Changing the standard call app is a challenge that almost every smartphone owner who has switched from pure Android or wants to return to the familiar interface faces. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices often wonder how to change system priorities, especially after upgrading to MIUI 12, 13, 14 or the latest HyperOS.
By default, the system often imposes Google Phone, which, despite its functionality, may not suit the user with the design or lack of the usual features of recording a conversation without warning.The process of changing the application by default does not require superuser rights, but knowing the exact paths in the menu will significantly speed up the procedure.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at the algorithm for all current versions of shells, look at the nuances of the hidden menus and provide a solution for cases where the system blocks the selection of third-party software. APK-Alternative call file (e.g, T-UI or MIUI Phone Extract before setting up.
Why Change the Standard Call to Xiaomi?
The standard Google Dialer, which is pre-installed on global firmware versions, has one critical limitation for users from CIS countries - it does not allow recording a conversation without a voice notification to the interlocutor, which creates legal and domestic inconveniences, forcing them to look for alternatives.
Installing a third-party app like MIUI Dialer (the original Chinese call) or T-UI Dialer (an adapted version) brings back the familiar functionality, allowing you to record conversations in secret, use a smart contact search kit and more flexible customization of the theme.
In addition, many users note that third-party builds are more stable on older smartphone models, consuming less RAM. Replacing the system component also allows you to remove the ad integrations that sometimes occur in Google stock solutions in certain regions.
- 📞 Ability to secretly record conversations without audible signal.
- 🎨 Flexible customization of visual style and interface design themes.
- ⚡ Reducing the system’s resource consumption on budget models.
- 🔍 Advanced search functions by contact database and call history.
It's important to understand that changing a call is not just about changing an icon, it's about introducing a deeper system component that accesses the microphone and the phone book. APK-Files should be treated with extreme caution.
Preparation: Selection and installation of an alternative application
Before you start setting priorities in the system, you need to prepare the installation file itself. The most popular and proven options for Xiaomi devices are T-UI Dialer and MIUI Phone Extract. These applications are ports of the original Chinese versions adapted for the global market.
Download installation files (.apk) only from trusted resources, such as 4PDA profile forums or official developer channels on Telegram. Using dubious sites can lead to the installation of malicious code that can intercept your personal data.
Where is it safe to download the call?
Once the file is uploaded, you need to allow the browser or file manager to install applications from unknown sources. Android will issue a security alert that must be confirmed to continue the process. Without this step, the installation will be blocked.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Once installed successfully, take your time to open the application. You must first provide it with all the permissions you request, although the main step of setting the rights will occur later, in the system menu.
Basic setting through the application menu by default
The easiest and most common way to change the app for calls is to use the built-in Android settings menu, which works on most versions of MIUI and HyperOS, unless the manufacturer has blocked this ability at the carrier level or regional restrictions.
To start, open your device’s Settings. Search for “default” or search for the Apps → App Customization → Default Apps. The path may vary slightly depending on the shell version.
In the list that opens, look for Phone or Phone app. Clicking on it will show you a list of all the apps installed on the device, able to handle phone calls. Select the call you need (for example, T-UI or MIUI Dialer).
| Parameter | Description | Default value |
|---|---|---|
| Annex | Name of the caller selected | Google Phone |
| Version. | Version number | Depends on the model. |
| Permits | Access to contacts/microphone | Adjustment required |
| Use of the | Launch statistics | 0 times (before shift) |
If you choose a new application, it doesn’t start working immediately, try restarting the device, which is necessary to ensure that Telephony system services correctly redirect incoming calls to the new handler.
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If the app is not on the list, make sure it is fully installed and compatible with your version of Android. Sometimes you need to manually open the installed call at least once.
Configure via the hidden MIUI (CIT) menu
In some cases, the standard settings menu may not display the call selection or block it from changing, which is common on devices released for specific carriers. The solution is to use the CIT engineering menu.
To get into this menu, open the Phone app (standard) and type ##6484##. If the code works, a list of hardware tests will open. Find a item associated with Version or Application, although there may not be a direct call change, this method helps check the status of components.
⚠️ Note: Introducing incorrect instructions in the engineering menu can lead to unstable operation of communication modules.
A more effective method for advanced users is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to force the default package to be installed. To do this, connect the phone to your computer, enable debugging over USB, and use the command:
adb shell pm set-home-application com.android.dialerHowever, to replace the caller rather than the launcher, the command will look different and require knowledge of the target application’s exact package name. For example, for T-UI, it could be com.android.dialer (if it is masked) or a specific packet name, a method that requires caution.
If none of the software methods work, your firmware version may have a hard lock, which leaves you waiting for a system update or a Global ROM, where these restrictions are often absent.
Problem Solving: If the call is not made
A common problem with Xiaomi users is that the system automatically returns Google Phone after a reboot or simply ignores the user's choice.This is due to Android's security mechanism, which considers third-party calls potentially unsafe unless they are certified by Google.
The first step in solving the problem is to clean the cache and data of the standard Google Phone app. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → find Google Phone → Memory → Clean. This will reset priorities.
Also check permissions for a new call. Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Phone. Make sure your new call has an "On" resolution, and Google Phone can try to revoke that permission (although the system can return it).
- 🔄 Perform a full smartphone reboot after changing the settings.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache of the "Phone" and "Contacts" applications".
- 🔐 Check if the installation from unknown sources is blocked in the "Security" mode".
- 📱 Make sure that SIM-The card is active and is determined by the system correctly.
In rare cases, temporarily disabling the standard Google Phone app helps. In the application management menu, select Google Phone and click Disable, after which the system will be forced to use the only available application for calls.
Features of work in HyperOS and MIUI 14
The new HyperOS and MIUI 14 shells have stricter security policies, which can request confirmation of a call through a third-party application more often, and are normal behaviors designed to protect the user from malware.
Users note that HyperOS has improved integration with the ecosystem, so when using the original Xiaomi calls (Chinese ports), stability is higher than when using modified versions of Google Dialer. MIUI Dialer for new devices.
⚠️ Note: On the newer versions of Android (13, 14), access to the call log and contacts is strictly regulated.
Also, some features, such as the number detector, may perform worse on third-party calls because they are tied to Google databases, which may not be available or require a separate setup on MIUI ports.
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For maximum stability on HyperOS, use the original Chinese MIUI bell ports adapted for global firmware, not Google Dialer modifications.