Voice assistants have become an integral part of modern smartphones, making it easier to perform everyday tasks. Owners of Xiaomi devices often face the question: How to replace the standard Google Assistant with a native Alice from Yandex, which is better adapted for Russian-speaking users. MIUI, where default settings are hidden or limited.
In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to make Alice the primary voice assistant on Xiaomi, from simple menu settings to using hidden features. You’ll learn which models support this capability, what limitations exist in different versions. MIUI, And how to get around common setup errors, and focus on solutions for devices with updated interfaces. MIUI 14/15, where the activation algorithm has changed.
Why is Alice better than Google Assistant for Xiaomi users?
Before we get to the settings, it’s worth understanding Alice’s advantages over Google’s standard assistant, and the main reasons for choosing this service are:
- 🇷🇺 Localization: Alice is perfectly adapted to the Russian market – understands dialects, slang, local realities (for example, the names of shops or transport routes).
- 🎵 Integration with Yandex services: quick access to Yandex.Music, Maps, Weather and other ecosystem products without additional teams.
- 🛒 Offline command support: Some features (such as alarm clock or flashlight management) work without internet, unlike Google Assistant.
- 🔒 Privacy: Data is processed on servers in Russia, which is important for users concerned about transferring information abroad.
In addition, Alice is better at voice input in Russian, less likely to misrecognize and supports unique features like “joke mode” or integration with Yandex.Station. However, there are also disadvantages: for example, limited support for English or the lack of some features for a smart home compared to Google Home.
Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before setting up
Before you make Alice the default assistant, follow a few mandatory steps to help avoid errors and malfunctions:
- Update the Yandex app to the latest version via Google Play or AppGallery. The minimum required version is 23.10 (for stable voice commands).
- Make sure that the smartphone has Russian installed system, Alice may not work correctly if the main language is English or another.
- Check the permissions for the Yandex application: 📱 Access to microphone (required!). 📍 Geolocation access (for location-based teams). 📞 Permission to call and SMS (If you plan to control them by voice).
Turn off the power saving.
Yandex
It is also recommended to reboot your smartphone before setting up, which will reset temporary cache and eliminate possible conflicts with other applications. If you use MIUI 14/15, additionally check if the child mode or guest mode is turned on, they block changing system settings.
☑️ Preparing for Alice's setup
Method 1: Configure via the Default Applications menu (MIUI 12–15)
The easiest method is to use the standard MIUI settings menu, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-15 firmware.
- Open Settings → Applications → Applications by default.
- Find the Voice Assistant (or Assist & Voice Input in English).
- In the list of available applications, select Yandex (if not, see the problem solving section).
- Confirm the choice and restart the smartphone.
Alice must then activate by long pressing the home button or voice command (if configured). However, on some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), this item may not be available.
What to do if the menu does not include the "Voice Assistant" item?
| Xiaomi model | Alice's support out of the box | Is ADB required? |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Yes (MIUI 14+) | No. |
| Redmi Note 11/12 | Yeah (refreshing needed) | Sometimes. |
| POCO X5 Pro | Partially (depending on region) | Yes. |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 | Yeah (stable) | No. |
Method 2: Using voice to activate Alice (no buttons)
If you want to run the assistant by voice (for example, the phrase "Hello Alice"), you will need additional configuration. This method works regardless of the choice of the default assistant and is available even on devices without root rights:
- Open the Yandex app and go to Settings → Alice → Voice Activation.
- Turn on the "Hello Alice" option.
- Take voice training (say the phrase 3 times for calibration).
- Return to the basic settings and activate "Alice always listens" (permission to work in the background is required).
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Follow the command to change assistant: adb shell pm grant ru.yandex.searchplugin android.permission.BIND_ASSISTANT_SERVICE adb shell cmd assistant set-default-assistant ru.yandex.searchplugin/.voiceassistant.AssistantService
- Reboot your smartphone.
If Alice is not the default assistant after the reboot, check if the settings have reset. In some cases, you need to repeat the command after each MIUI update.
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ADB-method is the only working way for firmware without Alice support (e.g. global versions) POCO F4 or Redmi K50i).
Typical problems and their solutions
When you set up Alice on Xiaomi, users often encounter errors. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Alice doesn't appear on the list of assistants | An outdated version of MIUI or Yandex application | Update the firmware and app to the latest version |
| Voice activation is not working. | No microphone or energy saving permission | Check the permissions in Settings → Applications → Yandex |
| Alice resets after update | MIUI resets default settings | Repeat the setting or use it ADB-team |
| Does not work on a locked screen | MIUI security restrictions | Enable the option to "Show over other windows" |
If none of the methods worked, try resetting the Yandex app settings (Settings → Applications → Yandex → Storage → Clear Data) and resetting from scratch. In extreme cases, you may need to flash it to the Russian version of MIUI (but this voids the warranty!).
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On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T) after upgrading to MIUI 14 Alice stops working, in this case, will help roll back to the previous version of the firmware via Fastboot or waiting for a patch from Yandex.
Frequent questions and answers
Can you make Alice the default assistant on Xiaomi without root rights?
Why doesn’t Alice respond to voice commands from a locked screen?
How to get back Google Assistant after Alice is installed?
Does Alice work on Xiaomi’s global firmware (e.g. Europe)?
Can I assign Alice as the default assistant on POCO F5?
Conclusion: which way to choose?
The choice of method depends on the model of your Xiaomi and the version of MIUI:
- 📱 For new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) It is a standard method through settings.
- 🎤 If you need voice activation, set it separately in the Yandex application.
- 🖥️ For global firmware or POCO use ADB-team.
Remember, after the MIUI update, the settings may reset – be ready to repeat the procedure. If Alice is critical to you, consider installing custom firmware with full support for domestic services (for example, MIUI EU or Pixel Experience).
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The most reliable way is a combination of standard settings (Default Apps) + voice activation in the Yandex app, which guarantees Alice’s work from the button and voice.