Apple’s iOS 17, set to roll out to all compatible iPhone devices next Monday, introduces a range of exciting features. However, not every enhancement aligns perfectly with every user’s preferences. One of the contentious additions in iOS 17 is the Contact Poster feature, which may not resonate with everyone. Fortunately, there’s a way to disable it and regain control over your call screen.
As iOS enthusiasts anticipate the official release, many have explored the beta version over the summer, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the new features. Nonetheless, the Contact Poster feature has left some users less than impressed, leading them to seek ways to deactivate it.
Contact Posters and the End Call Controversy
Apple designed Contact Posters as a means of injecting a touch of personality into the Phone app. Users have the option to craft a Contact Poster by combining a photo or emoji with text, which then graces the entire screen when a corresponding contact calls.
Customizing Contact Posters is a straightforward process, akin to configuring various Lock Screens on an iPhone. Both features share similar customization elements. However, the inclusion of Contact Posters has had a significant impact on the iPhone’s call user interface, sparking a minor controversy akin to the earlier debate surrounding the relocation of the End Call button in iOS 17.
Why Some Users Dislike Contact Posters
The discontent surrounding Contact Posters isn’t solely related to their impact on the call interface. Some users have been unenthusiastic about this feature from its initial unveiling during a rushed announcement at WWDC.
For certain iPhone users, the Contact Poster display takeover when receiving calls is an unwelcome intrusion. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among Apple Watch users who can already identify callers without glancing at their phone screens, rendering this customization somewhat redundant for them.
How to Disable Contact Posters
Users who share these sentiments can take solace in the fact that disabling Contact Posters in iOS 17 is indeed possible. However, it’s important to note a caveat: the process isn’t carried out through the iPhone’s Settings app, and it may only provide a partial solution.
To disable Contact Posters, follow these steps:
- Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
- Tap “Edit” in the top left corner.
- Select your contact sheet.
- Locate the “Name & Photo Sharing” setting and toggle it off.
This procedure will prevent Contact Posters from appearing on your iPhone when others call you. It also provides an option to specify where your Contact Poster should be shared if you choose to use the feature.
Additionally, the same setting is accessible within the Contacts app. Simply tap “My Card” at the top to access the “Name & Photo Sharing” toggle.
Is It a Permanent Solution?
It’s important to clarify that this process exclusively prevents your Contact Poster from displaying on other people’s iPhones. Regrettably, iOS 17 does not seem to offer a setting to entirely block Contact Posters from appearing on your device. Consequently, those who prefer a Contact Poster-free call experience may still encounter Contact Posters from other users.
In conclusion, while some may embrace the Contact Poster feature as a fun and personalized addition, those who find it intrusive can mitigate its impact by following the aforementioned steps.
