How to change voice assistant on Xiaomi: from Xiao AI Google Assistant and Alice

Voice assistants have become an integral part of modern smartphones, making it easier to perform everyday tasks - from setting an alarm clock to managing a smart home. Xiaomi device owners by default get the branded Xiao assistant AI, It is well integrated with the brand ecosystem, but does not always meet the expectations of users. Perhaps you lack the functionality of Google Assistant, the voice of Alice from Yandex sounds more familiar, or you want to test alternative solutions like Bixby or Siri (for iPhone owners paired with Xiaomi).

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to completely replace or supplement the standard assistant on Xiaomi, including models on the platform. MIUI 14/15 And HyperOS. You'll find out:

  • πŸ”„ How to turn off Xiao AI Why is it not always possible without root rights?
  • πŸ€– Google Assistant installation Step-by-step (including solutions for China and global firmware)
  • πŸ—£οΈ How to set up Alice from Yandex as the main assistant
  • βš™οΈ Hidden settings for advanced users (including: ADB Tasker)
  • ⚠️ Risks and Limitations of Replacing an Assistant with Unofficial Firmware

Important: the procedure differs depending on the firmware region (China, global, EEA), version MIUI/HyperOS We cover all current scenarios, but some steps may require additional actions for older devices (e.g. Redmi Note). 8 Pro or Mi 9).

πŸ“Š Which voice assistant do you prefer?
Xiao AI
Google Assistant
Alice (Yandex)
Siri
Other

1.Why users want to change voice assistant to Xiaomi

Xiao's corporate assistant AI There are a number of limitations that push users to find alternatives:

  • 🌍 Regional restrictions: on Chinese firmware Xiao AI It only works in Chinese, and on global versions, the functionality is often cut down.
  • πŸ” Limited integration: poorly interacts with Western services (Google Calendar, Gmail, Spotify).
  • 🎀 Recognition quality: inferior to Google Assistant in accuracy of speech recognition in Russian / English.
  • πŸ› οΈ No customization: You can’t change voice, accents, or add custom commands.

For comparison, Google Assistant offers:

  • 🌐 Support for more than 30 languages and dialects (including Ukrainian, Kazakh, Turkish).
  • πŸ”— Deep integration with the Google ecosystem (Mail, Maps, Translator, YouTube).
  • 🎡 Music management via Spotify, YouTube Music and Apple Music.
  • 🏠 Smart home support (including devices that are not compatible with Mi Home).

Alice from Yandex, in turn, is better adapted for Russian-speaking users:

  • πŸ“‘ More accurately recognizes accents and dialects of the Russian language.
  • πŸš— Integration with Yandex.Navigator, Music, Weather and Maps.
  • πŸ’° Support for payments through Yandex.Money and bank cards.
  • 🎭 Option to choose voices (including voices of stars).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Xiao replacement AI It may require unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware, which cancels the warranty and increases the risk of "bricking" the phone.

Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before replacing the assistant

Before you start replacing the voice assistant, follow the mandatory preparatory steps:

Update the firmware to the latest version (MIUI 14+/HyperOS)

Backup your data in Mi Cloud or via your computer

Check the space available (at least 1 GB required)

Turn off battery optimization for assistant apps

Make sure access to geodata and microphone is enabled-->

Pay special attention to the firmware version:

  • πŸ“± At HyperOS (2026)+) The process of installing alternative assistants is simplified.
  • πŸ”„ Nana MIUI 12-14 Additional adjustments may be required through ADB.
  • 🚫 Nana MIUI 11 and older Xiao replacement AI without root is almost impossible.

Check out the current version of the firmware:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI/HyperOS.
  2. Remember or write down the full name (for example, V14.0.5.0.TKLCNXM).
  3. If the version is outdated, update via Settings β†’ System Update.
Firmware versionSupport for Google AssistantAlice's supportWhether ADB is required
HyperOS 1.0+βœ… Yes (installed as a regular app)βœ… Yes.❌ No.
MIUI 14 Global/EEAβœ… Yes (activation may be required)βœ… Yes.⚠️ Sometimes.
MIUI 14 China❌ No (region change required)βœ… Yes (through third-party launchers)βœ… Yes.
MIUI 12-13βœ… Yes (with limitations)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Before installing Google Assistant, you must change your region to India or Russia via Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Region: Otherwise, the application will not start.

3. How to disable or remove Xiao AI (guide)

Before installing an alternative assistant, it is recommended to disable or remove Xiao. AI, The ways of avoiding conflict vary depending on the user's rights:

Method 1: Disconnect without root rights (for most users)

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find Xiao. AI (It can be called "Voice Assistant" or "Mi". AI").
  3. Click Disable (Do not "Delete"!).
  4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (for advanced)

If the shutdown does not help, you can remove the application through ADB:

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

For this:

  1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
  2. Enable USB Debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (click 7 times on the version, then go back to Additional β†’ For Developers).
  3. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command above.
What happens if Xiao is removed? AI root?
Removal of the Xiao System Application AI with root rights may result in: πŸ”„ Failures in the work of branded applications (Mi Home, Mi Fit). πŸ”Š Loss of voice control functionality in standard applications. πŸ“± Problems with future firmware updates (the application may recover). TWRP before removal.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3) Xiao AI Integrated into the system launcher, which can cause the main menu to be disabled if removed, and then use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.

4. Install Google Assistant on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Google Assistant is the most popular alternative assistant for Xiaomi, and installation of it usually does not cause problems on global firmware, but on Chinese versions requires circumvention of restrictions.

Step 1: Installation of the application

  1. Download the latest version of Google Assistant from Google Play.
  2. If the Play Market is not available (in China) ROM), download APK From a trusted website like APKMirror.
  3. Install APK by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Special Rights β†’ Install Unknown Applications).

Step 2: Set up as a default assistant

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Default applications β†’ Voice input.
  2. Select Google (or com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox).
  3. Start Assistant manually and go through the initial setting (voice, language, permissions).

Step 3: Activate by voice command

To run Assistant by voice (e.g., β€œOK, Google”):

  1. Open the Google app (not Assistant!).
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Voice Search β†’ Voice Assistant.
  3. Enable the option of Access from any screen.
  4. Take a voice model training (recording) 3-5 phrase).
  • πŸ”Š Permission to access the microphone (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Permits).
  • πŸ“΅ No energy saving restrictions for Google App.
  • 🌐 Internet connection (Assistant requires online access).
Problem.Reason.Decision
Assistant is not installedChinese firmware without Google servicesInstall Google Installer from APKMirror
Doesn't respond to "OK, Google."Voice access is disabledEnable in the settings of Google App (Voice Search) β†’ Voice assistant)
It only works in English.The Wrong RegionChange the language of the system to Russian in Settings β†’ Language and input

5.Setting up Alice (Yandex) as the main assistant

Alice from Yandex is the best choice for Russian-speaking users due to its deep integration with local services, and installation is possible even on Chinese firmware.

Step 1: Installation of the application

  1. Download Alice's app from Google Play or AppGallery.
  2. If you have China ROM, use APK s 4PDA (Check the reviews on the version!).
  3. Install and open the application, log in through the Yandex account.

Step 2: Set up voice launch

Alice supports the launch on the command of "Alice" or "Hello Alice":

  1. In the Alice app, go to Settings β†’ Voice assistant.
  2. Turn on the voice recognition option.
  3. Record voice samples (3-5 phrase-recognition).
  4. Allow auto-start in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Alice. β†’ Auto-start.

Step 3: Integration with the system

To make Alice the default assistant:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Default Applications β†’ Voice input.
  2. Choose Alice (or en.yandex.alice).
  3. For quick access, add Alice's widget to the home screen.

πŸ’‘

Alice is better than Google Assistant recognizes Russian speech with an accent and supports payments through Yandex.Money, but inferior in integration with Western services (Gmail, Google Calendar).

For advanced users: Alice can be integrated with Tasker to automate tasks, for example, the "Alice, turn on sleep mode" command can:

  • πŸŒ™ Set up a silent regime.
  • πŸ“΅ Disable mobile data for social networks.
  • πŸ•’ Set an alarm for 7:00.

6.Alternative assistants: Siri, Bixby and others

If neither Google Assistant nor Alice is good for you, consider other options:

Siri for iPhone owners + Xiaomi

If you have an iPhone and Xiaomi, you can use Siri to manage some of the features of your Android device:

  1. Install the AutoRemote app on Xiaomi.
  2. On iPhone, configure Shortcuts with commands for AutoRemote.
  3. Siri can now send commands to Xiaomi (like turning on a flashlight or running music).

Samsung Bixby

Although Bixby is designed for Samsung, it can be installed on Xiaomi:

  1. Download. APK Bixby (version for Android 10)+).
  2. Set and allow all the permissions requested.
  3. Set up voice launch through Settings β†’ Voice assistant.

Limitations: Bixby will not manage Xiaomi hardware features (e.g., camera or other features) NFC).

Other options

  • πŸ€– Amazon Alexa: Suitable for Smart Home Management (requires a separate Echo device).
  • 🎡 SoundHound: specializes in music recognition and voice commands for player.
  • πŸ” Dragon Mobile Assistant: An alternative with a focus on dictation and translation.

⚠️ Note: Alternative assistants (except Google Assistant and Alice) may not have Russian support or require a permanent connection to the manufacturer’s servers (for example, Bixby only works with Samsung servers).

7 Advanced settings: ADB, Tasker and custom firmware

For users ready for experiments, advanced methods of setting up assistants are available.

Configure with ADB (without root)

With ADB, you can:

  • πŸ”„ Forced to change the assistant by default.
  • πŸ”Š Disable Xiao system prompts AI.
  • πŸ“± Set up gestures to launch alternative assistants.

Example of a team changing assistant:

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

Adb shell settings put secure assistant en.yandex.alice

Automation with Tasker

You can create complicated scenarios with Tasker, like this.

  • πŸ”Š Alice's launch with triple pressing of the power button.
  • πŸ“‘ Automatically turn on Google Assistant when connecting to your car via Bluetooth.
  • πŸŒ™ Switching between assistants depending on the time of day.
Tasker profile example for Alice launch
1. Create the task of Launching Alice with the action Launch the application β†’ Alice. 2. Add the trigger condition β†’ Gesture. β†’ Triple press the power button. 3. Set up exceptions to lock the screen.

Castomic firmware (for enthusiasts)

On firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience:

  • πŸ“± Google Assistant is working out of the box as a system assistant.
  • πŸ”§ Xiao can be removed completely. AI without consequence.
  • πŸ”„ Supported alternative launchers with deep integration of assistants.

Risks:

  • ⚠️ Loss of guarantee.
  • πŸ”Š Possible problems with microphone or speakers.
  • πŸ“± Unstable operation of Xiaomi branded features (for example, IR Blaster).

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

When you replace your voice assistant, you're going to have a common mistake, and here's how to fix it:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The assistant doesn't respond to the voiceMicrophone is busy with another appClose all applications using the microphone (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Microphone)
Xiao AI spontaneously switched onHardware assistant buttonTurn off the button in Settings β†’ Buttons and gestures β†’ Xiao button AI
Google Assistant only works in English.The wrong Google account regionChange your account region to myaccount.google.com
Alice doesn't recognize commands.Weak Internet connectionCheck the connection or switch to mobile data
After the update, the settings were reset.Resetting the default assistantReconfigure the assistant in the settings β†’ Default applications

If the problem is not solved, try:

  1. Clear the assistant cache (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ [Name of the assistant] β†’ Memory. β†’ Clear the cache).
  2. Reinstall the assistant app.
  3. Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings).
Can I remove Xiao AI completely without root?
Most firmware doesn't. Xiao. AI It's a system application, and it can only be disabled through settings. ADB (No root) or superuser rights. On HyperOS, some models allow you to delete Xiao AI through settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Remove updates, but this does not guarantee complete removal.
How to get Xiao back AI post-exclusion?
If you've deleted Xiao AI through ADB, You can restore it by: Resetting the phone to factory settings (deleting all data!) By installing the firmware over the top via Fastboot (without data loss). APK Xiao AI Xiaomi.eu (not all models) China ROM The assistant will recover after the next system update.
Why Google Assistant doesn’t work in Chinese
Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Solutions: Install Google Installer (e.g., from here). Change region to India or Russia in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Region: Install custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) and note that some Chinese services (e.g. Mi Pay) may stop working after a region change).
Can you use two assistants at the same time?
Yes, but with reservations: πŸ”Š Voice launch will only work for one assistant (the one chosen by default). πŸ“± You can add widgets of both assistants to the main screen. πŸ€– Some assistants (like Alice and Google Assistant) may conflict when working at the same time. For advanced management, use Tasker or MacroDroid to assign different gestures to different assistants.
How to Reassign the Xiao Call Button AI second-hand?
On most Xiaomi models, the assistant button (if any) is tightly tied to Xiao. AI. Use the Button Mapper (requires) ADB Or root. Set another action through Settings. β†’ Buttons and gestures (not on all models). Turn off the button completely and use voice start. POCO F3 redmi K40 The button can be reassigned through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Xiao button AI.