OK Google on Xiaomi: Fully customize voice assistant in 5 minutes

Why Voice Assistant Doesn't Work on Xiaomi and How to Fix It

Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones often face problems when setting up OK Google’s voice assistant — despite the fact that the devices are running Android. The reason lies in the conflict between the branded shell and Google services: by default, MIUI blocks the background activity of the assistant, saving battery power. In addition, some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro) do not have a pre-installed Google Assistant app, without which voice commands simply cannot be recognized.

In this article, we will analyze a unique configuration algorithm for Xiaomi, which takes into account the features of the MIUI 12-14 and allows you to bypass the standard system constraints. OK Google even on budget models with 3 GB of RAM, where the manufacturer turned off support for voice input by default. And also – how to configure the launch of the assistant from the locked screen, which is especially important for owners of Xiaomi 13 Lite or Redmi. 10C.

Phone Preparation: What to Do Before Setup

Before you start activating the voice assistant, make sure your smartphone meets the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Android Version: No less than 10.0 (on the MIUI 11 and older OK Google is not operating smoothly).
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 30% – at low levels, the system can interrupt voice learning.
• 🌐 Internet connection: stable Wi-Fi or 4G/5G (Voice models are downloaded from Google servers).
• 🗣️ Language of the system: Russian or English (for other languages, voice command support is limited).

If you use Xiaomi with Global ROM, there should be no problem, but Chinese ROM owners will have to manually install Google Play Services first, which we’ll explain in a separate section.

Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3) have Google Play Protect disabled by default. To avoid setting errors, turn it on:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Slip on the profile avatar → Play Protect.
3. Activate the application scan option.

Installation and Update of Google Assistant

Most of the problems with OK Google on Xiaomi are due to the lack or outdated version of the Google Assistant app, and even if it is preinstalled, it needs to be updated:

1. Open the Google Play Store and find the Google Assistant app.
2. Press Update (if the button is active) or Install.
3. Once installed, restart your phone – this is a must-do step to apply the changes.

For Chinese firmware (China) ROM) will require manual installation APK-file:

⚠️ Warning: If the Assistant doesn’t appear in the app menu after you install Google, check the Google folder on the home screen or search the system. On some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11 Lite), the app is hidden by default.

Activation of voice control: step-by-step instructions

Now, let's get to the basic setting. Follow the instructions carefully, skipping any step can cause you to fail.

1. Open the Google Assistant app (or download it if you haven’t already).
2. In the upper right corner, tap the profile icon → Settings.
3. Select Google Assistant → General → OK Google and Voice Input.
4. Activate the Hey Google switch and follow the instructions for voice training (say the phrase 3 times).

You'll see a microphone access warning on the screen, allow it, and if you don't see the request, check the permissions manually.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Assistant and select Permissions.
3. Enable access to the Microphone, Contacts (optional) and Notifications.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 After the system update, the permissions may be reset. Check them after each major firmware update.

Setup to start from a locked screen

By default, OK Google doesn't work when the phone's screen is off. To activate this feature:

1. Open Settings → Display → Lock the screen.
2. Select Voice Assistant (some models call it Voice Activation).
3. Activate the option to Allow voice activation from the locked screen.

If this item is not available, use an alternative method:

1. Open Google Assistant and go to Settings.
2. Select an Assistant. → Phone.
3. Enable voice unlock option (installation required) PIN-code-key).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO C40) voice unlocking may not work properly due to the limitations of the chipset, in which case we recommend using a physical power button.

Removing common mistakes

If Google does not respond to commands after setting up OK, check the following points:

For models with MIUI 14 (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5), additional customization may be required:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Hearing.
2. Turn off the Sound Improvement option – it may interfere with voice recognition.

💡

If Google Assistant is constantly restarting, clear its cache through Settings → Apps → Google → Storage → Clear the cache. This will help avoid conflicts with the MIUI updates.

Additional features: voice commands for Xiaomi

Once you have successfully set up OK, Google can be used to control your hands-free Xiaomi smartphone. Here are some useful commands:

• 📸 "OK Google, Take a Selfie – Activates the Front Camera.
• 🔦 "OK Google, Turn on the Flashlight – Works on a Locked Screen.
• 📵 "OK Google, turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode – quickly disable notifications.
• 🔋 "OK Google, show the battery power, says the current percentage.
• 🌡️ "OK Google, what's the temperature outside? - Google Weather Data.

For owners of Xiaomi with IR-Port (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Teams available to manage equipment:

• 📺 "OK Google Turn on TV (Pre-setting required in Mi Remote app).
• ❄️ "OK Google set the temperature of the air conditioner to 22 degrees".

⚠️ Attention: Voice commands for control IR-devices only work when you are actively connected to the Internet, as processing takes place on Google servers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions