Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones offer users many smart features, with voice assistants at the center. The standard solution for global firmware versions is Google Assistant, but in Chinese builds or after flashing, the device can activate Mi AI or other system services. Many users face the need to change the priority application so that the power button or swipe command calls exactly the service that they are comfortable with.
The process of changing the assistant is not always obvious, as manufacturers often hide these settings in the depths of the system menu or block them by default. Replacing the voice assistant may be necessary if the standard version works incorrectly, does not understand Russian or just annoys with its behavior. In this article, we will discuss all available configuration methods, from the regular Android tools to advanced manipulation of system applications.
Before you make any changes, it’s important to understand that Android allows you to have multiple assistants installed, but only one can be active. The choice depends on the version of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system, as well as the region specified in the phone settings. The correct configuration will ensure an instant response to your commands and eliminate the accidental launch of unnecessary services.
Built-in assistants and their features
Xiaomi’s ecosystem has historically evolved from two main areas: global and Chinese, depending on which, it can carry different programs. Global versions usually come pre-installed with Google Assistant, which is deeply integrated into search bar and system services, and is a powerful tool that can manage a smart home, translate text and search information.
Chinese firmware versions are often equipped with the company's own Mi AI, which is tailored to Chinese language and services, so it's almost useless for CIS users, but it can take up space in the system and intercept control, and there are third-party solutions such as Yandex Alice or Siri (via emulators) that users install themselves.
⚠️ Note: When installing third-party assistants from unverified sources (APK-files) there is a risk of system instability. Use only official app stores.
The differences between assistants are not only in language, but also in the level of access to system functions. Google Assistant has priority access to contacts, calendar and navigation. Third-party applications can work in a limited way, if you do not give them extended rights through special accessibility menus.
How to Change the Default Assistant in Android
The most reliable and regular way to change priority service is to use the basic settings of the Android operating system, which works on most versions of MIUI and HyperOS, regardless of the phone model. You don't need root rights or a computer connection, you just need to follow the menu items carefully.
To start, open your device settings and find the application section. The path may vary slightly depending on the shell version, but the logic remains the same: the system must know which app to open when you request voice control. If you can't find the right item, search by settings by entering the word "assistant."
Let’s take a look at the step-by-step algorithm of actions:
- 📱 Go to the Settings menu of your smartphone.
- ⚙️ Find the Apps or Apps and Notifications section.
- 🔍 Select the default option (sometimes hidden in the optional menu).
- 🗣️ Click on Digital Assistant or Assistant.
- ✅ Select from the list the desired application, for example, Google or Yandex.
Once these steps are done, the system will automatically start the selected service with the appropriate triggers. If there is no option on the list, make sure the application is installed and has the necessary permissions. Sometimes you need to restart the device to apply the changes.
☑️ Checking the assistant settings
Setting up the power button and hot keys
A frequent problem of Xiaomi owners is that the long-term pressing of the power button is not caused by the voice assistant, but by the off menu, or vice versa - triggers an unnecessary Mi AI. In modern versions of the HyperOS shell and MIUI 14+, the management of this behavior is made into a separate menu.
To reassign the action of the button, go to Settings → Additional → Power button. Here you will see the option "Long Press." The default option may be "Voice Assistant." If you choose this option, the phone will suggest you to choose which assistant should respond to the action. If you want to get rid of random switches, select the option "Nothing" or "Switch off me."
⚠️ Note: On some models with a physical power button (not built into the screen), a long press may be reserved by the system to call emergency services.
Also worth checking is the gesture settings. A swipe from the corner of the screen or double-tapping the back panel (if supported by the model) can be tied to the assistant start. These settings are in the Additional → Gestures and Quick Start section. Disable the extra activators to avoid confusion.
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If the power button is calling Mi AI instead of Google, try temporarily changing the region of the phone to India or Singapore in the settings, do the anchoring, and then return your region.
Comparison of Popular Assistants
Choosing a voice assistant is not just a matter of habit, but also a matter of functionality. Different services offer a unique set of features that can be critical for a particular user. Below is a table comparing the main features of popular solutions available for installation on Xiaomi.
| Function/Service | Google Assistant | Yandex Alice | Mi AI | Sber (Salute) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding the Russian language | Excellent. | Excellent. | Only Chinese. | Excellent. |
| Integration with a smart home | Google Home | Yandex Smart Home | Mi Home (CN) | Sber Smart Home |
| Working without the Internet | Limited. | Partially. | No. | Basic teams |
| Application management | High. | Average. | Low (in Russian Federation) | Average. |
As you can see from the table, for a Russian-speaking user, it is most advisable to choose between Google Assistant and Yandex Alice. The first is ideal for those who use Google services (Maps, Mail, Calendar), and the second is indispensable for users of the Yandex ecosystem (Music, Taxi, Market). Mi AI in our latitudes performs only a decorative function.
It’s important to consider that some features, such as voice dialing or messaging, can only work with the system assistant.If you’re actively using voice to dictate messages on WhatsApp or Telegram, it’s best to leave priority to Google, as it has the deepest integration with keyboard and instant messengers.
Problems with the Chinese version of Mi AI and their solution
Owners of phones bought in the Chinese market or re-flashed from the global to the Chinese version often face aggressive Mi AI behavior. It can spontaneously turn on, overlap the screen and require registration, which is impossible without a Chinese number.
The first step is to try to remove or disable the app. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find Mi AI (may be called Xiao AI or have a Chinese name) in the list. If the Remove button is inactive, click Disable. This will hide the app from the list and prevent it from running.
What to do if Mi AI does not shut down?
If you can't turn it off, you can change your region. In your phone settings, find Region and set a country where Xiaomi services are not working or limited, like Antarctica (if you have one on the list) or just a European country, which often breaks the logic of Chinese services, and they stop being imposed.
Installation and activation of third-party solutions
If the usual funds do not allow you to achieve what you want, you can resort to installing third-party launchers or specialized assistant applications. However, it is worth remembering that Android has a strict security policy.
When you first try to use a new assistant, the system will give a warning that the application wants to access the microphone and screen, you need to confirm this action. MIUI in the section About the telephone.
Popular alternatives:
- 🎙️ Google App – Standard Assistant Base, Updated via Play Market.
- 🧠 Yandex – contains built-in Alice, requires customization of widgets.
- 🤖 Bixby (via ports) – for fans of the Samsung ecosystem, but difficult to set up on Xiaomi.
⚠️ Note: Installing modified versions of the system applications (Google Assistant Mod) can lead to blocking of a Google account or unstable phone. APK-file.
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Changing the voice assistant to Xiaomi is a secure software setting that does not affect the warranty, but requires carefulness when choosing the source of application installation.