How to Disable “Suggested Contacts” in the Phone App on Pixel 8 (Android 14/15)

If you’re using a Pixel 8 and find the Suggested Contacts feature in the Phone app intrusive or unnecessary, you’re not alone. Many users prefer a clean and distraction-free dialer experience without automatic contact suggestions. However, Google has made this feature somewhat persistent, and turning it off isn’t as straightforward as flipping a single switch. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every possible method to disable Suggested Contacts in the Phone app on your Pixel 8 running Android 14 or Android 15.

Understanding Suggested Contacts in the Phone App

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand what Suggested Contacts are and why they appear. The Phone app on Pixel 8 uses machine learning and your usage patterns to predict which contacts you might want to call or message. These suggestions appear at the top of your Recents or Dialer screen, making it easier to reach out to frequently contacted people. While this can be helpful for some, others find it clutters the interface or raises privacy concerns.

It’s also crucial to distinguish Suggested Contacts from other suggestion features like Gboard autocomplete, Messages app suggestions, or Google Assistant smart replies. This guide focuses solely on disabling the Phone app’s built-in contact suggestions.

Why Suggested Contacts Are Hard to Disable

Google has integrated Suggested Contacts deeply into the Phone app on Pixel 8. Unlike some other features, there isn’t a universal toggle to turn them off. The options available in Phone app settings may vary depending on your Android version and carrier customizations. This is why users often report that clearing the app cache or checking privacy settings doesn’t fully resolve the issue.

Step-by-Step Methods to Disable Suggested Contacts

Method 1: Check Phone App Settings

The first place to look is within the Phone app itself. Here’s how to navigate the settings:

1. Open the Phone app on your Pixel 8.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Look for options like Contacts, Privacy, or People & sharing.
5. If you see a toggle for Suggested Contacts or Frequently contacted, disable it.

Note: On some versions of Android 14/15, this option may not be present, or it may be labeled differently.

Method 2: Disable Contact Syncing

If the above method doesn’t work, try disabling contact syncing, which can reduce the data available for suggestions:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your Google Account.
2. Tap Data & privacy.
3. Under Data from apps and services you use, select Phone.
4. Turn off Contacts sync.

This will prevent the Phone app from accessing your contacts, which may stop suggestions from appearing. However, you’ll need to manually manage your contacts if you rely on syncing.

Method 3: Restrict Phone App Permissions

Another approach is to limit the Phone app’s access to your contacts:

1. Open Settings > Apps > See all apps.
2. Find and select the Phone app.
3. Tap Permissions.
4. Select Contacts and choose Deny or Ask every time.

This will prevent the app from accessing your contacts, potentially disabling suggestions. However, this may also affect the app’s core functionality, such as displaying your call history.

Method 4: Use Digital Wellbeing or Focus Mode

If suggestions are distracting, you can use Digital Wellbeing or Focus Mode to limit interruptions:

1. Open Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
2. Tap Focus Mode.
3. Set up a mode that hides the Phone app or silences notifications during certain times.

This won’t disable suggestions, but it can reduce their impact on your experience.

Method 5: Clear Phone App Data (Caution: Resets App)

As a last resort, you can clear the Phone app’s data, which will reset it to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps.
2. Select the Phone app.
3. Tap Storage & cache.
4. Choose Clear storage or Clear data.

Warning: This will erase your call history and any custom settings. Use this method only if other options fail.

Method 6: Check for System Updates

Sometimes, Google releases updates that change how features work or add new settings. Make sure your Pixel 8 is running the latest version of Android 14 or Android 15:

1. Open Settings > System > System update.
2. Check for and install any available updates.

Is There a Definitive Solution?

Unfortunately, as of the latest versions of Android 14 and Android 15, there is no universal, guaranteed way to completely disable Suggested Contacts in the Phone app on Pixel 8. Google has designed this feature to be persistent, and the available settings may vary by device, region, or carrier.

If you’ve tried all the above methods and still see suggestions, it’s possible that this behavior is forced by the system. In such cases, the only options are to:

• Accept the feature and customize your usage.
• Use a third-party dialer app from the Google Play Store that offers more granular control over contact suggestions.
• Provide feedback to Google through the Pixel Tips app or the Google Issue Tracker, requesting a dedicated toggle for this feature.

Alternative: Use a Third-Party Dialer

If you’re frustrated with the lack of control over Suggested Contacts, consider switching to a third-party dialer app. Many apps on the Google Play Store offer more customization options and may not include contact suggestions at all. Popular options include:

• Simple Dialer
• Truecaller
• Drupe

Before installing any third-party app, make sure to review its permissions and privacy policy to ensure your data is protected.

Conclusion

Disabling Suggested Contacts in the Phone app on Pixel 8 running Android 14/15 can be challenging due to the deep integration of this feature. While there are several methods to reduce or hide suggestions, a universal toggle does not currently exist. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can minimize the impact of Suggested Contacts and tailor your dialer experience to your preferences.

If you continue to experience issues or have feedback for Google, consider reaching out through official channels. As Android evolves, future updates may offer more control over this feature.

For more tips, tricks, and solutions for your Pixel 8, stay tuned to our blog and explore our collection of Magisk Modules at Magisk Module Repository to further customize your Android experience.