How to change assistant to Xiaomi: full instructions

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are integrated by default with the Google ecosystem, which implies using Google Assistant as the main voice assistant. For many users, this is convenient, but sometimes there is a need to replace the standard solution with a more functional counterpart, for example, Alice from Yandex or Marusya. The problem is that the Android system does not allow you to simply “remove” the native assistant, requiring a deeper approach to setting up.

In this article, we will look at proven methods that allow you to reassign an assistant call or completely switch system priorities. ADB-commands to hide system components and how to set up the launch of alternative applications by pressing the power button or swipe. It is important to understand that some actions require care so as not to disrupt the stability of the work. MIUI or hyperos.

Before we start taking drastic measures, we need to consider the standard features of the operating system. Often, users are unaware that the settings already have mechanisms for selecting the default application for certain actions. We will describe each step in detail so that you can safely change the assistant and adapt the smartphone to your habits.

Why Google Assistant needs to be replaced

The main reason Xiaomi owners are looking for ways to change assistant lies in language barriers and localization. Google Assistant understands English perfectly, but its work with Russian, especially given regional features and slang, is often inferior to competitors. Russian developments such as Yandex are sharpened for local services, navigation and music platforms.

The second aspect is privacy and integration with the smart home, and if your smart device ecosystem is built around Yandex Station or VK Capsules, then using Google's native assistant creates a gap in the logic of management, and you have to use different applications to control lights, sockets and TVs, which is inconvenient.

In addition, the standard assistant can conflict with other applications, intercepting voice commands or calling at the wrong time.The system priority of Google Assistant on Android is so high that without special manipulation, it will always try to start first, which is especially annoying when you want to quickly activate a voice recorder or other service with voice.

Staffing methods for setting up the assistant by default

The first and safest step is to try to change the settings through the standard Android menu, which does not require root rights or a computer connection, but its effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI and the firmware region, and in some cases, the system allows you to choose an assistant application for processing voice requests.

To start, you need to go to the application settings section. Find the default app. The path may vary slightly across models, but the overall logic remains the same across the HyperOS shell and older versions of MIUI.

Follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open Settings and go to the Application section.
• 🔍 Select Application Management or immediately find the Default Applications.
• 🗣️ Find the Digital Assistant App category).
• ✅ Click on the current selection and try changing it to Alice or another installed assistant.

If only Google is displayed in the list of available options or the selection is not saved, then the manufacturer has blocked this opportunity at the system level, in which case, move to the next section, where more advanced methods are described.

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Before changing system settings, make sure that the alternative assistant (e.g. Yandex) is already installed, updated to the latest version and has all the necessary permissions to access the microphone.

Using ADB to disable the system component

The most effective way to remove an intrusive Google Assistant is to use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which allows you to freeze or remove the system package responsible for the assistant’s work without disrupting the integrity of the rest of the system, after which the system will no longer see Google as an available assistant and allow you to choose another program.

To implement this method, you will need a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux), USB-cable and on-line debugging USB Don't be afraid of technical terms, the process is quite simple if you follow the instructions. First, you need to activate the developer mode by quickly clicking seven times on the build number in the About Phone section.

Next, perform the preparation of the equipment:

• 💻 Download and install Platform Tools (official package) ADB) Google.
• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your PC and select the File Transfer mode» (MTP).
• 🔐 On the phone screen, confirm the debugging permission when the corresponding request appears.
• 🖥️ Open the command line or terminal in the folder with ADB Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices.

Once the device is identified, you can proceed to delete the packet. The command is as follows:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

This command removes the Google Quick Search Box, which also contains the assistant. Don't worry, Google searches in the Chrome browser and the Play Store will continue to work fine. If you want to go back to the way it was, just reset your phone or install it. APK-Google file again.

Reassign buttons and gestures through third-party utilities

If you don't want to interfere with system files, the other way is to intercept the assistant button, and often users want Alice to open from the corner of the screen when they press the power button or swipe long enough.

One of the most popular solutions is the Button Mapper or Assistive Touch app, which creates a layer on top of the system and tracks physical keystrokes. However, it is worth remembering that on newer versions of Android with enhanced security measures, such applications may require additional permissions through ADB for tab work.

The alternative is launchers. Third-party shells like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher often have their own gesture settings. You can assign a swipe up or double-touch to run any application, including voice assistants. This bypasses Xiaomi's system limitations.

⚠️ Note: Button reassignment apps may consume extra battery power as they constantly hang in the background and monitor user activity.

There are also specific applications that are designed to replace the assistant, like All Assistant, which act as an intermediary: you set them up as the default assistant (if the system allows), and inside you already choose which service will be responsible for voice control.

Comparison of popular alternatives for Xiaomi

The voice assistant market is diverse, and the choice depends on your personal preferences and the services you use. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of popular assistants available for installation on Android.

For users in Russia and the CIS, Yandex Alice is often the number one choice thanks to deep integration with taxis, maps and food delivery. Google Assistant remains king in terms of knowledge of answers to common questions and work with English-language content.

If you are a VK user, Marusya will offer easy integration with messages and music from the platform, and the choice should be based on what services you use daily, as this is where the assistant will handle most of your tasks.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

You can have a number of difficulties in changing the assistant, and the most common problem is that you have a cyclical launch or an application conflict, for example, if you try to call the assistant, you can either open Google or you can call the alternative, or you can just vibrate without action, and this is solved by clearing the cache of both applications and restarting the device.

Another challenge is to upgrade the system, because after a major MIUI update or a HyperOS upgrade, the default settings may fly off and the Google Assistant will take its rightful place again, and then the default application selection process will have to be repeated.

If you've used the ADB method, be careful when resetting your settings. Wipe Data will put the remote system pack back in place, and Google will be in charge again, and you'll either have to put up with it or repeat the deletion procedure through your computer.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove system packages associated with com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services).This can cause most applications to fail, including banking clients and navigators.

Also worth mentioning are the microphone issues, which may cause Xiaomi noise cancellation to be mishandled by some third-party assistants, which can cause voice recognition to be worse, such as calibrating the microphone through an engineering menu or using a headset.

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A complete replacement of Google Assistant is possible, but requires a comprehensive approach: disabling the system component through ADB and competently configuring the alternative.

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