How to enable and configure Google Assistant on Xiaomi: full instruction

Google Assistant has long been an integral part of the Android ecosystem, but smartphone owners Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO often face problems when activating it, the reason lies in the proprietary shell MIUI, which by default gives priority to its own assistant Xiao AI (in China) or even blocks access to Google services on some models. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to include Google Assistant on Xiaomi in 2026, including bypassing regional restrictions and solving typical errors.

It is important to understand that the process can vary depending on the version of MIUI (global, Chinese, European), device model and even the country of purchase. For example, on smartphones for the Chinese market (China ROM), Google Assistant is often absent in principle, and on global versions can be disabled due to conflict with Xiao AI. We will look at solutions for all scenarios from basic settings to manually adding APK and changing system parameters.

Why Google Assistant doesn’t work on Xiaomi by default

The main problem is related to Xiaomi’s policy and MIUI features:

• 📱 Conflict with Xiao AI: On Chinese and some global firmware, Xiaomi’s own assistant is activated by default, which blocks the Google Assistant call.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: On devices for the markets of China, India or Russia, Google Assistant can be disabled at the firmware level.
• 🔧 Lack of Google Services: In China ROM Google Play Services and Google App are missing, without which the assistant will not run.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: After major updates (for example, transition to the MIUI 14/15) The assistant settings can be reset.

In addition, on the Redmi and POCO budget models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), Google Assistant may be disabled due to performance limitations, requiring manual APK installation or configuration files modification.

Checking the compatibility of the device with Google Assistant

Before you start setting up, make sure your device supports Google Assistant.

1. Open Settings → About the phone and check the model number.
2. Make sure that the smartphone has global firmware installed (signs: Global, EEA, RU). Chinese versions (China) require firmware reflashing.
3. Check out the Android version: Google Assistant officially runs Android 6.0+, but Android 10+ is recommended for full-time work.

If your model is not in the table, check it on GSM Arena – the specs should indicate the presence of Google Assistant. On Android Go devices (for example, Redmi A1), the assistant can work with restrictions.

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If your smartphone is purchased in China but has an unlocked bootloader, you can install global firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.This will unlock access to all Google services, including Assistant.

Method 1: Enable Google Assistant through MIUI settings

If your device has a global MIUI firmware installed (not Chinese), try the standard activation method:

Update Google App to Play Market|Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi/4G)|Make sure the language of the system is set in English or Russian|Shut down Xiao. AI customized-->

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter "G").
2. In the lower right corner, tap your profile icon.
3. Select Settings → Google Assistant.
4. Click General → Google Assistant and turn on the switch.
5. Follow the instructions for setting up your voice and allow the necessary permissions.

If Google Assistant is not on the menu, it means:

• 📵 You have Chinese firmware without Google services.
• 🔄 Google App Is Outdated (Update It Manually).
• 🚫 The assistant is disabled at the system level (see common errors).

On some models (e.g., the POCO X3 Pro) after the Assistant is turned on, it may be necessary to restart the device. If the voice call (OK, Google) does not work, check the microphone settings in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Microphone.

Method 2: Manually add Google Assistant to China ROM

If you have a Chinese firmware (China ROM) that doesn’t have Google services, you’ll have to install them manually, which is a method that works for models like the Xiaomi 12, Redmi K50 or POCO F4 that you bought in China.

Attention! Installing Google services on China ROM can lead to unstable operation of the system.

1. Download the archive with Google services for your version of MIUI: For MIUI 14: GApps from Xiaomi.EU For MIUI 13: NikGapps (select the option "Basic")

Unclose the file and transfer the folder to the phone.

Google Installer

1. Google Services Framework


2. Google Play Services




3. Google App




4. Google Assistant

Reset the device.

Settings → Applications → Application Management

Google

Google Play Services

If the Assistant doesn’t appear in the menu after installing Google, try:

• 🔄 Update all installed APK via Play Market.
• 📁 Clear the Google app cache in the settings.
• 🔧 Turn it on. ADB-Debugging and executing command: adb shell pm grant com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox android.permission.READ_PRIVILEGED_PHONE_STATE

Method 3: Activate through ADB (for power users)

If Google Assistant is installed but not activated through settings, you can force it to be enabled using the ADB-This method works on most global firmware. MIUI 12-15.

Requirements:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer mode).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and execute: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
3. Enter the command to activate the Assistant: adb shell settings put global assistant com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.opa.OpaActivity
4. Then install Assistant as default assistant: adb shell settings put secure assistant com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.opa.OpaActivity
5. Reset the device.

After the reboot, check the Assistant by holding the Home button or saying, "OK, Google." If the commands don't work, try an alternative method:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "googleassistant://"

Addressing common mistakes

Even after successful activation of Google, the Assistant on Xiaomi may not work properly.

If, after all the manipulations of Google, the Assistant has not worked, check:

• 📡 Internet connection: Assistant requires a stable connection.
• 🗣️ System language: must be English, Russian or other supported language.
• 🔒 Security settings: Some antiviruses (e.g. Mi Security) may block the Assistant from accessing the microphone.

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On devices with MIUI 14+, resetting the Google app can help. Go to Settings → Apps → Google → Storage → Clear the data. After that, you will have to reconfigure the Assistant.

Alternative ways to call Google Assistant

If standard methods do not work, workarounds can be used:

• 🔘 Swipe from the corner gesture: Go to Settings → Additionally. → Gestures. Select the Assistant and assign a swipe from the bottom corner of the screen.
• 🎤 Voice activation via headphones: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) Supports calling the Assistant through a button on wired or wireless headphones.
• 📱 Home Screen Widget: Add Google Widget or Google Search to Desktop for Quick Access.
• ⚙️ Third-party launchers: Launchers like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher allow you to call the Assistant for gestures (for example, double-clicking on the screen).