How to Remove the Default Phone App on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face an intrusive situation where when they try to make a call, the system automatically opens an unwanted application, which can be standard Google Dialer, Mi Dialer or third-party software installed from the store. The problem becomes especially acute after updating the firmware MIUI or HyperOS, when the system forcibly changes priorities.

When the default application is incorrect, it causes irritation and confusion. A user can accidentally launch a call through a messenger or an operator's application, instead of the usual dialing interface. Fortunately, the Android architecture allows you to flexibly manage these settings, returning full control of the device to the owner.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how the MIUI shell works and how to force reset call settings. You will learn how to permanently get rid of automatic selection of unnecessary software and assign a preferred program for communication. This solution is relevant for all models, from the budget Redmi Note series to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

Reasons for imposing applications for calls to MIUI

Understanding the cause of the problem is the first step to solving it, and users often unknowingly let a new application become the primary calling app, which can happen when the software is first installed or after a major system update, when Android resets old security configurations.

Another reason is that there are multiple dialing programs: If your Xiaomi has Google Phone, Mi Calls and an operator app installed simultaneously (such as MTS or Beeline), the system requires prioritization, and the application conflict results in a selection window appearing on each call, or worse, a program with the lowest priority in the system is selected.

Sometimes the culprits are malicious extensions or ad units that masquerade as system services, and they can intercept call management by trying to show ads before connecting, in which cases simply changing the settings may not be enough, and a deeper cleaning of the system will be required.

⚠️ If after changing the settings the phone continues to open a strange application, check the list of installed programs for unknown software with administrator rights or access to the phone.

Basic reset of default settings via the menu

The easiest and safest way to solve this problem is to use embedded shell tools, which are super-user-free and data-safe, and you have to find a section where you store the system's global preferences.

Go to the basic Settings of your device. Depending on the version of MIUI, the interface may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same. Find the App item, then select All Apps. This shows the full list of installed software.

In the upper right corner of the screen, you often have a three-dot menu or gear. Click on it and select the default App (or App Customization -> Default Apps). In the list that opens, look for the Phone or Call category.

Click on the current app and the system will suggest a list of alternatives. Choose the right option, such as Google Phone or MIUI Calls. If there is only one option on the list, then other applications are not authorized or hidden.

Forced data cleansing through application management

If the standard priority change doesn’t work or the selection button is inactive, you need to apply the hard reset method, which will force you to delete all temporary files and, more importantly, reset the default binding for a particular service.

Go back to the Settings -> Apps -> All Apps. Find the app that is currently bothering you (which you want to remove) on the list. Click on it to open the program information page.

At the bottom of the screen, you'll see the default button. If it's active (not grey), click on it, then select Reset default settings or Clear default, which will break the connection between the system and this application for the call function.

After reset, try to make a test call, and the system should ask you again which application to use, at which point it is important not just to choose the application, but to press Always to record the choice.

⚠️ Note: Clearing the application data can delete recent call history stored in that application, but will not affect contacts in the phone book if they are synchronized with the account.

Use of the hidden menu Special App Access

In some versions of HyperOS and new MIUI shells, default settings can be hidden in the feature menu, a deeper layer of management where access rights to critical device functions are regulated.

To get there, search by settings. Type "access" or "special" in the search bar. You need a Special App Access section. Inside this menu, look for the default App item.

You can set up a specific application here, and you can find the category of calls, and make sure that you have the app you want, and if the app you want isn't on the list, it may not have permission to display on top of other windows.

Comparison of standard dialers: Google vs. MIUI

Choosing a primary calling app is not just a matter of habit, but also functionality. On Xiaomi devices, there are usually two main options available: the native MIUI Dialer and Google Phone, and understanding the differences between them will help you make the right choice.

Google Phone is famous for its excellent spacing system and automatic conversation recording (depending on the region). The interface here is minimalistic, and integration with Google contacts works flawlessly. However, on some older Xiaomi models, it can run slower.

Native. MIUI Dialer is designed to fit the skin, and it often has more functionality for the Chinese market, but it can be cut down in global versions, but it guarantees stable operation with the Chinese market. SIM-Cards and fast calls even when battery charging is low.

💡

If you are using doubles SIM-check that the selected application supports the separation of call profiles, otherwise the system may confuse which card the call is made from.

Solving problems with dubbing the phone icon

A common problem with Xiaomi is having two phone icons on your desktop or menu, one that can lead to Google Dialer, the other to MIUI, which creates confusion and a sense that settings don't apply.

To remove an extra icon, you don't have to delete the app (which is sometimes impossible without root permissions), you can just hide it or turn it off. Go to Settings -> Apps -> All apps.

Find the unneeded call app. If it's a Google system app, the Delete button will be inactive, but the Disable or Stop button will be available. Once you turn off the call icon, the icon will disappear from the desktop and the system will stop offering it for calls.

If you want to delete a third-party call, just click Delete. After that, be sure to restart the device so that the cache memory updates the list of available services.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t turn off all call apps at once! make sure you have at least one active and working caller, otherwise you’ll be left without the ability to make calls.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

💡

The main secret of stable call operation on Xiaomi is not only the right choice of application, but also regular cleaning of the cache of the phone module through the recovery menu or settings if glitches are observed.