How to Replace a Standard Xiaomi Call on Google Phone: A Complete Guide

Why Xiaomi users want to change their standard call to Google Phone?

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are all equipped with MIUI Dialer, a call with integrated spam blocking, conversation recording and brand design, but many users prefer the Google Phone app (aka Google Caller), which has a variety of reasons for choosing from a minimalist interface to advanced features to identify calls through Google’s database.

The main advantages of Google Phone over MIUI Dialer:

• 🔍 Best integration with Google services (Contacts, Search, Assistant).
• 🛡️ More accurate spam filtering thanks to a global database.
• 🎨 Minimalist design without unnecessary interface elements.
• 🔄 Quick updates via Google Play (unlike Google Play) MIUI Dialer that is updated only with firmware).

But there are nuances: on some Xiaomi models, replacing a standard call can lead to the loss of the conversation recording function (if it was in MIUI Dialer), and also require manual setting of access rights. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to install Google Phone, set up default and solve possible problems.

Preparation: What to do before replacing a call

Before installing Google Phone, make sure your smartphone meets the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Android Version: No less than 8.0 (most features require Android 10)+).
• 🔧 Administrator rights: not required, but may be required for some additional functions.
• 📲 Google Play Services: Must be installed and updated.
• 🔄 Backup: Keep contacts and call history (in case of crashes).

Also check if your Xiaomi model supports Google Phone officially.Some devices (especially for the Chinese market) may block the installation of alternative calls.

⚠️ Note: On devices with firmware for the Chinese market (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Google Phone may not be installed due to restrictions MIUI. In this case, you will need to change the firmware region or use workarounds (see the section "Problem Solving").

Method 1: Install Google Phone with Google Play

The easiest way is to download the app from the official store, but Google Phone doesn't show up in search for all devices.

1. Open Google Play and search for com.google.android.dialer.
2. If the application is not located, click on the direct link (open in the browser on your smartphone).
3. Click "Install" and wait for the download to be completed.
4. After installation, open the application and provide all the permissions requested (calls, contacts, microphone).

If the Install button is inactive or the message "This app is incompatible with your device" is displayed, try the following:

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from third-party sources can lead to data leakage or unstable call operation.Use only trusted sites such as APKMirror.

Method 2: Manual installation APK-Google Phone file

If Google Play blocks the installation, you can download the APK manually.

1. Download the current version of Google Phone with APKMirror (choose the version for arm64 or universal).
2. Before installation, enable installation permission from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Browser (or File Manager) → Allow installation from this source
3. Open the downloaded one. APK-file and follow the installer's instructions.
4. After installation, start Google Phone and set up access rights.

Important: some versions of APK may be designed for Pixel devices and contain unnecessary features (for example, Call Screen). For Xiaomi, it is better to choose universal builds (Google Phone (Android Go) or Google Phone (Universal)).

Setting up Google Phone as Default Calls

Once you have installed Google Phone, you need to make it the primary calling app.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Default Apps".
3. Slip on the phone and select Google Phone from the list.
4. Confirm the selection and restart the device (recommended for stable operation).

If Google Phone does not appear in the default app list:

• 🔄 Check that the application is installed correctly (run it manually).
• 📥 Update Google Play Services to the latest version.
• 🔧 Clear the cache and application data Settings → Annexes → Google Phone → Warehouse → Clear the cache/data.

💡

If the missed call notifications stop working after the change, check the battery optimization settings for Google Phone. Add it to the “No Limits” list in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.

Solving common problems after replacing the call

Even after successfully installing Google Phone, Xiaomi users may encounter errors, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the call-replacement feature that MIUI Dialer supported is gone, you can use third-party apps like Cube Call Recorder or Boldbeast. However, please note that on Android 10+, recording conversations may be limited by Google policies.

💡

On devices with MIUI 14+ and Android 13+, you may need to disable the “MIUI Optimization” function in the developer settings to ensure stable operation of Google Phone.

How to get back a standard MIUI Dialer call

If Google Phone fails or critical errors occur, you can return the standard MIUI Dialer call.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps.
2. Select Phone and return MIUI Dialer as the main application.
3. If you no longer need Google Phone, delete it (Settings → Apps → Google Phone → Delete).
4. Restart the device to apply the changes.

On some firmware, the Xiaomi MIUI Dialer can be disabled after installing an alternative call.

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Show all applications → MIUI Dialer.
• 🔄 Click "Enable" (if the application is disabled).
• 📥 Update. MIUI Dialer via Google Play (if available).

Additional settings and Google Phone chips on Xiaomi

Google Phone offers a few hidden features that can be activated to improve the user experience:

• 🎤 Voice assistant during the call: turn on Settings → Calls. → Google Assistant during the call (available on Android 11)+).
• 🔕 Spam Filtering: Activate Settings → Spam and calls → Spam filtering and select the level of protection.
• 📞 Quick dial: Add frequently used contacts to the home screen of calls for quick access.
• 🌙 Dark theme: Enable the app in the settings or sync with the system theme.

For Xiaomi users with Always-on Display, you can configure notifications for missed calls directly on the locked screen.

1. Open Settings → Always-on Display and lock the screen.
2. Enable the option to "Show notifications".
3. Make sure that Google Phone is allowed to display notifications on a locked screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing your phone to Xiaomi