How to Change the Default Calling App to Xiaomi

Owning a modern Xiaomi smartphone involves a constant choice between standard solutions and third-party alternatives. Often users are faced with the need to replace the system “bell ringer” with a more functional counterpart that filters spam better or has a user-friendly interface. This is especially true for devices running on the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS, where the preinstalled application may seem redundant or, conversely, limited.

The process of replacing the main application for making calls is a regular feature of the Android operating system, but in the firmware of the Chinese giant, it has its own peculiarities. Unlike the “pure” Android, there can be additional confirmations or hidden switches that depend on the firmware region. Understanding these nuances will allow you to quickly customize the gadget for yourself without unnecessary difficulties.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the available ways to change telephones, look at possible problems with access to contacts, and offer the best alternatives to replace standard software, and learn how to get the system to use the dialing interface that is convenient for you personally.

Why Change the Standard Calling App for Xiaomi

The standard MI Dialer or Google Phone app, which is set by region, is not suitable for all users, some are looking for more advanced features to block unwanted numbers, and some just do not like the visual style or font. Changing the application by default opens up access to unique features that are not implemented in the basic version.

In addition, third-party developers often implement features that Android doesn’t provide out of the box as standard, such as integration with instant messengers, improved search by organization or specific dial-in audio settings. Business users need the ability to automatically record conversations to the cloud, which may not be available in a stock app.

⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party apps from unknown sources (not from Play Market), always check their permissions.Attackers can use access to microphones and contacts to steal identity.

Among the popular reasons for replacement are:

• 📞 Improved lock: Spam number databases are updated more often than in the drain.
• 🎨 Customization: Ability to change themes, fonts and button location.
• 📊 Statistics: Detailed analysis of conversations and costs.
• 🔊 Sound control: Separate volume settings for speaker and speaker.

Preparation for the installation of a new call

Before you start setting up your system, you have to prepare the alternative itself, and the process starts with finding and installing the right app in the Google Play store or GetApps, and you don't have to rely on pre-installed options if they don't suit you, because the market offers hundreds of solutions.

It is important to make sure your device has a stable Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection for fast downloads, and check for free memory space, as some “heavy” number detectors can take up a significant amount of cache when running.

It is recommended to create a list of contacts you need in advance or make sure that sync with your Google Account is successful, which will allow the new app to access your phone book immediately without manual import.

After installation, take your time to change the settings immediately. Open a new application, give it initial permissions (if it asks for it), and check out the interface, which will help you understand whether it really suits you before making it the main one.

Step-by-step: change the application through settings

The main method of changing the default call app on Xiaomi is in deep system settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, but the logic remains the same. You will need to go to the application management menu.

First, open your smartphone settings. Then search for the Apps (or All Apps) section. In this menu, look for App Management. This is where all the key software settings are concentrated.

In the upper right corner of the screen (or in the three-dot menu), click on the three-dot button. In the drop-down list, select the default App option. This section is responsible for which software is running when performing standard system actions.

In the list that opens, find the Phone category (or Dial number) and click on it and the system will offer a list of all installed applications that can make calls.

Once selected, the system can issue a warning that the new app will have access to your contacts and call history. Confirm the action by pressing OK or Change. Now, clicking on the handset icon will trigger the option you choose.

Alternative method through the call menu

There's a faster way to change the settings, which isn't available on all firmware versions, but it's worth trying, and it lets you go to the menu directly from the dialing interface, which saves time if you're in the process of testing different applications.

Open the standard Phone app (even if you plan to replace it). Click on the three dots in the corner of the screen or the menu button. Select Settings. Some versions of MIUI may have a direct option, Default App.

If there is no direct item, look for the Additional or Advanced Settings section. Sometimes the system redirects the user to the general Android settings menu described in the previous section, but the starting point will be different. This is convenient if you forget where the desired switch is hidden in the deep menu.

⚠️ Note: On some global firmware versions with Google Dialer preinstalled, direct access to changing the app via the call menu may be blocked by the manufacturer.

Using the search bar in your settings is another life hack. Just type in the settings search for the word "phone" or "calls." The system will highlight the desired section where you can change the application by default. This is a universal method for any version of Android.

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Use Google Assistant or Xiao AI voice search by saying “Open Default Apps” to instantly navigate to the desired settings menu without manual search.

Solving Permits and Access Issues

After changing the default app, you may find that new calls are not displayed or the number definition is not working, because the new application has not yet received all the necessary access rights from the MIUI system.

You need to manually check permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → Application Management. Find your new calling app on the list and click on it.

Select Application Permissions. Make sure the following are activated:

• 📞 Telephone: To make and receive calls.
• 📒 Contacts: To display names and search in the database.
• 📋 Call log: To display call history.
• 🔔 Notifications: To see missed calls on a locked screen.

Special attention should be paid to energy saving settings. Aggressive optimization Xiaomi can "kill" the background call process, which may cause the incoming call to not ring. In the application menu, find Energy Saving and select No Limits mode.

Also check autorun. In the same permissions menu, find the Autorun switch and activate it, which ensures that the app is ready to go right after the phone is turned on.

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Without full permissions and power-savings shutdowns, a third-party call may not be running smoothly or accepting calls in the background.

Popular Alternatives to Standard Calling

The market for telephony apps is saturated, but only a few of them deserve the attention of Xiaomi owners, and the choice depends on your priorities: simplicity, functionality or privacy.

One of the leaders is Truecaller, which is not just a call, but a powerful number detector with a huge spam database, but it's worth remembering that the app requires access to your entire phone book and sends data to its servers for analysis.

Simple Dialer (from the Simple Mobile Tools suite) is a lightweight, open app without ads or unnecessary permissions, perfect for older devices or users who value privacy.

Users who like the design of Google Phone, but their device is MI Dialer (Chinese version) can be used to install APK-Google Dialer file manually, however, this may require additional manipulation of access rights.

When choosing, consider that some applications may conflict with HyperOS system features. Always test the application for a couple of days before uninstalling the previous one.

Possible problems and solutions

When you use the replaced application, you may experience a failure, for example, after you update the Xiaomi system, the settings may reset, and the phone will again offer the choice of application with each call, in which case the default installation procedure must be repeated.

Another common problem is the lack of dialing sound or a quiet speaker, which is solved by checking the sound settings inside the app itself, rather than the general settings of the phone, sometimes by clearing the app cache through the Memory menu.

⚠️ Note: If after changing the call, the speaker stopped working during the conversation (the interlocutor can not hear you), return the standard application. Third-party software may not work correctly with the noise cancellation drivers of a particular Xiaomi model.

If the app crashes when you call in, try removing it and installing it again, before restarting the smartphone. Also check if the phone is running a modified firmware or not. ROOT-rights that may block the operation of system calls.

If you are completely unusable, reset your application settings through the Settings menu → Apps → Three Dots → Reset your application settings. This will return all permissions to their original state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)