Budget smartphone owners often face limited functionality of pre-installed software.The Xiaomi Redmi 9C model running on the MIUI shell is no exception, offering a basic dialing interface that may seem inconvenient or under-functional to power users.
Fortunately, the Android operating system makes it easy to replace a standard application with a more advanced counterpart from the Google Play store, which opens up access to advanced spam blocking features, an improved address book, and a more flexible interface configuration.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of selecting, installing and activating a new program for calls. You will learn which applications are best suited for the Xiaomi Redmi 9C, how to properly configure access rights and avoid common errors when changing system components.
Why you should replace the standard call app
Xiaomi’s standard “calling” performs basic functions, but often yields to third-party solutions in terms of usability and protection from unwanted calls. Replacing the application allows you to access smarter algorithms for determining numbers and integrating with cloud services.
Many users note that third-party applications are more stable and consume less CPU resources, which is critical for a budget device, and the updated interface can significantly simplify navigation through contacts and call history.
The main reasons for replacement are:
- 📞 Advanced Spam and Telemarketing Blocking with Updated Databases.
- 🎨 Deep customization of the theme of design, fonts and location of buttons.
- 🔍 Improved contact search and integration with messengers.
It is important to understand that replacing a system application requires careful setting of access rights. Incorrect configuration can result in incoming calls not being displayed on the lock screen.
Choosing the optimal application for dialing a number
There are many quality alternatives to a standard call, and it is worth focusing on the developer’s reputation, the number of installations and the availability of features you need, such as recording conversations or T9 search.
One of the most popular solutions is Google Phone, which often becomes the de facto standard for many Android smartphones.It features a clean interface, high speed and excellent integration with the Google ecosystem.
⚠️ Note: Some Chinese versions of the firmware MIUI There may be restrictions on installing third-party calls as the default app, in which case additional configuration may be required through the hidden developer menus.
Other worthy candidates include Truecaller, known for its powerful spam number base, and Dialer - Contacts by QD, offering a unique design.For the Redmi 9C with its MediaTek Helio G35 processor, it's important to choose an app that won't overload RAM.
Comparison of popular applications is presented in the table below:
| Annex | Size (MB) | Blocking spam | Call recording |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Phone | Depends on the version. | Aye (basic) | Depends on the region. |
| Truecaller | ~50-80 | Advanced. | There is. |
| Simple Dialer | ~5-10 | Blacklist | No. |
| CallApp | ~40-60 | There is. | There is. |
Installation and initial settings of Google Phone
The process of installing the most popular alternative, Google Phone, is as simple as possible and does not require root rights. APK-file or find the application in the official Google Play Store.
Once downloaded and installed, the system will automatically prompt you to configure the application as the primary one. If this does not happen, you will need to manually change the default settings in the corresponding part of the system.
For proper work, perform the following actions:
- 📥 Download the installation file from a verified source.
- 🔐 Allow installation from unknown sources if the application is not downloaded from the store.
- ⚙️ Open the application and provide all the permissions requested.
In some cases, it may be necessary to clear the cache of a standard application before activating a new one, which will help avoid conflicts when handling incoming calls.
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Before installing a new call, back up your contacts to eliminate the risk of losing important numbers in the event of a synchronization failure.
Default Application Assignment in MIUI
The MIUI shell has a specific default application logic that is different from pure Android. To make a new dial work, it is not enough to simply install it - you need to explicitly specify the system to use it.
Go to the Settings menu, then select the App and find the All Apps section. The top right corner of the screen often has a three-point menu where you need to select the default App option.
In the list that opens, look for a category called Phone or Dial. Click on the current value (usually Phone or MIUI Dialer) and select your new app, such as Google Phone, from the list.
⚠️ Note: After changing the application by default, the system may display a pop-up several times with a warning about changing the system component.
If the settings menu doesn’t have direct access to the default app selection, you can search by settings. Type the phrase “default apps” or “default apps” into the search bar to quickly jump to the screen you want.
☑️ Checking the call activation
Required permits and optimization of work
The new application will require a wide range of resolutions to work smoothly, and without access to contacts, microphones, and call logs, functionality will be severely limited.
MIUI is known for aggressive energy savings that can kill background processes, including the call process, and to avoid missed calls, you need to set up autostart and no battery limitations.
Do the following:
- Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
- Find your new phone application.
- Go to Battery and select No Limits mode.
- Turn on the Autostart option.
Also make sure that you allow access to telephony and contacts, which are usually requested on the first run, but can be rechecked in the Permissions section inside the app card.
What to do if the calls don't go through?
Solving and eliminating errors
One of the common problems with the Xiaomi Redmi 9C is the lack of sound during a conversation or the inability to display the call screen over other windows.
To solve the problem with the call screen, you need to give the application a special permission to “Map on top of other applications”, this is done in the Special Opportunities or Permission Manager section of the MIUI security settings.
If you are faced with a situation where the application crashes immediately after opening:
- 🗑️ Clear the cache and data of the problem application.
- 🔄 Reinstall the latest stable version from a reliable source.
- 📱 Check for operating system updates MIUI.
Sometimes, the conflict between Android and the app can cause instability, so you should try the lighter version of the program or return to the standard call before the updates are released.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications to record conversations on Android 10 and higher, there may be restrictions on the operating system itself.
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The stable operation of a new call depends on the correct MIUI energy saving settings and the permissions granted.