This Secret Code Replaces Google Dialer With A Better App On OnePlus Phones

As an avid retro gamer, I love a good code. There's nothing quite like punching in a series of buttons, only to have a secret be revealed. Today, even Roku TVs have hidden secret codes that users can take advantage of. Similarly, if you're using a OnePlus phone, you can punch in a special code in your dialer to upgrade your calling experience.

If you open up the Google dialer, you can type *#*#677776#*#* and be presented with the option to install the stock OnePlus Dialer onto your OnePlus smartphone. While most people probably have the stock Google dialer, the OnePlus dialer comes with a number of benefits.

Many users say the UI is much smoother than the Google dialer app, and the built-in AI tools offer a host of features. Anytime during a call, you can tap the AI Call Assistant button. You can then ask the AI to summarize the call or translate it.

The OnePlus dialer offers more than simply AI. In Settings, you can enable more features under Gesture & Motion, including lift to answer. This allows you to answer a call by simply lifting the phone to your ear. Enabling the auto switch mode lets you switch from using the loudspeaker to the receiver by again lifting the phone to your ear. This means no more fumbling with the screen and looking for an icon to tap. Moreover, you also get more options for recording calls.

Just be aware that even if you have a OnePlus phone, the dialer might not be available for you. This is because reports indicate that it's only available on certain models of OnePlus devices running the August 2026 patch. It's been tested on the OnePlus 12, but even then, it's only available in select countries.

For the more adventurous out there, you might want to try sideloading the APK onto your device. Just be warned that this isn't the official method, and you'll be doing so at your own risk. Even if the code does work, some users have reported that certain features, most notably the AI ones, don't work for them.

For most, the stock Google dialer is enough. But for those out there looking to deGoogle, there are alternatives that users often recommend. One popular recommendation comes in the form of True Phone. It claims to be faster than any other dialer available, removes unnecessary junk from the dialing experience, and works well with one-hand navigation.

The ability to customize the layout is also nice, allowing you to use large images of contacts when calls come in. You can even show additional information for contacts, like alerting you that their birthday might be coming up soon. Just be aware that this is a paid app if you don't want to get fed ads, but it does offer a free trial. For a clean break from Google while focusing on privacy, Fossify Phone is a favorite of mine.

This dialer lacks any ads and claims to enhance your phone's dialing performance while safeguarding your data and protecting your privacy, something important to me after switching to GrapheneOS. It's open-source, meaning that transparency is paramount, with users being able to check the code on GitHub anytime they like.