Replacing Google Call with Standard Xiaomi: A Detailed Guide

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where, after upgrading or installing a pure Android app, a call from Google is automatically installed instead of Xiaomi’s proprietary Phone app. While both apps perform the same function – call processing – they have key differences in design, functionality and integration with the MIUI ecosystem.

Xiaomi’s standard call offers advanced features: built-in conversation recording (where permitted by law), a handy blacklist, integration with Mi Account to synchronize contacts, and a MIUI-adapted interface with dark theme and gestures. While Google’s call is more minimalist and focused on pure Android, which isn’t always convenient for Xiaomi users.

In this guide, we will discuss how to safely replace a Google call with a Xiaomi call, avoid installation errors, and what to do if the application does not appear in the menu after changes, POCO and Mi on base MIUI 12-14 and Android 11-14.

Why does Google replace the standard phone with Xiaomi?

The reasons for automatic replacement of the application are several, and they depend on the firmware version, regional settings and even the method of installing MIUI:

• 📱 Pure Android (Google Edition) on some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2/A3 or POCO F1 In global firmware, Google calls are initially installed as part of the Android One program.
• 🔄 Update MIUI through OTA. Sometimes, after the update “over the air”, the system resets the default settings, and Google calls become a priority.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: In some countries (e.g. EU) due to privacy laws, Xiaomi may hide a branded call by offering an alternative from Google.
• ⚙️ Hand-mounted GMS. If you manually installed Google services (for example, on Chinese firmware), the call could be replaced automatically.

It’s important to understand that both calls can coexist on the device, but only one will be used by default.

Preparation: What to do before replacing?

Before you change your call, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid crashes:

1. Create a backup of contacts. Google Phone app, sync contacts can get lost. Export them to.vcf file via Contacts → Settings → Import/Export.
2. Check the MIUI version. Go to Settings → About Phone and write down the firmware version. Some older versions (such as MIUI 10) may require manual APK installation.
3. Turn off battery optimization for both apps ("Phone" and Google Phone) and this will prevent the call from automatically closing in the background.

If you use root access, it's a simpler process, but it requires caution. Without root, it's also possible to change the call, but with some limitations.

Method 1: Change the default call (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to assign a Xiaomi branded call to the default app, which works on most devices without having to delete Google Phone.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on the item Phone (or Phone app in English firmware).
4. In the list, select “Phone” (com.android.dialer) – this is the branded Xiaomi call.

If the phone app from Xiaomi is not on the list, it is disabled or deleted, in which case proceed to restore the call.

💡

After changing the default call, restart the phone, which will help the system to correctly apply the changes and avoid glitches when incoming calls.

Method 2: Recovery of Xiaomi’s branded call

If the standard Phone app is not in the default menu or app list, you need to activate it.

Option A: Enable via MIUI settings

On some firmware, the Xiaomi call is simply disabled to get it back:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap it on three points. → Show all applications.
3. In the search, enter the phone or Dialer.
4. If the application appears as disabled, click Enable.

Option B: Manual installation of APK (for power users)

If the call is deleted or damaged, it can be manually installed. APK-Brand Call File for Your Version MIUI from trusted sources (e.g. APKMirror or Xiaomi Community:

• 🔍 Version. APK It is in accordance with your firmware (for example, for MIUI 14 fit com.android.dialer_14.*.apk).
• 🛡️ The file is downloaded from the official resource (avoid third-party repositories!).
• 📱 Security settings allow you to install applications from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications).

After installation, assign it to the default application (see Method 1).

Method 3: Delete Google Call (Root only)

If you want to get rid of Google calls completely, you will need root rights or access to ADB. Deleting the system app without root can cause your phone to crash!

Instructions via ADB:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and activate Debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Mode, then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging by USB).
2. Open the command line on PC and type in: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.dialer
3. Reset the device.

After that, the Google call will disappear from the system, and the branded Xiaomi will be the only one available, and if you deleted a Google call by mistake, you can only restore it through a complete reset or flashing.

💡

Removing system applications without root is fraught with errors! If you are not sure about your actions, limit yourself to changing the default call (Method 1).

Solving problems after replacing the call

Sometimes after a change of call, there are problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

If you lose features like recording conversations after you replace your call, check the settings of the Phone app (Settings → Additional Features → Recording Conversations).

💡

If after the change of calls no notifications about missed calls, check the permissions for the Phone application in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Notifications.

Xiaomi and Google Call Comparison: Which is Better?

To determine which phone to leave, compare their key features:

• 🎨 Design and interface: Xiaomi: adapted for MIUI, Dark theme, gestures, Mi Account integration.Google: minimalist Material You, universal for all Android devices.
• 📞 Functionality: Xiaomi: recording conversations, extended blacklist, quick dial for frequently used contacts.Google: integration with Google Duplex (automatic dial), spam filter based on Google AI.
• 🔒 Privacy: Xiaomi: data is stored locally (unless sync with Mi Cloud is enabled).Google: some data (e.g. call history) can be sent to Google servers.

Your choices depend on your priorities: if you want to integrate with the Xiaomi ecosystem and enhance your features, leave a branded call. If you prefer minimalism and synchronization with Google services, use Google Phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing calls