Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones offer users a huge opportunity for personalization, but the standard call interface often remains unchanged for years. Many device owners are faced with the desire to refresh the appearance of incoming or outgoing connections, but the regular tools of the shell MIUI or HyperOS do not always provide such a feature explicitly, which is why the question of how to change the design of the call to Xiaomi, becomes one of the most popular among those who value individual style.
The process of changing the visual design of the phone book and dialing screen can vary depending on the version of the operating system and regional firmware. In some cases, it is enough to simply activate a hidden function, and in others you will need to install specialized software. Deep customization allows you not only to change colors, but also to add animations, changing the usual experience of communication beyond recognition.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from built-in themes to third-party solutions that are guaranteed to work on current models. You will learn what risks exist when installing untested modules and how to safely experiment with system elements of the interface. Preparation for changes will take only a few minutes, and the result will remain with you for the entire duration of your smartphone use.
Features of the interface of calling in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi shells have historically taken a conservative approach to system applications, including standard calling. Unlike third-party launchers that change the look of the desktop, the system dialer has limited access to modification without obtaining superuser rights or using special tools. The basic design usually adapts to the chosen general theme, but it is rare to radically change the location of the buttons or the background of the call screen by regular means.
To make matters worse, Xiaomi uses different calling apps in different regions. Global firmware versions often feature the standard Google Dialer, while Chinese and some European builds may have their own MIUI counterpart. This means that the skin change instruction for one model may not work for another if the underlying app is different. Understanding which software is installed on your device is the first step to a successful modification.
Despite the limitations, the developers of the system have left several loopholes. For example, some global themes in the official store completely redesign the interface of the call, changing fonts, button shapes and colors. However, the functionality of such themes is often limited to the visual part, without affecting the logic of the work or additional widgets on the call screen. For deeper changes, users are forced to turn to alternative methods.
Using an official theme store to change style
The safest and easiest way to diversify the look of calls is to use the Theme app, which is preinstalled on every Xiaomi smartphone, and features thousands of designs created by both official designers and independent authors, many of which include not only icons and wallpaper, but also a completely redesigned call interface.
To find the right design, you need to open the app, go to the search section and type in keywords such as "Dialer", "Call screen" or simply the name of the desired style. When previewing the topic, pay attention to the screenshots of the call screen: if they show a modified dialing interface, then the topic supports this function. Once you apply the theme, the changes will take effect immediately.
⚠️ Note: Some themes may only be compatible with certain versions. MIUI. Before installing, make sure the description indicates support for your Android version or shell.
If the standard theme store doesn’t offer the desired variety, you can try changing the region in your smartphone settings. Switching to India or Nepal often opens up an expanded catalog of topics where more options for system applications are available. After applying the theme from another region, you can return the region settings back to the theme while maintaining.
- 🎨 Open the Themes app on the main screen.
- 🔍 Enter the search for "Call" UI" or "Dialer style".
- 👁️ View the preview of the topic, paying attention to screenshots of the call screen.
- ⬇️ Click the Download button and then Apply".
It's worth noting that the application of the theme affects the whole system, so the design of the call will change the appearance of the other elements, and if you're happy with the call and you don't want to change the rest of the interface, this method may seem redundant, and then you should consider more point-based solutions.
Use of third-party applications for calls
The most effective way to dramatically change the design and functionality of calls is to install an alternative application for making calls from the Google Play Market, which completely replaces the system call, offering unique skins, improved identification of numbers and advanced recording of conversations, the leaders in this niche are the Truecaller, Call App and Right Dialer applications.
Once you install this software, Android will ask permission to use the default app for calls, which is a must: without assigning a new dialer to a standard, all incoming calls will still be displayed through the old interface. The replacement process takes a few seconds and requires confirmation in the system window.
☑️ Check before installing a new call
Many users are afraid to transfer the rights to call to third-party developers for privacy reasons. Indeed, such applications require access to contacts, call logs and microphones. However, popular services value reputation and use data encryption.
One of the main advantages of third-party solutions is the ability to fine-tune the look. You can choose a minimalist design, add large buttons for older people or set a dark theme with neon accents. Some applications even allow you to change the background for each contact individually, making the call process more personalized.
Customize exclusive features in Truecaller and analogues
Truecaller is one of the most popular tools for upgrading Android calls, offering the "Truecaller X" feature, which, among other things, allows you to change the themes of the call screen. The free version has limited choices, but even basic themes look more modern than stock ones.
To activate a new theme in Truecaller, you need to go to the "Themes" section in the app menu, where you can choose a preset or create your own by downloading an image from the gallery. Customization extends to the incoming call screen and dial screen, providing a single visual style. The changes apply instantly and do not require rebooting the device.
| Annex | Type of licensing | Free themes available | Widget support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Freemium | Limited. | Yes. |
| Call App - Caller ID & Block | Freemium | Yes. | Yes. |
| Right Dialer | Free of charge. | Yes. | No. |
| Simple Dialer | Open Source | Minimalism | No. |
This involves constantly monitoring incoming connections and running background services to determine numbers. If smartphone autonomy is a priority for you, choose lighter versions of programs or use them only when you connect to charging.
Advanced Customization through Magisk Modules
Power users with root rights and a Magisk manager installed have unlimited possibilities to change the design of the call, and modules allow you to replace the system files of the call interface, implementing any graphic elements without installing third-party applications. This method is considered the most stable, since the replacement occurs at the system level, and not through the system.-overlay applications.
However, this method requires high qualifications. Incorrectly installed module can lead to a "bootloop" (cyclic reboot) or the disappearance of the dialing interface. Before starting any manipulations, you must make a full backup of the /system partition and make sure that the recovery mode is working to roll back changes.
⚠️ Warning: Installing system modules on an unprepared device can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the smartphone.
Popular modules such as AOSP Dialer or MIUI Dialer-specific themes can be found on profile forums such as 4PDA or XDA Developers. The installation process usually involves downloading the module's zip archive and activating it through the Magisk app, followed by a reboot. Once turned on, the phone will use a new, modified interface.
The main advantage of root modifications is that there are no ads and intrusive permissions that are typical of free versions of third-party calls. You get a clean, modified system component that works faster and integrates deeper into the shell. However, when you update the firmware, the module may stop working, and you will have to repeat the procedure.
Conflict resolution and resolution
When changing the design of a call, users often face various problems, from the lack of sound of buttons to the complete disappearance of the interface when calling. One common reason is the conflict between the installed theme and the Android version. If after applying the theme, the call screen turned black or the buttons stopped pressing, try resetting the theme to the standard one.
Another common problem is the inability to make a call after installing a new dialer. This can be due to incompatibility of permissions or errors in the application code, in such cases, cleaning the cache of a new application or reinstalling it helps, and it is also worth checking whether the antivirus or built-in MIUI Security protector is blocking the new call.
Safe Start mode can be used to diagnose problems, if the calls are running correctly in safe mode, then the problem is caused by third-party software, alternately removing newly installed applications will help identify the culprit of the conflict, and regularly updating all components of the system also reduces the likelihood of errors.
In rare cases, a change in design can affect the performance of video calls in messengers if they use the system interface to control the camera during a conversation. If you notice a malfunction in WhatsApp or Telegram after modifying the call, return the standard settings.