How to remove the default phone app on Xiaomi: disable, replace and remove

The standard Phone app on Xiaomi smartphones is often annoying: it is overloaded with advertising, runs slowly or simply does not suit the interface. Unfortunately, MIUI does not allow you to remove it through normal settings - the system blocks the uninstallation of system applications. But there are workarounds: from temporary shutdown to complete removal with ADB or superuser rights.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove the default Phone app on Xiaomi (including the Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5, Mi 11/12 and others). All methods are tested on MIUI 12-15 and do not require deep technical knowledge - just follow the instructions. Importantly, some actions can affect the stability of the system, so we will indicate the risks and alternatives.

Why you can’t just uninstall the phone app on Xiaomi

The com.android.dialer app (or com.miui.dialer in some versions of MIUI) is a system component, and cannot be removed by standard means for three reasons:

• 🔒 Protection MIUI: Firmware blocks changes in the system partition /system/app without superuser rights (root).
• 📞 Functional Dependence: The application is integrated with call, contact and SMS. Removing it could disrupt telephony.
• 🔄 Automatic Recovery: After a Reboot or Update MIUI can return the application (unless special methods have been used).

But that doesn't mean that there's nothing you can do, but the ways that go from simple shutdown to radical removal are the ways that go from simple shutdown.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling or deleting the standard Phone app may result in loss of call functionality (including emergency numbers).Put an alternative dialer (like Google Phone or Truecaller) before you act and check if it works.

Method 1: Disable the Phone application through settings (without root)

The safest method is to deactivate the application without deleting it completely, which hides it from the menu and prevents it from automatically starting, but does not free up space in memory.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type “Phone”** (or Dialer).

After the shutdown:

• 📱 The app icon will disappear from the main screen and menu.
• 🔕 Calls will still work, but an alternative dialer will be needed to process them.
• ⚠️ Update MIUI The application may be activated again.

Install an alternative dialer (Google Phone, Truecaller)

Create a backup copy of your contacts

Check the work of calls through the new application

Remember the path to app settings-->

Method 2: Replace the standard dealer with an alternative (no root)

If the goal is not to remove, but to replace the Phone application with a more convenient one, it is enough to install a third-party dialer and make it the default application.

Best alternatives:

How to make an alternative dialer the default application:

1. Install the selected dialer from Google Play.
2. Open it and allow all the permissions you request (calls, contacts, SMS).
3. The next call, the system will prompt you to select the default application – select a new dialer.
4. To change your settings later, go to Settings → Apps → By Default → Phone App.

💡

If after installing an alternative dealer, the calls do not work, restart the smartphone and check the permissions in the application settings.

Method 3: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

For users who are ready to connect a smartphone to a computer, there is a method of removing it via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version** (you will be notified that you are a developer). Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock (if any).

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in the computer on the device screen.

adb devices

Make sure your device is listed.

com.android.dialer

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.dialer

An alternative command may be required for MIUI 14+:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.dialer

Once the command is completed, the Phone app will be removed for the current user (not completely off the system).

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.dialer

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F4 or Redmi K50) after removal ADB Incoming calls may be lost. Set up and configure an alternative dialer before the procedure!

Disconnection through settings

Replacement with an alternative dialer

Removal via ADB

Removal with root rights-->

Method 4: Complete removal with root rights

If you have root access (e.g., through Magisk), you can delete the Phone app permanently, including its files from the system partition, a method that is suitable for power users.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/Dialer/ or (for newer MIUI versions): /system/app/Dialer/
3. Remove or rename the Dialer folder (for example, in the Dialer_bak).
4. Go to /data/app/ and delete folders with the name containing com.android.dialer or com.miui.dialer.
5. Reboot your smartphone.

This method does not affect the operation of calls, but visually removes the application from view.

💡

Hiding an icon is the safest way, but it doesn’t free up memory or disable the application’s background processes.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When removing or disabling a standard dealer on Xiaomi, the following difficulties may arise:

If after manipulation with the dealer the smartphone stopped calling, try:

1. Install Google Phone and assign it to the default app.
2. Check the settings. SIM-maps in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
3. Perform a network reset (Settings → Memory and Reset → Network Reset).

FAQ: Frequent questions