How to Put Alice Instead of Google Assistant on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Replacing the voice assistant on Xiaomi smartphones is a popular query among users who prefer Yandex Alice over the standard Google Assistant. The reasons range from the habit of the Russian-language interface to the advanced features of Alice for the Russian market. However, the process is not always obvious — especially on devices with MIUI, where Google services are integrated at the firmware level.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide to the different Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and the solution to typical problems, from the lack of a call button to voice command conflicts. We will analyze the unique nuances for devices with global and Chinese firmware, where the replacement algorithm differs dramatically.

Before you start, check that your smartphone must run MIUI 12.5 or later (for Alice to work smoothly), and the security settings allow you to install applications from unknown sources. If these conditions are not met, return to them after reading the section on preparation.

Why is Alice better than Google Assistant for Xiaomi?

Choosing between Yandex Alice and Google Assistant on Xiaomi is not just a matter of preference, but also of functionality.

• 🗣️ Russian as a priority: Alice is better at recognizing accents, slang, and regional dialects, whereas Google Assistant often requires clearer diction.
• 📍 Local services: integration with Yandex.Maps, Taxi, Food and other services relevant to Russia.
• 🎵 Music and podcasts: direct access to Yandex.Music and Podcasts without additional settings.
• 🔄 Offline mode: Alice can run basic commands (alarm clocks, notes) without the internet, whereas Google Assistant requires a connection.

In addition, Alice responds more quickly to requests in Russian networks thanks to local servers of Yandex. For example, when you ask “set an alarm for 7 am”, Alice will execute a command in 1-2 seconds, while Google Assistant can “think” up to 5 seconds due to data processing on foreign servers.

There are downsides, though: Alice doesn’t support some smart home features (like managing Mi Home devices), and her skills are limited by the Yandex ecosystem. If you’re actively using Google Home or Nest, a replacement might not be warranted.

Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone for the installation of Alice

Before replacing the assistant, you need to follow 4 mandatory steps, otherwise Alice will either not install or will work with failures:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version. To check, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Minimum supported version is MIUI 12.5 (older models like Redmi 9 may require manual firmware).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources. Pathway: Settings → Apps → Special permissions → Install unknown applications. Select the browser (e.g. Chrome) that you will download Alice's APK.
3. Remove the Google Assistant cache. This will prevent conflicts when you change assistant. Path: Settings → Apps → App Management → Google → Storage → Clear the cache.
4. Download the official APK Alice from the Yandex website (do not use third-party sources to avoid viruses).

For devices with Chinese firmware (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) additionally require:

• 🔓 Install Google Installer (to access Google services).
• 📱 Enable Developer Options and activate USB- debugging (needed to manually configure Alice's rights).

Update MIUI to 12.5+

Allow APK installation from unknown sources

Clear the Google Assistant cache

Download the official APK Alice from the Yandex website

For Chinese firmware: install Google Installer-->

⚠️ Warning: On devices with MIUI Global (e.g., POCO X4 Pro), Alice may miss the voice assistant button on the lock screen after installing it. This is due to a conflict of system services. Solution - see "Call button settings."

Installation of Yandex Alice on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Now, let's move on to the direct installation, and the process is different depending on whether you want to completely replace Google Assistant or use Alice in parallel.

Method 1: Complete replacement (recommended)

This method is suitable for users who do not plan to return to Google Assistant, and involves disabling the standard assistant and assigning Alice as the default assistant.

1. Install Alice's APK, downloaded earlier. Do not open the app after installation!
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google.
3. Select Disable (do not delete, otherwise other Google services will be disrupted).
4. Return to the basic settings and open the Applications → By default → Assistant and voice input.
5. Select Yandex Alice as the default assistant.

Method 2: Parallel use

If you want to keep Google Assistant, but add Alice as an alternative:

1. Install Alice's APK and open the app.
2. In Alice's settings (⚙️ → Voice Assistant), enable the option to Allow a call from the lock screen.
3. Assign Alice a separate voice command (e.g., "Hello Alice") in the Voice Activation settings.

For both methods, after installation, be sure to perform Alice's initial setup: allow access to the microphone, contacts and geodata. Without these permissions, the assistant will not be able to perform basic functions.

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If Alice does not respond to voice commands after installation, restart your smartphone and re-enable her to access the microphone in Privacy → Application Permissions → Microphone.

Setting up the assistant call button on Xiaomi

One of the most common problems with changing the assistant is that the call button disappears from the lock screen or the quick action menu, because MIUI, by default, links this button to the Google Assistant. Here's how to get the functionality back:

For MIUI Global (POCO, Redmi, Xiaomi)

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select shortcuts and widgets → Assistant shortcut.
3. In the list of applications, find Yandex Alice and assign her.

For MIUI China (ADB required)

On Chinese firmware, the path is more difficult because there is no shortcut menu.

1. Connect the smartphone to the PC and enable USB- debugging.
2. Execute command in ADB: adb shell settings put global assistant_component com.yandex.alice
3. Reset the device.

If the button never appears, check if Mi Security (Xiaomi antivirus) is blocking it.

1. Open Settings → Memory and Applications → Security.
2. Select AutoRun and allow AutoRun for Alice.
3. In the Permissions section, enable Alice to display over other windows.

Solving Typical Problems After Replacing an Assistant

Even after installation, users are faced with bugs. Here are the TOP-5 problems and solutions:

• 🔇 Alice doesn't hear voice commands: Check if the microphone is blocking another app (like WhatsApp while calling). Open Settings → Sound → Microphone and make sure Alice has priority.
• 📵 Offline mode not working: Download an offline voice data packet in Alice's settings (⚙️ → Voice assistant → Offline mode). Package volume is ~200 MB.
• 🔄 Conflict with Google Assistant: If both assistants are trying to activate at the same time, turn off voice control in Google settings: Settings → Google → Settings for apps → Search, Assistant and Voice → Voice Assistant → Disable.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Alice in the background can consume up to 5-7% of charge per hour. Limit its activity: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Yandex Alice → Limit.
• 📱 Not working on the lock screen: Turn on the option to Show notifications for Alice in Settings → Notifications → Yandex Alice.

⚠️ Warning: On Android 13+ devices (e.g., Xiaomi 13T), the Ok Google feature to unlock the screen may stop working after the assistant is replaced.This is due to Google's security policies, the decision is to use the PIN- code or fingerprint to unlock before calling Alice.

Comparison of Alice and Google Assistant on Xiaomi: which one to choose?

To finally determine which assistant is right for you, compare them by key criteria on the example of Xiaomi 12 Pro:

The choice depends on your priorities:

• 🏠 If you have a smart home based on Google Home or Mi Home, stay on Google Assistant.
• 🗣️ If Russian language and local services are important, Alice is out of competition.
• 🌍 If you travel abroad frequently, Google Assistant is better integrated with international services.

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For most users in Russia, the best option is to use both assistants in parallel: Alice for everyday tasks, Google Assistant for managing a smart home and foreign trips.

How to get back Google Assistant if Alice doesn't fit?

If you decide to go back to Google Assistant, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex Alice.
2. Click Disable (do not delete to avoid system errors).
3. Go to Settings → Applications → By default → Assistant and voice input.
4. Select Google (or com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox).
5. Enable Google Assistant in Google Settings: Settings → Google → Settings for apps → Search, Assistant and Voice → Voice Assistant → Enable.

If the call button does not appear after that, reset the Google app settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Google → Storage.
2. Click Clear the cache and Reset the settings.
3. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: On some Xiaomi models (e.g., Redmi Note 11 Pro+), once you return to Google Assistant, you may not be able to reassign Alice as default assistant without resetting. To avoid this, back up your settings to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset before rolling back.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing assistant with Xiaomi