How to install Alice default assistant on Xiaomi: 3 working ways

Voice assistants have become an integral part of modern smartphones, but Xiaomi users often face the limitations of the standard Google Assistant or built-in Mi AI. Yandex Alice offers more adapted for Russian-speaking users functions: from managing a smart home to integrating with popular services like Yandex.Music or Navigator. However, MIUI by default blocks the ability to change the voice assistant through standard settings.

In this article, we’ll break down three proven methods to make Alice the default assistant on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, from simple settings to technical workarounds. Importantly, the procedure may differ depending on the MIUI version (especially on MIUI 14+ with updated restrictions) and the device model. If you’re using an Android 13+ smartphone, be prepared for additional steps due to changes in Google’s security policy.

Why Alice is better than the standard assistant on Xiaomi

Before you get to the setup, it’s worth understanding why you should change the built-in assistant at all. Here are the key benefits of Yandex Alice for Xiaomi owners:

• 🗣️ Russian-language optimization: Alice better recognizes the accent, slang and context of the Russian language than Google Assistant.
• 🏠 Integration with a smart home: Managing Yandex devices (columns, lamps, sockets) directly through voice commands.
• 🎵 Media Features: Fast-Running Music from Yandex.Music, Podcasts or Radio without Manual Search.
• 🚗 Navigation and transport: Voice input of addresses in Yandex.Navigator or Maps with traffic jams.
• 🛒 Purchases and services: Ordering a taxi, food or goods through Yandex.Market without opening applications.

Alice also supports offline commands for basic activities (calls, messages, alarms), which are critical when the Internet is bad, and she can joke, tell jokes and play text quests — which is not the case with a dry Google Assistant.

Method 1: Configure via Alice’s app (for MIUI 12–14)

The easiest method is to use the built-in features of Yandex, which is suitable for most MIUI 12-14 devices and does not require superuser rights (root), but on some firmware (such as global versions of Redmi), this method may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.

Instructions:

1. Install the latest version of the Yandex app from Google Play or the official website.
2. Open the app, go to Profile → Settings → Alice.
3. Activate the switch to respond to "OK, Yandex".
4. Return to the main menu of Yandex, click on the microphone icon and say the command "Make me the default assistant".
5. The system will offer to open Android settings – follow the hints and select Yandex in the list of assistants.

If Alice doesn’t start with a Power button or gesture after these actions, check:

Make sure to Settings → Applications → By default → Assistant and voice input selected by Yandex

Reboot your smartphone after changing your settings

Update the Yandex app to the latest version

Check if MIUI Security blocks access to the microphone (permissions in Settings → Privacy)

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Limitation: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5), MIUI may reset the assistant settings after the system update, in which case you will have to repeat the procedure or use alternative methods.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If the standard method does not work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer, but it doesn't need root rights. MIUI 13-14 based on Android 11-13.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, do:

adb shell pm grant ru.yandex.searchplugin android.permission.BIND_ASSISTANT_SERVICE

Then:

adb shell cmd assistant set-default-assistant ru.yandex.searchplugin/.assistant.AssistantActivity

Reboot your smartphone. After that, Alice should become the default assistant.

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If so, ADB-Alice is not working, try to manually clean the cache of the Yandex application and restart the smartphone. Sometimes it helps to re-execute commands after a restart.

Method 3: Reset the Assistant settings via Safe Mode (for MIUI 14+)

On newer versions of MIUI 14 (especially the Xiaomi 13/14 series and Redmi Note 12), the manufacturer has tightened control over system settings, in which case a reset via Safe Mode can help.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button and hold it until the MI logo appears, then release it and immediately press the Volume down until the Safe Mode inscription appears in the lower left corner.
3. In Safe Mode, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
4. Find Yandex and click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
5. Then open Settings → System → Resetting of Settings → Resetting of application settings.
6. Reboot your smartphone in normal mode and repeat Method 1 (set up via Alice's app).

Important: Some firmware may require re-authorization in Xiaomi account and setting up your face/pattern lock.

Compatibility table with Xiaomi models

Not all methods work on all devices, and the following are compatibility data for popular models (currently for 2026):

If your model is not in the table, focus on the MIUI version:

MIUI 12-13: Method 1 usually works.

MIUI 14+: Requires Method 2 or 3.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

When changing assistants, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common solutions.

• 🔇 "Alice does not respond to voice: Check microphone permissions in Settings → Confidentiality → Application authorizations → Microphone. Also make sure that Yandex's settings include the "OK, Yandex" Recognition option".
• 🔄 "After the reboot resets to Google Assistant: This feature MIUI 14.Try to disable automatic update of system applications in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update MIUI.
• 🚫 "There is no option in the settings for "Help and voice input": This means your firmware does not support changing assistant. Use Method 2 (ADB) or 3 (Safe Mode).
• 📱 "On the lock screen, Alice does not work": In Settings → Lock screen → Additional settings enable Voice Assistant on the locked screen (not available on all models).

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If none of the methods worked, check if your device has Chinese firmware installed (without Google services), in which case Alice will not work as a system assistant without additional firmware manipulation.

Another common problem is the Mi AI conflict, and if your Xiaomi has a Chinese region installed, the standard assistant can block Alice.

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Region.
2. Choose Russia or Europe (not China!).
3. Reboot the device and reset the assistant.

Alternatives: If nothing helps

If all of these methods fail, consider alternative solutions:

• 🔧 Widget usage: Add Yandex widget to the home screen for quick access to Alice.This won't replace the system assistant, but will speed up the call.
• 🎤 Voice commands via Bluetooth: Connect Yandex.Station or column with Alice and use it as an external assistant.
• 📲 Sberbank’s Alice app: Install Sberbank’s app – it has a built-in Alice with voice control.
• 🔄 Installing LineageOS or Pixel Experience will allow you to freely change assistants, but will require unlocking the bootloader and root.

Warning about custom firmware:

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware will void Xiaomi’s warranty and may cause the device to run unstable. On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14), unlocking the bootloader has become more difficult, requiring a wait of 168 hours after the account is tied.

If you’re not prepared for the risks, it’s best to wait for the official MIUI update, where support for changing assistants may appear (like Android 14 for Pixel, for example).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions