How to install another call on Xiaomi: instructions with nuances

Xiaomi’s standard phone call, the Phone app (or Contacts/Calls in MIUI), is often criticized for being over-functional, advertising or an uncomfortable interface, and many users want to replace it with a more minimalistic, fast, or functional alternative, such as Google Phone, Truecaller, or Simple Dialer. However, MIUI has features that make it harder to do so: the default system blocks the replacement of key applications.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for installing a third-party call on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), and also analyze the unique limitations of MIUI 14/15 that are not found in other firmware. We will look at both official methods (through settings) and workarounds for devices with a locked bootloader. Importantly, the procedure may differ depending on the version of MIUI and regional firmware (global, Chinese, EEA).

Why Xiaomi’s standard call doesn’t suit users

Before we get to the instructions, we will understand exactly what problems the replacement of the call solves.

• 📱 Overloaded interface: in MIUI The call is integrated with contacts, messages and even payments (in some regions), making it cumbersome.
• 🛑 Advertising and offers: Global and Chinese firmware often feature banners with Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Pay or Mi Cloud).
• ⚡ High power consumption: com.android.contacts application background processes can consume up to 5–7% of the charge per day.
• 🔍 No spam filter: Unlike Truecaller or Google Phone, a standard call does not block fraudulent calls.
• 🎨 Inability to customize: no themes, widgets or flexible vibration settings.

According to a survey by XDA Developers (2023), 68% of Xiaomi users in Russia and Europe replace a standard call in the first 3 months of using a smartphone, while 42% choose Google Phone for minimalism, and 31% choose Truecaller for spam protection.

Preparation: What to do before installation

Before you install an alternative call, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid errors such as "The app can't handle calls" or notification failures.

Backup your contacts (via Settings → Google → Backup)

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version)

Turn off battery optimization for a new call (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization)

Make sure that the device has enough memory (minimum 200 MB is free)

Download. APK-Call file from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror)

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Pay particular attention to permissions. A third-party call will require access to:

• 📞 Calls (required for processing incoming/outgoing).
• 📇 Contacts (to display subscriber names).
• 📍 Microphone (for voice calls).
• 🔔 Notifications (to show pop-up windows when calling).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI China (Chinese firmware), some alternative calls may not work due to regional service restrictions, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader or install global firmware.

Method 1: Install the call through MIUI settings (official method)

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.) with global or European firmware.

1. Download. APK-The file of the selected call (e.g. Google Phone or Truecaller).
2. Install APK (allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Accesses → Install Unknown Applications).
3. Open a new app and provide all the permissions you have requested.
4. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Call (or Phone).
5. Click on Default and select the installed call as the default application for calls.

If there is no default, try an alternative path:

1. Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find the standard call (Phone or Contacts) and click Disable (Do not delete!).
3. The system will offer to choose an alternative application for calls - specify the installed call.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) If you change the calls, you may miss the missed call notifications. → Notifications → Additionally. → Call notifications and enable the option for a new call.

Method 2: Replace calls via ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods did not work (for example, on Chinese firmware or MIUI 15), may be used ADB-This requires you to connect to a computer and turn on the developer mode.

Here's what you're gonna need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Cable USB (better-than-original).
• 🔧 Developer Mode Enabled (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times).
• 🔒 Debugging authorization USB (Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
2. Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
3. Run the command to assign a call by default (replace com.example.dialer with your application package, for example com.google.android.dialer): adb shell cmd role add-package android.app.role.DIALER com.example.dialer
4. Reboot the phone.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell pm grant com.example.dialer android.permission.CALL_PRIVILEGED


adb shell pm grant com.example.dialer android.permission.READ_CALL_LOG




adb shell pm grant com.example.dialer android.permission.WRITE_CALL_LOG

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If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers or using other drivers USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

Method 3: Install a call on Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader

On devices with a locked bootloader (most Xiaomi smartphones are sold in this state), it is more difficult to replace the call, which will help bypass Magisk or LSPosed modules, this method is suitable for advanced users.

Algorithm of action:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-14 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Install the App Systemizer module (via Magisk) that allows you to convert a custom application to a system one.
5. With App Systemizer, transfer APK calls to /system/priv-app.
6. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14/15 and the enabled function Mi Protect (protection against changing system files), this method can lead to locking the device. → Memory. → Advanced settings.

How to Get Back a Standard Xiaomi Caller

If the alternative call didn't meet expectations or had problems with its operation, you can return the standard application, which is easier than installing a third-party call:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the installed call (such as Google Phone) and click Delete.
3. Go to Settings → Applications → By default and select Caller (or Phone) as the default app.
4. If the standard call has been disabled, turn it back on to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Call → Enable.

If after removing the alternative call, the calls do not work:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📲 Reset the application settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting application settings.
• 🔧 Check if antivirus (e.g. Mi Security) is blocking system processes.

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If contacts disappear after returning a standard call, restore them from a Google backup or through Settings → Google → Restore Contacts.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you change your call to Xiaomi, users face typical problems, and we have collected the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings (Settings). → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network resetting. This often solves call handling problems.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions