How to install the application for calling by default on Xiaomi: instructions for all models

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines) allow you to flexibly configure standard applications, including a call program. However, after installing alternative messengers (such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Google Phone), the system can automatically reassign the call handler, which leads to confusion. In this article, we will discuss how to manually specify the default call app, return a standard phone from Xiaomi, and also solve typical problems – from the lack of an option in settings to failures after the MIUI update.

The feature of MIUI firmware is that it actively integrates Google services and Xiaomi’s own solutions, which can make the settings menu different even on devices of the same generation. For example, on Redmi Note 12, the path to setting standard applications will be different than on POCO F5 with global firmware. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions relevant to MIUI 14 and later (including HyperOS).

Why does Xiaomi automatically change its call app?

The MIUI system can independently reassign the standard call app in several cases:

• 📱 Install a new messenger. Apps like Viber or Skype, when they first run, ask for permission to become the default call handler.
• 🔄 Update of firmware. After major update (for example, with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) settings may be reset.
• 🛠️ Reset to factory settings. Even partial reset (e.g., through Settings) → Memory. → Cleaning) sometimes affects standard applications.
• 🤖 Conflict with Google services on devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS) Google Phone App Could Take on the Role of Standard.

In addition, on some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro), the feature of choosing a standard call app is hidden in deep settings, due to Xiaomi’s policy of simplifying the interface for beginners, which sometimes creates difficulties for experienced users.

⚠️ Note: If the call log or contacts are missing after changing the standard application, check the permissions for the new handler in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Title of the annex] → Permissions. Often the problem is not having access to contacts or microphones.

Method 1: Configure via the “Default Apps” menu

This is the most direct method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and newer.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Find the phone (or calls) item and select the desired application from the list.

If the list does not include the standard phone app from Xiaomi, it could mean:

• 🔧 Application disabled (check in Settings) → Annexes → Phone. → Turn on).
• 🗑️ Application removed (on some firmware this is possible through ADB).
• 🛡️ Digital Wellbeing Restrictions (Go to Settings) → Digital Well-Being and Check for Blockages).

Is the application settings open?

Is there a suitable application in the "Default" list?

Is the phone application enabled in the system?

All permissions for a new call handler are given-->

Method 2: Using the settings of a particular application

If the system menu does not allow you to change the standard application, try to do it directly in the settings of an alternative call handler (for example, Google Phone or Truecaller).

1. Open an app that is currently processing calls (like WhatsApp).
2. Go to its settings (usually the pin pin pin pin icon in the upper right corner).
3. Find a section like Default Calls, Call Settings, or Silence.
4. Turn off the option to Use by default or Process all calls.

After that, MIUI should suggest selecting a new standard application the next time you call, and if that doesn't happen, restart the device.

Method 3: Reset application settings (if nothing helps)

If previous methods didn't work, try resetting all applications to factory applications, which will bring back the standard call handlers, SMS and browser.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).

After discharge:

• 📞 When the first outgoing call is made, the system will ask which application to use.
• 🔒 App permissions (camera, microphone, contacts) will be turned off – configure them again.
• 📱 Some widgets on the desktop may disappear.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) Resetting app settings also resets the Google Play regional settings. After the procedure, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account.

Table: Compatibility of methods with MIUI versions

On HyperOS devices, the path to customizing standard applications has changed: it is now in Settings → Applications → Standard Applications → Phone. This is due to the reworking of the interface in the new firmware.

MIUI 12/12.5

MIUI 13

MIUI 14

HyperOS

The other one/I don't know/-->

Method 4: Using ADB for Forced Shift (for Advanced)

If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and enabling the developer mode. Use it only if you're confident in what you're doing!

Instructions:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

ADB

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.dialer/com.android.dialer.DialtactsActivity

(For the standard phone application from Xiaomi).

Google Phone

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.google.android.dialer/com.google.android.dialer.extensions.GoogleDialtactsActivity

Once you have completed the commands, restart the device. If there is a No such package error, then the application package is renamed - check the exact name through the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep dialer

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → Memory → Backup. This will help restore the system in the event of a crash.

Typical errors and their solutions

When changing the standard call app, Xiaomi users often face the following problems:

• 🚫 No Default Apps Solution: Update your firmware to the latest version MIUI or use ADB.
• 🔙 After the reset, Google Phone is installed again.Solution: disable automatic app updates on Google Play.
• 📵 Outgoing calls are not working. Solution: check permissions for the application in Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Permissions (must include Microphone, Contacts, Phone).
• 🔕 Call log is empty. Solution: clear the phone app cache and reboot the device.

If after all the manipulations, the calls are still redirected to an unwanted application, check:

• 🛡️ Antivirus or firewall (e.g., Mi Security can block changes).
• 🔧 Settings SIM-Cards (sometimes the mobile operator imposes its application for calls).
• 📱 User profile (on some devices, the guest profile has limitations).

💡

If the problem persists after all the actions, it is likely that custom firmware or root access is to blame, in which case only flashing the device through Fastboot or Recovery will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up calls on Xiaomi