Changing an application for processing incoming calls is not just a matter of personal preference, but also an urgent need when moving to more functional solutions. Users often find that the standard one from the smartphone manufacturer seems overloaded with unnecessary functions or, conversely, too primitive for their needs. In such cases, third-party dialer from the smartphone manufacturer seems to them overloaded with unnecessary functions or, conversely, too primitive for their needs. In such cases, outsiders come to the rescue Google Phone, Truecaller or specialized corporate solutions with conversation recording come to the rescue.
The procedure for reassigning the “receiver” of calls in the system Android is centralized and controlled through the default application settings. However, depending on the version of the operating system and the installed shell (whether from Samsung, Xiaomi or OPPO), the path to these settings may vary significantly. Sometimes the desired item is hidden deep in the menu, and in some cases the system may block the shift, requiring confirmation of administrator rights. OneUI from Samsung, MIUI from Xiaomi or ColorOS from OPPO), the path to these settings may vary significantly. Sometimes the required item is hidden deep in the menu, and in some cases the system may block the shift, requiring confirmation of administrator rights.
In this guide, we will examine in detail all possible scenarios for changing the application for receiving calls. You will learn how to force reset current settings if your phone stops ringing or is missing calls, as well as how to set up automatic answering and forwarding using new tools. Remember that changing the dialer to a device with root access or custom firmware may require additional permissions in the developer menu.
Why change the standard calling application
Standard applications pre-installed on smartphones often have limited functionality that does not cover the needs of advanced users. For example, many people want automatic call recording built into the interface, without the need to use third-party services or pay for a subscription. Other users are looking for advanced spam blockers that integrate directly into the incoming call screen, identifying scammer numbers in real time.
Another common reason for the switch is visual style and ergonomics. Some Android skins offer outdated call button designs that are awkward to use with one hand. Installing an alternative call manager allows you to customize the appearance, change the size of the reset and answer buttons, and add control gestures. This is especially true for people with disabilities or those who often use a smartphone with gloves.
It is also worth noting the issue of privacy and telemetry. Not all smartphone manufacturers are transparent about what call data they collect and transmit to their servers. Using open source software or applications with clear privacy policies, such as Simple Dialergives the user more control over their personal information. This allows you to minimize your digital footprint and avoid unwanted advertising inside the dialer interface.
How to change the application for receiving calls through the settings
The main way to change the application responsible for receiving calls is through the system settings menu. The action algorithm is universal for most versions of Android, starting from 10, but the names of the items may vary. You need to go to the menu Settings and find the section related to app management. In pure Android, this is usually a section Applications or Applications and notifications.
Inside this section you should look for the item Default applications. This is where the system stores information about which app should open when performing certain actions, for example, when opening a link or making a call. By clicking on this item, you will see a list of categories, among which there will be an item Phone or Calls. The current application will be marked with a checkmark or highlighted in color.
When you click on the “Phone” category, the system will offer you a list of all installed applications that have the right to handle calls. Select the application you need from the list, for example Truecaller or Google Phone. The system may issue a warning that a new application will gain access to your contacts and call logs. Confirm the action, and from now on all incoming and outgoing calls will be processed by the new software.
If you cannot find the “Default Applications” item in the main settings menu, try using the settings search. Enter the word “default” or “default apps” into the search bar. This will save time and immediately redirect you to the desired section, bypassing the complex nested menus of manufacturers who like to hide system settings behind their proprietary add-ons.
☑️ Check before changing the dialer
Resetting application settings to default
Sometimes the process of changing an application does not work correctly: the old software continues to pop up when making a call, or The system freezes in the selection. In such situations, the most effective solution is to completely reset application settings to default. This action will not delete your data or installed apps, but will return all file and action associations to the factory state.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → Applications. In the upper right corner of the screen there is often a menu with three dots, by clicking on which you will see the item Reset application settings or Reset preferences. Confirm the action in the pop-up window. After that, the next time you receive a call, the system will again ask you which application you want to use and offer you to choose the option “Always” or “Only once”.
This method is also useful if you accidentally checked the “Always” checkbox for an inappropriate application and now cannot change the selection. A reset will force this flag to clear, allowing you to go through the selection process again. This is especially true after a system update, when old settings may conflict with new Android security protocols.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting application settings will also clear settings for opening links. For example, links to YouTube may stop opening immediately in the application and will begin to open in the browser until you select your preferences again.
What to do if the reset did not help?
If resetting the settings did not solve the problem, try clearing the cache and data of both applications - both the old and the new one. Go to Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Storage → Clear cache/Clear data. This will return the applications to the “as after installation” state.
Specific settings on different Android shells
Smartphone manufacturers are actively modifying the Android interface, creating their own shells. This leads to the fact that the path to the call reception settings may differ radically from the stock version of the system. Understanding these differences is critical to quickly setting up your device without unnecessary searches in the menu.
Below is a table showing the differences in the paths to default application settings on popular shells. Please note that item names may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.
| Manufacturer / Shell | Path to settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Settings → Applications → Select default applications | Often requires confirmation via PIN code |
| Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS) | Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Default | Aggressively blocks third-party callers |
| Google Pixel (Stock) | Settings → Applications → Default applications | The most direct and clear path |
| Huawei (EMUI) | Settings → Applications → Default applications | May be absent in older versions |
Particular attention should be paid to devices Xiaomi i Huawei. Their security systems often have built-in mechanisms that prevent third-party applications from intercepting calls unless they are certified by the manufacturer. In such cases, you may need to grant extended permissions through the menu Accessibility or granting rights through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) when connecting to a computer.
On devices Samsung function Default apps may be hidden if Simple Mode is enabled or if you are using an Enterprise Security Profile (Knox). In such situations, you must first exit the simplified interface or obtain permission from the device administrator to change system call processing priorities.
On Xiaomi smartphones, for a third-party dialer to work, you often need to enable autostart for this application in the “Battery and Performance” setting, otherwise the system will “kill” the process when the screen is locked.
Setting up automatic answering and forwarding
After changing the application for receiving calls, users often want to set up automatic answering scenarios. This comes in handy while driving, in meetings, or when your phone is in your bag. Auto-answer functionality can be built into both the system dialer and third-party applications, but the setup logic remains similar.
To enable automatic answering, go to the settings of your new calling application. Usually this item is located in the Incoming calls or Special featuressection. There you can set the conditions: answer all calls, only from contacts from your favorites, or after a certain time after the start of the call (for example, after 3 seconds). The option to turn on the speakerphone when answering automatically is also often available.
If we are talking about call forwarding (when the call goes to another number or to voicemail), then these settings are most often regulated not by the application, but by the telecom operator. However, they are controlled through codes or the dialer menu. In call settings, select Call forwarding. Here you can set up forwarding “If the number is busy”, “If there is no answer” or “Always”.
- 📞 Auto answer timer: Set a delay of 2-3 seconds to see who is calling before the phone answers itself.
- 🚗 Driving mode: Many applications have a special profile that automatically turns on auto-reply and sends an SMS message to the caller that you are driving.
- 🔇 Quiet mode: Set up auto-reply only for contacts from the “Home” or “Work” list, so as not to miss important things by ignoring spam.
Check your battery settings and make sure that the application is not limited in background activity.
⚠️ Attention: Call forwarding charging conditions depend on your telecom operator. There may be a charge for forwarding to another number, even if you do not answer the call personally. Check the rates with your provider.
Automatic reply is a function of the application, and forwarding is an operator service. For reliable auto answering, keep the application active in memory, and use operator codes for forwarding.
Solving problems with receiving calls after a shift
After changing the main application for calls, users may encounter a number of technical problems. The most common of them is that the phone does not ring, although there is a network, or calls are dropped immediately after being answered. This is often due to a permissions conflict or an old application still trying to take over.
The first diagnostic step is to check permissions. Go to Settings → Applications → [Your new dialer] → Permissions. Make sure that access rights are granted to Phone, Contacts, Microphone and, critically, Special features (if the application requires it to determine the number or record). Without the “Phone” right, the application physically will not be able to receive a call.
The second common problem is the lack of sound during a conversation. This may be due to the new app not correctly detecting the audio route (speaker or earphone). Try manually switching the sound to the speaker and back during a call. If the problem persists, check whether the Do Not Disturb mode or blocking all incoming calls is enabled in the settings of the dialer itself.
It is also worth paying attention to the work in the background. Modern versions of Android are aggressive in saving battery and can close dialer processes if they are not active on the screen. Add the new application to the battery optimization exclusions. This is usually done through Settings → Battery → Background restrictions or in the application menu in the "Energy Saving" section.
- 🔄 Reboot: After changing the dialer and setting permissions, be sure to restart the device so that telephony services are initialized with the new ones settings.
- 🛡️ Antivirus: Some antiviruses can block the operation of call applications unknown to them. Check the logs of your security software.
- 📶 Network: Make sure that the correct network type is selected in the mobile network settings (LTE/5G) and the “2G Only” mode is not enabled, which can cause problems with establishing a connection.
If all else fails, try uninstalling updates to the Phone system application (if possible) or resetting your network settings. This will clear the APN and call settings, returning them to factory defaults, which often solves mysterious communication problems after software manipulation.
How to check which dialer is active now?
Dial the code ##4636##. In the menu that opens, select “Phone Information”. The current activity of services may be indicated there, but this code does not work on all devices. A more reliable way is to look in Settings → Applications → Default applications → Phone.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I return the old dialer if I don’t like the new one?
Yes, of course. Just go to the Default Applications settings and select your old application from the list. If you deleted the old dialer, you will have to download it again from the application store or restore it from a backup, since system components can often be returned only by flashing or resetting.
Why did contact widgets on the desktop stop working after changing the dialer?
Direct dial widgets are often tied to a specific application. When changing the main dialer, old widgets may lose connection with the database. Remove old widgets from the desktop and add new ones by selecting them from the widget menu of your new calling application.
Does changing the dialer application affect the call quality?
The application itself does not affect the radio module and signal quality. However, poor application optimization may result in connection delays or problems with speaker switching. Voice quality depends primarily on the operator and network coverage.
Will call history and contacts be saved after the shift?
Contacts are stored in a separate system database or in a Google account, so they will remain in place. Call history (call log) may not be transferred automatically, since each application maintains its own log. Some applications can import history when first launched, but this depends on their functionality.
What to do if the system does not allow you to select another application by default?
This may be a limitation of the manufacturer (for example, in some budget models or enterprise versions of the software). Try clearing the Settings app data (be careful, this will reset the system) or use ADB commands to force the package: pm set-default-package com.package.name.