How to Install Alice as a Primary Voice Assistant on Xiaomi: Full Instruction 2026

Why is Alice better than Google Assistant on Xiaomi?

Voice assistant Alice from Yandex has long ceased to be just an alternative to foreign analogues. For owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, it offers unique advantages: deep integration with Russian services, support for MIUI at the system level and even the ability to manage Xiaomi’s smart home in Russian. Unlike Google Assistant, which often blocks functions due to sanctions, Alice consistently works with Yandex.Maps, Music, Weather and other local services.

But there is a caveat: by default, Xiaomi has Google Assistant installed (or no voice assistant at all in new models for Russia).To make Alice the main assistant with a long-press button call or a voice command “OK, Yandex”, you will need to follow several steps – from installing the application to changing system settings. In this article, we will analyze all the ways, including bypassing the restrictions of MIUI 14 and working with models without Google services (Redmi Note 12R, POCO M6 Pro, etc.).

Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before installation

Before you start setting up, make sure your Xiaomi meets the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: 12 or newer (on MIUI 11 and below Alice may be working unstablely).
• 🔄 Firmware region: Russia or global version with support for Google Play (for models without software) GMS will require manual installation APK).
• 🗃️ Free space: at least 500 MB (Alice takes up space) ~200MB, plus cache).
• 🔒 Administrator rights: not required, but some features (e.g. autorun) will require permission for Special Access.

If your smartphone is purchased in China or has China ROM firmware, pre-installe Google Play Services via APKMirror or use the instructions for changing the MIUI region. For models Redmi Note 12R and POCO M6 Pro (without GMS) will fit the version of Alice from Yandex.Catalog.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro after updating to MIUI 14.0.5 may lose the option to select the default assistant, in which case you will need to reset the settings of the application Google Settings.

Method 1: Install Alice via Google Play (for models with GMS)

This is the easiest method for most users. Suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with Google services pre-installed (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro, etc.).

1. Open Google Play Store and find the Yandex app with Alice.
2. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
3. Launch the application and perform the initial setting (authorization via Yandex ID, permission to access the microphone and contacts).
4. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex and enable AutoRun option.

Once installed, Alice will be available through the desktop icon, but will not yet be the default assistant.

1. Open Settings → Google → Settings for Google apps → Search, Assistant and Voice.
2. Select Voice Assistant and install Yandex with Alice as the main one.
3. Go back to Google Settings and turn on the “OK Yandex” option (if available).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI The option "Voice Assistant" may not be available in the Google menu, in which case use Method 2 (manually configured via the Google Menu). ADB).

Method 2: Manual installation of Alice on Xiaomi without Google (China ROM)

If your smartphone does not support Google Play (such as the Redmi Note 12R, POCO M6 Pro, or models with China ROM), you will need to install Alice manually:

1. Download. APK-Yandex file with Alice from the official website: https://browser.yandex.ru/alice/mobile
2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications → Select a browser.
3. Install APK and launch the application.

For integration with the system:

• 🔧 Install Xiaomi. ADB/Fastboot Tools on PC.
• 🖥️ Connect your smartphone to your computer and execute the command: adb shell pm grant ru.yandex.alice android.permission.BIND_NOTIFICATION_LISTENER_SERVICE
• 🔄 Reset the device.

This method allows Alice to work as a system application, but does not guarantee a button call (only via voice command or icon).

Set up Alice's call by long press of a button

To make Alice open by long pressing the power button or the Home button (if physical), follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings → Buttons and gestures → Long press of the power button.
2. Select Voice Assistant and specify Yandex with Alice.
3. If you don’t have an option, use the Assistant Launcher app to reassign the button.

Models with MIUI 14 and later may require additional configuration via Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex → Additional → Open by default.

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If Alice doesn’t open on the button after setting up, try clearing the cache of the Google Settings app in Settings → Apps → App Management.

Integration of Alice with Xiaomi Smart Home

Alice can control Xiaomi Smart Home devices (lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaners), but this requires a bundle with Mi Dom:

1. Install the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for new models).
2. Sign in and add all devices to the system.
3. Open Yandex with Alice, go to Settings → Smart Home → Connect devices.
4. Select Xiaomi from the list and log in through your Mi Account.

Once synchronized, Alice will be able to turn on the lights, run a vacuum cleaner or show an image from Xiaomi cameras on a voice command.

• 💡 "Alice, turn on the light in the living room"
• 🤖 "Alice, run the bedroom vacuum cleaner"
• 📷 "Alice, show me the camera at the front door"

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) require manual addition to Yandex.Smart Home via the web interface iot.yandex.ru.

Solving problems: Alice is not working or not responding

If Alice refuses to start after setting up or does not respond to voice commands, check the following points:

For resetting Alice's settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex.
2. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
3. Reboot your smartphone and reset Alice.

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If Alice stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back the application version or wait for a patch from Yandex. Most often, bugs fix within 1-2 weeks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Alice on Xiaomi