How to install GetContact by default on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

GetContact has become popular with Xiaomi users thanks to its easy identification of spam calls and advanced number identification features. However, many people face the problem: once installed, the program does not replace the standard application Phone from MIUI. Why is this happening and how to fix it?

The point is the limitations of the Android operating system and the proprietary shell MIUI, which block automatic application change by default for mission-critical functions (calls, SMS). But there are workarounds - from manual adjustment to the use of hidden features of the system. In this article, we will discuss all working methods for the models of Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and other devices on MIUI 12-15.

Important: the procedure may vary depending on the firmware version. If you have MIUI Global or MIUI China, check the update of the instructions in the compatibility table section.

Before you start, make sure that:

• 📱 You have the latest version of GetContact installed (you can download it from Google Play or AppGallery)
• 🔄 The smartphone has been updated to the current version MIUI (Check in the settings → The phone. → Updating the system)
• 🔓 Installation from unknown sources (if used) APK)

1. Method: Configure via the "Default Applications" menu

The most obvious, but not always working, method is to manually assign GetContact to system settings, which can be hidden or blocked on newer versions of MIUI (14+), but it’s worth a try.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Phone section and select GetContact from the list.

If there is no default App or GetContact is not listed, then your version of MIUI is blocking that feature.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI China This Method Works Only After Disabling Regional Restrictions Through Settings → Additionally. → Region (select India or Global).

Remove the cache of the standard application "Phone"|Turn off battery optimization for GetContact|Reboot your smartphone before setting up|Check GetContact’s access rights to contacts and calls-->

Method: Use of ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)

If the standard settings don’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but gives you 100% results on most Xiaomi devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

command-line

Terminal

adb shell pm grant com.getcontact android.permission.BIND_TELECOM_CONNECTION_SERVICE


adb shell pm grant com.getcontact android.permission.CALL_PRIVILEGED




adb shell cmd phone set-default-dialer com.getcontact

After you execute the commands, restart the device. GetContact should become the default app.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 15 An additional command may be required to reset the telephony cache: adb shell pm clear com.android.phone This command will delete all settings of the standard Phone application, but will not affect your contacts.

Method 3: Through Call Access Settings (MIUI 14+)

The latest versions of MIUI have a hidden section that allows you to manage the rights of applications to handle calls, which does not require ADB and works on most Redmi and POCO models.

How to set up:

• 📞 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Additional authorizations.
• 🔍 Find Call Access (or Call Management).
• 🔄 Enable the slider for GetContact and turn off for the standard Phone app.
• 📱 Reset the device.

When the call is rebooted, the GetContact window should open. If it doesn't, check if the settings are reset after the reboot - sometimes MIUI automatically returns the rights to the standard application.

💡

If the Access to Calls section is missing, try searching for the settings (Settings → Search) for the "Calls" request. On some firmware, the item is hidden under a different name, such as Special Access.

Method: Installation via Magisk (root access)

For users with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, there is a robust method using the Default App Manager module, which allows you to force any application to be assigned by default, including GetContact.

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk (if not already installed).
2. Download the Default App Manager module (available on XDA Developers).
3. Install the module through Magisk → Modules → Install from storage.
4. Reboot your smartphone.
5. Open the Default App Manager app and select GetContact in the Phone section.

The advantage of this method is stability: even after the MIUI updates, the settings will not reset, but it is only suitable for root-right users.

⚠️ Note: Using Magisk may result in loss of warranty and security issues (e.g., banking applications will not work). → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

5 Compatible with different versions of MIUI

Not all methods work on all firmware, and the table below shows how the methods are compatible with popular versions of MIUI:

On MIUI 15 (HyperOS), to successfully change the application by default through ADB, you must pre-disable MIUI Optimization in the developer settings, otherwise the system will automatically return the standard application after restarting.

6. Alternative solutions if nothing has worked

If none of these methods worked, consider alternatives:

• 🔄 Use GetContact as an add-on: Even without default status, the app can detect spam calls and display notifications over the standard call interface.
• 📱 Install custom firmware: Firmware based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience allows you to freely change applications by default without restrictions.
• ⚙️ Disable the standard Phone app: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. Press Turn off (if the button is active). Confirm action.

The system will then automatically prompt you to use GetContact for calls.

If you decide to disable a standard app, note that some features (such as emergency calls) may not work properly. Before doing so, test GetContact for emergency calls (such as 112).

💡

The most reliable method for most users is a combination of ADB-commands and manual access rights settings, unless you have experience with ADB, Use the method through access to calls (MIUI 14+).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up GetContact on Xiaomi