Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones remember the moment when the dialing interface changed. For a long time, the company used its own MIUI Dialer call, which was characterized by easy contact finding, flexible setting up of conversation records and a pleasant appearance. However, with the release of Android 10 and the introduction of new Google rules, the situation changed dramatically, users faced a forced replacement of the native application with Google Phone, which caused a wave of discontent due to the lack of recording of conversations in older versions and an unusual interface.
Today, the question of “what Xiaomi firmware is calling MIUI” remains one of the most relevant for those who are looking for a balance between system stability and familiar functionality, the answer to which is not as simple as it may seem at first glance, because it depends on many factors: the version of Android, the firmware region (Global, China, EEA) and even the specific device model. Understanding these nuances will help you choose a smartphone with the desired software or avoid unnecessary dancing with diamonds when flashing.
In this article, we will go through the history of changes, define the exact boundaries of the versions of MIUI and HyperOS, where you can still find the native interface, and explain why Google is so hard to use its standards, you will learn how to determine the type of call from the build number and whether it is worth fighting to return the good old MIUI Dialer in the era of total standardization.
Historical context: when and why MIUI phone call went missing
The era of MIUI Dialer dominance was coming to an end long before the mass release of Android 10. For a long time, Xiaomi, like many other manufacturers (Meizu, Flyme, ColorOS), developed its own interfaces for basic functions, which allowed it to stand out from the competition and introduce unique features such as smart call sorting or integration with design themes. However, Google’s policy on Android has changed, becoming increasingly rigid in terms of compatibility and security.
The turning point was the introduction of mandatory GMS (Google Mobile Services) requirements; the Mountain View Corporation began requiring manufacturers to use standard Google apps for key features, including a phone book and dialing; Google Phone became the de facto standard for certifying new devices; this meant that smartphones released with Android 10 and above were originally equipped with a call from Google, not Xiaomi.
However, the transition was not a one-time one: between 2019 and 2020, there was chaos, with different updates coming to the same models in different regions, some users getting MIUI 11 based on Android 9 with a native call, while others have already encountered Google Dialer on Android 10. This period is characterized by the greatest variability, when the critical boundary is considered to be the release of Android 10, after which the presence of MIUI Dialer became the exception, not the rule.
Importantly, the Chinese market was not as dependent on Google, so CN (China) had a much longer time to keep the native MIUI call, and even on Android 11 and 12, the Chinese versions of the shells often had a familiar interface, whereas the global versions had long since moved to the search giant’s standards.
Key factors: Android version and firmware region
When you look for the answer to the question of which firmwares the MIUI call is saved in, you have to consider two main parameters: the version of the operating system and the region for which the build is intended. It is the combination of these that determines which application will be installed by default. Let's take each factor individually so that you can accurately identify the desired version of the software.
The first and most important criterion is the Android version. As mentioned, before Android 9 (Pie) inclusive, almost all Xiaomi smartphones used the native dialing interface. With the release of Android 10 (Q), things started to change. Devices that upgraded from Android 9 to 10 often lost the MIUI Dialer immediately after the update. Smartphones that came out immediately with Android 10, 99% of the time had Google Phone.
The second critical factor is the firmware region, where global (Global) and European (EEA) versions were the first to get Google's requirements and switch to standard calling, while Indian (IN) and Chinese (CN) firmware sometimes delayed this transition, but the latest versions of MIUI 14 and the new HyperOS blur the distinction: Google Phone is becoming the standard for all regions, except perhaps some specific enterprise builds.
Smartphones announced after mid-2020 have little chance of getting the MIUI Dialer out of the box, regardless of region, including the Redmi Note 9 series, Redmi Note 10 and all subsequent models, as well as the flagships of the Mi 11 and later lineup.
List of MIUI versions where the native call was preserved
If you're looking for a device or firmware with a native interface, you should focus on specific versions of the shell. Although the guarantee of 100% success depends on the model, the statistics show a clear pattern. Below is a list of versions where the probability of meeting a MIUI Dialer is maximum.
First and foremost, MIUI 10 and early MIUI 11, which are based on Android 9. In these builds, native calling is the standard for all regions. Users who have stayed on these versions of software (which is becoming increasingly difficult due to the requirements of the applications of banks) enjoy full functionality without restrictions.
The situation with MIUI 12 and MIUI 12.5 is already ambiguous, depending on which version of Android the firmware is based on. If it's Android 10, you'll probably get a Google Phone. If it's upgraded to MIUI 12, but still based on Android 9 (which was the case with some older models like the Redmi Note 8 in the early rollout stages), then the MIUI Dialer could have survived.
Chinese Firmware Deserve Special Attention (CN ROM). In versions. MIUI 12, 13, and even 14 for the domestic market of China native call is often present, even if the global version for the same model has already received Google Dialer. CN) A popular, albeit difficult way to return the desired functionality.
For clarity, consider the table of version correspondence and the probability of having a native call:
| MIUI version | Basic Android | Region | Type of caller |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10 / 11 | Android 9 and below | Global / EEA / CN | MIUI Dialer (Native) |
| MIUI 12 | Android 10 | Global / EEA | Google Phone |
| MIUI 12 / 13 | Android 10 / 11 | China (CN) | MIUI Dialer (often) |
| MIUI 14 / HyperOS | Android 12+ | Anybody. | Google Phone (almost always) |
Differences between Global, EEA and China ROM
Understanding the differences between regional firmware versions is critical for those looking for specific functionality. The Global version is designed for the international market outside of China and Europe, and is the one most frequently subject to Google's interface standardization requirements.
The European version (EEA – Europe, Middle East and Africa) is actually a subspecies of the global, but with European GDPR regulations and a pre-installed set of applications required in the EU. In terms of calls, EEA and Global behave in the same way: with the advent of Android 10, they irrevocably switched to Google Dialer.
Chinese version (CN) — It is a "reserve" of old traditions. MIUI. Here, Google services are not mandatory, and the interface is tailored to local habits. CN-lantern MIUI It is still available on Android 11 and even Android 12, and the Chinese call recording functionality often works out of the box without warning that the person is listening, which is not possible with Google Phone.
⚠️ Note: Installing Chinese firmware on a global smartphone (Cross-flash) can lead to the inoperability of banking applications, the absence of notifications from messengers in the background and problems with communication frequencies (Band 20.
There are also Indian (IN) Russian (RU) Russian versions are usually overstuffed global or Chinese with added local software (Yandex, VK If the base was Global, it would be Google. If the base was Global, it would be Google. CN — There's a chance to leave. MIUI In recent years, Xiaomi has unified this process, so even in the past few years, the company has been able to do so. RU-The new models are available on Google.
Why don't they change their phone in China?
Technical Features and Limitations of Google Dialer
Why do users cling to an old call? It's not just a habit. Google Phone has a set of limitations that annoy many. The most important thing is the conversation recording mechanism. Unlike MIUI Dialer, which wrote sound cleanly and automatically, Google Phone in most regions either doesn't have a recording function, or requires you to notify the interlocutor with a loud beep, or writes sound through a speaker, which greatly reduces the quality.
The second was interface and control. MIUI Dialer allowed for more flexibility in how you display contacts, had built-in sorting by category (e.g. delivery, taxi), and worked better with the number determinant in some regions. Google Phone is more minimalist and ascetic, which is not popular with everyone.
There are also technical limitations. API. Applications that used access to a call log or contacts on an old call may not work properly or require additional permissions on a new one, especially for enterprise users using specific software to integrate with the new call. CRM-systems via smartphone.
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If you’re critically interested in recording conversations and you’re not happy with Google’s call, consider installing third-party apps like Cube ACR or Automatic Call Recorder, although they’re also limited to newer versions of Android.
Can I bring back MIUI Dialer to new versions of Android?
The issue of installing an old call on new firmware (Android 11, 12, 13, 14) is a concern for many. It's theoretically possible, but it's difficult in practice. APK-file MIUI The system with Google Phone most often does not work: the application is either not installed due to a conflict of signatures, or it takes off immediately after launch, or does not have access to a microphone and telephony.
There are modified versions of MIUI Dialer that enthusiasts adapt to work with Google Phone, and you can find them on forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers. However, using them requires obtaining Root rights (via Magisk) and profoundly modifying the system, which violates the integrity of the software environment, flies off the warranty, and banking applications stop working (without additional manipulations to hide the root).
Another method is to use Magisk modules that replace Google Phone with MIUI Dialer at the system level, which is unstable and can lead to a cyclic reboot of the smartphone if the versions of the components do not match.
⚠️ Warning: Attempts to replace the system application of calls with a modified one can lead to the loss of the ability to make calls.Always do a full backup of data before experimenting with system applications. APK and the rights of the superuser.
A safer, but less effective option is to use third-party caller apps from the Play Market, but they also face the limitations of Android 10+, which prevents third-party apps from intercepting and managing calls as deeply as system apps.
How to check the type of call before buying or upgrading
If you’re planning to buy a Xiaomi smartphone with your hands or pick a specific model in the store, there are a few ways to know which call is installed there, without including the device (or resetting the settings).
The first way is to look at the box or specs on the site, and if it says that the smartphone is running Android 10 or higher and it's the global version, there's a 95% chance that Google Phone is there. If it's Android 9, it's probably MIUI Dialer.
The second is visual. Ask the seller to open the "caller." Google Phone's interface has a characteristic Material Design design with a floating call button and tabs "Recent," "Contacts," "Phone" on the bottom. MIUI Dialer has a different style, often with tabs on top or a specific grid of numbers.
☑️ Check before buying used Xiaomi
The third way is to check the build number. The software version bar (e.g., V12.0.3.0.QGGEUXM) encodes information. The letter after the Android version (in this case, G) indicates the region. But the type of call is determined by the Android version (letter in front of the region, in this case, Q = Android 10). If Q or higher (R, S, T) wait for Google Phone.