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:
- π How to turn off Xiao AI Why is it not always possible without root rights?
- π€ Google Assistant installation Step-by-step (including solutions for China and global firmware)
- π£οΈ How to set up Alice from Yandex as the main assistant
- βοΈ Hidden settings for advanced users (including: ADB Tasker)
- β οΈ 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).
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:
- π Regional restrictions: on Chinese firmware Xiao AI It only works in Chinese, and on global versions, the functionality is often cut down.
- π Limited integration: poorly interacts with Western services (Google Calendar, Gmail, Spotify).
- π€ Recognition quality: inferior to Google Assistant in accuracy of speech recognition in Russian / English.
- π οΈ No customization: You canβt change voice, accents, or add custom commands.
For comparison, Google Assistant offers:
- π Support for more than 30 languages and dialects (including Ukrainian, Kazakh, Turkish).
- π Deep integration with the Google ecosystem (Mail, Maps, Translator, YouTube).
- π΅ Music management via Spotify, YouTube Music and Apple Music.
- π Smart home support (including devices that are not compatible with Mi Home).
Alice from Yandex, in turn, is better adapted for Russian-speaking users:
- π‘ More accurately recognizes accents and dialects of the Russian language.
- π Integration with Yandex.Navigator, Music, Weather and Maps.
- π° Support for payments through Yandex.Money and bank cards.
- π Option to choose voices (including voices of stars).
β οΈ 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:
- π± At HyperOS (2026)+) The process of installing alternative assistants is simplified.
- π Nana MIUI 12-14 Additional adjustments may be required through ADB.
- π« Nana MIUI 11 and older Xiao replacement AI without root is almost impossible.
Check out the current version of the firmware:
- Open the Settings. β The phone. β Version. MIUI/HyperOS.
- Remember or write down the full name (for example, V14.0.5.0.TKLCNXM).
- If the version is outdated, update via Settings β System Update.
| Firmware version | Support for Google Assistant | Alice's support | Whether ADB is required |
|---|---|---|---|
| HyperOS 1.0+ | β Yes (installed as a regular app) | β Yes. | β No. |
| MIUI 14 Global/EEA | β Yes (activation may be required) | β Yes. | β οΈ Sometimes. |
| MIUI 14 China | β No (region change required) | β Yes (through third-party launchers) | β Yes. |
| MIUI 12-13 | β Yes (with limitations) | β Yes. | β Yes. |
β οΈ 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)
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find Xiao. AI (It can be called "Voice Assistant" or "Mi". AI").
- Click Disable (Do not "Delete"!).
- 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.voiceassistFor this:
- Install ADB Tools on your PC.
- 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).
- Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command above.
What happens if Xiao is removed? AI root?
β οΈ 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
- Download the latest version of Google Assistant from Google Play.
- If the Play Market is not available (in China) ROM), download APK From a trusted website like APKMirror.
- 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
- Open the Settings. β Annexes β Default applications β Voice input.
- Select Google (or com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox).
- 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., βOK, Googleβ):
- Open the Google app (not Assistant!).
- Go to Settings β Voice Search β Voice Assistant.
- Enable the option of Access from any screen.
- Take a voice model training (recording) 3-5 phrase).
- π Permission to access the microphone (Settings) β Annexes β Google β Permits).
- π΅ No energy saving restrictions for Google App.
- π Internet connection (Assistant requires online access).
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant is not installed | Chinese firmware without Google services | Install Google Installer from APKMirror |
| Doesn't respond to "OK, Google." | Voice access is disabled | Enable in the settings of Google App (Voice Search) β Voice assistant) |
| It only works in English. | The Wrong Region | Change 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
- Download Alice's app from Google Play or AppGallery.
- If you have China ROM, use APK s 4PDA (Check the reviews on the version!).
- 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":
- In the Alice app, go to Settings β Voice assistant.
- Turn on the voice recognition option.
- Record voice samples (3-5 phrase-recognition).
- Allow auto-start in Settings β Annexes β Alice. β Auto-start.
Step 3: Integration with the system
To make Alice the default assistant:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Default Applications β Voice input.
- Choose Alice (or en.yandex.alice).
- For quick access, add Alice's widget to the home screen.
π‘
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:
- π Set up a silent regime.
- π΅ Disable mobile data for social networks.
- π 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:
- Install the AutoRemote app on Xiaomi.
- On iPhone, configure Shortcuts with commands for AutoRemote.
- 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:
- Download. APK Bixby (version for Android 10)+).
- Set and allow all the permissions requested.
- 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
- π€ Amazon Alexa: Suitable for Smart Home Management (requires a separate Echo device).
- π΅ SoundHound: specializes in music recognition and voice commands for player.
- π Dragon Mobile Assistant: An alternative with a focus on dictation and translation.
β οΈ Note: Alternative assistants (except Google Assistant and Alice) may not have Russian support or require a permanent connection to the manufacturerβs 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:
- π Forced to change the assistant by default.
- π Disable Xiao system prompts AI.
- π± Set up gestures to launch alternative assistants.
Example of a team changing assistant:
adb shell settings put secure assistant com.google.android.googlequicksearchboxAdb shell settings put secure assistant en.yandex.alice
Automation with Tasker
You can create complicated scenarios with Tasker, like this.
- π Alice's launch with triple pressing of the power button.
- π‘ Automatically turn on Google Assistant when connecting to your car via Bluetooth.
- π Switching between assistants depending on the time of day.
Tasker profile example for Alice launch
Castomic firmware (for enthusiasts)
On firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience:
- π± Google Assistant is working out of the box as a system assistant.
- π§ Xiao can be removed completely. AI without consequence.
- π Supported alternative launchers with deep integration of assistants.
Risks:
- β οΈ Loss of guarantee.
- π Possible problems with microphone or speakers.
- π± 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 cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The assistant doesn't respond to the voice | Microphone is busy with another app | Close all applications using the microphone (Settings) β Annexes β Permits β Microphone) |
| Xiao AI spontaneously switched on | Hardware assistant button | Turn off the button in Settings β Buttons and gestures β Xiao button AI |
| Google Assistant only works in English. | The wrong Google account region | Change your account region to myaccount.google.com |
| Alice doesn't recognize commands. | Weak Internet connection | Check the connection or switch to mobile data |
| After the update, the settings were reset. | Resetting the default assistant | Reconfigure the assistant in the settings β Default applications |
If the problem is not solved, try:
- Clear the assistant cache (Settings) β Annexes β [Name of the assistant] β Memory. β Clear the cache).
- Reinstall the assistant app.
- Reset network settings (Settings) β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Resetting network settings).