How to replace Google Assistant with Alice in Xiaomi Redmi 9: full instructions

Voice assistants have become an integral part of modern smartphones, but not all users of Xiaomi Redmi 9 are comfortable with the standard Google Assistant. Russian users often need Yandex Alice - it better understands Russian speech, is integrated with local services and offers more relevant answers. However, the manufacturer by default does not allow you to easily change the assistant: Google Assistant is sewn in the system, and the voice search button is tied to it.

In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to make Alice the primary voice assistant on Redmi 9, including customization through standard MIUI tools, using third-party utilities, and even modifying system files for advanced users. You’ll learn how to reassign the call button, disable Google Assistant without losing functionality, and what applications will be required to fully work Alice. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader and root rights — we’ll show you where this is necessary and where you can do without radical measures.

Why is Alice better than Google Assistant for Redmi 9?

Before we proceed to the setup, let’s understand what are the advantages of Alice Yandex over the standard assistant from Google on Xiaomi devices:

• 🗣️ Better understanding of Russian: Alice is trained on a larger base of Russian-language queries, recognizes accents and dialects more accurately than Google.
• 📍 Local services: integration with Yandex.Maps, Taxi, Music, Weather and other services relevant to Russia.
• 🎵 Offline team support: Some features (such as music management or alarm clocks) work without the internet.
• 🔄 More flexible settings: the ability to change voice, speech speed and even add custom scripts through Yandex Dialogues.

There are downsides, though: Alice can’t manage some MIUI system features (such as power saving mode or screen settings), and she needs a separate app to work with her, and Google Assistant is more integrated into Android, but often provides answers in English or offers irrelevant services.

Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before setting up

Before you replace your assistant, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid disruptions and ensure Alice works correctly:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version. Old firmware may not have the right settings or conflicts. Check for relevance in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Install the official Alice app from Google Play or AppGallery. downloading APK from third-party sources is not recommended - this can lead to data leaks.
3. Clear the Google Services cache. Go to Settings → Apps → App Management → Google, click Storage → Clear the cache.
4. Turn off battery optimization for Alice. Otherwise, the assistant may not respond to voice commands. Way: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All applications → Yandex → Do not optimize.

Update MIUI last-minute|Install the official application Yandex Alice|Clear the Google cache and Google Play Services|Turn off battery optimization for Alice|Check the microphone (record voice notes)-->

If you plan to use methods with root rights or modify system files, additionally:

• Make a backup of the data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
• Make sure that the battery is at least 50%, which will prevent a sudden shutdown during the procedures.
• Download Magisk Manager (for rooting) or ADB Tools (for computer commands).

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If after installing Alice she does not respond to the phrase "Hi Alice", check the permissions of the application. Go to Settings → Applications → Yandex → Permissions and enable access to the microphone, geodata and autorun.

Method 1: Reassign the assistant call button without root (official method)

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI settings to link Alice's call to a physical button (like a long home press or power button). Unfortunately, this option is hidden in standard Redmi 9 firmware, but it can be activated via ADB.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Fastboot Tools (you can download from the site) XDA Developers).
• 📱 USB-cable to connect Redmi 9 to PC.
• 🔧 Initiated Debugging Mode USB (Path: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on the phone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your Redmi 9.
4. Use the command to unlock hidden assistant settings: adb shell settings put secure assistant "com.yandex.browser/ru.yandex.voiceassistant.ui.AssistantActivity"
5. Reboot your smartphone. Now in Settings → Buttons and gestures → Home button will be the option to select an assistant.

If the option does not appear after the reboot, try the alternative command:

adb shell am start -n com.miui.home/.launcher.AssistantSettingsActivity

Method 2: Use the Button Mapper app (without root)

If ADB commands don’t work or seem too complicated, you can use the Button Mapper app (available on Google Play), which allows you to reassign button actions without superuser rights, but with some restrictions.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Button Mapper from Google Play.
2. Open the application and give it access to Special Opportunities (necessary to intercept clicks).
3. Select the button you want to reassign (such as Long Click on Home).
4. In the action list, find the Application Launch and indicate the path to Yandex Alice: com.yandex.browser/ru.yandex.voiceassistant.ui.AssistantActivity
5. Save the settings and test the work.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ The app may conflict with some versions MIUI, delaying.
• ⚠️ After updating the system, the settings may reset.
• ⚠️ Not all buttons can be reassigned without root (for example, double-clicking the power button is often blocked).

💡

Button Mapper is the easiest solution for users without root, but it does not guarantee stable operation on all versions. MIUI. For reliable results it is better to use ADB root-methods.

Method 3: Completely replace Google Assistant with Alice (root required)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, you can completely remove Google Assistant and make Alice the default assistant, which requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights, but gives you maximum stability.

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may cause some functions to fail MIUI, For example, voice search in Google App or integration with Google services. TWRP beforehand.

Steps:

1. Unlock the Redmi 9 bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the Xiaomi website).
2. Install Magisk to obtain root rights.
3. Download and install Titanium Backup or Root Explorer.
4. Go to /system/priv-app/Velvet and rename the Velvet.apk file (that is Google Assistant) to Velvet.bak.
5. Reboot your smartphone. Now, if you press the Home button long enough, Alice will start.

To return the standard assistant, return the original file name or restore it from the backup.

Method 4: Automation via Tasker (for advanced users)

If you like automation, you can set up Alice's startup via Tasker + AutoInput plugin.This method doesn't require root, but it takes time to set up.

Algorithm:

1. Install Tasker and AutoInput from Google Play.
2. Create a new profile in Tasker with condition → Gesture → Long press on the home button.
3. Add action Plugin → AutoInput → Press Simulation and specify the coordinates of Alice’s launch (can be found via AutoInput Query).
4. Alternatively, use the action Launch the application → Yandex with the activity ru.yandex.voiceassistant.ui.AssistantActivity.

Pros of the method:

• 🎛️ Flexible setup (you can add delays, checks, etc.).
• 🔄 It works even after the updates. MIUI.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Requires precise coordinate adjustment (when changing the screen resolution may break).
• ⚠️ Tasker paid application (there is a trial period).

Solving problems: Alice doesn't respond or conflicts with Google

If Alice doesn’t start or conflicts with Google Assistant after setting up, check the following points:

• 🔊 Microphone: Make sure no other apps use a microphone (e.g. WhatsApp while voicemailing).
• 📵 Internet: Alice needs a network connection for most teams (except offline mode).
• 🔄 Helper conflict: If both assistants are activated, they can block each other. disable Google Assistant in Settings → Google → Settings for Google apps → Search, helper and voice → Google Assistant → Shut down.
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Check again that Alice has optimised (see Preparation section").

If Alice starts but doesn't respond to her voice:

1. Reinstall the Yandex application.
2. Clear the cache and application data in Settings → Applications → Yandex → Storage.
3. Update the voice model in Alice’s settings: open the app, go to Settings → Voice Assistant → Update the model.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Redmi 9 (e.g. global version) may not support Russian in the system components, in which case Alice will work, but voice input in other applications (e.g. Google Docs) may fail.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Alice on Redmi 9