How to change the app for calls on Xiaomi: from replacement to fine-tuning

The standard app for calling on Xiaomi smartphones (known as the “Shopping” app) MIUI Dialer or com.android.dialer is often a source of user frustration due to limited functionality, advertising or an inconvenient interface, and many want to replace it with an alternative dialer (such as Google Phone or Truecaller), change the look and feel, or simply optimize the work. MIUI There are nuances: the system by default blocks the replacement of system applications, and some settings are hidden deep in the menu.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the application for calls to Xiaomi, from simple installation of a third-party dialer to manual editing of system files (for power users).

• 🔄 How to completely replace the standard call app with an alternative (including default setting).
• 🎨 How to change theme, fonts and icons in MIUI Dialer without root rights.
• ⚙️ Where are the hidden call settings in MIUI 14/15 (including recording conversations and blocking spam).
• 🛠️ How to fix errors like "Calling app stopped" or microphone problems.

Important: Methods vary depending on version MIUI And the smartphone model. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14 can be replaced with a dialer without root, and on older devices (for example, Redmi Note 8) may need to unlock the bootloader.

1.Can I replace the standard call app with Xiaomi?

Technically yes, but with reservations. Xiaomi does not block the installation of third-party dialers (for example, from Google Play), but:

• 📱 On most models, you can not remove the standard com.android.dialer application without root rights - it is sewn into the firmware.
• ⚙️ The system can automatically reset default settings after the update MIUI.
• 🔒 Some functions (such as recording conversations or identifying spam) only work in the native dialer.

However, there are workarounds:

1. Install a third-party dialer and manually assign it to the default application.
2. Disable the standard application through Settings → Applications (not all models).
3. Use it. ADB Deactivation of the system dialer (requires a PC).
4. Get root rights and delete com.android.dialer completely (risky!).

Warning: on devices with MIUI for the European Region (EEA) Some system applications are more secure, such as Xiaomi. 12T Pro to disable the standard dialer can only be through ADB.

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If you use Google Phone, enable the “Assistant Call” option in its settings – this will allow you to filter spam calls better than in a standard dialer. MIUI.

2. Step-by-step instruction: how to install a third-party dialer

The safest way is to install an alternative app and make it the primary one, which is suitable for most models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 Lite and others.).

Step 1: Selection and installation of a dialer

Download one of the apps from Google Play:

• 📞 Google Phone – a minimalist dialer with Google Assistant integration and spam protection.
• 🛡️ Truecaller – determines the numbers of spammers and scammers (there is a Russian-language database).
• 🔍 Simple Dialer – lightweight dialer without advertising and unnecessary functions.
• 📊 Drupe – a dialer with quick access to contacts.

After installation, open the application and provide all the necessary permissions (access to contacts, microphone, call log).

Step 2: Default Dialer Assignment

Go to Settings. → Annexes → Manage applications and perform actions:

1. Find the dialer installed (like Google Phone) and tap it.
2. Select the "Default" option (or "Open by default").
3. Click on the Call App and select your Dialer.

Problem: on some firmware (MIUI 13 and older) the system can automatically reset default settings after restarting. The solution is to disable battery optimization for the dialer:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Optimization.
2. Find your dialer in the list and select "No Limits".

Step 3: Disconnect the standard dialer (optional)

If you want to completely hide the standard call app:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone (or com.android.dialer).
3. Click "Disable" (not available on all models).

3. How to change the appearance of a standard dialer MIUI

If you are happy with the functionality of the native application, but do not like the design, it can be modified without installing third-party programs. MIUI There are hidden settings of themes and fonts.

Changing the subject of the dialer

Go to Settings. → Registration → Topics and select one of the preset themes (e.g., Dark or Dark "AMOLED"). This will change the color scheme not only of the dialer, but also of other system applications.

For a more subtle setup:

1. Open the "Themes" app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the section "My topics" → "Topics editor".
3. Select "System Applications" → "Phone".
4. Change the colors for: 📞 Call buttons 📱 Call log background 🔤 Text of contacts

Change fonts and icons

V MIUI 14/15 You can change the font globally:

1. Go to Settings → Design → Fonts.
2. Download your favorite font (for example, "MiSans" or "Roboto").
3. Apply it – it will change the display of text in the dialer.

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Modifying the topic through the editor MIUI It works only for system applications. Third-party dialers (for example, Google Phone) have their own design settings and are independent of themes. MIUI.

4. Hidden Call Settings in MIUI: tune

Standard annex MIUI Dialer hides a number of useful features that are not visible on the home screen:

How to turn on recording of conversations

On most models (Xiaomi) 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12) Call recording is disabled by default due to legal restrictions:

1. Open the phone app.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → "Settings".
3. Go to the Talk Record.
4. Enable the option “Write Automatically” or select “Write for selected contacts”.

Important: on firmware for the European region (EEA) Call recording can be blocked at the system level, in which case only installing a third-party dialer with a recording function (for example, Cube Call Recorder) will help).

Setting up a spam blocker

MIUI It has a built-in spam filter, but it doesn't work perfectly to improve it:

1. In the dialer settings, select "Blocking and Spam".
2. Activate options: 🚫 "Blocking Unknown Numbers" 📛 "Showing a spam warning" 🔄 "Update the spam database automatically"

"Blacklist Management"

Additional settings

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If the dialer settings do not have a "Record conversations" option, try entering the ##668### code in the dialer - this will open a hidden test menu where recording activation is sometimes available.

5. Correction of Call Application Errors on Xiaomi

A common problem with the dialer on Xiaomi is the failure of the "Application Stopped", the lack of sound when calling or the inability to make an outgoing call. Let's consider solutions.

"The phone app has stopped."

The error is caused by a cache conflict or corrupted application data.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone.
2. Press "Storage" → "Clear the cache".
3. If it doesn’t help, select Clear Data (this will reset the call log!).
4. Reboot your smartphone.

No sound when ringing (microphone or speaker)

The problem can be both software and hardware.

1. Make sure that the "In your pocket" mode is not activated (overs the microphone). → Lock screen → Mode "In the pocket".
2. Check the permissions for the Phone app – there must be permission to access the microphone.
3. Clean the speaker/microphone hole of dust (use a soft brush).
4. Call another number – if the sound is only in the speaker (not in the headphones), the problem is in the 3.5 mm connector or Bluetooth.

Outgoing calls are not working.

If the smartphone can not make an outgoing call, but the incoming work:

• 📶 Check the network mode in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network mode. Calls must be selected 2G/3G/4G, not 4G.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone or turn on/off "Flight Mode".
• 📱 Make sure that SIM-The card is activated and not blocked by the operator (check the balance through the USSD-code).
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

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If the problem with outgoing calls appeared after the update MIUI, Try to roll back to the previous firmware version via the Mi Flash Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).

6. Advanced methods: replacement of the dialer through ADB root

If the standard methods didn't work, you can use advanced methods, which are suitable for power users and require PC or root rights.

Disconnecting the standard dialer through ADB

This method works for most models (Redmi Note 10, Xiaomi) 11T, POCO X3 Pro) without root but requires a computer connection.

Instructions:

1. Put the debugging on. USB on a smartphone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to become a developer, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (CMD or Terminal).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
4. Run the command to disable the standard dialer: adb shell pm hide com.android.dialer (on some firmware instead of hide use disable-user)
5. Reboot your smartphone.

To return a standard dialer, do:

adb shell pm unhide com.android.dialer

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If the pm hide command doesn’t work, try an alternative method through the App Inspector (an app for hidden deactivation of system applications, requires a new application). ADB).

Removal of Standard Root-Right Dialer

Warning: This method can cause your phone to fail if you delete critical system files (TWRP or Mi Backup before the start!

Instructions:

1. Get root rights through Magisk (instructions for your model look at the 4PDA or XDA Developers).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
3. Go to the file. /system/priv-app/Dialer or /system/app/Dialer.
4. Delete or rename files: Dialer.apk Dialer.odex (if any)

Reboot your smartphone.

After removal, install an alternative dialer and assign it by default. USSD-codes, return the files back.

7.Alternative solutions: cloud dialers and virtual numbers

If you don’t like either standard or third-party dialers, consider cloud services, which allow you to make calls over the Internet, save your history in the cloud, and often offer additional features (such as transcription of conversations).

Cloud dialers

• 🌐 Google Voice – a virtual number for calling through the Internet Wi-Fi/4G (not available in all countries).
• 📞 Skype – calls to landline and mobile numbers (paid, but cheap).
• 🔒 Signal or Telegram – free calls between users of the messenger.
• 🏢 Zoom Phone – Enterprise Solution for Business Users.

How to set up Google Voice on Xiaomi

1. Download the Google Voice app from Google Play.
2. Register and get a virtual number (required) VPN for certain regions).
3. In the application settings, select "Calls over Wi-Fi and mobile network".
4. Assign Google Voice as the default app for calling (as described in Section 2).

The advantages of cloud dialers:

• 🔄 Call history synchronized between devices.
• 📶 Calls are possible even without SIM-cards (via Wi-Fi).
• 🛡️ Additional features: transcription, spam blocking, integration with CRM.

Disadvantages:

• 📶 A stable Internet is required.
• 💰 Payments for calls to mobile/landline numbers are possible.
• 🔒 Not all services support Russian numbers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the dialer with Xiaomi