How to replace the standard Phone app on Android: complete guide with alternatives

Standard application "Phone" on Android it is often limited to basic functionality: there is no call recording, a smart spam blocker or flexible interface settings. Many users want to replace it with a more advanced alternative - for example, Google Phone (for pure Android), Truecaller (with call identification) or Drupe (with messenger integration). However, simply installing a new application is not enough: you need to make it the default application, otherwise calls will continue to be opened in the standard dialer.

In this article we will look at all possible ways to replace the "Phone" app on Android - from manual configuration in the system parameters to using ADB commands for devices with limited rights. We will pay special attention to the nuances of different OS versions (from Android 10 to Android 15), as well as compatibility problems with manufacturers' firmware (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS). If you want to not only change the dialer, but also transfer call history or contacts, you will also find step-by-step guide here.

Why it is worth replacing the standard "Phone" application

Native dialers from manufacturers (Samsung Phone, Xiaomi Dialer, Huawei Phone Manager) often suffer from the following problems:

• 📵 Lack of call recording —many brands remove this function due to local laws (for example, in the EU), although technically it is possible.
• 🕵️ Weak anti-spam protection —built-in blockers miss up to 30% of fraudulent calls (according to data Kaspersky for 2026 year).
• 🎨 Inflexible interface —it is impossible to change the theme, font size or button layout.
• 🔗 No integration with instant messengers —unlike Drupe or Contacts+, where calls and chats are combined in one window.

Alternative applications solve these problems. For example, Google Phone automatically filters spam through the Google database, and Truecaller recognizes numbers even without the Internet (thanks to the offline database). However, some functions may require permission to access SMS or call log —it is important to remember this during installation.

Preparation: what you need to do before replacing

Before installing a new application, complete several critical steps:

1. Save call history and contacts. Most alternative dialers import data automatically, but it's better to make a manual backup. To do this:
• 📱 Open Contacts → Settings → Export/Import.
• 📤 Export contacts to a file .vcf (to a memory card or to the cloud).
• 📞 For call history, use applications like Call Logs Backup & Restore.

Check compatibility. Some applications (for example Google Phone) do not work on custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or devices without Google services (Huawei without GMS).

Disable battery optimization for the new dialer, otherwise it may not show notifications about missed calls.

If you use Android 12+, please note that some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Oppo) block changing the dialer by default through the graphical interface. In this case, you will need ADB command (we'll look at it in a separate section).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android Go (for example Nokia 1.4 or Samsung Galaxy A03s) many alternative dialers are unstable due to limited resources. Before installation, check reviews from users of your model.

Method 1: Replacement through Android settings (for most devices)

This is the simplest method that works on pure Android (for example, Pixel, Motorola, Nokia) and some custom firmware. Instructions:

1. Install an alternative application from Google Play (for example, Google Phone).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Default applications → Phone application.
3. In the list, select the installed dialer (for example, Google Phone or Truecaller).
4. Confirm the change in the window that appears.

If the “Phone application” item is not in the settings, try another way:

Settings → System → Advanced → Default applications → Phone

What to do if the new dialer is not displayed in the list?

This means that the application is not declared as a dialer in the Android manifest. Try:

1. Reinstall the APK (sometimes it helps).

2. Use the ADB command (see Method 3).

3. Check if the application supports your version of Android (for example, Google Phone does not work on Android 8 and below).

On devices Samsung the path may differ:

Settings → Applications → Three dots (menu) → Default applications → Phone application

⚠️ Attention: On some firmwares (MIUI 14+, ColorOS 13+) after changing the dialer, notifications about missed calls may disappear. To fix this, go to Settings → Notifications → Advanced → System notifications and enable the "Missed calls" option for the new application.

Method 2: Using ADB for devices with restrictions

If your manufacturer has blocked changing the dialer via the graphical interface (relevant for Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo), you can bypass the limitation using ADB (This method requires the Android Debug Bridge). connecting the phone to the computer, but does not need root access.

Steps:

1. Enable USB debugging on the phone:

   Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times)
   Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging

2. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm permission to debug.
3. Download ADB Tools and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
4. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   The serial number of your device should appear.

5. Run the command to change the dialer (replace com.example.dialer with your application package, for example com.google.android.dialer for Google Phone):

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

6. Reboot your phone.

After the reboot, the new application will appear in the list of default dialers. If the command does not work, try the alternative:

adb shell pm grant com.example.dialer android.permission.BIND_TELECOM_CONNECTION_SERVICE

💡

To find out the package name of the application, install App Inspector from Google Play. It will show the exact package name for the ADB command.

Method 3: Transferring call history and contacts to a new dialer

If you are moving from one dialer to another, it is important to transfer the call history and contacts. Most applications (for example Truecaller or Drupeoffer automatic import when you first launch, but sometimes manual configuration is required.

Transfer contacts:

• 📇 If contacts are synced with Google Account, they will automatically will be pulled into the new dialer.
• 📱 For local contacts, export them to .vcf (as described in the "Preparation" section) and import them into the new application via Settings → Import/Export.

Transfer call history:

• 📞 Use applications like Call Logs Backup & Restore:
  1. Create a backup in the format .xml or .csv.
  2. In the new dialer, find the import option (usually in Settings → Advanced).
7. 🔄 For Google Phone history is synchronized with your Google account if the option is enabled Settings → Call history → Synchronization.

Dialer	Auto-import contacts	Auto-import history	Manual import
Google Phone	✅ (via Google Account)	✅ (if synchronization is enabled)	❌
Truecaller	✅	❌	✅ (via .csv)
Drupe	✅	✅ (partially)	✅ (via backup)
Contacts+	✅	❌	✅ (via .vcf)

⚠️ Attention: When importing call history from .csv to Truecaller or Drupe tags (for example, “incoming”/“outgoing”) may be lost. To avoid this, use a format .xml with metadata support.

Method 4: Setting up an alternative dialer for maximum functionality

Install a new application - half the battle. To make it work more efficiently than the standard one, configure the key parameters:

• 🔕 Spam blocking:
  • B Google Phone: Settings → Spam and calls → Filter spam (turn on the "Show warning" option).
  • V Truecaller: Settings → Blocking → Auto-block (select severity level).
• 🎤 Call recording:
  • V Drupe or Cube Call Recorder enable recording in Settings → Call recording.
  • On Android 10+ you will need permission to access notifications (to bypass Google restrictions).
• 🌓 Dark theme and interface:
  • Theme is tied to the system settings. Google Phone The theme is tied to system settings.
  • You can choose a color scheme in Contacts+ you can choose a color scheme in Settings → Appearance.

For devices with Android 13+ some functions (for example, call recording) may require Accessibility permissions. To grant it:

Settings → Accessibility → Installed services → [Your app]

Problems and solutions: what to do if the dialer does not work

Even after correct installation, malfunctions may occur. Let's look at typical problems and ways to solve them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Dialer does not open when calling	Not assigned by default or conflict with another application	Check the default settings or use ADB
No sound when calling	Conflict with the application for modifying the sound (for example, ViPER4Android)	Disable sound modifiers or reset settings
Contacts are not displayed	No synchronization with Google Account	Go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Contacts synchronization
The application closes when call	Lack of memory or conflict with the firmware	Clear the cache or reinstall the APK

If after changing the dialer you stop receiving notifications about missed calls:

1. Open Settings → Applications → [Your dialer] → Notifications.
2. Enable all permissions related to notifications.
3. In the section Notification categories activate “Missed calls.”

On devices Xiaomi Additionally check:

Settings → Notifications → Advanced → Notification priority

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (ColorOS 14, FuntouchOS 14), after updating the system, the dialer settings are reset to default. To avoid this, pin the application in memory via Settings → Applications → [Dialer] → Battery → Unlimited.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the dialer on Android

Is it possible to return the standard "Phone" application after replacement?

Yes, for this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → "Phone" application.
2. Select the standard dialer (usually called “Phone” or “Dialer”).
3. Confirm the change.

If the standard application has disappeared from the list, try resetting application settings in Settings → System → Reset → Reset settings applications.

Will recording calls work in alternative dialers on Android 14?

On Android 14+ Google has tightened restrictions on call recording. Most applications (including Cube Call Recorder and ACR) require:

• Notification access permissions (Notification Listener).
• Use availability (in accessibility settings).

On some firmware (for example, MIUI 15), recording may not work at all due to the manufacturer's policy.

How to transfer call history from iPhone to Android?

For this:

1. On iPhone export history via iTunes or specialized applications (for example, iMazing).
2. Save the file in .csv or .xml.
3. On Android Import it via Call Logs Backup & Restore or analogues.

Please note that time stamps may be confused due to differences in data formats.

Why does the new dialer not show photos of contacts?

This happens due to:

• Lack of synchronization with Google Contacts.
• Application restrictions on access to storage.

Solution:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Dialer] → Permissions and enable access to Contacts i Storage.
2. Update contact photos in Google Contacts (they must be uploaded in high resolution).

Is it possible to use two dialers at the same time?

Technically yes, but only one of them can be default application. The second dialer will work like a regular application - you can open it manually, but incoming calls will be processed by the main dialer.

Exception: some applications (for example, Drupe) allow you to integrate a second dialer as an add-on for additional functions (for example, call recording).