Google Calling Xiaomi: why you need it and how to set it up correctly

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone and you notice an unfamiliar icon on your app list that says Google Phone, don't be too quick to remove it. It's an official Google app that could be a complete replacement for the standard MIUI Phone app. But why would you need it if Xiaomi already has a built-in call? And why don't some users even know it exists?

In this article, we will take a closer look at what Google Caller is, how it differs from Xiaomi’s native app, how to install it (if it’s not the default one), and customize it to suit your needs, and what hidden features it offers, from spam protection to integration with Google services that aren’t in a standard call, if you make frequent calls at work, get a lot of spam calls, or just want more control over incoming calls, this information will be useful.

What is Google Caller and Why is it on Xiaomi?

Google Caller (officially called Google Phone) is a call-and-receive app developed by Google, preinstalled on all Android smartphones (like Pixel), but Xiaomi devices may not be available by default, depending on the region and firmware version.

The main difference from the standard MIUI call is the deep integration with the Google ecosystem.

🔍 Google-based spam protection (updated in real time).
📊 Analytics call statistics (such as how much time you spend talking to specific contacts).
🤖 Voice assistant for automatic answering calls (not available in all regions).
🌐 Cross-platform: Synchronize your call history with other devices through your Google account.

Google Caller doesn't replace Xiaomi's standard Phone app, because they can run in parallel, and you can choose which one to use by default at any time, but both have their pros and cons, which we'll talk about later.

📊 What phone call do you use on Xiaomi?

Standard from MIUI

Google Called.

Other appendix

I don't know what I got.

Google Calls are different from standard Xiaomi Calls

To see if Google Caller is worth it, compare it to Xiaomi's native Phone app, the main differences are in functionality and design.

Function	Google Caller.	Standard MIUI call.
Protection against spam	✅ Google database + It's a user report that labels scammers and robots.	❌ Basic filtration only (depending on the region).
Integration with services	✅ Google Contacts, Google Assistant, Call Screen (voice response).	❌ Only with Xiaomi services (Mi Account, Mi Cloud).
Design and usability	✅ Minimalist interface, adaptive themes.	✅ More customization (colors, fonts) but may seem overloaded.
Additional functions	✅ Recording conversations (in some regions), call analytics.	✅ Quick dial, gestures for call management.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. Russia), some of Google Caller features may be restricted due to local laws, such as recording conversations or voice assistant Call Screen may not be available.

If you want spam protection and integration with Google services, Google Caller is the best choice, but if you want deep customization and MIUI, stay with the standard app, and by the way, you can set both calls and switch between them depending on the situation.

How to install Google Caller on Xiaomi (if it is not available)

Some Xiaomi models (especially Chinese or global firmware without Google services) may not have the Google Caller app, which can be installed manually, and is safe and does not require root rights.

Step-by-step:

Open the Google Play Store.
In the search box, enter Google Phone.
Click Install (the app is free).
After installation, open Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Phone.
Select Google Phone as your calling app.

Update Google Play Services to the latest version

Check the available space on the device (minimum 50 MB)

Turn off battery optimization for Google Phone in MIUI settings

Reboot the smartphone after installation-->

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with firmware MIUI In China, without Google Play, you can't officially install Google Caller, and you'll have to use alternative methods, like manual installation. APK), But it can lead to unstable work.

If the app doesn’t appear on the menu or doesn’t work after installation, check:

📱 Compatible with your Xiaomi model (some budget devices may not support Google Caller).
🔄 Updates to Google Play Services (Odd version may block work).
🛡️ Application permissions (access to contacts, microphone, phone calls).

How to set up Google Caller on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Once installed, Google Caller is ready to go, but for maximum convenience, it should be set up. Let's look at the key parameters that should be changed.

Open the application and go to ⋮ (three-point) → Settings. The following options are available here:

🛡️ Spam and Calls: Enable Spam Filtering (marks suspicious numbers). Activate Fraud Prevention (warns of possible scams).
🔔 Notifications: Set vibrations and sound for incoming calls. Turn on missed reminders if you often forget to call back.
📞 Additional features: Quick answers - templates SMS For declined calls, record conversations (if available in your area).

💡

If you often call international numbers, turn on the Formatting option in your settings – this will help to avoid dialing errors.

Pay special attention to the spam and calls section.

Add numbers to the blacklist manually.
Set up exceptions for important contacts (e.g., so that calls from a bank are never blocked).
View the log of blocked calls.

If you use Google Assistant, you can turn on Voice Dial in your call settings – this will allow you to call contacts with voice without opening the application.

How to Enable Recording of Conversations (If the Function is Available)

1. Open Settings → Record conversations. 2. Select Always record or record selected numbers. 3. Accept the warning about compliance with the laws of your country (in some regions, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited). 4. Records will be stored in the Call Recordings folder in internal memory.

Google Caller on Xiaomi and How to Solve Them

Despite all the advantages, Google Caller may not work smoothly on some Xiaomi devices.

Problem 1: The app doesn’t install or crash.

🔄 Check compatibility with your Xiaomi model (some older devices are not supported).
📱 Update Google Play Services and MIUI last-minute.
🧹 Clear the app's cache in Settings → Annexes → Google Phone → Memory.

Problem 2: Missed Call Notifications Are Not Working

🔔 Check permissions for notifications in Settings → Annexes → Google Phone → Notifications.
🔋 Turn off battery optimization for the application (in) MIUI This can block background work).
🔄 Reboot your smartphone.

Problem 3: Spam calls are not filtered.

🌐 Make sure you have mobile internet or Wi-Fi enabled (spam database updated online).
🔄 Update Google Caller to the latest version.
📋 Check if the spammer number has been added to the exceptions (in the filtering settings).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Google Caller stopped working, try resetting it to the standard settings. → Annexes → Google Phone → Warehouse → Reset the settings.

If none of these methods worked, try uninstalling and installing the app again, and in extreme cases, you can go back to the standard MIUI call by turning off Google Caller in the default settings.

Google’s Hidden Features Callers That Few People Know About

Google Caller offers a few hidden features that aren't obvious at first glance: They can dramatically improve the phone experience.

1. Voice assistant for screen calls (Call Screen).

🤖 In some regions (such as the U.S.), Call Screen is available, where Google Assistant answers the call and asks for what purpose the person is calling, and you see the transcription of the conversation in real time and decide whether to pick up the phone or not.
🔍 To check availability, open Settings → Spam and calls → Screen calls.

2. Call analytics.

📊 The app keeps statistics: how much time you spend talking to each contact, what numbers you call most often, and even offers reports on the days of the week.
📈 To view the analytics, go to Settings → Call history → Statistics.

3. Quick responses to missed calls.

⚡ You can customize the templates. SMS-Responses that will be sent automatically when a call is rejected, such as, “I’ll call you back in 10 minutes” or “I’m in a meeting, write to WhatsApp».
✏️ Setting up in Settings → Quick answers.

4.Integration with Google Duplex (for business calls)

⚠️ Note: Some features (like Call Screen or Duplex) may collect and process your conversations to improve Google services.If you're concerned, turn them off in your privacy settings.

💡

Google Caller isn’t just replacing a standard call – it adds unique features that MIUI doesn’t have, from spam protection to voice assistant for calls.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Caller on Xiaomi

❓ Can I use Google Caller and Standard Caller? MIUI simultaneously?

Yes, both calls can be installed on the device, but only one can be selected as the default call app. To switch between them, go to Settings → Applications → Default Apps → Phone.

❓ Why Google Callers Don't Show Call History?

This can happen for several reasons: 🔄 History is not synced with Google account (check sync settings). 📱 The application does not have permission to access call logs (go to Settings). → Annexes → Google Phone → Permits). 🗑️ The app cache is corrupted (clean it in the storage settings).

❓ How to turn off spam filtering in Google Call?

If you are disturbed by spam notifications, turn off filtering in Settings → Spam and calls and uncheck Spam Filtering. However, remember that this will increase the number of unwanted calls.

❓ Can I transfer my call history from a standard call? MIUI Google Caller?

Yes, but not automatically. You need to: Export your history from a standard call (if supported). Import it to Google Contacts via a VCF file. Enable sync in Google Call. Unfortunately, Xiaomi does not provide direct export of call history, so you may need to use third-party applications (e.g. Call Logs Backup & Restore).

❓ Is it safe to use Google Caller instead of the standard?

Yes, Google Caller is the official Google app that has passed all security checks: 🔒 Call data can be synced with your Google account (if the option is enabled). 📡 Some features (like Call Screen) require access to microphones and contacts. If you're concerned about privacy, check settings in Settings → Privacy and disable unnecessary options.