favorites carousel. The restored tab sits between Home and Keypad, making saved contacts directly accessible again, while its duplicate shortcut in the navigation drawer disappears and other access points remain available. According to 9to5Google’s original October 1 report and additional coverage from Netguide, the change initially rolled out gradually to Phone by Google beta users running version 240 or later, rather than appearing immediately for every tester. An October 19 update from 9to5Google reported that beta users on version 243 should have the restored tab, although some might need to force stop the app before it appears. Further reporting from Gadget Hacks explains that activation is controlled through a server-side rollout, meaning installing a newer beta version alone does not necessarily enable the feature immediately. Together, the reports describe a return to more direct navigation rather than a new contact-management capability, restoring a prominent shortcut that the earlier redesign had moved into a menu. The cited coverage had not confirmed availability for stable-channel users, so the beta rollout should not be mistaken for a release to everyone.

Source Citation:

This article summary by CRAYY.co, partnered with SURFMAN.co, @surfmanco on X is from: 9to5Google, Google Phone App Beta Rolls Out Contacts Bottom Bar Tab, By: Abner Li.

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