Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer users a wide range of functionality, but the standard dialing interface is often controversial, with many device owners facing restrictions in recording conversations, lack of convenient settings, or simply a desire to change the visual style of the interface.
The process of replacing a system application requires care, as it is a critical component of the Android operating system. Wrong actions can lead to unstable communication, so it is important to follow the algorithm of actions. In this guide, we will look at legal and secure installation methods that do not require root rights, but give the desired result.
Before you start installing, you need to know which phone you want. Google Phone is already pre-installed on most global firmware versions, but it may not be available in Chinese or custom builds. Choosing the right installation source is key to success.
Choosing the Right Version of Telephony
The first step is to determine the purpose of the replacement. If you want a quality recording of conversations, then Google Dialer (up to 61) is the industry standard. For users who prefer the MIUI interface, you can install the original Chinese call with Russification.
It is important to consider the Android version and the HyperOS shell or MIUI. Newer versions of the operating system have strict restrictions on applications accessing the microphone during a call, and this is done for security reasons, and bypass this system restriction with a simple installation. APK-The file is getting more complicated.
There are two main ways to install it through ADB for system replacement or use recording activation methods without replacing the application. The first option gives you complete control, the second one is less risky, but may have limitations in functionality, depending on your technical background.
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Before any manipulation of system applications, be sure to back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally to your computer.
Preparation of the device for installation
The preparation process starts with data security, and because we're going to interfere with system services, having a backup of contacts and a call history is a must, and without that, you risk losing important information in the event of a failure.
You will need to enable USB debugging mode if you plan to use your computer. Go to Settings โ About Phone and click on MIUI version number seven times. Once you have become a developer, the debugging menu will be available.
- ๐ฑ Go to the Advanced Settings โ For developers.
- ๐ Activate the debugging slider USB.
- ๐ Allow applications from unknown sources to be installed in security settings.
- ๐พ Download the necessary APK-call file from a verified source.
It's also worth turning off MIUI optimization if you're planning deep changes. It's a hidden feature that's activated through the developer menu. Clicking on "Enable MIUI Optimization" will require you to enter a password or re-confirm, which is a measure of protecting the system from accidental changes.
โ๏ธ Checking the readiness of the smartphone
Installation methods without root rights
The most secure way to replace the system is to use special scripts or helper apps, such as MIUI Phone Installer, which allows you to replace the system application without obtaining superuser rights, which preserves the warranty on the device.
The process is as follows: after running the utility, you need to select the downloaded one. APK-The application will determine the current version of the system and offer a compatible replacement, you will only have to confirm the actions and wait for the interface to restart.
โ ๏ธ Note: When you install a call from another regional version (e.g. Chinese to global), you may experience a contact database conflict. Always sync with your Google account before starting work.
If you use a computer, you can use the adb install -r command to force installation on top of the older version.This requires a connected PC and ADB drivers installed. The command will replace the current package by saving data, but in some cases a complete reset may be required.
What to do if the installation is blocked by the system?
Set up a conversation record
The main reason for replacing calls is often the lack of automatic recording. In standard Google Dialer, this feature can be hidden or work with voice alert, and installing a modified version or the correct regional firmware solves this problem.
Once installed, go to the app settings (three dots in the corner) and find Call Record. You can activate automatic recording for all numbers or select specific contacts. It is important to note that new versions of Android can record through a speaker, which reduces quality.
| Dialer version | Recording. | Alarming | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google 61.0 | There (hidden) | No. | Android 10-12 |
| Google 80+ | There is. | Loud. | Android 13+ |
| MIUI CN | There is. | No. | All versions. |
| TrueCaller | Depends. | There is. | Anybody. |
To activate hidden features in older versions of Google Dialer, you sometimes need to change the region in your phone settings to India or Indonesia. Once you change the region and clear the app's cache, the write feature can appear automatically in the menu.
Addressing problems and conflicts
A common problem after installation is that the dial icon disappears from the desktop or the inability to make a call. This indicates an application signature conflict. In this case, you need to remove the updates of the standard call through Settings โ Apps โ All applications โ Phone.
If you lose the sound during a call, check the permissions. The application must have access to the microphone, phone and contacts. In HyperOS, it is also worth checking the energy saving settings: the call must be selected to "No restrictions" mode so that the system does not "kill" the process.
- ๐ Clear the cache and data of the new app before the first launch.
- ๐ Restart the device after installing system updates.
- ๐ซ Disable the antivirus during the installation of modified APK.
In some cases, network settings reset helps. Go to Settings โ Connection and Sharing โ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. This will not delete your personal data, but will return network settings to factory values, which can eliminate software conflict.
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If after installing a new call, the smartphone stopped seeing SIM-card, immediately delete the installed application and restore the standard through reset to factory settings.
Alternative solutions and applications
If replacing a system application seems too risky, consider third-party solutions. Apps like Truecaller or Call Recorder - ACR can run parallel to a standard call, intercept the call and record regardless of system constraints.
However, these solutions require a permanent permit to work in the background and can consume more power, and on Android 13 and above, their functionality is greatly reduced compared to native integration.
For advanced users, there is a method of replacing the file features.xml through ADB, which allows you to unlock the entry in the official version of Google Dialer without installing third-party APK. This is the cleanest and safest method that keeps the system stable.