Modern smartphones, especially Xiaomi devices with MIUI and HyperOS shells, provide users with ample opportunities for personalization. One of the common challenges that gadget owners face is the need to change standard programs for making calls. Android allows you to replace basic components, but in the Chinese manufacturer’s ecosystem this process is sometimes hidden or does not work clearly due to aggressive optimization.
When you install a third-party caller from the Play Market, it doesn't always automatically become the primary one. You may need to manually tell the system that it is the software that should handle incoming calls and dial numbers. Ignoring this step leads to the fact that clicking on the number in contacts still opens the standard MIUI Dialer interface, rather than the counterpart you selected, and this is especially true for those who are looking for conversation recording features or improved number determination.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the algorithm that will help you secure the application as your primary communication tool, and we will look at various scenarios, including resetting default settings and working with access rights, which often block the functionality of third-party programs.
Why Change the Standard Call App
Standard solutions from Xiaomi are often limited in functionality or have regional features, for example, global firmware versions may lack built-in conversation recording, which is critical for many users. Install third-party software such as Truecaller, Google Phone or specialized software SIP-Customers can expand the capabilities of the device.
In addition, many users prefer a cleaner interface without the unnecessary advertising and intrusive recommendations that sometimes occur in the shells. Third-party applications often offer improved contact database search, automatic number detector and more flexible appearance setting. Call interface customization is another powerful motivator for software change.
- 📞 Recording conversations: Many third-party apps allow you to record dialogs without a warning beep, which is not possible in stock versions.
- 🛡️ Spam protection: Advanced databases allow you to block unwanted calls more effectively than built-in filters.
- 🎨 Visual Customization: The ability to change themes, fonts and button locations for ease of use.
However, installing the software is not enough: Android requires explicit confirmation that the software is the default application, and without this step, the operating system will continue to use system components to process voice communications.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party calls with a call recording function, make sure you comply with your country’s laws regarding recording private conversations.
Basic configuration through the application menu
The easiest way to assign a program to the primary is to do so at the time of first launch or through the settings of the app itself. When you first open a new call, Android often suggests you choose it as the primary one, and if that doesn't happen, you can go to the internal settings.
Go to the settings of the app you just installed. Usually, this item is in the General or System settings section inside the program itself. It should have the option to "Make the default application" or "Install as the primary one." Clicking on this button will redirect you to the Xiaomi system menu.
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If the default install button is inactive, check if the app has all the necessary permissions in the Android settings menu.
In the window that opens, you'll see a list of available phones, select the phone you want, and then the system will remember your choice, but if you've previously selected another app and checked the "Do Not Ask Again" box, the system may not show the selection window, which will require a preference reset, which we'll talk about later.
It is important to understand that the HyperOS shell can control this process more tightly than older versions of MIUI. If automatic switching does not work, you need to use global system settings.
Configure through the system parameters of Android
If you can't assign a call through the app itself, you should go to the deep operating system settings, which are the most reliable and work on all versions of Android, including the latest security updates, and you'll need to go to the application management section.
Open your Redmi or Poco smartphone settings. Find the Apps section. Depending on the shell version, you may need to click on the All Apps button or select Application Management, and you may want to see the full list of installed software.
☑️ Checking the default settings
In the app menu, find the three dots in the upper right corner or a special item at the bottom of the list called Default apps. In this section, the system groups programs that perform standard actions: browser, gallery, SMS and, of course, phone.
Find the Phone line or the Phone app. Click on it. You'll see a list of all the phone calls that you've installed that have a manifesto, you'll pick the one you want to use all the time. Once you've selected, the system can alert you that the app will get access to your contacts and call log -- confirm the action.
| Parameter | Description of action | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Phone. | Main application for dialing | Critically. |
| Messages (SMS) | Text messaging software | Tall. |
| Opening links from other applications | Medium | |
| Assistant | Voice assistant (Google, etc.) | Medium |
After you do this, try a test call, and if the app you select opens, you're successful, and if the system offers a choice again, or opens the old call, you might need to clear the cache or reset the default settings.
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The default Apps menu is a priority setting that overrides the internal settings of individual programs.
Resetting default settings and problem solving
A common problem is when the app selection window doesn't appear and the settings already have a lock on another application, which happens if the user has previously accidentally clicked "Always" when selecting a program, and to fix this, you need to reset preferences.
Return to the Apps menu -> Application Management. Click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select Reset app preferences. This operation will not delete your data, photos or contacts, but will return all permissions and defaults to the original state.
Once you reset the first dial or call, the system will force you to ask which app to use, and at that point, it's important to choose the right one and press Always, not Once, which will solidify the choice.
- 🔄 Reboot: After resetting the settings, it is recommended to restart the device to apply the changes.
- 🔋 Energy savings: Check if the new call is limited background activity, otherwise calls may not pass.
- 🔒 Permissions: Make sure the app is given microphone, phone and contacts rights immediately after resetting.
Sometimes the problem isn't with Android settings, but with specific MIUI features. For example, Full Screen or battery optimization can interfere with your work. Go to your battery settings, find your app, and select No Limits mode, which will prevent the system from closing the call in the background.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting your app settings will return permissions for all programs, and be ready to re-confirm your camera, microphone, and geolocation access for the services you care about.
Features of working in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi shells are known for their deep integration of system services. Unlike pure Android, there can be conflicts between the MIUI Dialer system call and third-party counterparts, especially the conversation recording feature, which is tightly controlled in new versions of Android and HyperOS.
If you use Google Phone on Xiaomi, recording a conversation may not work correctly or with a warning from the interlocutor. This is a limitation of the Android 10 and higher platform that manufacturers have difficulty bypassing. Some users install special modules or modified versions of applications, but this requires caution.
Why does the system block third-party calls?
Also worth mentioning is the Security feature in MIUI. Built-in antivirus can flag unknown calls as potentially dangerous and block them from working. Add your app to the exceptions or whitelists of the Security antivirus.
HyperOS users need to check compatibility, the new shell is more strict on app signatures, and if a program doesn’t have a digital signature compatible with the current version of security, the system may simply prevent it from running or installing it as the primary.