Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones use MIUI Assistant (formerly Xiao AI), which is inferior to Google Assistant in functionality, integration with services and support for the Russian language, by default. Many users want to replace the standard assistant with Google, but face the limitations of MIUI firmware.
In this article, we’ll look at the current ways to make Google Assistant the default assistant on any Xiaomi device (including the 2023-2026 models on Android 12/13/14 and MIUI 14/15). Let’s look at the official methods through settings, workarounds for Chinese firmware and solutions for cases when the assistant button doesn’t work.
Why is MIUI blocking Google Assistant?
Xiaomi is specifically restricting the ability to change the default voice assistant for several reasons:
- 📱 Promoting own services: MIUI Assistant is closely integrated with Xiaomi’s ecosystem (smart home, Mi Home, Mi Fit) and collects data to improve the company’s services.
- 🌍 Regional restrictions: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Google services are disabled by default due to local law.
- 🔒 Controlling user experience: MIUI tends to unify the interface, so hides the settings of the replacement assistant in the deep menu or removes them altogether.
However, you can circumvent these limitations in at least three ways (more in the following sections) and consider the firmware version and region of your device.
Method 1: Official replacement via settings (for Global/EU ROM)
If your smartphone is running on global or European firmware (MIUI Global/EU), you can replace the assistant with regular means, this method works on most models released after 2020 (for example, Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5).
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Scroll down to the Assistant and Voice Input section (or Voice Assistant in newer versions of MIUI 15).
- Select Google (or Google Assistant) from the list.
- Confirm the selection and restart the device.
If Assistant and voice input are not on the menu, your firmware does not support an official replacement, in which case you can move to Method 2 or Method 3.
Make sure Google Assistant is installed (download from the Play Market if not)
Update all Google apps (Google Play Services, Google App)
Turn off MIUI Assistant in settings (Settings → Applications → MIUI Assistant → Disable)
Reboot the phone.-->
Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for China) ROM old models)
On Chinese firmware (China ROM) or devices older than 2019 (for example, Xiaomi Mi 9, Redmi Note 8), the assistant replacement menu is often absent, in which case ADB (Android Debug Bridge) - a tool for debugging through the computer - will help.
Warning: This method requires an unlocked bootloader and a developer mode on. If you have never worked with ADB, follow the instructions carefully so that you don’t disrupt the system.
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause malfunctions in your smartphone. Before executing commands, back up your data via Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
Steps:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB drivers (download from the official website) and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
- Enter the commands: adb devices (the name of your device should appear) adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.voiceassist (disabled) MIUI Assistant) adb shell cmd appops set com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW allow (allows Google Assistant to work on top of other applications)
- Restart your phone and check if Google’s Home button hold or gesture call is working.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
What to do if the assistant button doesn’t work?
Even after replacing the default assistant, the Home button (or gesture) can continue to trigger the MIUI Assistant.This is because Xiaomi attaches the hardware button to its firmware assistant.
- 🔧 Reassign the button through apps like Button Mapper (requires root or ADB).
- 🗣️ Use voice activation: say OK, Google or configure in Settings → Google → Settings for the Assistant → Voice assistant.
- 📱 Add the Google Assistant widget to the home screen for quick access.
If neither of these methods worked, there are two options:
- Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) where Google Assistant works out of the box.
- Relent to the limitations and use MIUI Assistant in parallel with Google Assistant (calling the latter by voice or manually).
💡
After the update MIUI Resetting the assistant settings, repeat steps from Method 1 or 2. To avoid this in the future, disable automatic firmware updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update.
MIUI Assistant vs Google Assistant: Which is better?
Before you change the default assistant, evaluate their capabilities. Below is a comparison table of key features:
| Function | MIUI Assistant | Google Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Support for the Russian language | Partial (not all teams) | Complete. |
| Integration with a smart home | Only with Xiaomi/Mijia devices | Google Home, Nest, Philips Hue, and others. |
| Voice activation | Hi, Xiao Ai (in Chinese only) | Okay, Google/Hey, Google. |
| Working with third-party applications | Limited (supported only) | Broad list (Spotify, Uber, Telegram, etc.) |
| Offline mode. | Minimum functionality | Basic commands (alarm clock, notes, calls) |
As you can see from the table, Google Assistant wins by most parameters, especially if you use Google services (Gmail, Calendar, Maps) or smart home devices from other brands. However, MIUI Assistant can be useful for owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem (for example, for managing Mi Band or Mi Robot Vacuum voice).
Method 3: Install Google Assistant on Chinese firmware (without ADB)
If you have Chinese ROM and don’t want to mess with ADB, you can try to bypass the restrictions through Google’s cloud services, a method that is suitable for models where it is impossible to disable MIUI Assistant with standard means (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro China, Redmi K60).
Algorithm:
- Install Google Play Services and Google App manually (download APK from APKMirror).
- Launch Google App, log in to your account and wait for sync.
- Go to Settings → Memory → Autostart and allow autorun for Google and Google Play Services.
- In Settings → Battery → Battery mode set for these applications Without restrictions.
- Activate the voice assistant via Google Settings → Settings for Assistant → Phone.
⚠️ Note: On some Chinese firmware Google Assistant will only work through voice command OK, Google, not through the Home button. ADB rooting is impossible.
💡
Google Assistant will not be the default assistant in full on Chinese firmware (China ROM) – it will work in parallel with MIUI Assistant, but will not replace it in system dialogues.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you replace your assistant, you're going to see some common mistakes.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI reset → Repeat the steps from Method 1 or use Tasker to automatically apply settings after the update.
- 🔇 Google Assistant does not respond to voice → Check the permissions for the microphone in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits → Microphone.
- 📱 The Home button launches MIUI Assistant → Use Button Mapper or customize gesture in Settings → System system → Gestures → Assistant gesture.
- 🌐 Google services are not installed on Chinese firmware → Install Google Installer from APKMirror.
If no solution worked, check if the assistant is blocked by an antivirus or battery optimizer. For example, Xiaomi’s Security App has a Deep Clean feature that can shut down Google Assistant’s background processes.