How to put another call on Xiaomi: instructions for MIUI 12–14

Why is it so hard to change a standard phone call from Xiaomi?

Smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO they work on the corporate shell MIUI, It's known for its restrictions on replacing system applications, unlike pure Android, where the user can freely install alternative calls (like Google Phone or Truecaller), MIUI It blocks this function by default:

First, integration with Xiaomi services. Standard calling is closely related to Mi Account, Mi Cloud and the dual screen function (for smart watches Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch: MIUI Restricts third-party applications to protect against fraudulent calls and data leaks. Finally, marketing – the company promotes its own solutions, including Mi Dialer with built-in advertising and Mi Pay integration.

However, limitations MIUI There are several ways to get around them, from simple (installing alternatives on top of a standard call) to radical (getting root rights). MIUI smartphone.

Method 1: Install an alternative call without root (MIUI 12–14)

The safest method is to install a third-party call app without removing the standard caller, which works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO (including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13T, POCO F5), but with limitations:

• 📱 Two calls will be active at the same time, the standard and the new, which can cause confusion with notifications.
• 🔕 Not all functions will work: for example, determining a number through Truecaller may conflict with the built-in determinant. MIUI.
• 🔄 Update MIUI settings can be reset - you will have to re-select the default call.

Step-by-step:

1. Download an alternative call from Google Play: Google Phone (official call from Google), Truecaller (with spam detector) ExDialer (lightweight call from Google) T9-Simple Dialer (minimalistic design)

Settings → Applications → Application Management

Google Phone

By default. → Calling appendix

Settings → Applications → Permissions

Contacts

Microphone

Phone.

Download APK or install from Google Play|

Check the version. MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI)|

Disable Battery Optimization for a New Call (Settings) → Battery → Optimization)|

Backup your contacts (Mi Cloud or Google Contacts)-->

Important: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro) MIUI It can automatically reset the default call after the restart, in which case you have to repeat step 4 each time or use it. ADB to fix the choice (more on this below).

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If after installing an alternative call, notifications of incoming calls disappear, check the settings Do not disturb incoming calls. MIUI. Sometimes the system blocks sounds for "non-system" applications.

Method 2: Disabling a standard call through ADB (rootless)

If you are hindered by duplication of calls, you can disable the standard using ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method doesn’t require root rights, but it will require a computer and developer mode enabled.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ There is only one call left (the one you have chosen).
• ✅ No conflicts with notifications.
• ✅ Works on MIUI 12–14 (including HyperOS for new models).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ After resetting settings or updating MIUI The standard call can be activated again.
• ⚠️ Some functions (such as recording conversations) may not work properly.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB (use the original cable!).

ADB Tools

Win + R → cmd

adb devices

If the device is displayed, enter:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.dialer

For MIUI 14 with HyperOS may require another command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.dialer

Reboot your smartphone. The standard call will disappear from the menu.

⚠️ Note: If the standard call stopped working after the shutdown SMS or mobile Internet, return it with the command: adb shell pm enable com.android.dialer MIUI ringer SMS-Applications are sometimes used in common processes.

Method 3: Installation via Magisk (for stitched devices)

If your Xiaomi already has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk (root) installed, you can completely replace the standard call.This method is suitable for advanced users, since it requires:

• 🔓 Unlock Bootloader (on new models it takes up to 7 days to wait for permissions from Xiaomi).
• 📦 Installations of custom recaveri (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 🛠️ Skills of working with ADB and Fastboot.

The advantage of this is that it completely replaces a standard call without duplication and conflict, for example, you can install Google Phone as a system application, and it will work as stable as on the Pixel.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK The right call (e.g. Google Phone).
2. Rename the file to Dialer.apk And put it in a folder. /system/priv-app/Dialer through TWRP or a root explorer.
3. Set the rights 644 (rw-r----) for the file.
4. Delete or freeze a standard call through Magisk or ADB (team from the previous section).
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro or Redmi K50 Gaming) replacement of system APK This can lead to bootloop. Before experimenting, make a full backup through the bootloop. TWRP!

Method 4: Using Launchers with Alternative Calling Support

If you don't want to mess with ADB or root, you can go for a trick - install an alternative launcher that allows you to choose the default call without restrictions MIUI. Best options:

• 🌐 Nova Launcher (paid version supports gestures for quick access to the call).
• 🔹 Lawnchair (free open source launcher, optimized for Android without shells).
• ⚡ Smart Launcher 6 (Automatically detects frequently used contacts).

How it works:

1. Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
2. Assign it to the default launcher (at the first start, an offer will appear).
3. Install an alternative caller (such as Truecaller).
4. In the launcher settings, find the Default Application or Actions section and assign a new call to the Call gesture.

Example for Nova Launcher:

1. Long press on the desktop → Widgets → Actions by Nova.
2. Drag the Call widget onto the screen.
3. In the widget settings, select Truecaller or another call.

This method does not disable the standard call, but allows you to quickly open an alternative call through gestures or widgets.

Method 5: Custom firmware ROM (for advanced users)

If you are willing to take drastic measures, you can completely remove it. MIUI And install custom firmware based on Android (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS:

• ✅ The standard Mi Dialer call will be deleted along with the MIUI.
• ✅ You can install any call as a system call (for example, Google Phone with Visual Voicemail support).
• ✅ Restrictions on the background work of applications will disappear.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty if the device is new).
• ⚠️ Risk of "bricking" (inoperability) in case of firmware error.
• ⚠️ Certain functions (e.g, IR-blaster NFC) They may not work properly.

Instructions (brief):

1. Unlock Bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (Mi Account binding required).
2. Install. TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery via Fastboot.
3. Download the right firmware for your model with XDA Developers.
4. Swipe the firmware through the Recovery by running Wipe Dalvik/Cache.
5. Once downloaded, install Google Phone or another call as a system app.

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Unlocking the bootloader can be difficult due to company policies.Before firmware check the support of your model in the forums.

Best Alternative Calls for Xiaomi in 2026

If you are looking to replace the standard phone, here is the top-5 alternatives with their characteristics:

• 📞 Google Phone: ✅ Google Duplex (Automatic Call Assistant). ✅ Visual Voicemail (Video Voicemail). ❌ No recording of conversations (a separate application is required).
• 🔍 Truecaller: ✅ Spammer and fraudster database (more than 1 billion numbers). ✅ Recording conversations (in the premium version). ❌ Advertising in the free version.
• ⚡ ExDialer: ✅ Lightweight (weight) APK — less than 5 MB). ✅ Support T9-contact-search. ❌ Outdated design.
• 🎨 Simple Dialer: ✅ Minimalist interface without advertising. ✅ Dark theme and customizable colors. ❌ There is no built-in number detector.
• 📊 Drupe: ✅ Contacts and calls on one screen. ✅ Widgets for quick access. ❌ Plugins for certain functions (e.g. recording conversations).

Important: On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processor (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G) Recording conversations may not work due to the limitations of the chipset, in which case only root or an external recording device will help.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change your phone to Xiaomi, users are faced with common errors.

1.The alternative call does not become the primary call

If, after the selection, the default call MIUI ignores settings:

• Check if permissions have been reset after the update (go to Settings). → Annexes → Permits).
• Use it. ADB, To record the selection (the team below).
• Remove the call cache: Settings → Annexes → [Name of the bell] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.google.android.dialer/.extensions.GoogleDialtactsActivity

(Replace com.google.android.dialer with your call package.)

2.Incoming call notifications are missing

If the bell doesn't vibrate or make a sound:

• Check the settings Do not disturb in MIUI: Settings → Sound. → Don't disturb.
• Give the call permission to Notify and Auto Run.
• Turn off battery optimization: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → [Caller] → No restrictions.

3. the number determination does not work.

If Truecaller or another call doesn't show the names of the subscribers:

• Enable synchronization of contacts with Google or Mi Cloud.
• Check if the determinant is in conflict with the built-in function MIUI (Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Definition of number).
• Update the spam number database in the call settings.

4.The caller closes when the call is incoming

If the app is dyed:

• Remove the updates (if it is system-based).
• Clear the application data: Settings → Annexes → [Caller] → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• Try another version of the call (download). APK APKMirror).

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If the mobile phone has stopped working after the phone has been replaced, or SMS, You probably disabled the com.android.phone system application. ADB or reset the network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Resetting network settings).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions