How to turn on Xiaomi phone by default: setting up calls, SMS and apps

Today’s users often face a situation where you need to make Xiaomi the main device for calls, messages or multimedia. SIM-maps, car connection, or sync with other gadgets. MIUI Not always obvious – many features are hidden in the depths of the menu or require additional customization through the Android interface.

In this article, you will find unique ways to set up Xiaomi as the default device, including rarely documented options for models on MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14. We will analyze not only basic options (calls, SMS), but also advanced scenarios: application priority, notification management, and even integration with Xiaomi Ecosystem (smart watch, speakers).

Why Xiaomi doesn’t automatically become the default phone?

Xiaomi makes use of a modified MIUI shell that overrides some of the standard Android features.Here are the key reasons why your smartphone might ignore default settings:

• 🔄 Duplicate Application Conflict: Installed messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) can take over rights to SMS/call-up.
• 📱 Double. SIM-Card without priority: The system does not know which one SIM Use for outgoing calls unless priority is set.
• 🔧 Resetting after the update: After installing the new version MIUI Some parameters return to factory (especially relevant for the Redmi Note 12 and the same for the first time). POCO X5).
• 🚫 Manufacturer restrictions: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the default settings lock is linked to security policy.

Fun fact: on HyperOS devices (new firmware for 2026 flagships), the default device selection algorithm has changed. SIM-maps depending on geolocation (e.g. home and work network).

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with a corporate MDM-Profile (managing device through the company), default settings can be blocked by the administrator. → Passwords and security → Remote management.

Setting up your phone by default for calls

To make Xiaomi the primary device for outgoing and incoming calls, follow these steps. The instructions are relevant for all models on MIUI 12-15 and Android 11-14:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Control. SIM-maps (on some models - settings) SIM-map).
3. Slip on the item Voice calls (or calls by default).
4. Give priority. SIM-A map for outgoing calls. SIM, The system will automatically assign it by default.

For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or POCO F6), the path is slightly different:

→ Connections and Sharing → SIM- Maps → Call settings → SIM for outbound

If the default Call option is inactive (shaded in grey), this means that:

• 📵 No device on the device. SIM-card (check the tray).
• 🔒 Work profile set (in Settings) → Special facilities → Mode of work).
• 🛠️ Firmware modified (castom software can block system settings).

Make sure that SIM-card activated|Check the balance on SIM (outgoing)|Turn off "In the Airplane" mode"|Update the firmware to the latest version-->

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi models 10C and POCO M4 Pro detected bug: after the shift SIM-The default card may lose the speaker sound during calls. Solution - restart the device or reset the network settings in Settings → SIM-map → Resetting network settings.

SMS setting by default on Xiaomi

Messaging is more complicated than calling. MIUI lets you choose the default SMS app, but often these settings conflict with messengers. Here's how to set up correctly:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Tap it on. SMS-App and select Messages (standard Xiaomi app).
4. If you use Google Messages, choose it over the standard app.

For models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro) the path is changed:

Settings → Applications → Application settings by default → SMS

If the standard Message app is not listed, this may mean:

• 🗑️ The application has been disabled or removed (check in Settings) → Annexes → Show all applications).
• 🔄 Failed after the update (try resetting the application settings).
• 📱 Device from a limited firmware region (e.g. Chinese versions of Xiaomi without Google services).

💡

If you use Dual Apps (Cloning Messengers), the standard SMS-The app may conflict with clones. Disable unnecessary copies in Settings → Annexes → Dual Apps.

Priority of multimedia and file applications

When it comes to multimedia (music, video, photos), Xiaomi offers flexible settings for choosing the default apps, which is especially important for users who work with multiple galleries or players.

To set up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps.
2. Select category: Browser - for links; Gallery - for opening photos; Music player - for audio files; Video player - for video.

Specify your preferred app (e.g. Google Photos instead of the standard Gallery).

On HyperOS devices, you’ve added Auto Select, which analyzes your preferences and adjusts your default apps to context, for example, if you frequently open videos through YouTube, the system will suggest using it for all video files.

⚠️ Attention: POCO M6 Pro and Redmi. K70 Bug: When you change the gallery, the default wallpaper stops working. MIUI Update the firmware to the latest version.

Integration with Xiaomi Ecosystem: smart watches and speakers

If you use Xiaomi in an ecosystem with a smartwatch (Mi Band 8, Watch 2 Pro) or speakers (Xiaomi Smart Speaker), the default setting of the phone takes on additional nuances, such as:

1. Connect your watch to your phone via Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear.
2. In the app, go to Settings → Notifications → Incoming calls.
3. Activate Call forwarding and select SIM-default-card.

💡

For devices with HyperOS, Cross-Device Call is added, allowing you to receive calls on any device of the ecosystem (phone, tablet, watch) without additional settings. It is enough to enable the option in Settings → Connections and Sharing → Inter-device communication.

Problem Solving: Why are the settings not saved?

One of the most common complaints of Xiaomi users is that they automatically reset their default settings, and here are the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods helped, try calibrating the settings:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the option Reset application settings and activate it.
4. Reboot the device and set your priorities again.

For devices with HyperOS, a new diagnostic tool has been added:

Settings → Memory → Cleanup → System Diagnostics → Fix default settings

Additional tips for advanced users

If you want to maximize the performance of Xiaomi as a main device, use these recommendations:

• 🔄 Automatic switching SIM: B Settings → SIM-map → Switching rules SIM You can set up an automatic shift. SIM for different contacts or geolocations (available on the MIUI 14+).
• 📡 Network Priority: Prioritize stable calls 4G/5G In Settings → SIM-map → Preferred type of network.
• 🔊 Sound settings: In Settings → Sound. → Call quality, turn on. HD-Voice (VoLTE) for better communication.
• 🔒 Security: C Settings → Passwords and security → Lockdown SIM-Put the cards on PIN-request to prevent unauthorized use.

For users who switch between devices frequently (like the Xiaomi Pad 6 phone and tablet), it’s helpful to set up notification sync:

1. Install Xiaomi Cloud on both devices.
2. Enable synchronization in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
3. Activate the Notification and Call option.

💡

If you’re using Xiaomi with Windows 11/10, install the Mi Phone Manager app to synchronize calls and SMS from your PC, which will allow you to answer calls directly from your computer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's default setting