How to make GetContact the default search app on Xiaomi Redmi: detailed instructions with nuances

Installing GetContact as the default search app on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge many users face. Despite the popularity of the call identification service, MIUI does not always make it easy to change standard search settings. In this article, we will examine all possible ways, from official methods to workarounds for different versions of firmware.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi actively restricts users’ freedom of choice in favor of their own services (for example, Mi Search), this is due to the company’s policy and the features of the MIUI shell. However, with a few tricks you can get around these restrictions and force the system to use GetContact to search for contacts, numbers and other information.

We tested all methods on the current Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and K series flagships with the latest MIUI 14/15 (including global and Chinese builds). If your device runs on older firmware, some steps may differ - we'll mention that too.

Why is GetContact not displayed in the default app list?

The main problem is that MIUI artificially narrows the list of available search applications. By default, the system offers only:

• 🔍 Mi Search (built-in search engine Xiaomi)
• 🌐 Google (if installed as a search engine)
• 📱 Browser (such as Mi Browser or Chrome)

GetContact is not included in this list because:

1. The application is not registered in the system as a "search provider" (there is no corresponding intention-filter in the manifest).
2. Xiaomi blocks third-party apps from changing the system settings of search.
3. In some regions (such as China) the functionality is limited due to local legislation.

Are there workarounds? Yes, and we'll cover them below, but first, we'll figure out which features of GetContact you want to use by default:

• 🔎 Contacts by name/number
• 📞 Definition of incoming calls
• 🔍 Global search by phone (including messages, files)

Method 1: Configure via "Default Applications" (official method)

This is the easiest option, but it doesn't work on all devices. Try following the steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Search App (or Assist & Voice Input in English).
4. If you have GetContact on the list, select it. If you don't, move on to the next method.

On most Redmi devices with MIUI 14+, this won’t work, because GetContact just doesn’t show up in the list, so you’ll have to use workarounds.

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If you have global firmware (EEA), try temporarily switching to India or Russia in your phone settings, which sometimes expands the list of available apps.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-switch-off

This method requires connecting your phone to your computer and using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) which works on most devices, but requires caution.

First, turn on the Developer Mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate Debugging over USB and Allow debugging (OEM factory unlock).

Now connect your phone to your PC and execute the following commands in ADB:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.search


adb shell cmd appops set com.getcontact GET_CONTACTS allow




adb shell settings put global default_search_provider com.getcontact/.ui.MainActivity

Once you have completed the commands, restart the device. On some firmware, Xiaomi may reset the settings after the update, in which case the procedure will have to be repeated.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|

Download Platform Tools (ADB) from Google|

Enable debugging over USB on your phone |

Allow connection to the computer in the dialog window on the phone|-->

Method 3: Creating a shortcut for quick search in GetContact

If previous methods didn’t work, you can go for the trick of creating a shortcut to quickly access search in GetContact directly from the home screen.

Instructions:

1. Click the empty space on the home screen and select Widgets.
2. Find the app shortcuts widget (or app shortcuts).
3. Drag it to the screen and select GetContact.
4. In the action list, select Search (or Search).

Now you have a separate icon that immediately opens up search in GetContact.This will not replace system search completely, but will speed up access to the desired feature.

Method 4: Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

The standard MIUI launcher is heavily limited, but third-party shells (like Nova Launcher) allow you to flexibly customize your search.

How to set up:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the blank space on the screen → Settings → Search application.
3. In the list, select GetContact (if not, tap Other Apps and find it manually).
4. Click on the search bar at the top of the screen and select GetContact as the provider.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔧 Full control of search (you can even disable Mi Search completely).
• 🎨 Flexible interface configuration.
• 🔒 No restrictions. MIUI selecting applications.

The downside: you’ll have to drop the standard Xiaomi launcher, which may be inconvenient for some users.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a comparative table:

If you want a full-fledged system search through GetContact, the best option is ADB or a third-party launcher.

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On devices with MIUI 15 (Android 14), Xiaomi has tightened the restrictions, and if none of the methods worked, you just have to wait for updates from GetContact developers or use workarounds like Tasker for automation.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you set up GetContact as the default search app, users encounter common errors.

⚠️ Note: If after use ADB The phone starts to brake or make errors, execute the command adb shell pm clear com.getcontact and restart the device.

Problem 1: After rebooting, the settings are reset.

Solution: This is a feature of MIUI, which is that the system restores default settings. To record changes, do:

adb shell settings put global default_search_provider_persist 1

Problem 2: There is no GetContact in the default application list.

Solution: Try:

• 📥 Update GetContact to the latest version.
• 🔄 Clear the cache and application data in the settings.
• 🌍 Change the region to India or Russia (sometimes expands the list).

Problem 3: Search works but doesn’t show contacts.

Solution: Check the permissions for GetContact:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → GetContact → Permissions.
2. Enable access to Contacts, Phone and Warehouse.
3. In the Additional section, activate the Display on top of other applications.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions