Installation of Xiaomi call: from model selection to settings on a smartphone

Xiaomi’s call is not just a standard call app, but a full-fledged tool with advanced features: recording conversations, blocking spam, integrating with Mi Account and smart ecosystem devices. However, many users face difficulties in installing — especially if it comes to replacing a standard call with custom firmware or after resetting. In this article, we will examine all the nuances from choosing the right version of the application to solving typical errors such as “App not installed” or “No access to the microphone”.

It’s important to understand that the installation process varies depending on the smartphone model (Redmi, POCO, Mi), the MIUI version (12/13/14) and even the firmware region (global, Chinese, EEA).We collected the latest data for devices from 2023 to 2026, including Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6, and also took into account changes in Google Play’s policy regarding calling applications. If you tried to install a call through APK and got an error, here you will find a solution.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Smartphone model: Some calls (like Mi Dialer for Mi 11 Ultra) are incompatible with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chips.
• 🔄 Version MIUI: The permission mechanism for system applications has changed in MIUI 14.0.5+.
• 🌍 Firmware Region: Chinese versions (CN ROM) block the installation of global APK.

1. Which Xiaomi Call to Choose: Version Comparison

Xiaomi officially offers two main calls:

• 📞 Mi Dialer is a standard app preinstalled on all smartphones with MIUI, which supports call recording (in some regions), Mi Cloud integration and spam blocking through Xiaomi’s database.

For users who care about recording conversations, it’s best to stay on the Mi Dialer, despite its less intuitive design, but for those who appreciate minimalism and stability, Google Phone will do — especially on Android 14 devices, where the Mi Dialer can slow down due to background processes.

Important: On devices with MIUI Global 14.0.6+, the recording of calls in Mi Dialer is disabled by default due to GDPR requirements. To enable it, you need to manually activate the option in the application settings (path: Mi Dialer → Settings → Call Record → Enable).

2. Preparation of the smartphone before installation

Before you install a call, you need to take a few critical steps, otherwise you risk errors like "App is not responding" or "No right to call." Start by checking the current version of the application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Phone (or Mi Dialer) and check the version. If it is older than 14.5.20 (for MIUI 14), it is recommended to upgrade.
3. Delete the cache and application data (if you plan to reinstall).

If you install Google Phone instead of a standard call, disable the Mi Dialer system app (but don't delete!):

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Disable

⚠️ Warning: On some firmware (CN ROM or custom type xiaomi.eu), disabling the system call may cause operator services to fail. Before doing so, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

Make sure that MIUI version and calls are compatible |

Make a backup of contacts (export to VCF)|

Disable battery optimization for the Phone | application

Check for free space (minimum 200 MB)-->

3. Methods of installing Xiaomi call

There are three main installation methods, each suitable for different scenarios, and choose according to your situation:

Installation via Google Play (for global firmware)

The easiest way is to download Mi Dialer or Google Phone from the official store, but there are some nuances:

• 🔍 Mi Dialer is often absent from the Play Market for new models, in which case search for "com.android.dialer" (but beware - there are fakes!).
• 🛡️ Google Phone may not support recording calls on Android 14 devices due to limitations API.

Instructions:

1. Make sure the developer is Xiaomi Inc. or Google LLC.

3.2 Installation via APK (for Chinese firmware or custom ROM)

If you have a CN ROM or custom firmware (like LineageOS), you will have to install the call manually via APK.

• 🔗 Official website APKMIUI (for Mi Dialer).
• 🔗 APKMirror (for Google Phone)

Step-by-step:

1. Download APK files for your version of MIUI (e.g. com.android.dialer_14.5.20.apk).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
3. Run the installation through any file manager (e.g. Mi File Explorer).
4. If the error “Application not installed” appears, try to delete the old version using ADB: adb uninstall com.android.dialer

⚠️ Warning: Installing APK from third-party developers may lead to data leakage.Always check the hash amount of the file (for example, via VirusTotal) and avoid sites with suspicious permissions (for example, requesting access to SMS).

3.3. call recovery via Fastboot (for "bricks")

If the phone stopped calling after a failed installation or if it gives an error “com.android.phone stopped”, you will have to restore the system application via Fastboot. This method is suitable for experienced users!

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB/Fastboot and Xiaomi drivers.
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download from the official website).
• 🔧 Knowledge of the command line.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware and find the dialer.apk file in the /system/priv-app/TeleService/ folder.
2. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol− when the phone is turned off).
3. Run the command: fastboot flash system.img (where system.img is an image with a serviceable caller).

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If after installing the call does not appear in the menu, try resetting the launcher settings: pinch the empty space on the home screen → Home screen settings → Reset settings.

4. Set up the call after installation

A successful installation is only half the battle, and to make the call work properly, you have to set it up correctly.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone.
2. Enable all permissions: 📞 Calls (required!) 🎤 Microphone (to record conversations) 📁 Warehouse (to export history) 📍 Location (for emergency calls)

Turn on auto-start and work in the background (otherwise calls may not come).

Next, set up the main functions:

• 🔊 Call sound: select melody and vibration in Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Call melody.
• 📵 Spam Blocking: activate Mi Dialer → Settings → Blocking and Protection. You can blacklist numbers here or turn on Truecaller filtering.
• 🎙️ Call Recording: If the feature is available, enable it in Settings → Call Record and select a save format (e.g.,.m4a to save space).

⚠️ Warning: On Android 13+ devices, call recording may not work due to Google's limitations. The workaround is to use third-party apps like Cube ACR (but they require root rights on newer versions MIUI).

5. Solving typical errors

Even after installation is done correctly, users face problems, and we'll look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network reset

⚠️ Warning: On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13, a network reset may result in a loss of eSIM settings.

6.Alternative Calls for Xiaomi

If a standard call doesn’t work, consider alternatives, and make sure they support Dual SIM and VoLTE (important for Redmi and POCO dual-SIM cards).

Before installing a third-party call, disable the system:

Settings → Applications → Phone → Disable

Otherwise, there may be conflicts when incoming calls.

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Third-party calls may not support recording of calls on Android 12+. If this feature is critical, stay on Mi Dialer or use specialized applications like Cube ACR (requires root).

7. Optimizing the call to save battery

A caller, especially one with a recording of conversations on, can drain the battery significantly.

1. Limit background activity: Settings → Apps → Phone → Battery → Background activity → Limit
2. Turn off automatic call recording (if not necessary).
3. Use a dark theme (saves up to 15% charge on AMOLED- screens).
4. Adjust adaptive brightness during the call: Settings → Display → Adaptive brightness → Enable

If the battery is running out too quickly, check the consumption statistics:

Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Use

If Mi Dialer consumes more than 5% in the background, reset it or reinstall it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi calling