How to Remove Standard Calls on Xiaomi Redmi and Replace them with Google Phone or Truecaller

Are you tired of the standard Phone app on your Xiaomi Redmi? is it too overloaded with ads, uncomfortable to use, or just not like the interface? MIUI HyperOS and HyperOS face this problem – the system stubbornly makes native calling apps a default priority, even if you’ve installed an alternative like Google Phone or Truecaller. In this article, we’ll break down all the working ways to remove default calls on Xiaomi Redmi, including hidden settings, ADB-team and bypass manufacturer restrictions.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi specifically blocks the ability to completely remove system applications, but that doesn't mean you can't disable or replace them. We've tested all methods on the latest firmware versions (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS 1.0) and highlighted those that work stably. If you're willing to spend 5-10 minutes setting up, you can finally get rid of the annoying standard call and switch to a more convenient one.

Why Xiaomi Redmi doesn’t let you change the default call app?

It’s all about Xiaomi’s policy and the features of the MIUI/HyperOS shell.

• 🔒 System applications are protected – they can not be removed without root rights, as they are sewn into the firmware.
• 📱 Priority MIUI — Even if you install a third-party call, the system will automatically open the native application when you click on a number in the browser or messengers.
• 🔄 Automatic updates – after a reset or firmware update, the settings may reset and the standard app will become the main app again.
• 🛡️ Security – Xiaomi argues that the system call is better integrated with emergency calls and SIM-map.

But you can get around these limitations. Then you can work with the simple to the advanced.

Method 1: Disable standard calling via settings (without root)

The safest method that works on most Redmi models (including Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10, Redmi 9 and later) is not to remove the app completely, but to turn off its activity, allowing for an alternative.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type Phone (or Phone for the English version of MIUI).
3. Select the system application "Phone" (icon with a handset).
4. Click Disable (or Disable)
5. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

After that, the standard call will stop opening automatically, but there's a caveat:

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 13+ and HyperOS button Disable may be inactive. In this case, proceed to the following methods.

Install an alternative app (Google Phone, Truecaller)

Make a backup copy of your contacts

Check out the MIUI/HyperOS version

Battery charge > 30%-->

Method 2: Reset applications by default

If after installing Google Phone or other analogue, the system still opens a standard call, try resetting the default application settings, which will force Android to request the choice of the app again the next time you call.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ (three-point) → Default applications.
2. Find the Caller section (or Phone app).
3. Click Reset (or Clear Defaults)
4. When dialing the next number (for example, from the browser), the system will suggest selecting an application - specify the desired one (for example, Google Phone) and tick Always.

This method doesn't work on all versions of MIUI, but it's worth a try. If the Reset button is inactive, the manufacturer has blocked this feature.

Method 3: Using ADB to deactivate system calls

If previous methods don't work, you'll have to connect to ADB, which is a more advanced way, but it's guaranteed to disable the standard app, suitable for MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with ADB-tools installed.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging (a request will appear on the smartphone screen).
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the command to disable a standard call: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.contacts For some versions of MIUI, another command may be needed: adb shell pm hide com.android.contacts
5. Reboot the phone.

After that, the system application “Phone” will be deactivated, and you can use an alternative call without restrictions.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS, pm hide may not work — use pm disable-user. If the call is active again after the restart, repeat the command.

💡

Before working with ADB, back up your data through Settings → Memory → Backup. This will prevent you from losing contacts when you crash.

Method 4: Installation of alternative firmware (for advanced)

If you are tired of the limitations of MIUI/HyperOS, you can install custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS. They are not tied to the system applications of Xiaomi, and you can freely use any call.

The advantages of this method:

• ✅ Full freedom in choosing applications by default.
• ✅ No advertising and unnecessary services Xiaomi.
• ✅ Regular security updates from the community.

Cons:

• ❌ Installation difficulty (needs unlocked loader).
• ❌ Risk of losing the guarantee.
• ❌ Possible bugs with camera or sensors (depending on the model).

If you decide to take this step, follow the instructions for your model on the XDA Developers forum. First, unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (link).

Method 5: Using Substitute Applications to Bypass Restrictions

If you don't want to mess around with the system settings, you can go another way, which is to install a call that bypasses the limitations of MIUI.

• 📞 Truecaller – Detects spam calls and can become the main caller if you configure the right permissions.
• 📱 Google Phone – minimalist interface, integration with Google services.
• 🔍 Drupe – supports widgets and fast dialing.
• 🛡️ ExDialer – lightweight call with support for themes.

To ensure that these applications work correctly:

1. Set up the selected call from Google Play.
2. Please provide all necessary permissions (Contacts, Phone, SMS).
3. In the application settings, find the option to Make a Default Call (in Truecaller it is Settings → Default Call).
4. Reboot the phone.

Some applications (such as Truecaller) may request access permission (Settings → Special Features) to intercept incoming calls.

💡

Truecaller and Google Phone are best integrated with MIUI, but require manual rights to work properly.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If neither of these methods worked, maybe your Redmi model has a very limited version of the firmware, and then there are two options:

1. Call for Xiaomi support (it’s unlikely they’ll help, but you can try).
2. Wait for firmware updates – sometimes new versions of MIUI/HyperOS expand the configuration options.

It's also worth checking out:

• 🔍 Are there any viruses or malicious apps on the phone that reset settings.
• 📦 Have you installed updates for system applications via Google Play (sometimes they restore a standard call).
• 🔄 Auto Update System Applications (Settings) is not enabled → The phone. → Updating the system → ⋮ → Settings → Auto-update).

If you are ready to take radical measures, you can try to reset the phone to the factory settings and immediately after the first setting, install an alternative call without waiting for the system to activate.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the call to Xiaomi Redmi