Default call on Android: how to select, change and customize the calling application

Modern smartphones based on Android allow you to install any application for calls as a standard one - be it native Google Phone, Samsung Contacts, Mi Dialer from Xiaomi or third-party solutions like Truecaller i Drupe. However, not all users know how to configure default callcorrectly, why the system may reset settings, or how to restore calls to functionality after a failure. This article will help you understand all the nuances - from basic application change to solving rare errors associated with android.telecom.

Problems with setting default calls often arise after updating the OS, installing custom firmware or a conflict between several dialers. For example, on Samsung Galaxy with the shell One UI a notification “There is no default calling application” may appear, although Samsung Phone is installed. And on Pixel with a clean Android 14 sometimes the ability to select an alternative dialer disappears. We will analyze each case in detail - with explanations, screenshots (interface descriptions) and universal solutions.

We will pay special attention hidden Android settings that allow you to manually assign an application for calls via ADB if the standard method does not work. We will also consider how to avoid typical mistakes when changing the dialer and what to do if, after changing the settings, incoming calls stop coming.

What is the “default call” and why change it

Function "default call" determines which application will handle outgoing and incoming calls on your smartphone. By default, this is usually the standard dialer from the manufacturer (Google Phone, Samsung Phone, Huawei Dialer etc.), but the user can select any other compatible dialer.

Reasons for changing the default application:

• 📱 Additional features: third-party dialers (for example, Truecaller) offer number identification, spam blocking and call recording.
• 🔄 Convenience interface: some users prefer a minimalistic design Google Phone instead of an overloaded one MIUI Dialer.
• ⚡ Performance: native dialers from Samsung or Xiaomi may slow down on weak devices, and lightweight alternatives work faster.
• 🛡️ Privacy: applications like Simple Dialer not collect call data, unlike some “smart” dialers.

It is important to understand that changing the default application does not delete standard dialer - it simply intercepts call processing. The native application will remain in the system and can be used for other functions (for example, to synchronize contacts with Google Account).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei with EMUI or ColorOS from Oppo) manufacturers block the ability to change the dialer by default. This is due to the security policy and integration of brand services. In such cases, only manual assignment via ADB will help (we will discuss it below).

How to change the default call application: step-by-step guide

The process of changing the default dialer depends on the version Android and shell of the manufacturer. Below is a universal instruction that is suitable for most devices on Android 8.0 and newer.

Step 1. Install an alternative dialer

Before changing the settings, download and install the application for calls from Google Play. Popular options:

• 📞 Google Phone (from Google, minimalistic interface, integration with Google services).
• 🔍 Truecaller (spam detection, call recording, but collects a lot of data).
• ⚡ Simple Dialer (lightweight, no fluff, open source).
• 📱 Drupe (quick access to contacts via widget).

Step 2. Set the default application

Open Settings → Applications → Default applications (on some devices the path may differ: Settings → System → Advanced → Default applications).Find item "Phone" or "Call" and select the desired application from the list.

If the required dialer is not in the list, it means:

• 🔹 The application does not support call processing (check the description in Google Play).
• 🔹 The manufacturer has blocked the shift (relevant for Huawei, Xiaomi on some firmware).
• 🔹 The application did not request permission to process calls (reinstall it).

Install an alternative application for calls

Check application permissions (access to contacts, microphone, phone calls)

Close all background applications related to calls

Reboot your phone before changing settings-->

Step 3. Check functionality

After changing the application, make a test outgoing call. If the call does not go through:

• 🔄 Reboot the device.
• 📱 Check if your antivirus is blocking or Digital Wellbeing access to telephone functions.
• 🔧 Reset application settings to default in Settings → Applications → ⋮ (menu) → Reset application settings.

Manufacturer standard

Google Phone

Truecaller

Other third-party dialer

I don’t know which one is installed-->

Problem solving: “There is no default calling application”

The “No default calling application” error (or a similar notification) appears when the system cannot determine which application should handle calls. This can happen after:

• 🔄 Reset. settings.
• 📱 Removing the standard dialer (for example, through ADB or root access).
• 🤖 Updates Android, after which the settings were lost.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware installations (for example, LineageOS).

Solution:

1. Assign the application manually

Go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Phone and select any available dialer. If the list is empty, install the standard application for your device (for example, Google Phone for Pixel or Samsung Phone for Galaxy).

2. Reset settings applications

In Settings → Applications → ⋮ (menu) → Reset application settings reset all settings to default. After rebooting, the system should prompt you to select a dialer.

3. standard dialer via ADB

If the standard application has been deleted, it can be returned with the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.dialer

For Google Phone use:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.dialer

After executing the command, reboot the device.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi c MIUI) the standard dialer is integrated into the system application com.android.contacts. Its removal can lead to the inoperability of not only calls, but also SMS. It can only be restored through a complete reset or flashing.

What to do if ADB does not help?

If ADB commands do not restore the dialer, try:

1. Install the APK of the standard dialer manually (find it for your device model on thematic forums).

2. Reset to factory settings (after saving the data).

3. Reflash the device using official software (for example, through Odin for Samsung or Mi Flash for Xiaomi).

How to assign a default dialer via ADB (for advanced users)

If the standard method of changing the dialer does not work (for example, on Huawei or Xiaomi), you can manually assign an application via ADBThis method requires connecting the phone to the computer and. enable USB debugging.

Step 1. Connect your phone to the PC and enable debugging

Activate Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times to unlock developer mode). Then go to Settings → System → For developers and enable USB debugging.

Step 2. Find out the dialer package name

Use the command to see all applications that can handle calls:

adb shell dumpsys package r | grep "android.permission.CALL_PRIVILEGED"

Or find the package name in Google Play (for example, for Truecaller this com.truecaller).

Step 3. Assign a default dialer

Run the command (replace com.example.dialer with the name of your package):

adb shell cmd phone set-default-dialer com.example.dialer

For Android 10 and newer, an additional command may be required:

adb shell cmd role add-package android.role.DIALER com.example.dialer

Step 4. Reboot the device

After executing the commands, reboot the phone for the changes to take effect.

Comparison of popular dialers for Android: which one to choose

The choice of the default call application depends on your needs: for some, spam identification is important, for others, a minimalistic interface, and for others, additional functions like recording conversations. Below is a comparison table of popular dialers.

Application	Advantages	Disadvantages	Suitable for
Google Phone	Clean interface, integration with Google services, spam blocking, call recording (on some devices).	No support for dual SIM on all devices, limited customization.	Pure Android users (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia).
Truecaller	Detection of spam and scammers, large database of numbers, call recording, SMS filtering.	Collects a lot of data, advertising in the free version, high consumption batteries.	For those who often receive calls from strangers.
Simple Dialer	Open source, no advertising, minimalistic design, light weight.	Minimal functionality (no spam blocking, call recording).	Users who value privacy.
Samsung Phone	Optimized for Galaxy, support for dual SIMs, integration with Samsung Knox.	Overloaded interface, may be slow on weak devices.	Smartphone owners Samsung.
Drupe	Quick access to contacts through a widget, user-friendly interface, support for themes.	Paid functions in the premium version, not all features work on older versions of Android.	For those who often call and want quick access to contacts.

If you are not sure which dialer to choose, try installing several and testing them for a week. Most applications allow you to temporarily assign them. itself by default without full binding.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android Go (for example, Nokia 1 or Samsung Galaxy J2 Core) the choice of dialers is very limited due to system optimization for weak hardware. In such cases, it is better to use the standard application.

What to do if incoming calls do not work after changing the dialer

One of the most common problems after changing the default call application is missed incoming callsThe call may not be received, although the subscriber hears beeps Reasons and. solutions:

1. The application does not have permission to run in the background.

On Xiaomi, Huawei and Oppo the system aggressively closes background processes. data-i="226">🔹 Open

• 🔹 Open Settings → Battery → Battery optimization and disable optimization for the dialer.
• 🔹 B Settings → Applications → [Your dialer] → Battery select "Unlimited".
• 🔹 On Xiaomi Also check Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autostart.

2. Conflict with another application

If you have several dialers or spam blocking applications installed (for example, Truecaller + Should I Answer?), they may conflict Solution:

• 🔹 Delete or. disable unnecessary applications for calls.
• 🔹 In the phone settings, check which application is assigned to "Call processing" and "Call management".

3. Failure. in the service android.telecom

If inboxes do not work in any dialer, the problem may be in the system service. Try:

• 🔹 Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network.
• 🔹 Clear cache and data of telephony services: Settings → Applications → ⋮ (menu) → Show system → Telecom (clear cache and data).
• 🔹 Restart the phone in safe mode and check if calls are working (if so, the problem is in the third-party software).

How to return the standard dialer after experimenting with third-party applications

If you have tested alternative dialers and want to return the standard application, do the following:

1. Reset application settings to default

Go to Settings → Applications → ⋮ (menu) → Reset application settings. After reboot, the system will prompt you to select the dialer again - select the standard one.

2. Remove third-party dialers

If alternative applications remain in the system, they may conflict with the standard one. dialer. Delete them via Settings → Applications.

3. Restore the standard dialer via ADB

If the standard application was disabled or deleted, restore it with the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.dialer

For Google Phone:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.dialer

4. Check permissions

Make sure that the standard dialer has all the necessary permissions:

• 📞 Access to phone calls.
• 📇 Access to contacts.
• 🎤 Access to the microphone (for recording calls, if supported).

If after all the manipulations the standard dialer is not restored, all that remains is reset to factory settings (do not forget to back up the data!).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about default calls on Android

Is it possible to set two default dialers (for example, for different SIM cards)?

No, Android does not support assigning different dialers for different SIM cards. However, some manufacturers (for example, Samsung i Xiaomi) allow you to select a SIM card for an outgoing call directly in the standard dialer interface. Alternative applications like Truecaller also support selecting a SIM before making a call.

Why did the default dialer get lost after updating Android?

With major updates (for example, with Android 12 on Android 13), the system can reset application settings to default. This is due to changes in android.telecom the service responsible for telephone calls. To return the previous dialer, go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Phone and select the desired application again.

How to find out which application is currently used for calls by default?

There are two ways:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Default applications → Phone - the current application will be indicated there.
2. Run the command via ADB:

   adb shell dumpsys telecom | grep "DefaultDialer"

   The response will contain the package name of the current dialer (for example, com.google.android.dialer).

Is it possible to set a default dialer without root access?

Yes, in most cases root access is not required. It is enough to use standard settings Android or commands ADB (as described above). However, on some devices (for example, Huawei c EMUI) the manufacturer blocks the change. dialer, and without root access or unlocking the bootloader it is impossible to bypass this limitation.

Why does the caller ID not work after changing the dialer?

If you switched from a standard dialer (for example, Google Phone or Samsung Phone) to a third-party application, the built-in caller ID may stop working. This is due to the fact that:

• 🔹 Caller ID was part of the standard dialer (for example, Google Phone has a built-in database of spam numbers).
• 🔹 The new application does not have access to the database of spam numbers (for example, Truecaller uses its own base).

Solution: install a separate application for identifying numbers (for example, Truecaller or GetContact) or return to the standard dialer.