Have you bought a new Xiaomi or upgraded your MIUI firmware, but you run into a problem: When you click on a phone number, it’s not the native Phone app that opens, but Google Contacts, Truecaller or other software? This is typical for smartphones with a MIUI shell, where the system can automatically assign third-party applications to handle calls. In some cases, the default call selection is even hidden from the user — especially after resetting settings or installing custom firmware.
In this article, you’ll find 5 proven ways to make Xiaomi’s native call mainstream, including methods through Settings, MIUI Launcher, ADB, and even manual editing of configuration files. We’ll also break down the hidden limitations of MIUI 14/15 that make standard instructions fail, and show you how to get around them without losing data. If you’re using the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, or Xiaomi’s flagship 13 series, the solutions will work for all Android 12+ models.
Why does Xiaomi automatically change the default call?
The MIUI shell has a peculiarity: it aggressively promotes its own services, but sometimes conflicts with Google apps or third-party calls like Truecaller.
- 🔄 Application Conflict: Multiple calls installed (e.g. Google Phone) + native MIUI), The system cannot determine the priority.
- 📱 Limitations MIUI: In some versions of the firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for POCO) Call selection option hidden in deep settings.
- 🔧 Resetting: After resetting to factory parameters, the system can reset and binding to the application by default.
- 📲 Firmware Update: After a major update (for example, from Android 12 to 13), the settings are reset.
Especially often, the problem occurs on devices with Global ROM, which pre-installed Google services. For example, on Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+, the system can automatically assign Google Contacts to the main call, even if you have never used it.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 GT) after manually selecting a call through Settings → Change applications are not saved. It's a bug. MIUI 13.5+, and it will need to be used to circumvent it. ADB.
Method 1: Standard choice through Android settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in Android tools, which works on most Xiaomi devices unless the system has blocked this option.
- Open the Settings → Applications.
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Find the phone (or caller) and tap it.
- In the list of available applications, select “Phone” (with the MIUI icon).
If there is no native app on the list, it is disabled or removed. Check this in Settings → Applications → Application Management (look for com.android.dialer).
☑️ Preparation for the change of call
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14.0.4 for Redmi K50) The default application may not be available. In this case, proceed to Method 2. Method 2: Use MIUI Launcher (for firmware without a standard choice) If the settings do not have the call selection option, try to bypass the restrictions through MIUI Launcher. This method works. MIUI 12.5–14: Long-pressing on the desktop → Launcher settings. Go to Additional → Default apps. Find your phone and select your native app. If that path is not available, try the alternative: Open Settings. → Home (or Desktop) Select Launcher Settings → Put it on the phone and make a call. MIUI Dialer: On some devices (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) this method only works after the smartphone is restarted. 📊 What call do you use on Xiaomi?Native MIUIGoogle PhoneTruecallerOtherDo not know Method 3: Reset application settings (if the choice is not saved) If after selecting the default call changes are reset, reset all application preferences will help. This will return the system to the default factory settings for selecting programs, but will not delete the data: Open Settings → Annexes → App management. Tap three dots in the top right corner. → Reset application settings. Confirm action and restart the device. After rebooting: Open any application with a phone number (such as Contacts). The system will prompt you to select the default call - specify the native application. MIUI. Xiaomi model Does reset work? Does it require ADB? Redmi Note 11/12 No. POCO F4/F5 Partially (reboot needed) No Xiaomi 12/13 Pro Pro No No No No POCO X3 GT No (bug) MIUI 13.5) Yes. ⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO M4 Pro) a reset may cause the system to reassign Google Phone to the primary call. 4 (ADB). Method 4: Calling appointments through ADB (If the standard methods do not work, it will help ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method requires connecting your smartphone to your PC, but it's guaranteed to work even on locked firmware: 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools. 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 once tap to unlock Developer Parameters). 🔌 USB-Instructions: Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm access to the USB. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with ADB. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices Must appear serial number of the device. execute the command to reset all applications by default: adb shell cmd package reset-preferred-picker Now assign native call: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.dialer/.DialtactsActivity If the call hasn't changed after the restart, try the alternative command: adb shell am start. -a android.intent.action.DIAL -c android.intent.category.DEFAULT -n com.android.dialer/com.android.dialer.DialtactsActivity 💡If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling the Mi drivers USB Driver or use the port USB 2.0 instead 3.0. Method 5: Manual file editing default_app_restrictions.xml (For root, if you have root rights, you can manually edit the system file that is responsible for the default applications. This method is suitable for custom firmware or devices with an unlocked bootloader. Instruction: Install a root-enabled file manager (for example, Root Explorer or Root Explorer). FX File Explorer. Go on the way: /system/etc/default_app_restrictions/default_app_restrictions.xml Find a line with the package="com.android.dialer and make sure that the default setting is="If you don't have a line, add it manually: <app default="true" package="com.android.dialer" /> Save the file, set the rights. 644 (rw-r--r--) and reboot the device. ⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped download! What to do if after editing the smartphone does not turn on?If the device is stuck on the logo MIUI After changing the system files, try: 1. Log in Recovery Mode (Pressure Power) + Vol Up). 2. Select Wipe Cache Partition. 3. If it does not help – flash your smartphone through Fastboot with data storage (fastboot flash system) system.img). Problem Solving: Call does not change or resets If none of the methods worked, check the following points: 🔍 Conflict with Google Services: Turn off Google Phone in Settings → Annexes → Application Management (Look for com.google.android.dialer and click Disable). 🔄 Cache Error: Clear the cache and application data Settings and MIUI Launcher. 📵 Lockdown MIUI: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 15 for Redmi K60) The call selection is locked at the system level. ADB ork. 🛠️ Damaged system files: If the problem occurs after the upgrade, try reflashing your smartphone via the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option (but this will delete all data!). MIUI Blocks the background work of the call, which makes it impossible for it to become the default application. → Battery → Optimizing the battery. 💡If the call is reset after each update MIUI, Turn off automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update. FAQ: Frequent questions about calling on Xiaomi Can Truecaller be installed by default call on Xiaomi? Yes, but with reservations. Truecaller can become the main call through Settings → Applications by default, but on some firmware (MIUI 14+) It will conflict with the native app. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Truecaller may not display a call history from SIM-We recommend using it only as an addition to a standard call. Why does the call reset again reset to Google Phone? ROM When reset, the system restores factory settings, where Google Phone is the default app. To avoid this, before reset: Turn off Google Phone in the app settings. Remove updates for Google Services (if possible). Use ADB to fix the call (see Method 4). How to return the native call if it is deleted? If the Phone application was deleted (for example, through the ADB or debloater, it can be restored in two ways: Through Mi Flash Tool: Sweat your smartphone with the Clean All and Lock option (will delete all data!). Through APK: Download the original MIUI Dialer for your firmware version (see forums) XDA Developers or 4PDA) And you can manually install it. MIUI The application may not work. MIUI 14 fits. APK Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and for the MIUI 13 - from Redmi K50 Pro. Will dual-SIM work if you use a third-party call? on most Xiaomi devices (e.g., on a third-party call, POCO F5 Pro or Redmi K60) Third-party calls like Truecaller or Google Phone support duality SIM-maps, but with limitations: 📞 Choice SIM You may not be able to call before the call. SIM default). 📵 Call history may be duplicated or not saved for the second SIM. 🔄 Switching SIM It is possible to manually only through a home phone call. MIUI. We recommend using the native app if you are actively using two. SIM-map. Can you make a default call without a computer? Yes, but not on all firmware. Try: Install the Default App Manager app from Google Play (requires Android 10+). Open it and find Phone - select your native call. If it doesn't work, use MIUI Hidden Settings (available on 4PDA) to unlock hidden options. On MIUI 15, these methods may not work due to tighter security policies.