Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their functionality, but the standard software often raises questions among users, in particular, the built-in application for calling MIUI Dialer or its newer version of HyperOS Dialer is not always convenient. Many device owners prefer to replace it with a more familiar Google Dialer or third-party solutions like Truecaller. The replacement process does not require deep technical knowledge, but requires attention to detail.
The main reason users want to change a standard call is because of the lack of a convenient number base and intrusive advertising in some regions. In addition, the interface of the stock application can seem overloaded. Replacing allows for a clean Android interface, better integration with contacts and an improved spam filter. It is important to understand that on new models with the HyperOS shell, the procedure may be different from older versions of MIUI.
In this article, we will look at all the ways you can install an alternative calling app, how to get around system restrictions, set up access rights correctly, and make the new app the default one, and how to use ADB rights for advanced users who want to completely remove system software. Let’s look at the tools you’ll need to successfully upgrade your smartphone.
Choosing the Right Alternative for Calls
Before you start installing, you need to decide on a new application. The market offers many options, each with its own advantages. The most popular choice is the Google Phone, which is pre-installed on most Android smartphones outside of China, which is characterized by a minimalist design and high stability of operation.
Another popular option is Truecaller, which is known for its extensive database of number detectors that allows you to instantly identify spam or telemarketing. However, it is worth considering that to work properly, Truecaller requires you to transfer your contacts to the developer’s servers, which can raise questions for those who worry about privacy.
There are lighter alternatives, like Simple Dialer or Right Dialer, which are designed to be minimalist and not have too many permissions, and are ideal for users who just need a call button and a contact list with no extra features, and depend on your personal preferences and data security requirements.
- 📞 Google Phone is the best choice for integration with Google’s ecosystem and clean interface.
- 🛡️ Truecaller is a powerful number detector, but requires careful attention to privacy settings.
- 🚀 Simple Dialer – the most light application without advertising and unnecessary access rights.
⚠️ Note: When installing third-party number identifiers, carefully review privacy policies.Some applications may upload your phone book to the cloud without explicit warning.
Preparing the smartphone for the installation of a new application
Before starting the replacement process, you need to prepare the device. First of all, make sure that you have a stable Internet connection, since installation files can weigh from 50 to 150 MB. It is also recommended to back up contacts to eliminate the risk of losing important data in the event of unforeseen system errors.
While the applications themselves weigh a little, the installation process and data caching may require additional space.If your Xiaomi has less than 2 GB of free memory, it is better to pre-delete unnecessary files or transfer photos to cloud storage, which will ensure smooth operation of system services during replacement.
Also worth checking is the Android version and the MIUI or HyperOS shell. On older versions of Android (below 10), some modern calls may not work properly. Go to Settings → About phone and make sure your device meets the minimum requirements of the chosen application. Usually it is Android 8.0 and higher.
☑️ Preparation for the replacement of the call
Installation of Google Dialer through APK-file
The most common way to change calls to Xiaomi is to install Google Dialer through the APK-Since Google Play may not offer this app for some models, you will have to use third-party verified resources such as APKMirror or other software. 4PDA. Download files only from trusted sources to avoid malicious code.
Once you download the file, open it through the file manager. The system will issue a security alert, as installation from unknown sources is prohibited by default. You will need to allow installation for a specific application (browser or file manager). Find a switch to Allow installation from this source and activate it.
During the installation process, the system may request confirmation of replacement of an existing component or installation in parallel. If you want to completely replace the system call, choose the replacement option if it is available. Otherwise, the application will set as the second. After the process is completed, take your time to start it - you first need to configure the rights.
Where to look safe APK-file?
Configure access rights and permissions
The key thing that a new call won't work without is providing the necessary permissions. Unlike conventional applications, telephony requires critical permissions to access the microphone, contacts, and call log, without which the app simply won't be able to make calls or display incoming calls.
Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the installed call (e.g., Google’s “Phone”). Click on App Permission. Here you must manually enable access to: Contacts, Microphone, Telephony and Call Log. Newer versions of HyperOS may also require permission to “Map on top of other apps.”
Pay special attention to the item "Call Management" or "Phone". If this item is blocked or unavailable, the application will not be able to initiate a call. In some cases, you need to additionally activate auto-run for a new call so that it runs in the background and does not "kill" the MIUI energy saving system.
| Permission | Appointment | Criticism |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Displaying names incoming | Tall. |
| Microphone | Possibility of conversation | Critical |
| Telephony | Access to SIM-map | Critical |
| Call magazine | Call history | Medium |
⚠️ Warning: If all rights are granted, try restarting your smartphone.The system must completely redistribute resources between the new application and the communication module.
💡
Without a full set of permissions, especially for accessing the phone and microphone, no alternative call will be able to function on a Xiaomi device.
Changing the application by default in the system
Once you have set up and configured the rights, you need to tell the system that you want to use the new app for all incoming and outgoing calls. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select the Default Apps.
In the menu that opens, find the Phone (or "Dialer") option. Click on it and select your new app (like Google Phone) from the list. The system can again warn you of a change in standard behavior - confirm the action. From now on, a new call will be opened when dialing through voice assistant or contacts.
Sometimes, Xiaomi resets this setting after an update or reboot. If you notice that the old call is active again, repeat the procedure. SIM-maps in the Settings section → SIM-maps and mobile networks, making sure that there is no forced restriction on the use of a particular application.
- 📲 Go to Settings. → Default applications.
- 📞 Select the phone item in the category list.
- ✅ Check the box opposite Google Phone or other selected application.
Delete system call via ADB (for advanced)
For those who want to make room completely and eliminate any conflicts, there is a way to delete the MIUI stock call.This method requires a connection to a computer and the use of the ADB tool (Android Debug Bridge).Be careful: removing system components can lead to unstable operation if you delete the wrong application.
First, activate USB debugging mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI build number. Then go to Advanced Settings → Developer and enable USB debugging. Connect your phone to your PC and start the command line.
Enter a command to delete the packet. For a standard MIUI call, the packet is usually called com.android.dialer (in global versions) or com.miui.dialer.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.dialerOnce the command is complete, the standard application will disappear from the installed list. If you make a mistake and the new call does not work, you can return everything with the command adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.dialer. This method allows you to clean the system of excess software, but requires technical literacy.
Is it safe to remove system applications through ADB?
Decision and possible errors
During the replacement process, users often face typical problems, one of the most common being the lack of sound during a conversation or the inability to turn on speakerphone, usually solved by rechecking the permissions on the microphone or updating the audio system drivers through the update center.
Another problem is the black screen while you're talking, the proximity sensor may not work properly with a new call, try calibrating the sensor through the engineering menu (code ##64663##) or just wipe the top of the screen, sometimes turning off the In-pocket function in the lock settings.
If a new call crashes or freezes frequently, try clearing its cache. Go to Settings → Apps → [Your Caller] → Memory and click Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with Clear Data, as this will remove the call log and settings. In extreme cases, delete the application and install it again from a verified source.
⚠️ If after all the manipulations the phone stopped seeing SIM-A card or a missing sound in the speaker is likely to conflict system services, in which case a full reset (Wipe Data) with a preliminary backup will help.
💡
If you have a two-sim smartphone, check the settings of each. SIM-Sometimes for the second SIM, you have to manually re-select the call app after you update the system.