Google’s voice assistant, OK Google (or Google Assistant), makes it much easier to interact with a smartphone: you can run apps, search for information, or manage a smart home without touching the screen. However, on Xiaomi devices with MIUI firmware, this feature is often disabled by default or does not work properly due to the features of the branded shell. In some regions (for example, in China), Google services are absent, making configuration impossible without additional manipulation.
In this article, you will find current ways to activate the voice assistant on all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark. We will break down the standard method through Google Settings, workarounds for Chinese firmware, and solutions to common errors, from lack of response to a command to problems with the microphone. If your smartphone does not recognize voice or gives a message “Google Assistant is not available”, here you will find reasons and ways to fix them.
⚠️ Important: The functionality of OK Google depends on the version MIUI on Chinese devices (China) ROM) Google services will require manual installation of Google Play Services or change of region in account settings.
Preparation of the smartphone: checking compatibility and requirements
Before setting up your voice assistant, make sure your device meets the minimum requirements:
- 📱 Android version: 6.0 and above MIUI 12/13/14 function is maintained stably).
- 🔊 Microphone: Must be serviceable (check in the Dictaphone app).
- 🌐 Internet: stable network connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
- 📦 Google services: Google Play Services and Google App installed (Chinese firmware may not be available).
On devices with China ROM (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro for the Chinese market, Google’s voice assistant is locked at the firmware level, in which case you will either need to install global firmware (Global). ROM), manual installation of Google services through APK-The official way to change the region is through Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times on the line with the version to unlock Additional Region Settings).
⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro) OK Google may conflict with Xiaomi’s brand assistant AI Assistant. Before setting it, turn it off in Settings. → Annexes → Application management → AI Assistant.
2. Standard way to enable through Google Assistant
If your Xiaomi has a Global ROM or firmware with pre-integrated Google services, you can turn on OK Google in 5 minutes:
- Open the Google app (the icon with the letter G on a colored background).
- In the lower right corner, tap the profile icon → Settings.
- Choose Google Assistant → General.
- Activate the OK Google switch and voice input.
- Follow the instructions for setting up your voice model (say the phrase “OK Google” 3 times).
Once activated, the assistant will respond to the voice command even from a locked screen (if the voice unlock option is enabled in the security settings).
The latest updates to Google App have been installed|Microphone not dimmed (check the physical switch on the body)|Google account added to the system|Power saving modes for Google services are turned off-->
🔹 If Google is not on the menu:
- 🔄 Update Google App through Play Market.
- 📂 Clear the app's cache: Settings → Annexes → Google → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 🌍 Make sure that your phone settings select the region where Google Assistant is supported (e.g., the U.S. or Russia, but not China).
3. customization for Chinese firmware (China ROM)
On devices with China ROM (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra for the Chinese market), Google services are not available by default. To enable OK Google, follow the following steps:
Method 1: Install Google Services manually
- Download the archive from Google Play Services and Google App for MIUI from a trusted source (e.g. xiaomi.eu).
- Install. APK-files in order: 1. Google Account Manager 2. Google Services Framework 3. Google Play Services 4.
- Reset the device.
- Run the Google App and set up the Assistant as described in Section 2.
Method 2: Change the firmware region (for advanced users)
If manual installation does not help, you can reflash the device on Global ROM:
- 📥 Download the official global firmware for your model from the site MIUI Downloads.
- 🔧 Use the Mi Flash Tool to install (unlocked bootloader required).
- ⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware may result in loss of warranty or unstable operation of the device!
What happens if you install an unofficial firmware?
4. Solving common mistakes
If Google doesn’t work after setting up, check the following points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Not responding to the team | Microphone blocked for Google App | Go to Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Microphone and enable access for Google. |
| The message “Google Assistant is not available” | An outdated version of Google App or Services | Update apps through the Play Market or install the APK manually. |
| It only works when the screen is unlocked. | The option “Unlocking by voice” is disabled | Enable Settings → Lock screen → Additional settings → Voice unlock. |
| The assistant opens but doesn't follow commands | The conflict with MIUI Optimizations | Turn off optimization in Settings → Special features → MIUI Optimizations (reboot required). |
🔹 Error “I failed to connect to the network»:
The problem arises from MIUI's limitations on background activity.
- Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
- Select Google and Google Play Services → set the “No Limits” mode.
- Reset the device.
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If the voice assistant is triggered by chance (for example, to music or conversation), reduce the sensitivity of the microphone in the settings of Google Assistant: Settings → Voice Match → Microphone Sensitivity
5.Alternative voice assistants for Xiaomi
If you can’t set up OK Google (for example, on China ROM without Google services), consider alternatives:
- 🤖 Xiaomi AI Assistant: Xiaomi's branded assistant, supports Chinese and English. Activated by Hey Xiao AI» (only on Chinese firmware).
- 🌐 Alice from Yandex: Works in Russian, integrates with Yandex services. Install the Yandex app and turn on the voice assistant in its settings.
- 📱 Bixby (for some models): On devices POCO with pre-installed Bixby (for example, POCO F4 GT) You can use the command Hi Bixby».
On Chinese MIUI firmware without Google services, the only working option is the Xiaomi AI Assistant or third-party assistants like Alice, but their functionality is limited compared to the Google Assistant (for example, there is no integration with Google Calendar or Gmail).
⚠️ Note: When using Xiaomi AI Assistant all voice data is processed on Xiaomi servers in China. If privacy is critical, give preference to Google Assistant or Alice with privacy settings.
6. Optimization of the voice assistant
To make Google work faster and more stable:
- 🔋 Turn off energy saving mode for Google and Google Play Services.
- 🗣️ Retrain the voice model: Google Settings → Voice Match. → Retrain the voice model.
- 📶 Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data to reduce latency.
- 🔄 Update the Google app regularly (new versions optimize voice recognition).
🔹 How to add a shortcut to a quick assistant call:
- Long press on the desktop → Widgets.
- Find the Google widget and drag it to the screen.
- Select the type of widget "Assistant" (Mic icon).
For convenience, you can assign an assistant to double press the power button:
- Open Settings → buttons and gestures → power button.
- Select the “Start Google Assistant” action to double tap.
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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the voice assistant consumes up to 5% of battery power per day when used actively. To reduce consumption, turn off the “Constant Listening” option in the Google Assistant settings.