How to change voice assistant on Xiaomi: full instructions with nuances

Why change the voice assistant to Xiaomi?

Voice assistants have become an integral part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, but not all users are comfortable with standard XiaoAI (or Google Assistant on global firmware).Some want more privacy, some lack functionality, and some simply prefer alternative solutions like Alice from Yandex or Siri through integration. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to change assistants, from official settings to workarounds for advanced users.

It is important to understand that the possibility of replacement depends on three factors: the device model (smartphone, smart speaker, TV), firmware version (MIUI Global, China, EU) For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with Chinese firmware, you can not install Google Assistant without additional manipulation, while on Redmi Note 12 with global hardware. MIUI It's done in two clicks. We'll look at the options for all scenarios.

1. Official ways to change voice assistant

If your device supports multiple assistants out of the box, it's as simple as possible. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO on global and European firmware (MIUI 12 And that's what you can do without root rights and third-party tools:

• 🔄 Switching between XiaoAI and Google Assistant: On devices with Google Mobile Services preinstalled (GMS) Both assistants are available at the same time.
• 🌍 Change of Assistant Region: In some firmware, you can switch XiaoAI to English or Chinese (useful for function testing).
• 🔕 Disabling Assistant: If voice commands are not needed at all, they can be completely deactivated in special features settings.

To switch between XiaoAI and Google Assistant:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Voice Assistant (or XiaoAI) and select Default.
3. In the list of available assistants, mark the desired one (if Google Assistant is not available, it is required to pre-install it from the Play Market).

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In some models (for example, POCO F5) The path to the assistant settings may be different. If you don't find the default, try Settings. → Additionally. → Special facilities → Voice assistant

2. Installation of alternative assistants (Alice, Siri, Bixby)

The official integration of third-party assistants on Xiaomi is limited, but there are workarounds.

To install Alice as the primary assistant:

1. Download the Yandex application from the official website or through APKMirror.
2. Launch the app and resolve all requests for microphone access and notifications.
3. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Alice. → Default launch.
4. Select the Voice Assistant and assign Alice the primary.

Important: On devices with Chinese firmware (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra) CN) Google Assistant or Alice is not possible without a full flashing to the global version MIUI.

3. Replacement of assistant on Xiaomi smart devices (columns, TVs)

Smart speakers (Xiaomi Smart Speaker) and TVs (Mi) TV) There's a nuanced process of changing assistants, and there's no flexibility like on smartphones, but there's some manipulation:

• 🔊 Smart speakers: Only support XiaoAI or Google Assistant (on global models). Replacing Alice requires using the speaker as a Bluetooth speaker for a smartphone with Alice installed.
• 📺 Mi TVs TV: On Google models TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023) you can switch to Google Assistant in the system settings. Only XiaoAI is available on Chinese firmware.
• 💡 Smart lamps and sensors: Voice control is tied to the Mi Home ecosystem, and replacing the assistant will result in the loss of voice control of the devices.

To change assistant to Mi. TV:

1. Open the settings → Device → Voice Assistant.
2. Select Google Assistant (if available) or XiaoAI.
3. To activate Google Assistant, you will need to link a Google account (this item will not be available on Chinese firmware).

4. Advanced methods: ADB, root and custom firmware

If standard methods don't work, you can resort to more radical methods, which require technical skills and can lead to loss of warranty or unstable operation of the device.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-commands to change system settings can cause malfunctions MIUI. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

List of possible actions:

• 🔧 The forced change of assistant through ADB: adb shell settings put global assistant com.yandex.browser/ru.yandex.alice.AliceActivity (Replace the path with the one you need for your assistant).
• 📱 Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), where Google Assistant will default.
• 🔓 Getting root rights and manual file editing /system/build.prop shutdown.

For custom firmware installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-14 days).

2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.

3. Download compatible firmware (check support on the forum) XDA Developers).

4. Create a backup copy of the persist partition (important for IMEI module NFC).

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After installing custom firmware, you will get full control over the assistants, but you will lose some functions. MIUI, such as:

• Integration with the Mi Home ecosystem
• Corporate gestures and animations;
• Updates by air (OTA).

5. Solving problems when changing assistant

Even when following instructions, users often encounter errors. Consider typical problems and their solutions:

If the assistant switches and the device starts to overheat or discharge faster, the new assistant is probably running in the background with an increased load.

1. Battery consumption in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization.
2. Background activity in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Assistant] → Battery.
3. Duplicate processes through ADB: adb shell dumpsys battery unplug

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If after installing the alternative assistant, the functions of the smart home (light bulb control, robot vacuum cleaner) are lost, return XiaoAI as the main one or use Mi Home for manual control.

6.Comparison of voice assistants for Xiaomi

To make an informed choice, compare the key features of popular assistants in the context of the Xiaomi ecosystem:

For users who are actively using Xiaomi smart home, XiaoAI remains the best choice - despite the limitations, maximum integration is idle. Those who appreciate privacy and Russian-language functionality should consider Alice, but be ready to manually configure device management through Mi Home.

Google Assistant is for those who are used to the Google ecosystem and do not use advanced features. MIUI. For example, on POCO F4 GT With global firmware, it works more stable than XiaoAI when voice search on the Internet.

7. The future of voice assistants on Xiaomi: what to expect?

In 2026, Xiaomi is actively developing its own assistant - XiaoAI receives updates with support for artificial intelligence (generative responses, context analysis). MIUI expected:

• 🤖 HyperOS integration: Xiaomi’s new operating system promises deeper interaction between devices via voice commands.
• 🌐 Expanding Language Support: Improved Accent and Dialect Recognition Planned.
• 🔒 Local command processing: To improve privacy, some functions will work without sending data to servers.

However, Xiaomi is unlikely to abandon its partnership with Google on global devices, so Google Assistant will remain an affordable option, but the support of third-party assistants (like Alice) is unlikely, the company relies on its own solutions.

For enthusiasts who want to try out the latest features of XiaoAI before the official release, a beta program is available.

1. Install the latest version of Mi Community.
2. Go to Beta testing and find the program for XiaoAI.
3. Fill out the questionnaire and wait for approval (may take up to 7 days).

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If you're in beta, be prepared for bugs like spontaneous reboots on voice commands, and it's recommended that you install betas on a backup device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing voice assistant