Changing the standard application for calling on Xiaomi smartphones is often a necessity for users who are used to Google functionality or the specific capabilities of third-party developers. the standard interface MIUI Dialer may not suit some device owners due to the features of displaying contacts or the lack of necessary functions to record conversations in certain regions. The process of changing default settings in the HyperOS shell or MIUI is quite transparent, but requires careful choice of parameters.
Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are powered by Android, which allows you to manage system assignments flexibly, which means you can replace a pre-installed app with any analogue from the Play Market without getting root rights. However, Android security requires explicit user confirmation when changing critical components like a call.
Before you start making changes, it’s worth understanding that replacing a system app can affect the number detector and integration with Google services. If you plan to install third-party software, make sure it’s highly ranked and compatible with your version of Android. In this guide, we’ll go through all the steps of setting up in detail.
Why you should change the standard call app
Standard annex MIUI Dialer has basic functionality that covers the needs of most users, but enthusiasts and professionals often face limitations that prevent effective communication, such as the lack of convenient integration with the Internet. CRM-systems or the inability to fine-tune blacklists can be a decisive factor for changing software.
One of the main reasons for switching to Google Phone or other analogues is the improved spam database. Google algorithms are constantly updated and block millions of unwanted calls, which is especially true in the face of increased phone fraud.
⚠️ Note: When installing unverified applications from unknown sources, you risk giving third parties your call history and contacts.
Replacement may also be required if the standard application is unstable, and interface glitches, dialing freezes, or sound problems are sometimes solved only by completely replacing the system component with a more optimized version, which in some cases helps to eliminate errors associated with specific MIUI builds.
Preparing a smartphone for the installation of a new call
Before you make changes to your system settings, you need to do a series of preparatory steps to avoid losing important data and keep the device running smoothly during the setup process, and ignoring these steps can cause the phone to temporarily stop accepting incoming calls.
First of all, make sure you have a stable Internet connection, which you will need to download a new application and check its relevance, and it is also recommended to back up contacts, although modern services sync them with your Google account automatically.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
An important step is to check the operating system version. Some older versions of Android may not support the latest features of modern calls. Go to Settings → About the phone and check the current version of the software. If security updates are available, it is better to install them before you start manipulating.
Remember to free up some space in the device's memory. Even if the application weighs a little, the system needs space for temporary files and cache during installation and initial setup. It's optimal to have at least 500 MB of free internal memory.
Step-by-step: installing the call by default
The process of changing the application for calls on Xiaomi devices is unified and takes only a few minutes. However, the path to settings may vary slightly depending on the version of the HyperOS shell or MIUI. Below is a universal guide that is suitable for most current models.
You first need to download and install the app you want, and most people choose Google Phone, which is already pre-installed on many global smartphone versions, or download it from the Play Market. After installation, take your time to open the app, first you need to make it a priority in the system.
- Open the Settings menu of your smartphone.
- Go to the Applications (or Applications → Application Management) section.
- Find and click on App Settings (often in the top right corner or in the three-dot menu).
- Select the Application option by default.
- Find the phone or call line and click on it.
- In the list that appears, select the desired application, for example, Google Phone.
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If the "Default Apps" option is hidden, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the app settings screen and select "Special Features" or "Additional".
Once selected, the system can display a warning of a change in standard behavior. Confirm the action by pressing OK or Change. From now on, all incoming and outgoing calls will be processed through the new application. The dialing interface will change accordingly.
Configure access rights and permissions
Installing the application by default is only half the battle, and a new call needs permissions to work properly, without which the app can't access the microphone, contact book or network, making it impossible to use.
Immediately after the first attempt to launch a new application, Android will request the necessary rights. Read the requests carefully. To fully work, the call usually requires: access to contacts, a microphone, a phone (call management) and a call log.
| Permission | Appointment | Criticism |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Displaying names when calling | Tall. |
| Microphone | Transfer of voice to interlocutor | Critical |
| Phone. | Initiation and completion of calls | Critical |
| Memory. | Recording of conversations (optional) | Medium |
If you accidentally refused access, don't worry. You can always manually return permissions. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, find your new call in the list, and select the Permissions option. Here you can customize access for each component in detail.
⚠️ Note: Do not give the call app access to geolocation or camera unless the description explicitly states that it is necessary for video calls or location number determination.
Solving common problems and errors
Even with a clear follow-up, users may encounter difficulties, often because of conflicting Android versions or specific restrictions on regional firmware, and understanding the nature of the bug can help quickly fix the problem without going to a service center.
One of the common problems is that you can't choose the default app, and the selection button can be inactive or the list is empty, and this often happens if the new app isn't fully installed or corrupted, and then you should uninstall the app, restart the device, and try to reinstall it.
What if the calls don’t go through after the shift?
Another challenge may be the lack of sound or echoes during a conversation, indicating driver conflict or microphone malfunction in a new app, try turning off noise cancellation in the settings of the call itself, or upgrade your smartphone system software to the latest version.
If you use custom firmware or modified Android, some system calls may be blocked, and in such cases, deeper customization through ADB or installing specialized modules may be required, but this already requires advanced knowledge.
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Most problems with a new call are solved by simply restarting the device or re-issuing all the permissions requested.
Benefits of Using Google Phone on Xiaomi
Google Dialer is considered the gold standard for Android devices, and on Xiaomi smartphones, it often works even more stable than the native solution, thanks to better optimization for pure Android and regular updates through the Play Market, independent of the firmware updates MIUI.
The key is smart number detector and spam protection, and Google's database is huge, allowing suspicious numbers to be red before they're even answered, saving time and nerves by avoiding intrusive advertisers or scammers.
Google Phone also offers a convenient search by contact and call history right in the start window.Integration with Google Assistant allows you to make calls with voice commands, which is especially convenient when driving or when your hands are busy.
- 📞 Automatic recording of conversations (in some regions and versions).
- 🛡️ Built-in protection against spam and fraud in real time.
- 🔍 Smart search by organization and contact without opening a separate menu.
- 🎨 Minimalist interface adaptable to the system theme.
Using this app also provides a single ecosystem: If you change your smartphone to another Android, your entire call and contact history is synced through your Google account, so you don’t have to reconfigure your surroundings.