Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI or HyperOS shells often come with their own set of applications that are not convenient for all users. Especially the standard application for making calls, which many find overloaded with unnecessary functions or not informative enough. Fortunately, Android makes it easy to replace this component with any other analogue available in the Play Market without resorting to complex firmware manipulation or obtaining superuser rights.
Replacing the standard caller app is a safe procedure that doesn't affect operating system stability or manufacturer warranty obligations. You can install any dialing interface you like, whether it's a classic Google Phone, a minimalist Truecaller, or any other analog, and the main thing is to set up permissions and choose a new application by default so that the system correctly handles incoming and outgoing calls.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail the process of finding, installing and configuring an alternative application for calling, and we will also touch on issues related to determining the number and blocking spam, since these features are most often the reason for looking for a replacement for Xiaomi’s regular software.
Why you should consider replacing the standard application
The MIUI Dialer app, which is pre-installed on most Xiaomi devices, has a number of specific features that may not suit the user, often complaining about aggressive advertising in the search engine numbers, the lack of convenient integration with Google services or a non-intuitive contact management interface during a conversation, and in some regions, the standard call does not have the function of automatic recording of conversations, which forces you to look for workarounds.
Using an alternative app allows you to personalize your device to your needs, you get the opportunity to choose the design that you like and the functionality that you really need, for example, many users prefer applications with advanced spam databases that update in real time and block unwanted calls more effectively than built-in filters.
It's important to understand that replacing your call doesn't mean losing all of your contacts' functionality. All of your saved numbers, call history, and sync settings with your Google account will stay in place. The new app will just access that database and display it in its interface, making the transition as painless and quick as possible.
Another advantage is optimization: Third-party developers sometimes release lighter versions of applications that consume less RAM and battery power in the background. For low-end Xiaomi models, this can be a tangible plus, improving overall system responsiveness when an incoming call arrives.
⚠️ Note: When installing a new call app, be sure to make sure you download it from a trusted source, such as Google Play Market. APK-Files from unknown sources may lead to leakage of personal data and contact book.
Choosing the Right Alternative for Calls
The mobile app market offers many options to replace the standard call, and the choice depends on your priorities. The most popular and reliable option for most users is Google Phone. This app features a clean interface, excellent integration with the Android ecosystem and powerful spam detection algorithms that are constantly updated.
If you're most interested in identifying unknown numbers and blocking ads, you should look at Truecaller, which has one of the largest number databases in the world, allows you to see who's calling even if the number isn't in your notebook, and automatically blocks telemarketing and scammers, but it's worth considering that Truecaller requires broad permissions and may be more resource-intensive.
For those who like minimalism and customization, there are apps like Simple Dialer or Right Dialer that offer light weight, no advertising, and fine-tuning of the look, ideal for older Xiaomi devices, where every megabyte of RAM counts.
- 📞 Google Phone: The Perfect Balance of Functionality, Stability and Integration with Android.
- 🛡️ Truecaller: The best choice for maximum spam protection and identifying unknown subscribers.
- 🎨 Simple Dialer: The best solution for fans of simplicity, open source and minimal resource consumption.
Some apps may not work properly with VoLTE on certain Xiaomi models, although compatibility has improved significantly in recent years.
Process of installing a new application
Installing an alternative call on Xiaomi is no different than installing any other app from the Google Play store. Open an app store on your device and search for the name of your chosen app, such as “Google Phone” or “Truecaller.” Make sure that the developer is listed as an official (Google LLC or True Software Scandinavia AB, respectively) to avoid counterfeiting.
Press the Install button and wait until the download and installation is complete. Once the application is installed, don't rush to remove the old one. First, you need to open the new application and give it all the permissions you want, and without that, it won't be able to function properly.
Android, and MIUI in particular, is very strict about phone and contact permissions, and you'll be asked to allow access to your contact list, call log, microphone, and critically, make this application the default call app, and if you miss this step in the initial launch phase, you'll have to manually configure this through system settings.
☑️ Pre-installing check
In some cases, especially on global versions of MIUI firmware, the system may warn that the new application is not optimized for your device. This is usually a standard warning that can be ignored if the application is popular and has good reviews. On Chinese versions of firmware (CN ROM), installing Google Phone may require pre-installing Google services, but on global versions (Global/EU/RU) there should be no problems.
Setting up the application by default in MIUI and HyperOS
The most important step is to switch the system to use the new application for all incoming and outgoing calls. In Xiaomi shells, this process may be slightly different from pure Android. Once you install a new application, the first incoming call, the system will ask which call to use permanently or once. Choose a new application and click Always.
If the automatic window doesn't appear or you want to recheck the settings, you need to go to the system menu. Find the Settings section, then scroll down to the App item. In some versions, MIUI You have to select Application Management, and then click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the default Apps. In HyperOS, the path can look like Settings. → Annexes → Application management → menu) → Default applications.
In the list that opens, look for Phone or Call App. Click on it and select your new app (like Google Phone) from the list. The system may issue another default app change alert, confirm the action.
| Parameter | Standard MIUI call. | Google Phone | Truecaller |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interface. | Overloaded, with the news. | Minimalistic, Material Design | Informative, with an emphasis on ID |
| Number-defining | Basic, requires connection | Good, Google databases. | Great, crowdsourcing base |
| Recording of conversations | Depends on region and version | Built-in (depending on region) | Only in the paid version. |
| RAM consumption | Average. | Low/Mediocre | High. |
After the change of setting, it is recommended to make a test call and take an incoming call to make sure that the caller's screen is displayed correctly and the sound is working.
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If the speaker or microphone stops working after the change of the call, try rebooting the device, which will help the system reassign the audio streams to the new application.
Solving Permits and Access Issues
MIUI is known for its aggressive permissions and energy saving policies. Even after installing an application by default, the system can restrict its performance in the background, leading to missed calls or late identification of a number, and to avoid this, you need to configure autostart and access rights manually.
Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find your new calling app on the list. Go to Permissions and make sure that all critical items are enabled: Phone, Contacts, Call Log, Microphone. If there is a pop-up or display on top of other apps, it also needs to be activated, otherwise the incoming call screen may not appear if the phone is locked.
Next, go to the Battery (or Charge Savings) section within the settings of a particular application. Select No Limits mode. This will prevent the system from killing the call process to save energy. Also, in the main menu, Security (the shield icon app), find Permissions → Auto Start and turn on the switch for your new application.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices, the steps may be slightly different. If you don’t find AutoStart in the app settings, search for settings by entering the word “AutoStart” or “Permissions».
Sometimes users have a problem when the screen is black after the call, although the interlocutor hears the beeps, this is often solved by turning off the option “Approach” in the settings of the call application itself, if there is one, or checking the proximity sensor. In rare cases, cleaning the cache of a new application through the Storage menu in its settings helps.
Features of the number and spam determinant
One of the main reasons for switching to Google Phone or Truecaller is improved spam protection, but these features may require additional customization in the CIS, and Google’s number databases are global, but they may not be enough for local spam numbers.
You can turn on the Spam Filter feature on Google Phone. To do this, open the app, click three dots in the corner, select Settings → Number Defineer and Spam, and activate the switch. The app will check incoming numbers against a database of known scammers and mark them with red or reset a call.
Truecaller works in a similar way, but it uses user communities. If someone tags a number as spam, you'll see this notification. It's important to understand that the app needs Internet access at the time of the call to work on the detector. If you don't have unlimited Internet, make sure the app has access to data even in traffic saving mode.
Privacy is also worth mentioning. Using third-party identifiers, you tend to agree to transfer metadata about your calls to the developer's servers for analysis. If privacy is your priority, you'd better use Google Phone with contact sync disabled or choose an open app like Simple Dialer that doesn't use cloud bases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I return a standard Xiaomi call after installing a new one?
Will your call history and contacts disappear after the change of call?
Will Google Phone Conversations Record on Xiaomi Work?
Does changing calls affect WhatsApp and Viber calls?
Why doesn’t a new call appear in the default app list?
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Replacing a call with Xiaomi is an easy way to improve the user experience by getting a better interface and spam protection without risking the device’s warranty.