Not only is voice locking a Xiaomi smartphone a handy way to protect, but it also offers an added layer of security when hands are busy or the screen is unavailable.The feature is especially useful for owners of Redmi, POCO and Mi devices, who often use the phone while on the move, while training or wearing gloves. However, not everyone knows that standard voice assistants (such as Google Assistant or Mi AI) can do this task – and not all firmware features work out of the box.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to block Xiaomi with voice: from built-in tools to third-party applications. MIUI 12/13/14, What are the limitations on different models (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 Pro+ vs POCO F5), And how to get around the common bugs when the phone doesn't respond to voice. AI, which allows you to lock the screen even without unlocking beforehand – this does not work on all Android devices.
1.Blocking through Google Assistant (works for all Xiaomi)
The most versatile method is to use Google Assistant, which is pre-installed on most Xiaomi smartphones (except Chinese versions without Google services), the advantage of which is that it does not require root rights and works even on a locked screen (if configured correctly).
To activate the function:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Google → Settings for Google apps → Search, Assistant and Voice.
- 🎤 Select the Voice Assistant → Voice control and switch on the Hey Google switch.
- 🔒 Get Voice Training (3-5 repetitions of “OK, Google»).
- 🛠️ In the Assistant Commands section, add a new command: say “Block the phone” and link it to the “Block the screen” action».
Important: On some MIUI firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 11), Google Assistant may not lock the screen the first time.
⚠️ Note: If the command does not work, check the permissions for Google in Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Special access → Assistant and voice input. This should include the item "Allow locking».
2. Hidden Mi AI feature: locking without unlocking
Xiaomi smartphone owners on MIUI 13/14 (global and Chinese versions) can use the built-in Mi AI assistant to lock the screen. Unlike Google Assistant, this method works even if the phone is already locked - just say the command without touching the screen.
Instructions for setting:
- Activate Mi AI: Settings → Mi AI → Enable Mi AI.
- Start voice training: Say “Hi, Xiomi” 3 times.
- Go to Settings Mi AI → Voice commands → Add a command.
- Create a new command (such as “Screen Block”) and select “Device Lock” action.
- Enable the option “Works on locked screen” (not available on all models).
List of supported devices (tested in practice):
| Model | MIUI | Support for voice blocking | It works on a locked screen. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 Pro | 14 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 13/14 | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| POCO F5 | 14 (Global) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Mi 11 Lite | 12.5 | ❌ No. | — |
Mi AI can lock the screen without first unlocking only on flagship models (Xiaomi 12/13/14) and some POCO. On budget Redmis (such as Redmi 10A), the function is limited.
Make sure that Mi AI is updated to the latest version|
Check the language of the system (must be Russian/English)|
Enable microphone access for Mi AI in privacy settings|
Turn off the power saving for the Mi AI (Settings → Battery → Energy saving for applications)-->
3. Alternative applications for voice blocking
If the built-in tools don't fit (e.g., older versions of MIUI or Chinese firmware without Google), you can use third-party apps.
- 🔐 Voice Lock Screen (Play Market) – supports custom commands and works on a locked screen. Requires permission to “Overlaid over other windows».
- 🤖 Tasker + AutoVoice is for advanced users, allowing you to create a voice-commanded blocking script with additional conditions (for example, only at night).
- 📱 Assistant Trigger emulates the pressing of the power button on a voice command. MIUI 12.
Example of setting up Voice Lock Screen:
- Install an app from the Play Market.
- Launch and provide all the permissions requested (microphone, overlay, availability).
- In the Voice Commands section, add a phrase (e.g., Block).
- Select the action "Lock Screen".
- Activate the option “Works on a locked screen”.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party applications may conflict with optimization MIUI. If after installation the phone started to brake, add the application to the battery exceptions: Settings → Battery → Energy saving for applications → No restrictions.
Why doesn't Mi AI recognize the team?
4. Blocking through Bixby (for POCO with Samsung firmware)
Some POCO models (such as the POCO X3 Pro on custom firmware) support Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant, which is not a standard feature for Xiaomi, but can be activated via third-party Magisk modules or Samsung Framework installations.
Instructions for advanced users:
- Install Magisk and get root rights.
- Download the “Bixby for All” module from the Magisk repository.
- Restart your phone and activate Bixby in the settings.
- Set the “Block Screen” command in the Bixby Routines menu.
Limitations of the method:
- ⚠️ Requires root rights (risk of loss of warranty).
- ⚠️ Could be in conflict with MIUI (for example POCO F4 GT Refusing to work after updating).
- ⚠️ Does not support Russian in voice commands.
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If your phone starts to overheat after installing Bixby, check the module activity in Magisk → Modules and temporarily turn it off.
5. Voice blocking via Automate (no root)
Automate allows you to create an automatic screen lock script with voice command without root rights. Suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 9A and POCO M4 Pro.
Step-by-step:
- Install Automate from Play Market.
- Create a new stream and add a “Speech recognized” block.
- In the Phrase field, type a command (e.g., Lock Now).
- Add the Lock device (see the Device section).
- Save the flow and start it.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔹 It works without root.
- 🔹 Supports multiple voice commands.
- 🔹 You can add additional conditions (for example, lock only when connected to Bluetooth headphones).
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 Automate may require permission to "Use Availability Services." Include it in Settings → Special facilities → Accessibility services.
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Automate is the only solution that works on all versions of MIUI (including Chinese ones) without root and does not conflict with battery optimization.
Typical problems and their solutions
Even after setting it up correctly, voice locks may not work, and let’s look at the most common errors and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is not responding to the team. | Microphone locked for assistant | Check permissions in Settings → Privacy → Application permissions → Microphone |
| The team is running with a delay | Energy saving limits the work of the assistant | Add the app to battery exceptions: Settings → Battery → Energy saving for applications |
| Mi AI doesn't recognize voice | Incorrect language of the system | Install English or Russian as the main language in Settings → Additional → Language and Entering |
| Google Assistant only blocks screen after unlocking | There is no permission to control the lock | Enable “Allow Lock” in Settings → Apps → Google → Additional → Assistant and Voice Input |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 🔊 Microphone sensitivity (test voice recording in a recorder).
- 📶 Internet connection stability (Google Assistant requires network connection).
- 🔄 Firmware updates (on MIUI 14.0.5+ Corrected bugs with voice commands).
7.Security: The risks of voice blocking
Voice locking is convenient, but has vulnerabilities:
- 🎤 Eavesdropping: An attacker can record your voice and play commands (especially dangerous for unlocking banking apps).
- 🔊 False positives: The assistant may lock the phone while talking or listening to music with similar phrases.
- 📱 Conflict with other features: On Xiaomi with Always-On Display, voice command can be triggered by accident.
How to minimize the risks:
- 🔒 Use unique commands (e.g., “Super lock activate” instead of “block»).
- 🛡️ Set up two-factor authentication for critical applications.
- 🔕 Turn off voice block in public places (via Do Not Disturb Mode»).
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Never use simple commands like "Block" or "Lock"; attackers can guess them by brute force, the optimal length of a command is 3-4 words.