Google Assistant on Xiaomi: How to enable, configure and fix errors

Why Google Assistant is needed on Xiaomi and why it may not be in the system

Google’s voice assistant has long been an integral part of the Android ecosystem, but Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a problem: standard ways to turn on the Assistant do not work. It’s all about the MIUI proprietary shell, which by default replaces Google’s assistant on its own – Xiao AI (on Chinese firmware) or hides it from the menu. At the same time, the functionality of Google Assistant is much wider: it supports Russian-speaking teams, integrates with Google services (Calendar, Search, Maps) and knows how to manage smart devices through Google Home.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to include Google Assistant on Xiaomi in 2026, including models on the Internet. MIUI 12, 13 and 14, and solve typical problems: why the assistant does not answer the voice, does not open the button or disappears after the update.+ Xiaomi 13 Ultra, where Assistant is often blocked at the firmware level.

Before you proceed to setup, check two key conditions:

• 📱 Your smartphone has a global (Global) or European (EEA) firmware MIUI. On the Chinese (China) versions of Google, Assistant can be disabled completely.
• 🔄 Google Play Services and Google App Updates are installed. log into the Play Store → Profile → Manage your device and update all system applications.

Method 1: Standard Enablement through MIUI Settings

If your Xiaomi supports Google Assistant out of the box, it can be activated in a few steps, a method that works on most models with MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 12T and other global versions.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
4. Find Google (app, not services!) in the list.
5. Open by default to open by default → Voice assistant.
6. Select Google Assistant (if you have an Xiao AI option, ignore it).

After that, the assistant should appear in the quick access menu (swipe diagonally from the bottom corner of the screen) or by long-term retention of the Home button (on models with a physical button).

Update Google Play Services|Check the version. MIUI (global/EEA)|Clear the cache of the Google app|Shut down Xiao. AI customized-->

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If the app list doesn't include "Voice Assistant," your firmware doesn't support standard on-line. Go to the alternative methods below.

Method 2: Activate through Google Search (if not in the settings)

On some MIUI firmware (especially POCO or Redmi with custom builds), the Assistant's inclusion point is hidden, in which case a workaround through the Google Search app will help.

Do the following:

1. Open the Google app (an icon with the letter "G" on a color background).
2. In the lower right corner, tap your profile icon (or initials).
3. Select Settings → Voice search.
4. Activate the Google Assistant switch.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to adjust your voice and allow access to the microphone.

If the assistant doesn’t appear on the “OK Google” voice command after these actions, check:

• 🔊 Permissions for the Google app in Settings → Annexes → Permissions (must include Microphone, Contacts, Location).
• 📶 Internet connection (Assistant requires an active connection to process requests).
• 🗣️ Voice settings in Settings → System system → Language and input → Voice input (select Google as the primary engine).

Method 3: Forced activation via ADB (for power users)

On Chinese firmware (China ROM) or some customized MIUI builds, Google Assistant can be locked at the system level, in which case the ADB team will help, which will force it to be designated as the default assistant.

Note: this method requires debugging on USB and working with a computer. If you have never used ADB, you should skip this section or consult a specialist.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB drivers (for example, via Mi PC Suite).
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


cmd assistant set-default-assistant com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/.GoogleAssistant

After completing the command, restart the phone. Google Assistant should appear in the Quick Call menu (swipe out of the corner or long hold of the Home button).

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The ADB command resets the default assistant settings, but does not guarantee voice performance. full functionality may require manual permission settings.

Table: Google Assistant Compatibility with MIUI Firmware

Not all versions of MIUI are equally friendly to Google Assistant, and below are the firmware support data (relevant to 2026):

⚠️ Note: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) After the forced activation of the Assistant, errors may occur with the synchronization of the Google account, in which case it is recommended to reflash the device to the global version. MIUI.

Problem Solving: Google Assistant is not working

Even after successful activation, the assistant may refuse to respond to commands or open up, and consider common errors and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Does not respond to the voice command “OK, Google”

Causes and solutions:

• 🔇 Microphone locked: Check permissions for Google app in Settings → Annexes → Google → Permits.
• 🌐 Incorrect language: Go to Google Settings → Voice search → Languages and select Russian (Russia).
• 📵 Energy saving: Add Google app to battery optimization exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).

Problem 2: The assistant opens up but doesn't follow commands

This is most often related to:

• 🔄 Outdated Services: Update Google Play Services and Google Search manually via APKMirror.
• 📍 Region restrictions: If your Google account is linked to Russia, some features may be blocked. Try changing the region to the US or Germany in your account settings.
• 🛠️ Conflict with Xiao AI: Turn off the Chinese assistant in Settings → Annexes → Xiao AI → Shut down.

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If the Assistant stopped working after the MIUI update, try clearing the cache and data of the Google app (Settings → Apps → Google → Storage → Clear the cache).

Problem 3: No response to a gesture or button

If the assistant does not open at:

• 👆 Swipe from the corner: Check the gesture settings in Settings → Display. → Gestures → Quick launch of the Assistant.
• 🏠 Long-Tap Home: This gesture can be reassigned to Xiao AI. Change it to Settings. → Buttons and gestures → Home button".

Next Post:How to Make Google Assistant More Convenient

Once you've successfully activated the assistant, you can customize it to your needs, and here are some useful options:

1. Personalization of voice commands

The assistant can recognize your voice and execute commands just for you, so you can turn on this feature.

1. Open Google Search → Your Profile → Settings → Voice Search → Voice Match.
2. Activate Voice Recognition and get trained (repeat phrases 3-5 times).

2. Quick access from a locked screen

To use the Assistant without unlocking:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Screen Lock → Locking settings.
2. Turn on the voice assistant on the locked screen.

⚠️ Warning: This feature can reduce device security, as the assistant will be able to read notifications and manage some settings without entering a password.

3.Integration with a smart home

If you have Google Home devices or compatible gadgets (such as Xiaomi Mi Home via Google Assistant Routines), connect them:

1. Download the Google Home app.
2. Add devices manually or through Settings → Smart Home in Assistant.
3. Set up voice commands like “OK Google, turn on the lights in the living room.”

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Assistant on Xiaomi