How to change the phone to Xiaomi Poco X3: the best alternatives

Xiaomi Poco X3 smartphones (including NFC and Pro modifications) come with a pre-installed MIUI shell, which often causes complaints from users due to aggressive advertising, intrusive services and the non-standard interface of the standard Phone application. Many owners who move from “clean” Android or other brands face inconveniences: the lack of convenient search by contacts, the specific design of dialing numbers and problems with identifying spam.

The process of replacing a regular application does not always go smoothly due to the system limitations of HyperOS and earlier versions of MIUI, which block the disabling of system components without root rights. However, there are proven methods to bypass these restrictions, allowing you to install Google Dialer, Truecaller or other alternatives. In this article, we will discuss not only the installation of new applications, but also the methods of forced switching by default, as well as the nuances of working with system permissions.

It is worth noting that replacing the system component of calls can affect the operation of some functions, such as recording conversations or integration with Mi AI. Full replacement of the system dialer is possible only with root rights, but in 90% of cases it is enough to simply reassign the application by default through system settings or ADB.

Why you should replace the standard phone with Poco X3

The regular app that comes with Poco X3 is often criticized for being redundant. Xiaomi developers integrate a lot of features that the average user may not need, and the basic functions are sometimes implemented in an illogical way. For example, finding contacts can be slow, and integrating with messengers can cause failures when incoming calls. Using third-party software eliminates these problems.

Alternative apps also often offer more flexible customization and call management, you can change the theme, font, button layout, and even the logic of call screens. For those who value personalization, this is a crucial factor. Google Phone, for example, offers great integration with a Google account and an effective spam filter.

Another reason is stability: Third-party developers like Simple Dialer or Truecaller often release updates faster, fixing bugs that can stay for years in MIUI system applications, especially for models that are no longer flagships and receive system updates less often.

• 📞 Improved interface: more understandable arrangement of elements and no visual noise.
• 🛡️ Spam protection: Advanced real-time number databases.
• ⚙️ Flexibility of settings: the ability to fine-tune the behavior of the application to your needs.

However, be careful: some third-party apps may request excessive permissions, and always check what access you give to a new call, especially when it comes to accessing contacts and microphones.

Top.-5 Best Alternatives to Replace Calls

The choice of the application depends on your priorities: some people want minimalism, others want powerful numbering functions. The market offers many options that work perfectly on the Snapdragon 732G hardware installed in Poco X3.

Google Phone is traditionally the leader of the rankings, a benchmark of pure Android that provides better synchronization with call history on other Google devices. The app is lightweight, fast and has a built-in, constantly updated number detector. The second option is Truecaller, which is indispensable for those who often receive spam calls, although it requires a careful attitude to privacy.

Simple Dialer (or its forks, since the original was sold) is an open-source project with minimalist design, no advertising and no unnecessary permissions, and Right Dialer for those who like customization is also worth mentioning, and CallApp as another powerful Truecaller alterivo.

Below is a comparative table of popular applications, which will help determine the choice:

Choose an app based on the balance between functionality and resource consumption. For an old or budget device, lighter versions are better, but the Poco X3 will pull any of these programs without any problems.

Instructions: Installation and configuration of Google Dialer

The most common scenario is to install Google Phone instead of a regular call, which is often pre-installed, but hidden or inactive, and if it's not, it can be found on the Google Play store or downloaded. APK-A file from a verified resource like APKMirror.

Once you install the application, the system won't switch automatically. You need to manually assign it to the primary. To do this, go to Settings, then find the Applications section and select Application Management. From the menu (three dots in the corner), select the Default Apps or Other Settings -> Default Apps.

In the list, find Phone or Dial. Click on it and select Google Phone (or Phone with a Google icon). From now on, all incoming and outgoing calls will be handled by the new app. It is important to give all the permissions requested, especially access to contacts and microphone, otherwise the calls will not work.

⚠️ Warning: After changing the call, call history may not sync instantly. Give the app time to process the data in the first place or import the history manually through Google account settings.

If the standard menu doesn't allow you to change the app, try clearing the standard MIUI call data before switching. To do this, search the "Phone" menu (gray handset), click Clear -> Clear all data. This will reset the priority settings.

Using ADB to Force Change

In some versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS, the default selection point for the application can be hidden or blocked by the manufacturer, in which case ADB (Android Debug Bridge) comes to the rescue, a powerful debugging tool that allows you to control the system from a computer.

To start, activate the developer mode on Poco X3. Go to Settings -> About Phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI Version until the message "You became a developer" appears. Then in Advanced Settings, turn on Debugging over USB.

Connect your smartphone to your computer via a quality cable. ADB drivers should be installed on your PC. Open the command line or terminal in the folder with ADB and enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

If the device is selected, use the command to reset preferences or force a packet. To assign Google Dialer (com.google.android.dialer) to the primary, use:

adb shell pm set-home-activity com.google.android.dialer/.DialtactsActivity

However, a more reliable method for calling is to reset the default app preferences via ADB, then manually select from the phone’s menu, or use a command to clear default settings:

adb shell pm clear-defaults

Then, the next time you call, the system can ask itself how to make the call, and then select the application and click "Always."

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It requires caution. Introducing the wrong commands can cause the system to run in an unstable way. Make sure you copy the commands accurately, without unnecessary symbols.

Access and Permits Problems in MIUI

MIUI shell is known for its aggressive energy savings and strict safety rules. Once you install a new call, you may find yourself in a situation where the app crashes or doesn't see the network, because the system blocks background activity.

To fix this, you need to set up autorun and permissions. Go to Settings -> Applications -> Application Management, find your new call. Go to Permissions and make sure you turn on: Phone, Contacts, Microphone, SMS (if you need it). Pay special attention to Display on top of other applications - without it you won't see the incoming call screen.

Next, go to the charge saving (or "Battery") section for this application and select No Limits. This will prevent the system from "killing" the call process in the background. Also in the Security (green shield) app, check that the application is allowed to access the network and it is not marked as malicious.

Sometimes disabling MIUI optimization helps. In the Developer Menu, find Enable MIUI Optimization and turn it off. After you reboot, the application rights may reset, so you will need to check them again.

• 🔋 Battery: Set "No Limits" for stable operation.
• 🖥️ Screen: Allow display over other windows.
• 🔒 Blocking: Make sure the call is not blocked by antivirus.

Resetting call settings and returning to factory

If you’ve been experimenting with new apps and you’ve made mistakes or you’ve just decided to go back to the standard Xiaomi call, you need to reset your settings. Simply uninstalling the replacement app isn’t enough, as the system can “remember” the faulty config.

First, uninstall the third-party app. Then go to Settings -> Apps -> Application Management. Find the standard Phone app. Click Clear -> Clear all data. This will return it to the factory settings.

Then go back to the default Apps and make sure you select the standard MIUI app. If the system doesn't give you a choice, try the command via ADB to reset all preferences:

adb shell pm reset-preferred-apps

This command will return the system state to the time of "first turn on" in terms of selecting applications. After the reboot, the Poco X3 will use a regular call.

Therefore, before radical actions, it is recommended to make a backup copy of contacts and logs.

💡

Before resetting the call settings, export the contacts to SIM-Map or Google account to avoid losing important numbers in case of an error.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

Replacing a call with a Poco X3 is a secure procedure that greatly improves the user experience if you configure the permissions correctly and choose a proven application.