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I want to display the sender's name rather than their contact photo within a text message conversation. I don't have everyone's contact photograph memorized and I have multiple people with the same contact photograph. My old Android (version 4.0.4) did display the name within the conversation bubble, my new one (version 4.3) displays a small contact photograph next to the conversation bubble instead of the sender's name. One friend has some random cat wearing sunglasses as her contact photo....I certainly don't associate that with her and when she changes her contact photo then there will be some other random thing I don't associate with her. I would prefer to see her name rather than a random cat. For people who don't have a contact photo or for whom I don't have a photo, it displays a generic outline of a head.

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    What text app are you using? There's loads free on the play store so that might be the way to go.
    – RossC
    Commented Dec 29, 2014 at 13:16
  • The Android one that comes on the phone. No, I don't want to download another app. Sorry, I thought I was on an Android forum. Should I ask my Android question elsewhere?
    – user86884
    Commented Dec 29, 2014 at 16:17
  • Apps work great when you have a good connection to 4G, 3G, etc., but where I work, I don't (it's edge speed at best, but text messages still come through - so an App is not an option for me). Phone calls only connect about 50% of the time at work, so I know the connection isn't sufficient to support an App. I still want to get my text messages while at work as that is how the kids communicate with me.
    – user86884
    Commented Dec 29, 2014 at 16:45
  • If you use hangouts, seeing the name in the chat is irrelevant as you see it at the top or at the previous chat(s) overview screen.
    – Status3543
    Commented Jan 6, 2015 at 15:07

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I recommend installing an alternative SMS app. Once you have it downloaded you won't need any Internet connection. From your comment

"Apps work great when you have a good connection to 4G, 3G, etc."

you are obviously concerned about Internet speed, but this isn't an issue for an app that sends SMS. It will send and receive your text messages in place of the app you are currently using. I do not mean an Instant Messaging application like Kik or Whatsapp, I mean a dedicated SMS app. The current app you use is provided by whoever made the device (e.g. Samsung or HTC or Sony) and it works in its own way.

By way of an example here is a shot of Google Messenger where you can see the name at the top of each conversation.

Note: This won't be compatible below Android 4.1 JellyBean so will not suffice in this specific instance, but may be of use to others on the site.

Another good SMS app is Go SMS Pro which is also free on the Play Store.

Google Hangouts can also be used for SMS. There are many great SMS apps on the store, and I'm sure at least one of them will suffice.

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