How to Return an Old Call to Xiaomi: A Complete Guide

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where, after another update to the MIUI or HyperOS operating system, the usual call interface changes dramatically. Instead of the usual contact list and simple navigation, the user sees a new design that is impossible to get used to. This is annoying, especially when you urgently need to make a call and the finger does not find the right button. There is a natural desire to return everything as it was, but the system does not always offer an obvious “roll back” button.

The problem is that modern Android shells tend to unify, removing the ability to select an old version of the application through the standard menu. However, Xiaomi system components still store data about previous states or allow you to forcibly reset the settings of the current module. In this article, we will discuss all available methods, from simple settings to deeper interference with the system.

Before you start taking action, you need to understand what exactly you want to return: visual style of the interface, dial functionality or simply change the default application. Often users confuse updating the Phone application itself with updating the entire firmware. Google Dialer or the MIUI Dialer proprietary shell can behave differently depending on the region and version of the software. Let's figure out what controls are available to you right now.

Analysis of the reasons for replacing the call interface

The first step to solving the problem is to understand exactly what happened to your device. Most often, changes occur automatically in the background. Google Play Protect security or the built-in updater MIUI can silently update the com.android.dialer component to a new version. This is not a bug, but a planned action by developers to improve security or introduce new features, such as spam protection or recording conversations.

Sometimes the situation is aggravated by the fact that the user accidentally agreed to update all the applications in the Play Market, not noticing that the system call is also being updated. APK-The new file is replaced by a new one, and configuration data can be overwritten. It is important to note that global firmware versions often use Google Phone, while Chinese versions have native versions. MIUI Dialer: Their interfaces and their logic are very different.

⚠️ Note: If you upgrade to a new major version of Android (for example, from 13 to 14), returning to the old interface may not be possible without rolling back the entire system, as older versions of applications may not be compatible with new system libraries.

Regional circumstances are also important to consider: some regions (India, Europe) have strict laws on recording conversations, which forces Xiaomi and Google to force new versions of the call with a mandatory voice warning. Trying to return the old version in such cases can lead to a broken recording function or unstable communication module.

Resetting the settings of the application “Phone” and “Contacts”

The safest and first method worth trying is a full app data reset, which won’t delete your contacts if they’re synced to a Google or Mi Account account, but will return the interface settings to factory status, often helping to remove new update bugs or reset the cache that causes items to display incorrectly.

To do this, you need to go to the hidden application management menu. The standard path may vary depending on the version of MIUI. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the phone (or Calls) list. If you have a Google call, look for a phone with a handset icon in Google colors. If your native phone is a phone with a blue icon.

Once you enter the app menu, click on the "Clear" (or "Memory") button. Here you will see two options: "Clear Cache" and "Clear Everything" (or "Reset"). Choose Clear Everything. The system will warn you that the application data will be deleted. Don't worry, the call log may clear locally, but the contacts will remain in place. After that, restart the smartphone.

If the standard path is not working or the buttons are inactive, you can use the hidden test menu. Dial the code ##4636##. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information. Although this is primarily a network test, sometimes there are options for resetting preferences. However, the main method is through application settings. If the reset did not work, then the application version is updated irreversibly, and you need to try other methods.

Selecting an application for default calls

Often, Xiaomi smartphones have multiple applications installed at once to make calls. MIUI-The system can automatically switch to a new app after updating, ignoring your habits, and to return an old call, you just need to manually specify which application to use.

The selection process is done through the global system settings. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select "Default Apps." Here it will be "Phone" or "Calling App." Click on it and the system will suggest a list of available options.

Choose the application you're used to, and if there's only one application on the list, it means that the alternatives have been removed or hidden by the system, and then this method won't work, and you'll have to find a way to install it. APK-It’s also worth checking if Smart Choice is included in the theme settings, which can automatically change icons and call styles to your chosen theme.

⚠️ Note: When switching between Google Dialer and MIUI Dialer call history may not sync instantly between them. check call log after switching.

Installation of the old version APK-ringer

If the reset and switching fail, the radical but effective method is to manually install an older version of the application, which requires caution. APK-For example, file formats such as profile forums or archives such as APKMirror, search by packet name: com.google.android.dialer for Google or com.miui.dialer for the following filename: MIUI.

Before installing the old version, you need to remove the updates to the current one. Go to the Phone app settings, click three dots in the corner and select "Delete Updates." If there is no such button, try uninstall update via ADB or simply install the old version on top of the new one, allowing installation from unknown sources. The system may swear at version conflict, so you may need to completely delete the current call.

adb uninstall com.google.android.dialer


adb install dialer_old_version.apk

It is important to understand the risks: older versions of apps may contain security vulnerabilities. Also, after installing the old version, be sure to turn off the automatic update for this particular application in the Google Play Market. To do this, open the app page in the Market, click three dots and uncheck Auto Update. Otherwise, in a couple of days, the system will update the call again, and all your efforts will disappear.

Use of third-party alternatives

Instead of fighting the system, you can simply replace the standard call with a third-party call that looks and works the way you like. The Play Market and F-Droid are full of great apps that completely replace the system dialing interface. This is often the best solution for older Xiaomi models that have stopped receiving support, or for those who want maximum minimalism.

Popular alternatives include Simple Dialer (from the creators of Simple Mobile Tools), which offers a clean, ad-free interface and pays attention to Call Apps – Phone Dialer or Right Dialer – which have their own contact databases, call history, and often more flexible design settings than standard MIUI tools.

To install a third-party call, download it, run it, and when you first call, the system will ask you which application to make the call. Select "Always" for the new application. After that, the old call can stay on the system as a backup, but will not be used. Some launchers also have built-in call modules that can be activated if you use a custom theme.

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If you install a third-party call, give it all the necessary permissions (contacts, microphone, phone), otherwise it will not be able to make calls or will work incorrectly.

Compatibility issues and possible errors

When you return an old call, you may encounter a number of technical problems, the most common being the black screen when you call in, which happens when an old app can't properly render the interface over the new version of Android, the screen lights up, but there's no answer button, and it's only solved by going back to the current version or finding another alternative.

Another problem is the lack of sound in the speaker or the speaker is broken when talking. Older versions of drivers or applications can conflict with new Android audio policies. The proximity sensor may also stop working, and the screen will not go out when you bring the phone to your ear. In such cases, the only safe solution is to use the current version of the application with interface habits, rather than returning to outdated code.

Remember that Xiaomi is actively implementing the feature of recording conversations with notification of the interlocutor. Older versions of the call may not have this mechanism, which will lead to recording without warning (which is illegal in many countries) or, conversely, to the inability to record at all. The system can block the work of modified or old APK-files if they are labeled as unsafe.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK-Files from unverified sources can cause the device to become infected with viruses or identity theft.Always check the hash amount of the file if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Returning an old call is possible through a data reset or APK installation, but the most stable option is to get used to the new interface or choose a quality third-party alternative.