How to enable and configure a voice assistant on Xiaomi: from XiaoAI to Google Assistant

Voice assistants on Xiaomi devices have long ceased to be just a “chip” — they have become full-fledged tools for managing a smartphone, a smart home and even household tasks. However, many users still do not use this functionality due to not knowing how to activate or customize it for their needs. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to enable voice assistants on smartphones and other Xiaomi gadgets, from the standard XiaoAI to Google Assistant and Alice from Yandex.

It is important to understand that the activation process may differ depending on the device model, firmware version. MIUI For example, on global versions of smartphones, XiaoAI may be disabled by default, and Google Assistant may not be disabled in Chinese versions, POCO and flagship series Xiaomi 13/14.

And then you'll find solutions to the problems of why the assistant doesn't respond to voice, how to change language or voice, and what to do if the microphone doesn't work, and if you've never used voice control or want to optimize it, this guide is for you.

What voice assistants are available on Xiaomi

Xiaomi devices support multiple voice assistants, each with different features and applications, depending on your tasks: whether you need smart home integration, Internet search or application management.

Main options:

• 🤖 XiaoAI is a Xiaomi-branded assistant optimized to manage the Mi Home ecosystem devices, works offline (partially), supports Chinese, English and several other languages, and can be disabled or hidden on global firmware.
• 🎤 Google Assistant is a universal assistant from Google with wide capabilities: search, translation, management of a smart home (including Google Home (GMS), This means that Chinese firmware may not work.
• 🗣️ Alice (Yandex) is a Russian voice assistant with support for local services (search, music, weather). Integrated through the Yandex app and works on most Xiaomi devices with the help of the Internet. MIUI.
• 📱 Own teams MIUI — Built-in features to quickly run apps, calls, or notes through voice (e.g., “OK, Google” or “Hello, XiaoAI»).

On Chinese firmware, only XiaoAI is available by default, and on global firmware, Google Assistant. If you need a specific assistant, you may need to change the region of the device or install additional applications, for example, Alice will need to download the official Yandex app from Google Play or APKMirror.

Below we’ll take a closer look at how to enable each of these assistants on different Xiaomi devices.

How to turn on XiaoAI on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

XiaoAI is Xiaomi’s native voice assistant, which is deeply integrated into the Mi Home ecosystem, allowing you to manage smart devices, run apps, set alarm clocks and even make calls. MIUI It's often turned off by default. Here's how to activate it.

Method 1: Through system settings (for Chinese and some global firmware):

1. Open the Settings. → Additionally. → Voice assistant (or Settings) → Additional settings → XiaoAI).
2. Activate the switch Enable XiaoAI.
3. Click Set up voice activation and record a voice sample (this will improve recognition).
4. Choose the language: Chinese, English or other available option.

Method 2: Through the Mi Home app (if XiaoAI is hidden in the settings):

• 📱 Install or update the Mi Home app from Google Play.
• 🔍 Open the application, go to profile (lower right corner) → Settings → Voice assistant.
• 🎙️ Enable the option to activate XiaoAI with voice and follow the instructions on the screen.

If your settings do not include XiaoAI, it may mean that:

• 🌍 You have global firmware without XiaoAI support (solution: change region to China via Settings) → Additionally. → Region).
• 🔄 Your version. MIUI outdated (update the system in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 📵 XiaoAI disabled at the firmware level (solution: install modified firmware with support, but it is risky).

Check the MIUI version (must be at least 12)

Make sure that the Mi Home app is installed

Connect to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

Allow access to the microphone for XiaoAI in the application settings-->

Important: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 on global firmware), the XiaoAI can be completely removed, in which case it can only be returned through a change of region or custom firmware installation, which cancels the warranty.

Activation of Google Assistant on Xiaomi smartphones

Google Assistant is the most versatile voice assistant, but on Xiaomi devices, its work depends on the availability of Google services (GMS). It's usually pre-installed on global firmware, but it's not on Chinese firmware.

Method 1: On global firmware (with Google Assistant preinstalled):

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter “G”).
2. In the lower right corner, click on the microphone icon or say “OK, Google.”
3. Follow the instructions for setting up the voice (recording the sample for recognition).
4. B Settings → Google → Settings for applications → Search, Assistant and Voice Configure Languages and Voice Activation.

Method 2: On Chinese firmware (without Chinese firmware) GMS):

• 📥 Install Google Installer (e.g. Googlefier or Google Installer) MIUI Google Installer from a trusted source (e.g., Google Installer, 4PDA).
• 🔧 Start the installer and follow the instructions for installing Google Play Services and Google App.
• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🎤 Once installed, open the Google app and set up Google Assistant as in Method 1.

If Google Assistant does not respond to voice commands after installation:

• 🔊 Check if the microphone is enabled for the Google app in Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Microphone.
• 🌐 Make sure that the voice language in the assistant settings matches the system language.
• 📶 Check your Internet connection (assistant requires constant access to the network).

💡

If Google Assistant doesn’t understand your speech, try retraining your voice model: open its settings. → Voice correspondence → Retrain your voice.

On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5) Google Assistant may conflict with XiaoAI. In this case, it is recommended to disable one of the assistants in the settings to avoid false positives.

Setting up Alice (Yandex) on Xiaomi

The Yandex Alice is the best choice for Russian-speaking users, as it is better at recognizing accents and is integrated with local services (search, music, weather).

Instructions for installation and activation:

1. Download the Yandex application from Google Play or from the official Yandex.ru website (if you do not have access to the Play Market).
2. Open the app and log in (or create an account).
3. Go to Alice (the microphone icon in the bottom menu).
4. Click on the gear icon (settings) and activate the voice activation option.
5. Record a voice sample to improve recognition.
6. In system settings (Settings) → Annexes → Yandex → Permissions: Allow access to microphone, contacts and notifications (optional).

Features of Alice’s work on Xiaomi:

• 🎵 Supports music management through Yandex Music and other services.
• 🏠 Can manage smart devices through Yandex Smart Home (alternative to Mi Home).
• 📍 More accurately determines the location in Russia and the CIS compared to Google Assistant.
• 🔋 It works more stable on weak devices (e.g. Redmi). 9A), Because it is less demanding of resources.

If Alice doesn't work on voice commands:

• 🔕 Check if Do Not Disturb or Saving Charge is disabled (they can block the microphone from operating).
• 🔄 Restart the Yandex application or restart the smartphone.
• 📵 Make sure there is no conflict with other assistants (e.g. if XiaoAI and Google Assistant are activated at the same time).

Solving problems with voice assistant

If you've got the voice assistant right, it might not work properly. Let's look at the problems and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The assistant doesn't respond to the voice

• 🔊 Check if the microphone is turned off in the privacy settings (Settings) → Confidentiality → Permits → Microphone).
• 📵 Make sure nothing is blocking the microphone (cover, dirt, moisture).
• 🔧 Reinstall the assistant app (e.g. Google or Yandex).
• 📡 Check your internet connection (most assistants require a network to handle requests).

Problem 2: The assistant is on its own.

• 🎤 Turn off voice activation for unnecessary assistants (for example, if you only use Alice, disable XiaoAI and Google Assistant).
• 🔕 Check if the start button is accidentally pressed (for example, holding the home button for a long time»).
• 📱 Update the firmware MIUI — In older versions, there are bugs with false positives.

Problem 3: The assistant doesn't understand the commands

Problem 4: Assistant doesn't manage smart devices

• 🏠 Make sure that devices are added to Mi Home or Yandex Smart Home.
• 🔄 Reconnect devices to the network (sometimes resetting and reconfiguration helps).
• 📋 Check if the assistant has access to the smart home app (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Home → Permits).

💡

If the problem persists after all manipulations, try resetting the assistant to factory settings (in its settings or through Settings). → System system → Resetting settings).

Voice commands for Xiaomi: useful examples

Knowing the right voice commands will help you use the assistant more efficiently, and here is a list of useful phrases for different scenarios:

Smartphone control:

• 📞 «Calling your mom – Calling the contact.
• 📝 «Make a note: Buy milk - a quick note.
• 🎵 «Turn on the music – launch of the last track.
• 🔦 «Turn on flashlight" - activation of flashlight.
• 📷 «Take a selfie – start the front camera.

Smart home management (via Mi Home or Yandex Smart Home):

• 💡 «Turn on the light in the living room – control of the lamps Yeelight.
• 🌡️ «What is the temperature in the nursery? – request data from the sensor.
• 🚪 «Close the door – control of the smart lock.
• 🍵 «Turn on the kettle" - start a smart socket.

Search and information:

• 🌍 «What is the weather tomorrow? - Weather forecast.
• 📅 «Remind me to order tickets at 18:00" - creating a reminder.
• 📊 «How Much Is a Dollar Value? – Currency Rate.
• 🚗 «Build a route to work – navigation.

XiaoAI has additional Chinese commands available, but support for them in other languages is limited, such as saying “” (Xiao Ai Tungsue) to activate, but further commands are better given in English or Russian (if supported).

Tip: To make your voice better recognized, write down a few sample phrases in its settings, which is especially useful if you have a specific accent or a quiet voice.

Comparison of voice assistants on Xiaomi: which to choose

The choice of voice assistant depends on your tasks and region, and below is a comparison table of key criteria:

Selection recommendations:

• 🌍 If you travel frequently or use international services, choose Google Assistant.
• 🏠 If you have many Xiaomi devices (lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaners) – optimal XiaoAI.
• 🗣️ If you are interested in Russian language and local services (music, weather, navigation.
• 📱 On weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 8A) Disable all assistants except one to save resources.

Important: Multiple assistants can be used on a single device, but this can lead to conflicts (e.g., XiaoAI and Google Assistant work simultaneously on a single command), in which case it is recommended to leave only one assistant by default.

FAQ: Frequent questions about voice assistants on Xiaomi