The standard call log on Android is often limited to basic functions: there is no filtering by call type, no integration with instant messengers or cloud backup. Many users are faced with the fact that the system application "Phone"** does not save history for longer than 30 days, does not support themes, or simply works unstable on firmware from Xiaomi, Samsung One UI or ColorOS.

Fortunately, on Android, you can completely replace the call log with a third-party application or modify it through system settings. - without superuser rights (root). In this article, we will look at all the current methods: from simply changing the default application to hidden functions of manufacturers and automation via ADB. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions Android 12–15 and popular brands.

⚠️ Important: On some devices (for example, Huawei with HarmonyOS or Samsung Knox) system applications protected from replacement. Check the limitations in your model's documentation.

1. Replacing the standard “Phone” application through settings

The easiest way is to install an alternative dialer (for example, Google Phone, Truecaller or Simple Dialer) and make it the default application. This method works on all devices with Android 6.0+, but may require additional steps on firmware from manufacturers.

Action algorithm:

  1. Download an alternative dialer from Google Play (recommended Google Phone for clean Android or Truecaller to identify spam).
  2. Open Settings → Applications → Default applications → Phone.
  3. Select an installed application from the list.
  4. Confirm the replacement in the window that appears.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi (MIUI) and Oppo (ColorOS) the path to the settings may differ. If there is no “Default Applications” item, use the search in the settings for the request phone.

☑️ Preparing to replace the dealer

Done: 0 / 4

2. Using alternative applications: TOP 5 dialers

The standard call log on Android often loses to third-party solutions in terms of functionality. For example, it supports a spammer database with 300 million records. Below is a comparison of popular alternatives: Google Phone supports automatic voicemail transcription, A Truecaller — spammer database with 300 million entries. Below is a comparison of popular alternatives:

ApplicationKey featuresConsCompatibility
Google PhoneVoice mail, spam filter, integration with Google ContactsNo themes, limited customizationAndroid 8.0+, does not work on Huawei without GMS
TruecallerSpam identification, blocking unwanted calls, cloud backupRequires registration, collects user dataAndroid 5.0+, there is a version for iOS
Simple DialerMinimalistic interface, theme support, export history to .csvNo built-in spam filterAndroid 6.0+
DrupeQuick access widgets, integration with WhatsApp i TelegramAdvertising in the free versionAndroid 7.0+
ExDialerT9 search, gesture support, font customizationNot updated since 2021Android 4.4–12.0

📊 Which calling application are you do you use?
Standard dialer
Google Phone
Truecaller
Simple Dialer
Other

For devices without Google Mobile Services (for example Huawei or some models Xiaomi for China) suitable Simple Dialer or Kontakt —they do not require GMS and work through standard API telephonies.

3. Hidden features of manufacturers: how to change the log without third-party applications

Some brands offer advanced call log settings directly in the firmware. For example:

  • 📱 Samsung One UI: In Settings → Additional features → Call log you can enable filtering by call types (incoming/outgoing/missed calls) and configure the display of duplicate contacts.
  • 📱 Xiaomi MIUI: In Phone → Three dots → Settings → Journal is available: In sorting by date/name and exporting history to .vcf.
  • 📱 Google Pixel: IN Google Phone there is a hidden function ##4636## (test menu), where you can reset call statistics.

How to enable the hidden menu on Xiaomi

Dial the code in the standard "Phone" application ##4636##, then go to "Usage statistics" section and select "Clear data". This will reset the call history without deleting contacts.

⚠️ Attention: On Oppo/Realme (ColorOS), changing system applications may cause the service to fail. com.android.phone. Before experiments, create a backup via Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset.

4. Manual editing of the call log via ADB (for advanced)

If you need not just to replace the application, but Edit or clear call history programmatically, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting the phone to the PC and enabling USB debugging.

Instructions:

  1. Install ADB on your computer (download Platform Tools from the site Google).
  2. Enable on your phone Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times), then return to Settings → System → For Developers and activate USB Debugging.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb shell content query --uri content://call_log/calls

    To clear the log, use:

    adb shell content delete --uri content://call_log/calls

adb shell content query --uri content://call_log/calls > calls_backup.txt

This will create a backup on PC.-->

⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ access to call_log via ADB If the command does not work, check the permissions for the package. com.android.providers.contacts: 

adb shell pm grant com.android.providers.contacts android.permission.READ_CALL_LOG

adb shell pm grant com.android.providers.contacts android.permission.WRITE_CALL_LOG

5. Automation via Tasker or MacroDroid

If you need automatically archive call logs or redirect it to another application, use Tasker or MacroDroid. For example, you can set up a rule:

  • 🔄 Export call history to daily at 2:00 Google Sheets.
  • 📤 Automatically delete records older than 60 days.
  • 🔔 Send a notification when a missed call from an unknown person numbers.

Example of a macro for MacroDroid:

  1. Event: New missed call.
  2. Action: Send SMS (self) with the number and time of the call.
  3. Restriction: Only if the number is not in contacts.

💡

Automation via Tasker/MacroDroid allows you to bypass system log restrictions, but requires rights to access call history (permission READ_CALL_LOG).

6. Restoring a deleted call log

If you accidentally cleared the history or it disappeared after resetting the settings, try restoring the data:

  • 🔍 Via Google Account: Go to contacts.google.com, select More → Restore contacts (sometimes call history is synchronized with contacts).
  • 📱 Via backup MIUI/Oppo/Realme: In the manufacturer's account settings (Settings → [Your account] → Cloud) check for backup Call Logs.
  • 💾 Through third-party utilities: Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver scan the internal memory for data remains (required root for deep analysis).

⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ system applications store the log in an encrypted database /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db. Without root data recovery is almost impossible.

7. Frequent problems and solutions

Problem 1: After replacing the dealer, missed calls disappeared.

Solution: Restart the phone and check the permissions for the new application (Settings → Applications → [New dialer] → Permissions). If this does not help, clear the system application cache com.android.phone.

Problem 2: On Samsung I can’t change the dialer by by default.

Solution: Install Google Phone via APKMirror (version for Samsung), then use ADB to force shifts: 

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.google.android.dialer

Problem 3: The call log does not sync with Google Account.

Solution: Enable synchronization in Settings → Accounts → Google → Account synchronization and make sure that the item is active Contact (sometimes call history is linked to them).

💡

On devices c Android Go (for example, Nokia 1.4 or Samsung Galaxy A03) replacing a dealer may lead to disruptions due to limited resources. In this case, use lightweight versions of applications (for example, Google Phone Go).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to change the call log without superuser rights?

Yes, most modern smartphones allow you to change the default application through the settings. However, on some firmware (for example, EMUI from Huawei) system applications are blocked from being replaced.

Why did the call log disappear after updating Android?

With major updates (for example, from Android 12 to 13), the system may reset application cache com.android.providers.contacts. Try restoring data from backup Google Account or resynchronizing contacts.

How to transfer call history to a new phone?

Use applications like Super Backup & Restore or SMS Backup & Restore (despite the name, it also supports call log). An alternative is to export via ADB to a file .csv and import on a new device.

Is it possible to hide specific numbers from the log?

Yes, Truecaller or Google Phone there is a function for hiding records. An alternative is to use App Ops (requires ADB) to block access to call history for individual applications.

Why in the log not all calls are displayed?

Possible reasons:

  • 📵 Operator restriction (for example, MTS or Beeline may not transmit data on short calls).
  • ⚙️ Setting up filtering in the dialer (check Settings → Log → Show all types of calls).
  • 🔄 Synchronization with the cloud is disabled (relevant for Samsung Cloud or Mi Cloud).