Replacing Google Assistant with Marusya by default in Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Why to change the voice assistant on Xiaomi

Voice assistants have become an integral part of modern smartphones, but not all users of Xiaomi are convenient Google Assistant as the default assistant. Russian analogue - Marusya from VK - offers better localization, support for the Russian language at the level of natural dialogue and integration with popular services: Vkontakte, Yandex.Music, 2GIS. However, the manufacturer does not provide an easy way to change the assistant in MIUI - this will require manual configuration.

In this article, you will find current methods for replacing assistants on Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco and Black Shark models running MIUI 12-14, including bypassing restrictions through ADB, customizing gestures and solving typical problems. We will also discuss why Marusya may not work as the main assistant on some devices, and what to do about it.

Supported devices and versions of MIUI

Not all Xiaomi smartphones allow you to replace Google Assistant with a third-party assistant, depending on the firmware version and model:

• ✅ Supported by: Devices with MIUI 12.5+ Android-based 11–14 (Redmi Note 10/11/12, Poco X3/X4/X5, Xiaomi 11/12/13 series).
• ⚠️ Restrictions: Black Shark and some flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) may require unlocking the bootloader.
• ❌ Not supported: Android Go (Redmi A Series) and older models MIUI 11 or lower.

Before you start, check the MIUI version in the Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If your device runs on Android 10 or lower, the methods in this article won’t work – you’ll need a firmware update.

Method 1: Replacement through gesture settings (without ADB)

On some Xiaomi devices, you can designate Marusya as the default assistant without using ADB if you already have Marusya installed (you can download it from Google Play or RuStore), a method that works on MIUI 13/14 firmware with Android 12+.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Gestures and buttons → Assistant gesture.
2. Select the Assistant App (or Start Assistant on some models).
3. In the list of applications, find Marusya and confirm the choice.
4. Restart the device so that the changes take effect.

If Marousi is not on the list, your firmware is blocked by third-party assistants, in which case you go to the ADB method.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging over USB in developer settings | Download Platform Tools from Google | Connect your phone to your PC in file transfer mode-->

Method 2: Configure with ADB (Universal Method)

For most Xiaomi devices, the only reliable way to make Marushu the default assistant is to use ADB commands. This method requires pre-preparedness, but works even where gesture settings are not available.

Step 1: Enable debugging over USB

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
2. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
3. Activate the switches: ✅ Debugging by USB ✅ Allow debugging (in the dialogue on the phone)

Step 2: Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands

Download Google's Platform Tools, unpack the archive, and open the command prompt (cmd) in this folder.

adb devices

(Your device should show up with a serial number. If not, check the drivers.)

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

This command disables Google Assistant for the current user.

adb shell cmd appops set com.vk.marusia android:default_assist allow

This team appoints Marusya as the default assistant.

Once done, restart your phone. Now, when you hold the Home button or swipe gesture, Marusya will start from the corner.

Typical problem solving

Even after a successful setup, Marusya may not work as well, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

• 🔄 Marusia resets after update MIUI: Re-execute commands ADB. Some updates reset the assistant's default settings.
• 🎤 Microphone does not work in Marus: Check the application permissions in Settings → Annexes → marusia → Permissions (must be enabled by Microphone and Auto Run).
• 🚫 Home button does not call Marusya: Make sure in Settings → Gestures and buttons are not assigned another gesture for the assistant.
• ⚠️ There is a “No connection to the server” error: Check the Internet connection and turn off VPN (Marusya can block requests through some of the VPN-service).

💡

If Marusya doesn't respond to voice commands, try reinstalling the app and clearing its cache in the settings. Also check if Marusi's power saving mode is enabled in Settings → Battery → Power saving mode

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ and MIUI 14 after changing assistant through ADB Google Discover may be missing, and to return it, you can use the command adb shell pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.

Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If the standard methods don't work, you can try more radical solutions, which require deep intervention and are only suitable for advanced users.

Method 1: Replacement with Tasker

The Tasker app allows you to intercept the press of the Home button and redirect it to the launch of Marousi.

1. Install Tasker and AutoInput plugin.
2. Create a task with the assistant gesture trigger.
3. Add the action Launch the application → Marusya.

Method 2: Modification of system files (requires root)

On rooted devices, you can manually edit the file /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl, key-switch KEY_ASSIST However, it's risky and can lead to a bootloop).

💡

Using Tasker or modifying system files may disrupt some MIUI features, including navigation gestures and Xiaomi branded services.

Marousi and Google Assistant Comparison on Xiaomi

Before you finally move to Marusya, evaluate its strengths and weaknesses compared to Google Assistant:

Marusya is better at localization and integration with Russian services, but is inferior in voice recognition and support for international platforms. If you are actively using Google Ecosystem (Gmail, Calendar, Drive), the transition can be inconvenient.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Marousi on Xiaomi