How to install GetContact by default on Xiaomi: 3 working methods

GetContact has become popular with Xiaomi users thanks to its easy identification of unknown numbers and advanced call identification features. However, after installation, many people face the problem: how to make it the main application for calling instead of the standard Phone from MIUI? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to configure GetContact by default on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi smartphones, including bypassing possible system limitations.

It's important to understand that the procedure is different from the default application change in Android, because MIUI places additional restrictions on system applications, especially those that are responsible for phone functions. We tested all methods on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14) and identified those that work consistently. If you use custom firmware or an outdated version of MIUI, some steps may differ, as we will discuss below.

Why GetContact doesn’t become the default app in the standard way

In normal circumstances, to change the application by default, just go to Settings → Applications → Default and choose the right one. However, with GetContact, this method often does not work for two reasons:

• 🔒 Limitations MIUI: Phone system app is firmware-level protected. Xiaomi blocks change to standard calling and messaging apps due to security requirements.
• 📱 Android architecture: GetContact is not a full-fledged phone application (it does not have the rights to process calls), but only an add-on above a standard caller.
• 🔄 Version conflict: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) post-refresh MIUI default settings.

This doesn't mean that it's impossible. There are workarounds that allow GetContact to be integrated into the system call interface, and the key is to understand that there won't be a full replacement of the standard call, but the basic functions (numbering, spam blocking) will work automatically.

Method 1: Configure through MIUI system parameters (official method)

This method works on most devices with MIUI 12 and later. It does not replace the standard call app, but allows GetContact to automatically identify numbers and show information about the caller.

1. Open GetContact and go through the initial setup (allow access to contacts, calls, and SMS).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Find GetContact in the list and tap it.
4. Select the Permissions and enable all available permissions, especially: 📞 Phone (access to call logs) 📇 Contacts (reading and modifying) 📱 Display over other windows

Settings

Memory → Auto-Run

GetContact

Reboot your smartphone.

After this, when an incoming call is made, the GetContact window with the number information will be displayed over the standard call interface, which requires no root rights and is safe for the system.

Install the latest version of GetContact from Google Play|Check for updates MIUI In Settings → The phone.|Disable Battery Optimization for GetContact|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

Method 2: Using ADB to Force Application Change by Default

For advanced users willing to work with ADB, there is a way to force GetContact to be a call handler, a method that requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.

Warning: Incorrect use of ADB may disrupt your phone.Follow the instructions carefully and do not change other system settings.

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

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

adb devices

Make sure your device is listed.

adb shell cmd role add-package com.getcontact 10000000000000000000000000000000

This command only works on MIUI 13/14 with Android 12+. On older versions, a different role ID may be required.

Reboot the phone.

Once the command is successfully executed, GetContact will become the primary application for handling incoming calls, but the standard MIUI call will still be available for outgoing calls, and full integration will require a root-right method (described below).

Method 3: Complete root-rights call replacement (for power users)

If you’re ready to root on your Xiaomi, you can completely replace the Phone system app with GetContact, a method that’s only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed.

⚠️ Attention: Getting root rights voids the warranty and can lead to unstable device operation. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), unlocking the bootloader blocks access to banking applications and services with protection (Google Pay, Sberbank Online).

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk and get root access (see the XDA Developers forum for instructions for your model).
2. Download and install the App Systemizer module for Magisk.
3. In the module settings, select GetContact and convert it to a system application.
4. Remove or freeze the standard Phone app (e.g. via Titanium Backup or adb shell pm uninstall-k --user 0 com.android.dialer).
5. Reset the device.

If privacy is critical to you, consider using offline databases (e.g., exporting contacts to.vcf and manually checking numbers), but this is less convenient than automated services.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) MIUI It blocks third-party calls because of security policies, and in this case, the only way out is to use them. ADB root methods, but this can lead to loss of warranty.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions