How to make a phone default not a Xiaomi app: remove or replace a standard call

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones use the company’s Phone (or Calls) app by default to handle calls, but many users are facing the need to replace it, whether it’s due to an uncomfortable interface, unnecessary features like ads, or a desire to switch to alternatives like Google Phone or Truecaller. The problem is that MIUI aggressively protects system applications by blocking them from being removed or disabled by standard means.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to change the default call app to Xiaomi, including hidden settings, using ADB, and circumventing the limitations of MIUI. Particular attention will be paid to the Redmi Note 10/11/12 models, POCO F3/F4/F5 and flagship Xiaomi 12/13/14, where the logic of the operation may differ, and consider the risks and consequences of each method – from harmless resetting to potentially dangerous removal of system APKs.

If you want to just hide a standard app, but keep it working, that's one way. If the goal is to completely remove it and put an alternative, it's going to take more radical action. It's important to understand that some methods can lead to a loss of warranty or a phone malfunction, so we'll detail each step and its consequences.

Why you can’t just uninstall the standard Phone app on Xiaomi

Unlike most Android smartphones, MIUI integrates system applications into firmware.The Phone app (com.android.dialer or com.miui.dialer) is classified as a protected app — it can not be removed through normal settings or even with superuser rights (root) without the risk of disrupting the system.

Here are the key reasons for the restrictions:

• 🔒 Dependence on MIUI: The app is closely linked to Xiaomi services, including contact synchronization, conversation recording, and Mi Account integration.
• 📱 System permissions: It has access to low-level modem functions (calls, SMS, IMS), which cannot be delegated to third-party applications without root rights.
• 🛡️ Protection from user errors: Xiaomi blocks removal of critical components to avoid “bricking” the device.

Even if you can remove it. APK-Application file, next update MIUI It's going to come back, and in fact, on some models (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro).+) This can lead to the loss of the ability to call until the full flashing.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ HyperOS attempts to remove the Phone system application via ADB or root can activate an anti-rollback mechanism that will block the bootloader, making it impossible to recover from Fastboot without Xiaomi's authorization.

Method 1: Replace the application by default without removal (Secure method)

If your goal is to simply use another calling app (like Google Phone) but leave the standard one on the system, follow this instruction.This method does not require root rights and is suitable for all Xiaomi models on MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS.

Steps:

1. Install an alternative app for calling from Google Play (like Google Phone).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Find the app you have installed (like Google Phone) and tap it.
4. Select “Default” → “Calling app”.
5. Confirm the choice of a new application by default.

After that, all outgoing calls will be opened in the selected application. However, incoming calls can still be processed by the standard Xiaomi application - this is a MIUI restriction that cannot be circumvented without ADB.

Install an alternative dialer from Google Play|

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About phone)|

Backup your contacts (Settings → Google → Backup)|

Disable duplicate notifications in the standard application (Settings) → Notifications)-->

Method 2: Disable the standard Phone application via ADB (for advanced)

If you want to completely disable the standard app but not remove it (to avoid issues with updates), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that works on most Xiaomi devices but requires a connection to a computer.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

CMD

Terminal

adb devices

Make sure your device is listed.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.dialer

Note

com.miui.dialer

adb shell pm list packages | grep dialer

Once the command is complete, the standard app will disappear from the menu and all calls will be processed by an alternative dialer.

adb shell pm enable com.android.dialer

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ shutdown of system applications ADB If the screen starts to glitch after the command, restart the phone in safe mode (Press the power button) → Safe Mode) and return settings.

💡

If the adb command doesn’t work, upgrade the Android SDK platform tools or use Google’s portable version of ADB.

Method 3: Remove the root-righted Phone application (extreme method)

This method is only suitable for users who already have an unlocked bootloader and have Magisk or another root rights manager installed. Removing the Phone system application can lead to a complete loss of call functionality, so use this method only if you are ready for the consequences.

Step-by-step:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/Dialer or /system/app/Dialer (the path may vary depending on the model).
3. Delete or rename the files: Dialer.apk (or MiuiDialer.apk) Dialer.odex (if any)

Reboot the phone.

After removal, the system application will disappear, but problems may arise:

• 📞 Inability to make/receive calls (solved by installing an alternative dialer with support) IMS).
• 🔄 Update failures MIUI (The application can be restored).
• 🚨 Loss of functions such as recording conversations or integrating with Mi Account.

💡

Removing the Phone system app on Xiaomi with HyperOS almost always results in the loss of VoLTE/ViLTE. If you care about 4G calls, use only disabling through ADB, not completely removing them.

Method 4: Reset application settings (if nothing helps)

If you experience a default application change (e.g., lost incoming calls or duplicated notifications), you can reset the application settings by resetting the application, which does not delete data, but returns all system applications to the default state.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Reset App Settings”.
3. Confirm the action.

After discharge:

• All call apps will return to standard settings.
• You will need to re-select the default application (if you used the alternative).
• All user permissions for dialers (access to contacts, microphone, etc.) will disappear.

This method is useful if after manipulating ADB or root, the phone stopped processing calls correctly, but you do not want to do a full reset to factory settings.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you replace the standard call app with Xiaomi, users experience common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 📵 Incoming calls do not work: Check that the alternative dialer has permission to “Map on top of other windows” (Settings) → Special facilities → Applications with special permissions. Install the Magisk module IMS Service Fix to Restore VoLTE.
• 🔕 No sound when calling: Reset the sound settings in Settings → Sound and vibration → Setting reset. Check if the sound is blocking the Do Not Disturb mode for a particular application.
• 🔄 The Phone app itself recovers after the update: Disable automatic update of system applications in Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update applications. Use ADB Re-disable after updating.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions