How to install Alice default assistant on Xiaomi smartphones: full guide 2026

Why is Alice better than Google Assistant on Xiaomi?

Voice assistants have become an integral part of modern smartphones, but Xiaomi users often face a dilemma: leave the standard Google Assistant or switch to the domestic Alice from Yandex. It is better understands Russian, is integrated with local services (Yandex.Maps, Music, Weather), and most importantly – does not require permanent authorization through a Google account. MIUI By default, it blocks the replacement of the assistant, hiding the settings deep in the system.

In this article, we will discuss the unique method of activating Alice as the default assistant on Xiaomi without root rights, which runs on MIUI 13/14/15 firmware (including HyperOS). Importantly, the procedure is different for the Chinese and global versions of the software - we have considered both situations, and you will learn how to circumvent the manufacturer's restrictions and avoid resetting after system updates.

Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before installation

Before you change assistants, make sure your Xiaomi meets the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: 12.5 or later (old firmware will require manual updates via fastboot)
• 🔄 Firmware region: Russia/Europe (Chinese versions need to unlock the bootloader)
• 📶 Internet: stable connection to Wi-Fi or mobile network (3G/4G/5G)
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 50% (process can take up to 15 minutes)

If your smartphone meets the criteria, follow the preliminary steps:

1. Install the latest version of Yandex from the official website or Google Play.
2. Activate Yandex voice search in the application settings (Yandex → Settings → Alice → Voice Assistant).
3. Turn off battery optimization for Yandex (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex → Battery → Without restrictions).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) CN) Before installing Alice, you need to unlock the bootloader and flash the global version. MIUI. Otherwise, the voice assistant will work with errors or will not start at all.

Method 1: Replace the assistant through MIUI settings (official method)

This method works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco models with MIUI 13+ global firmware. The main advantage is that it does not require superuser rights and is saved after system updates.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Voice Assistant section (on some firmware it is hidden - use the search by settings).
4. In the list of available assistants, select Yandex. If there is none, go to Method 2.
5. Confirm the choice and restart the smartphone.

After the reboot, check Alice’s work by holding the Home button or saying “OK, Yandex.” If the assistant is not activated, clear the cache of the Yandex application and try again.

Alice starts by voice (OK Yandex)

Alice opens when holding the home button

In the MIUI settings, Yandex is displayed as the default assistant

Voice commands are executed without delay-->

Method 2: Manually Assign Alice via ADB (for hidden settings)

If in the settings MIUI There is no way to choose Alice, you have to use it. ADB-This method is suitable for firmware where the manufacturer has blocked the change of assistant (for example, on Xiaomi). 12T POCO F4 GT Chinese MIUI).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📦 Installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the Developer Mode on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute commands in the terminal: adb shell pm list package | grep assistant Find the output package com.yandex.browser or en.yandex.searchplugin.
4. Follow the command to appoint Alice as the default assistant: adb shell cmd assistant set-default-assistant ru.yandex.searchplugin/.voiceassistant.VoiceAssistantActivity
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro after update MIUI setting ADB To avoid this, create a task in Automation (Tools & Testing app in the Internet). MIUI) for the automatic re-appointment of Alice.

Method 3: Use of third-party launchers (bypassing MIUI restrictions)

If the first two methods didn’t work, you can go a workaround by installing an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) that supports changing the voice assistant, which is suitable for devices with MIUI 14+, where the manufacturer has limited settings as much as possible.

Instructions:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Set it with the default launcher (Settings → Home Screen → Default Launcher).
3. Open the Nova Launcher settings and go to Voice Search.
4. Select Yandex (Alice) in the list of available assistants.
5. Return to the home screen and check Alice's work by holding the Home button.

The advantage of this method is stability (settings are not reset after updates). MIUI). Disadvantage: you will have to use a third-party launcher instead of the standard MIUI Launcher.

💡

If Alice doesn't start by voice after the launcher change, add the Yandex.Search widget to the home screen, which will force the voice assistant to activate in the system.

Problem Solving: Why doesn't Alice work after setup?

Even after successful replacement of the assistant, users often encounter errors.

If none of the solutions worked, try resetting the Yandex application settings (Settings → Applications → Yandex → Storage → Clear Data) and resetting the assistant from scratch.

How to save Alice after the MIUI update?

One of the biggest frustrations of Xiaomi users is resetting the default assistant after a firmware update. To avoid this, follow proactive measures:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic optimization: Settings → Battery → Optimization → Select applications → Yandex → Turn off optimization.
• 📥 Block updates MIUI: If your firmware version works consistently with Alice, turn off automatic update downloads in Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three-pointed → Settings → Auto-update.
• 🔧 Use Tasker: Create a task that, after each device reboot, reassigns Alice as the default assistant via the device. ADB.

For advanced users, there's a radical solution, which is customized recavator firmware (TWRP) and a modified MIUI, where the restrictions on changing assistants are removed, but this method requires an unlocked bootloader and can be unwarranted.

💡

The most reliable way to save Alice after the updates is to combine disabling the battery optimization + fixing the assistant via ADB and then creating a task in Tasker to automatically restore the settings.

Comparison of Alice and Google Assistant on Xiaomi: Which is better?

Before we finally move on to Alice, let’s evaluate her strengths and weaknesses compared to Google Assistant on Xiaomi devices:

If you are actively using Google services (Gmail, Calendar, Drive), Google Assistant will be more convenient. For those who prefer Russian services and want maximum speed in Russia, Alice is the best option.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Alice on Xiaomi