Changing the standard call app on Xiaomi’s smartphone is not just a matter of aesthetics, but often a necessity for advanced users who lack the functionality of the stock solution. Owners of devices with a MIUI or HyperOS shell often face restrictions in setting up the interface or recording conversations, which forces them to look for alternatives. Google’s default call works stable, but does not always satisfy specific requests.
The process of replacing the system component requires care, as Android has strict rules regarding access to the microphone and contacts. Incorrect setting of rights can lead to the fact that the phone will no longer accept incoming calls or will not be able to make outgoing ones. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the right software, how to install it correctly and what nuances of the Android system should be considered when changing the underlying application.
Before you make any changes, it’s important to understand that replacing your system app with Xiaomi can affect the number detector and instant messenger integration. Some users have noted problems with displaying contacts after installing third-party solutions. However, with the right approach and setting permissions correctly, you can get a user-friendly interface and advanced call management capabilities.
Choosing a suitable alternative to a standard call
The mobile app market offers many solutions that can replace standard dialing. However, not all of them work equally well on Xiaomi devices due to the aggressive energy saving policy of MIUI. The most popular choice remains Truecaller, which combines the functions of a number detector and a user-friendly interface for calls. This application has a powerful spam database, making it an indispensable tool for filtering unwanted contacts.
Another great option is Simple Dialer, a lightweight, open source app that is ideal for those who appreciate minimalism and no advertising. Unlike heavy-duty analogues, Simple Dialer consumes minimal RAM, which has a positive effect on overall smartphone speed.
When choosing to do so, consider that some applications require additional permissions to work on top of other windows, which is necessary to display the caller's interface when the screen is locked. If the application does not have optimization for MIUI, you may encounter a situation where the phone rings, but the screen remains black.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing unknown calls from questionable sources. Call apps have access to your contacts and call history, so only use proven software from Google Play or official repositories.
Below is a table comparing popular call options by key parameters:
| Annex | Size | Advertising | Number-defining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Heavy. | Got it. | Great. |
| Simple Dialer | Minimum | No. | Basic |
| CallApp | Medium. | There is. | Good. |
| Google Phone | Medium. | No. | Basic |
Preparation of the system before installation
Before you start installing a new application, you need to make sure that your system is ready for changes. Xiaomi devices often have strict restrictions that can block third-party programs. First of all, check whether your MIUI is updated to the latest version, as old versions may have bugs that interfere with the correct operation of alternative interfaces.
It's also recommended to back up your contacts. Although modern apps sync with your Google account, reinsurance is good. You can export contacts to a.vcf file through the standard Contacts app. It only takes a couple of minutes, but it will keep your data safe in case of unforeseen software change failures.
It's important to make room in the cache. Go to the storage settings and clear the temporary files. This will help the new application install faster and better integrate with the system. Some users also advise disabling battery optimization for the future application immediately after installation, but we'll talk about this in the settings section.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Instructions for installation and initial setting
The process of installing a third-party application on Xiaomi is not much different from the standard one, but has its own nuances. APK-If you have a file or installation from the Play Market, it will immediately request a number of critical permissions, you will need to give access to contacts, microphone and phone. Without these permissions, the app simply cannot function as a caller.
Special attention should be paid to the request for “Master on top of other applications.” In MIUI, this item is often hidden or called differently. If you miss this step, you will see the standard Xiaomi lock screen when you call, not the interface of the new program. To activate, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → (Your application) → Other permissions.
Once installed, the system can suggest that you select the default application to make calls. If this does not happen automatically, you need to do it manually. Go to the settings, find the "Applications" section and select "Default Apps." In the list, find "Phone" or "Calls" and specify the installed program.
⚠️ Note: On some versions of Android and MIUI The default application selection button may be inactive (shadowed) until you launch a new application at least once and accept all the initial agreements within it.
To fix the result, restart the device, which will allow the system to completely reconfigure the routing of calls through the new interface, and then make a test call to make sure the sound is transmitted correctly and the screen lights up when the call is incoming.
What to do if the default button is grey?
Configure permits and energy saving in MIUI
The most common problem Xiaomi users face when changing calls is the system’s “killing” process. MIUI’s aggressive energy saving algorithm can shut down background processes, which can cause you to miss an incoming call or not see the caller’s screen, and to avoid this, you need to properly configure autostart and access rights.
First, turn on auto-start for your app. Open the Security app (green lightning icon), go to Permissions and find Auto-Start. Find your new call and activate the switch on the list, which will allow the app to run with the system and stay in memory.
Next, you have to stop the system from restricting background activity. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Application selection. Find your application on the list and set the No Limits mode. This is a critical step without which stable operation is impossible.
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To ensure the number determiner works, add a new application to the list of “Secure Applications” through the recent task menu (swipe down the open application window).
Also check notification settings. Make sure that all types of notifications are enabled for the application, especially those for missed calls and voice messages. Sometimes the system hides important alerts if they are marked as “low priority”.
Typical Problems and Conflicts
Even after careful adjustment, there may be situations where the new call is not working correctly, and one of the common problems is that there is no sound when dialing or while talking, which may be due to a conflict of audio drivers or the wrong choice of output device, in which case, resetting the sound settings in the application itself or reconnecting the headset helps.
Another common complaint is the slow appearance of the interface when an incoming call occurs, which happens if the application does not have priority in the system. Try turning off animations in the developer settings or zooming them out, and it is worth checking whether the phone has a design theme that conflicts with third-party software.
If you're using a Bluetooth headset or a smartwatch, make sure that the new app supports these peripherals. Some lightweight callers don't know how to transfer call control to external gadgets, in which case you'll either have to change the app or accept control only through your phone.
⚠️ Warning: If the speaker or microphone in other applications stops working after installing a new call, immediately delete the new app and restart the phone.
In case of persistent crashes, you can try to clean up Google Play Services data. Sometimes the cache of Google services conflicts with new methods of call processing that use modern applications. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Google Play Services → Memory → Clear everything.
Return to the standard call
If the experiment fails or the new program stops working, you can always go back to the factory solution. On Xiaomi, it's done quite simply through the settings menu. You don't have to delete the third-party application, just change the priority in the system.
To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Default Apps. Find the "Phone" option and select the "Phone" (standard, usually with a green tube icon) from the list. The system will alert you to change the application, confirm the action. Now all calls will be processed by the standard module.
After returning to the stock version, it is recommended to check the energy saving settings for the standard application to make sure that during the experiment you did not knock its configuration.
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Returning to a standard call does not delete the call history, as it is stored in a shared Android database, rather than being tied tightly to a specific shell application.
Be sure to also disable auto-run and permissions for remote or unused applications so that it does not consume device resources in the background.This will help to save battery power and performance of your smartphone.