If you are the owner of a smartphone Xiaomi based on Android, then probably noticed that in addition to the standard application “Phone” from the Internet. MIUI Google Phone is also on the device, and this take often raises questions about why it's needed, how it differs from the native app, and whether it can be removed without any system consequences?
In fact, Google Caller is not just random software, but an official Google app that is integrated into the firmware of many Xiaomi devices (especially on “pure” Android One or in regions with pre-installed Google services), it offers an alternative interface for calls, advanced number identification features and close links with other services in the Google ecosystem – for example, Google Contacts or Assistant.
In this guide, we will explain in detail what Google Caller is, how it interacts with the Internet. MIUI, What are the pros and cons of using it, and we will give you step-by-step instructions for setting up, disabling or deleting it. If you want to optimize the work of your Xiaomi or just get rid of the duplicate application, read on.
What is Google Caller and Why is it on Xiaomi?
Google Caller (officially called Google Phone) is a standard call app developed by Google for Android devices. It is pre-installed on many smartphones, including the Xiaomi, Nokia, Motorola and others, which use “clean” Android or firmware with minimal improvements from the manufacturer.
On Xiaomi devices, Google Caller can appear in two cases:
- 📱 If your smartphone is running Android One (e.g. Mi) A1/A2/A3, Poco X3 NFC in some regions) – here Google Phone replaces the standard “Phone” app from the MIUI.
- 🌍 If the device is designed for markets where Google requires pre-installing its services (e.g. Europe, USA), then Google Caller is installed in parallel with the native app. MIUI.
- 🔄 After updating the firmware or resetting settings – sometimes the system automatically restores Google Phone as part of the Google Mobile Services package (GMS).
The main difference between Google Callers and the standard application MIUI — This is integration with the Google ecosystem:
- 🔍 Call identification via Google database (shows company name or spam tag even for unknown numbers).
- 📞 Record conversations (in some regions) with automatic saving in Google Drive.
- 🤖 Built-in support for Google Assistant for voice commands during a call.
- 🌐 Synchronize your call history with your Google account, which is convenient when changing your device.
However, not all of these features are available in Russia and CIS countries due to regional restrictions of Google, for example, recording calls in Google Phone is officially blocked for Russian users, and the identification of numbers does not work as accurately as in the native application. MIUI.
Differences between Google Calls and Standard Apps MIUI
To understand which call app is best to use on Xiaomi, compare Google Caller and the standard solution from the company. MIUI key-point:
| Function | Google Caller. | MIUI Annex |
|---|---|---|
| Interface. | Minimalist, adaptive for Material You (on Android 12)+). | More vivid, with a corporate style MIUI and additional animations. |
| Identification of numbers | It works through Google’s database, but in Russia it often shows “Unknown”. | Using the Xiaomi base + Integration with Truecaller (if installed). |
| Call recording | Officially not available in Russia. In some firmware, you can turn on ADB. | Works out of the box with saving records in the folder MIUI/sound_recorder. |
| Spam filter | There is a basic filter, but less effective for Russian rooms. | More aggressive spam blocking thanks to a partnership with Truecaller. |
| Synchronization | Call history and contacts are synced with your Google account. | Synchronize only through Mi Account (if enabled). |
Important nuance: on devices with Android One (for example, Xiaomi Mi) A3) Google Caller is the default system app, and you can't remove it without root rights. At the same time, most Xiaomi smartphones have full-fledged software. MIUI (For example, the Redmi Note 12, POCO F5) Both call apps can work in parallel, creating confusion.
If you do not use Google services (for example, do not go to Google Contacts or Gmail), then Google Calling does not give any advantages over the native application. MIUI. In fact, she might:
- ⚠️ Expend additional memory (about 50-100 MB).
- ⚠️ Duplicate notifications of missed calls.
- ⚠️ Conflict with MIUI when used simultaneously (e.g., call history may be split).
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If you want to record calls or accurately identify Russian numbers, it is better to use a standard application. MIUI.
How to Check Which Calling App Is Active on Your Xiaomi
Often users are unaware that their Xiaomi has two calling apps installed. To find out which one is the default, follow these steps:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search box, type in "Phone" or "Phone" and you'll see two apps: "Phone"** (green handset icon) -- the standard app. MIUI. «Google Caller (Blue Pipe Icon with Google Logo) – an app from Google.
Click on any of them and check the status:
- If it says “Default” – this application handles all calls.
- If there is no status, it is inactive.
You can also check the active application through dialing:
- 📱 Open the dial screen (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen or tap on the phone icon).
- 🔍 Look at the design: MIUI: bright colors, round buttons, possible banner ads (on budget models). Google Phone: minimalist interface with white background, square buttons, Google logo at the top.
If you have an active Google Caller, but want to switch to a standard app MIUI, This can be done in the default settings:
Open Settings → Annexes → Application management|Find Google Caller and click on it|Select "Open by default» → «Clear the default settings»|The next time you call, the system will ask which app to use. → pick up» (MIUI) And check the box "Always»-->
How to Disable or Remove Google Calls on Xiaomi
If you decide you don't need Google Caller, you can disable it or delete it, but there are nuances depending on the Xiaomi model and firmware version.
Method 1: Disconnect (for most devices)
This method is suitable for Xiaomi smartphones with full-fledged MIUI (Like Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi 13/14), Where Google Phone is not a system application.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Google Phone in the list and tap it.
- Click on “Disable” (or “Delete Updates” if the “Disable” button is inactive).
- Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system (it can be turned on back).
⚠️ Note: Some devices may not be able to make calls via Google Assistant (voice commands like “Call Mom”) after turning off Google Phone. If you use this feature, it is better not to turn off the app.
Method 2: Remove via ADB (for power users)
If Google Caller interferes, but it can not be disabled by standard means (for example, on Android One), you can delete it using the help of the Internet. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires connecting a smartphone to a computer.
Step-by-step instructions for removal through ADB
⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB This can cause your phone to run unstable, especially if the Google Phone is integrated into the firmware (like Android One!
Method 3: Hiding the icon (if you can’t delete)
If Google Caller is system and it can not be disabled, you can at least remove its icon from the home screen:
- Press your finger on the Google Phone icon.
- Drag it up to the inscription "Delete" (or "Hide", depending on the shell).
- Confirm the action. The icon will disappear, but the app will remain in the system.
To get rid of Google Phone on Android One devices completely, you will need to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), which is not recommended for inexperienced users.
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If Google Callers are missing features in Google Assistant (such as voice calls) after you delete Google Callers, return the app back via Settings. → Annexes → Show all applications → Turn on.
How to set up Google Caller on Xiaomi for maximum convenience
If you do decide to use Google Caller, you can customize it to your needs. Consider the main options available in the application:
1. Set up call identification
One of the key benefits of Google Phone is the identification of incoming calls, to enable this feature:
- Open Google Caller.
- Slip on three points in the upper right corner. → Settings → Caller identification.
- Enable the option “Show ID and spam”.
Note that this feature is worse in Russia than in the US or Europe, as the Google number database is less complete here.
2. Enable call recording (if available)
In some regions, Google Phone supports recording conversations to check availability:
- Open the Settings. → Recording calls.
- If you have an option, turn it on and choose which calls to record (all, only unknowns, etc.).
⚠️ Note: In Russia, the recording of calls via Google Phone is officially disabled. If the option is not in the settings, you can try to activate it via the Internet. ADB, This violates Google’s privacy policy and may result in the account being blocked.
3. Synchronize with Google Contacts
Google Phone is integrated with Google Contacts to sync your contacts:
- Open the Settings. → Contacts → Synchronization of contacts.
- Select a Google account and enable sync.
This is handy if you change devices frequently or use multiple Android smartphones.
4. Set up notifications
To avoid duplicate notifications of missed calls:
- Go to Settings. → Notifications.
- Turn off notifications for Google Calls if you use a standard app MIUI.
You can also set up on Google Phone:
- 🔔 Vibration when calling (on/off).
- 🎵 Call melody (choice from standard or custom ringtones).
- 📵 Blocking numbers (add spam numbers to blacklist).
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If you use Google Caller, turn off notifications in the standard app. MIUI, avoid duplication.
Google Calling on Xiaomi and their solutions
Despite the benefits, Google Caller can cause a variety of problems on Xiaomi devices, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
1. Double notices for missed calls
If your Xiaomi has both calling apps installed, you can get duplicate notifications.
- Open the Settings. → Annexes → Google Caller. → Notifications.
- Turn off missed call notifications (leave only in the standard app) MIUI).
2.Google Caller won't open or fly out
If the application does not start or closes with an error:
- Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Google Caller. → Memory. → Clear the cache.
- Update the app through Google Play.
- If the problem persists, reset the application settings (Settings) → Annexes → Google Caller. → Warehouse → Reset the settings).
3.You cannot make a call through Google Assistant.
If Google's voice assistant can't make a call, it's likely Google Caller is disabled or isn't the default app.Solution:
- Turn on Google Phone in your app settings.
- Make it the default application (see section above).
- Reset the device.
4. Number identification is not working
If Google Phone does not show the names of organizations or spam tags:
- Check if the option “Calling Subscriber Identification” is enabled in the application settings.
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection (the feature works through Google’s online database).
- Install Truecaller for better identification of Russian numbers.
5. Call history goes missing
If the call history is not saved or reset:
- Check if syncing with Google Contacts is enabled (sometimes this leads to conflicts).
- Clear the application data (Settings) → Annexes → Google Caller. → Memory. → Clear the data, but note that it will delete the entire story.
- If the problem recurs, switch to the standard app. MIUI.
If neither of these methods worked, it might be the firmware that's the problem, and then you might want to reset the settings to the factory or flash the device.
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Before resetting, back up your contacts and call history via Mi Account or Google Contacts.
Should you use Google Caller on Xiaomi: pros and cons
Deciding which call app to use on Xiaomi depends on your needs.Let's weigh the pros and cons of Google Callers:
The Benefits of Google Calling
- ✅ Minimalist interface without unnecessary elements (likes users who prefer “clean” Android).
- ✅ Google Assistant integration – convenient for voice commands.
- ✅ Sync with Google Contacts – Useful when changing devices.
- ✅ Basic spam protection (although it works poorly for Russia).
- ✅ Regular updates via Google Play (as opposed to the system app) MIUI, which is updated only with firmware).
The disadvantages of Google Calling
- ❌ Duplication of functions with native application MIUI.
- ❌ Worse works in Russia (poor identification of numbers, no record of calls).
- ❌ It takes up additional memory (about 100 MB).
- ❌ Could be in conflict with MIUI (For example, bifurcated call history).
- ❌ There are no functions, there are in MIUI (For example, a quick set for selected contacts on the home screen).
Who is the Google Caller?
- 👍 Users who actively use Google services (Gmail, Contacts, Assistant).
- 👍 Those who prefer a minimalist interface without unnecessary “chips» MIUI.
- 👍 Owners of Android One devices (there is no alternative).
Who is better to use the standard application? MIUI?
- 👍 Those who appreciate the recording of calls and the accurate identification of Russian numbers.
- 👍 Users who do not want duplicate notifications.
- 👍 Those who do not use Google services (e.g., contact sync).
If you don’t belong to any of these categories, you can simply turn off Google Caller and forget about its existence. MIUI It fully covers all basic needs.