How to change the voice assistant on Xiaomi devices: all the ways and nuances

Voice assistants have become an integral part of modern smartphones, and Xiaomi devices are no exception. By default, most models have a proprietary Mi AI Assistant (formerly Xiao AI), but not all users like it. Someone prefers the usual Google Assistant, someone is more convenient Alice from Yandex, and some want to completely disable the voice assistant so that it does not interfere with random positives.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the voice assistant on Xiaomi smartphones and smart devices, from simple replacement through settings to manually editing system settings for advanced users, also explain which assistants are supported on different models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra), and give recommendations for setting up for maximum convenience.

If you want to not just change the assistant, but completely disable it so that it does not start on a button or voice command, there is a separate section at the end of this article with instructions. And for those who have encountered errors during the change (for example, the assistant does not respond or installs), we have prepared an FAQ with solutions to problems.

What voice assistants are supported on Xiaomi

On Xiaomi devices, you can use three main types of voice assistants:

1. Mi AI Assistant is a Xiaomi-branded assistant integrated into the MIUI shell, which works in Chinese and English (partially supports Russian), optimized for managing smart devices of the Mi Home ecosystem.
2. Google Assistant is a universal assistant from Google, supports Russian, integrated with Google services (Search, Calendar, Maps). Requires the installation of the Google application.
3. Alice is a Yandex assistant, optimized for Russian-speaking users, and works well with Yandex services (Music, Maps, Weather), but may conflict with MIUI on some firmware.

In addition, some models (such as the Xiaomi Pad 6 or Redmi K60) can install third-party assistants via ADB or special applications, but this requires root rights or an unlocked bootloader.

Comparison of the capabilities of assistants:

Important: On devices with global firmware (for example, Redmi Note 12 Global), Google Assistant can be installed by default instead of Mi AI. On Chinese firmware (China ROM) Mi AI cannot be removed without root rights.

How to change voice assistant through MIUI settings

The easiest way to change assistant is to use the standard MIUI settings.This method works on most models, including the Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 11, POCO X5 and others with the MIUI 12 shell version and later.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Applications by default.
2. Find the Voice Assistant (or Assist & Voice Input in English).
3. In the list of available applications, select the appropriate assistant: 🔍 Google – for Google Assistant (requires the installed Google application from the Play Market). 🤖 Mi AI – to return to the standard assistant. 🗣️ Yandex – if Alice (Yandex or Alice application) is installed.

Confirm the selection and restart the device (recommended for application of changes).

If the right assistant is not on the list, you will have to install it manually (see the next section).

Make sure the app you want (Google/Alice) is installed |

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Check the availability of the Internet (to download additional data)|

Make a backup copy of settings (optional)-->

Install Google Assistant or Alice manually

If you don't have the right assistant in your MIUI settings, you can add it yourself, and let's look at two options: Google Assistant and Alice.

Installation of Google Assistant:

1. Download and install the Google App from Play Market (if not installed).
2. Open the Google app, go to Settings → Google Assistant.
3. Follow the instructions for setting up (you will need to link a Google account).
4. Return to MIUI Settings → Default Apps and select Google as the default assistant.

Installation of Alice from Yandex:

1. Install the Yandex or Alice app from Play Market.
2. Launch the app and perform the initial setup (allow access to microphone and contacts).
3. In MIUI, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
4. Find Yandex in the list, open its settings and enable the default Start option (if available).
5. Return to the default Apps and select Yandex as the voice assistant.

⚠️ Warning: Some firmware MIUI (especially Chinese ones) may not show Alice in the assistant list, in which case only manual replacement via ADB (see Advanced Users section) will help.

💡

If after installing Alice she does not respond to voice commands, try to disable battery optimization for the Yandex application in the MIUI settings.

Replacing voice assistant via ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods do not work (e.g., on Chinese firmware or custom build MIUI), you can use ADB- commands to force the assistant change, this method requires on-set debugging on USB and installed ADB drivers on the computer.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI Version until you become a developer notification appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.

CMD

Terminal

adb shell settings put global assistant com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

For Alice, use:

adb shell settings put global assistant ru.yandex.searchplugin

Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect use of ADB- commands may cause system failures. If the assistant stops working completely after executing commands, reset the settings via adb shell settings delete global assistant.

How to Turn Off Your Voice Assistant Completely

If you don't need a voice assistant at all (for example, it's random or intrusive), you can turn it off completely. The methods depend on the model and version MIUI.

Method 1: Disconnection through settings

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi AI (or Google if it is installed) and open its settings.
3. Click Disable (if the button is active) or Remove Updates (to reset to the factory version).
4. Turn off microphone access permissions and auto-start.

Method 2: Uncoupling from the button (for the physical assistant button)

Some models (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi K40) have a separate button to call the assistant.

1. Go to Settings → Buttons and gestures → Assistant button.
2. Select Action No or assign another app (like a camera or flashlight).

Method 3: Blocking through ADB (for Chinese firmware)

If the assistant does not turn off standard methods, use the command:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.voiceassist

To return to the factory settings:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.voiceassist

💡

Disabling the voice assistant does not affect the operation of the basic functions of the smartphone, but may limit access to some services (for example, voice control of the smart home).

Solving problems when changing voice assistant

When replacing an assistant, users often encounter common mistakes, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The assistant does not change in the settings

If there are no options in the default list of the Application, check:

• 📱 Is the Assistant App (Google/Alice installed and updated?
• 🌐 Is the smartphone connected to the Internet (some assistants require you to download additional data).
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.

Problem 2: Assistant does not respond to voice commands

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🎤 Check the permissions to access the microphone: Settings → Applications → Permissions → Microphone.
• 🔋 Turn off battery optimization for the assistant app.
• 🗣️ Retrain the voice model: in the assistant settings, find the option "Schooling".

Problem 3: Conflict between assistants

If multiple assistants are installed (like Google and Alice), they may conflict.

1. Leave only one assistant, disable or remove the others.
2. Reset the default settings: Settings → Apps → Reset application settings.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with MIUI China ROM (Chinese firmware), some assistants (like Alice) may not work due to region constraints, in which case only changing the firmware to global will help.

Comparison of voice assistants in practice: which one to choose

The choice of assistant depends on your tasks, and let's look at the pros and cons of each option using typical scenarios.

Mi AI Assistant:

• ✅ Ideal for managing Xiaomi smart devices (lamps, robot vacuum cleaners, sockets).
• ✅ Opens quickly with a button or voice command (even on a locked screen).
• ❌ Limited functionality outside the Mi Home ecosystem.
• ❌ There is no full support for the Russian language.

Google Assistant:

• ✅ Best for finding information, managing calendar and Google services.
• ✅ Supports Russian and recognizes natural speech.
• ❌ May brake on weak devices (e.g., Redmi 9A).
• ❌ Requires a permanent internet connection for most functions.

Alice from Yandex:

• ✅ Optimized for Russian-speaking users (understanding slang, accents).
• ✅ Well integrated with Yandex services (Music, Maps, Weather).
• ❌ Can conflict with MIUI on Chinese firmware.
• ❌ Fewer smart home management capabilities compared to Mi AI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing voice assistant