Owners of Xiaomi smartphones, especially the Redmi 9 series, often face intrusive behavior of the MIUI operating system.When trying to install a third-party messenger or alternative call, the device insistently suggests returning to standard Google services or built-in MIUI Dialer applications. This restriction is designed to keep the user in the brand ecosystem, but often interferes with the comfortable use of the gadget.
The problem is that the system automatically resets user choices or simply prevents a new application from being fixed as the primary for making calls and sending messages. Default application assignment is a critical feature that determines which software will open when dialing or clicking on a link. Without the right setup, the phone can behave unpredictably, ignoring your preferences.
In this article, we will look at all the ways you can force the right software to be in charge of your device, how to get around shell constraints, where to look for hidden settings, and what to do if the system blocks changes, and we will look at access rights, cleaning the cache of system services, and other effective methods.
Why the system resets application selection
The main reason Xiaomi Redmi 9 is unwilling to remember your choices is because of the aggressive optimization of memory and security MIUI. The operating system considers third-party calls potentially dangerous or less optimized, so it seeks to return control of calls to the standard module.
In addition, the conflict of versions of Android and shell can lead to errors in the permission registry. If you previously installed several applications for calls, the system could “remember” the old choice or remain in a state of uncertainty. Android requires an explicit indication of the main application, but MIUI sometimes ignores this request if certain conditions are not met.
⚠️ Warning: Constantly changing apps by default can cause the communication module to work unstable and miss incoming calls. Make sure the app you select is fully compatible with your version of Android.
Also, some call software vendors do not have the necessary security certificates that MIUI requires to run in the background, and without these certificates, the system will force the process to be terminated or blocked from activating it.
Basic settings through the settings menu
The easiest and safest way to change priorities is to use the regular settings menu, which is suitable for most users and does not require superuser rights, so you first need to go to the application management section, where all the key settings of the system are stored.
Go to Settings, then select the App. In the menu that opens, look for the Application Settings section (sometimes hidden in the three-dot menu in the upper right corner), and we're interested in App Management or the default Apps, depending on the version of MIUI.
In the category list, look for the Phone and SMS section, and if you click on them, you'll see a list of all the apps that are installed that can do these functions, and if you choose a Google Phone or any other similar, the system must confirm the choice and remember it.
☑️ Checking basic settings
If the application is not activated after selecting, try to clear the standard call data first. To do this, find the Phone (system) in the Application Management menu, click Clean → Clear everything. This will reset its priority and allow the system to take a new assignment.
Using a Hidden Testing Menu
For more in-depth management of settings, Xiaomi Redmi 9 provides access to the engineering menu through special codes. This method allows you to check which components are active at the system level. Open the call app and enter the code ##4636##.
If the code works, the Testing menu will open, and you can see phone, battery and usage information here, and although direct application assignment is not available here, this section is useful for diagnostics, and if the menu doesn't open, your firmware version will block that access, which is common in global versions of MIUI.
| Parameter | Description | Impact on the application |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Information | Network and signal information | Indirect (SIM verification) |
| Battery Information | Charge statistics | Low (energy saving) |
| Usage Statistics | Use of applications | High (activity control) |
| Wi-Fi Information | Network parameters | Average (VoIP calls) |
It's important to understand that the engineering menu is a diagnostic tool, not a direct prioritization tool, but by looking at usage statistics, you can see which app is actually working in the background and which has been blocked by the system.
What if the code doesn't work?
Permits and Auto-Run Management
The key to any application running on Xiaomi is to get the right auto-start and backup permission. Without that, the default app simply won't be able to intercept the incoming call. Go to Settings → Apps → App Management.
Find your chosen app (like Google Phone). Go to Permissions. Make sure you allow access to contacts, phone, microphone and SMS. Pay special attention to AutoStart - it must be enabled. In MIUI, this is a critical parameter.
- 📞 Telephone: Necessary for making and receiving calls.
- 💬 SMS: Necessary for the operation of messages and verification.
- 👥 Contacts: Required to display callers names and sync.
- 🔋 Battery: Select No Limits mode so that the system doesn't kill the process.
It is also recommended to lock the application in memory. Open the list of running applications (bottom-up swipe and retention), find the window of your call and press the lock. This will prevent it from unloading from RAM during cleaning.
⚠️ Warning: Granting full access rights to third-party applications can reduce the privacy of your data. Use only proven software from official sources.
Resetting preferences and cleaning the cache
If previous methods didn’t work, and Redmi 9 persists in returning the old call, it will require a reset of application preferences.This won’t delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but will return all application settings to factory values, including the choice of programs by default.
To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Click on the three-dot menu in the corner and select Reset App Settings. Confirm the action. Once you reboot your phone, you will be asked to select the app for calls again when you first dial.
adb shell pm clear com.android.phoneFor advanced users: if you have access to a computer and debugging USB, can be used ADB-A command to force the data clearing of the system telephone module, enter a command in the terminal (as shown above), replacing the packet with the current one if it differs.
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Before resetting your application settings, take screenshots of important configurations in messengers, as some internal settings (such as auto-deleting timers) may reset.
Problems with Duplicate Contacts and Calling
A common problem with Xiaomi is having two calls at the same time, which creates confusion: two windows may pop up when a call is made, or the system does not know which app is the main one, and in such cases it is better to turn off the MIUI system call completely if the Android version allows it.
Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management. Find the system application Phone (blue tube icon) MIUI). If the button is inactive, you can try to remove updates to this app by returning it to the factory version, which sometimes reduces its priority.
- 🔍 Check if you have two programs that are the same (e.g. two versions of Google Phone).
- 🗑️ Remove unused analogs by leaving only one main one.
- ⚙️ Setting up SIM: In the settings SIM-Cards explicitly specify which application to use to make calls, if such option is available in your version MIUI.
⚠️ Warning: Completely disabling system call on some versions MIUI This could cause a speakerphone or recording function to fail.
In some cases, switching region helps. Go to Settings → Additional → Region and select another country (e.g. India or Indonesia) This can change the set of system applications and remove intrusive services that interfere with work.
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The most stable result is given by a combination: resetting application preferences + enabling autorun + fixing in memory (lock).