How to turn on the voice assistant on Android Xiaomi: Google Assistant and Xiao AI

The voice assistants on Xiaomi smartphones make it much easier to interact with the device, from quick information retrieval to smart home management. However, many users face difficulties in first setting up this feature. 12, Poco X5, Mi 11 etc.) and firmware versions (MIUI 12-14) The activation process may be different.

In this article, we will discuss in detail two main options: how to turn on Google Assistant (a universal solution for all Android devices) and Xiao corporate assistant. AI (Only available on Chinese firmware, you will also learn how to customize voice control to your needs, eliminate common errors and optimize the assistant for maximum convenience.

What voice assistants are available on Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphones support two types of voice assistants, each with its own specific features and applications, depending on the region of the firmware, the device model and your preferences.

Google Assistant is a standard assistant for all Android devices, integrated into Google services. It supports Russian, knows how to manage a smart home through Google Home, send messages to the Internet. WhatsApp/Telegram, Search the Internet and do hundreds of other tasks, and the main advantage is that you can run on global versions. MIUI (EEA, Global, Russia).

Xiao AI — Xiaomi's branded assistant, originally designed for the Chinese market, is more integrated into the Mi Home ecosystem, better optimized for device management. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco, but has limited support for Russian. AI Often disabled by default or works with errors.

• 🌍 Google Assistant is the best choice for users with global firmware who actively use Google services.
• 🏠 Xiao AI — Optimal for owners of devices with Chinese firmware or those who are deeply integrated into the Mi Home ecosystem.
• 🔄 On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) you can use both assistants in parallel.

How to Include Google Assistant on Xiaomi

Activation of Google Assistant on Xiaomi smartphones takes no more 2-3 minutes if the device has Google services installed (which is typical for global firmware). MIUI 12-14.

First, make sure your phone has a Google app installed (usually pre-installed) if it isn't, download it from the Play Market. Also check that the language is set in Russian (or other supported language), otherwise the assistant may not respond.

Install Google App from Play Market

Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

Install Russian in the system settings

Update Google Services to the latest version-->

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the colored letter "G").
2. In the lower right corner, tap your profile icon (or initials).
3. Select the Settings item → Google Assistant.
4. Scroll down to the "General" section and click Voice Assistant.
5. Activate the Google Assistant switch.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up voice activation (e.g., the phrase “OK, Google”).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Poco) M4 Pro) after the Assistant is turned on, additional permission settings may be required. → Annexes → Application management → Google → Permits and enable access to microphone, contacts and SMS.

Once activated, check the assistant by saying “OK, Google” or holding the Home button (on older models). If the assistant doesn’t respond, restart the phone and reset.

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To speed up the Google Assistant call, add the Google Search widget to the home screen. To do this, hold your finger in the free space of the screen. →"Widgets" → Find Google and drag it to the screen.

Activation of Xiao AI Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Xiao's corporate assistant AI Available mainly on Chinese versions of the firmware (MIUI On global versions, it can only be enabled via hidden settings or after flashing. Below is the instruction for the official Chinese firmware.

Before you start, please note that Xiao AI poorly understands Russian, the main language of interaction with it Chinese or English.

• 📱 Open Settings and go to the Additional section → Xiao AI (In Chinese, the name may be given to ).
• 🔊 Press Enable Xiao AI and confirm permissions to access microphone and contacts.
• 🎤 For voice activation, say "Hey, Xiao." AI" or "" (in Chinese).
• ⚙️ In the settings of the assistant (Xiao) AI → Settings) you can customize voice, language (limited choice) and link smart home devices.

⚠️ WARNING: If you are using global firmware and trying to enable Xiao AI through hidden settings (for example, by using ADB-On devices with a locked bootloader, such manipulations often end in a "brick" (complete failure of the phone).

Configure voice activation on a locked screen

One of the most useful features of voice assistant is the ability to control the phone without unlocking it, such as asking for music to be turned on while the phone is in your pocket, or asking for a reminder without touching the screen, but by default, this feature is often disabled.

To enable voice activation on the locked screen for Google Assistant:

1. Open the Google app and go to Settings → Voice search → Voice assistant.
2. Select the option Voice activation.
3. Activate the option to Allow Activation from the locked screen.
4. Get a voice model training (you will be asked to repeat the phrase “OK, Google” 3 times).

For Xiao. AI settings are similar, but the path may be different: → Xiao AI → Voice activation → Allow on locked screen. note that on some models (Redmi) 9A, Poco M3) This function can be blocked by the manufacturer.

Troubleshooting: Why the Voice Assistant is Not Working

If the voice assistant doesn't respond to commands or works with errors after setting up, the reasons can vary from trivial to technical. Below we'll discuss the most common problems and ways to solve them.

1.The assistant is not activated by voice command

• 🔇 Check if the microphone is turned off in the privacy settings (Settings) → Confidentiality → Application authorizations → Microphone).
• 📵 Make sure that the Do Not Disturb or Charge Saving mode does not block the assistant's work.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes it helps to reset temporary crashes.

2.The assistant does not understand commands in Russian

• 🌐 Check the language of the system: it must match the language of the assistant (Settings) → Additionally. → Language and input).
• 🔄 Update Google App and Google Play Services to the latest version.
• 🎤 Re-train your voice model in a quiet room.

3. Xiao AI It gives an error when activated.

• 📱 Make sure you have Chinese firmware (MIUI China) Global versions of Xiao AI runaway.
• 🔧 Try resetting the assistant settings: Settings → Xiao AI → Reset the settings.
• 📲 If the error persists, it is possible that Xiaomi servers are locked in your region. VPN with access to China (for example, Shadowrocket).

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If the voice assistant stopped working after the update MIUI, Try clearing the cache of Google and Xiao apps AI. To do this, go to the Settings. → Annexes → Manage applications, find the desired application and click "Clear cache".

Additional features of voice assistants on Xiaomi

The voice assistants on Xiaomi smartphones can do more than just search the web, automate routine tasks, manage a smart home, and even create your own voice commands.

1.Managing a smart home

If you have Xiaomi devices (Mi Robot Vacuum, Mi Smart Bulb, Mi Air Purifier, etc.), they can be controlled by voice:

• 🏡 For Google Assistant: Link devices to Google Home via the Mi Home app (Profile section) → Settings → Working with other services).
• 🏠 For Xiao. AI: devices automatically sync through Mi Home (if the phone and gadgets are tied to the same Xiaomi account).

Examples of teams:

• "Okay, Google, turn on the vacuum cleaner in the living room."
• "Hey, Xiao AI, set the bedroom light to 50%"

2. Creating routines and automation

Google Assistant can create chains of commands (routines), for example, one phrase, "Good night," can:

• 🌙 Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data.
• 🔕 Energize the "Do not disturb" mode".
• 🎵 Start a relaxing music on YouTube Music.
• 💡 Turn off all smart lights in the house.

To create a routine:

1. Open the Google app.
2. Go to Settings. → Google Assistant → routines.
3. Press "+" and follow the instructions.

3. Voice input

Voice assistants can be used to quickly type messages, such as WhatsApp or Telegram:

1. Open the chat and tap the input field.
2. Click on the microphone icon on the keyboard (usually to the right of the space).
3. Dictate the text – it is automatically converted into a message.

Comparison of Google Assistant and Xiao AI: pick

Choosing between Google Assistant and Xiao AI Depending on your tasks, your phone model, and your firmware region, below is a benchmark analysis of key criteria.

When to choose Google Assistant:

• 🌍 You're using global firmware (MIUI Global/EEA/Russia).
• 🗣️ Russian language and regional adaptation are important to you.
• 📱 You actively use Google services (Gmail, Google Calendar, YouTube).

When to choose Xiao AI:

• 🏡 You have Chinese firmware (MIUI China and many Mi Home devices.
• 🛠️ You need deep integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem (like robot voice vacuum control).
• 🌐 You know English or Chinese to interact with your assistant.

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If you can't decide, try using both assistants in parallel. On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), this is possible without conflict. AI — smart-home management.

FAQ: Frequent questions about voice assistants on Xiaomi