A simple way to stop your Google Phone call screen from rotating

The main app that manages phone calls on Android phones, known as the Google Phone app, is introducing a useful update. In recent times, this app has started changing how the call screen looks when you turn your device sideways.

When you were on a call and held the phone horizontally (landscape view), the screen would split. You would see the contact’s details on one half, and all the buttons and controls for the call on the other half.

However, many users found this automatic rotation switch to be irritating. This was particularly bothersome for those who prefer to keep their phone’s system-wide auto-rotate feature turned on, especially when moving or adjusting the phone while talking.

To address this common complaint, Google is introducing a new option within the Phone application. This feature is clearly named “Keep portrait mode on calls,” and its job is to stop the call screen from accidentally turning sideways while you are connected to someone.

If you wish to find and activate this new tool, you will need to go into the app’s settings. Look for Settings, then select Display options. You will find the preference grouped under a heading called Controls.

At the moment, this handy setting is being tested in the beta version (version 202) of the Phone app. It has not yet been released to everyone who is using the usual, stable version (version 201).