Are you tired of saying “OK, Google” every time you go to the screen to activate your voice assistant? On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO), there’s a hidden option to tie a Google Assistant call to a physical button — like a power button or volume control. However, standard MIUI settings often limit this feature, prioritizing native Xiao AI assistant.
In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to set up a quick Google Assistant button call, from official methods for global firmware to workarounds for Chinese versions of MIUI. You’ll learn which models support the out-of-the-box function, how to bypass locking through ADB, and why some devices will have to use third-party apps. And a unique lifehack for Xiaomi owners with NFC, which allows you to launch the Assistant with a single touch of the tag.
Why does Xiaomi not have a default button for Google Assistant?
The reason lies in the policy of Xiaomi and the features of the MIUI firmware:
- 📱 Xiaomi is actively promoting its own voice assistant Xiao AI (In China, integrated services are also available, so the direct button for Google Assistant is often blocked.
- 🌍 Regional restrictions: On global firmware (MIUI Global feature may be available, but in Chinese (MIUI China or European (MIUI EEU) — absent.
- 🔒 Android Restrictions: Starting with Android 10, Google has tightened the rules for manufacturers by banning the overriding of power/volume buttons without user permission.
Interestingly, even on the same device (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), behavior can vary depending on the firmware version, so in MIUI 14 for the global version of the power button, the default calls Xiao AI, and in the European version, it can be free to customize.
Official method: customization via menu (for supported models)
If your Xiaomi smartphone is a global smartphone (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G or POCO F5), try the standard method:
- Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Power button.
- Select Long Press or Double Press (depending on the model).
- In the action list, look for Google Assistant (or Voice Match).
- Save the settings and check the work.
⚠️ Note: This item may not be available on Chinese firmware, and on some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Google Assistant will be offered only Xiao AI or Mi Assistant.
☑️ Checking before setting up
Method for Chinese firmware: ADB-commands
If the menu doesn’t have an option for Google Assistant, you’ll need to use USB debugging (ADB), which works on most Android 9 and newer devices, but requires a computer.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB drivers (for example, via Mi PC Suite) and execute the command:
adb shell settings put secure assistant "com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.opa.OpaActivity"Once you have completed the command, restart the device. Now, a long press of the power button should start Google Assistant.
What to do if ADB is not working?
Alternative methods: third-party applications and NFC
If none of the above methods worked, consider these options:
- 🔧 Button Mapper: Allows you to reassign actions for volume buttons, power and even touch gestures. Supports Google Assistant launch, but requires ADB to unlock the full functionality.
- 📱 Tasker + AutoInput: Create a task that emulates clicking on the Google Assistant icon when holding the button.
- 🔄 NFC-Labels: Write down the Assistant's launch command (via NFC Tools) and attach it to the back of the phone, and now you just have to put your finger on the tag to activate the assistant.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Button Mapper may conflict with system services MIUI, Especially on Chinese firmware. Make a backup copy of the data before using it!
💡
If you use Google Assistant frequently in your car, set it to run by voice via Android Auto. In Android Auto settings, activate the “OK Google” option when you connect to the radio.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
| Method | Difficulty | PC required | Works for MIUI China | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official settings | ⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Tall. |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Medium |
| Button Mapper | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No, but you need rights. ADB) | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Low (may be dropped) |
| Tasker + AutoInput | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ High (with proper settings) |
| NFC-marker | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Tall. |
For most users, the best solution is ADB-It's universal, and it doesn't require third-party apps. If you don't want to mess with commands, try it. NFC-The tag (if your Xiaomi supports) NFC) Or Button Mapper.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after you've set up successfully, you may encounter bugs.
- 🔕 Button not responding: Check if the setting is in conflict with gestures MIUI (For example, double taps to wake up. Turn them off temporarily.
- 🔊 Xiao is launched AI Google Assistant: Remove or freeze the Xiao app AI through ADB: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.voiceassist
- 🔄 Settings are reset after the update: This is typical for MIUI. After the update, repeat the setting through ADB.
If Google Assistant is running but does not respond to voice commands, check:
- Is Voice Match enabled in the Assistant settings?
- Have you allowed the app to access the microphone (Settings → Apps → Permissions)?
- Is not activated mode Do not disturb or save charge?
💡
On Android 12+ and MIUI 13/14 devices, you may need to further disable battery optimization for Google Assistant, otherwise it will close in the background.
Security and confidentiality
When setting up a Google Assistant call with a button, consider the risks:
- 🔓 ADB-Access: Debugging by USB Opens up potential vulnerabilities. Once set up, turn it off in Settings. → For developers.
- 🎤 Persistent voice recording: Google Assistant may be activated by accident (e.g. in your pocket.
- 📱 Third-party apps: Button Mapper and peers request accessibility service permissions, which theoretically allows them to intercept input.
⚠️ Attention: On Chinese firmware (MIUI China: Some system applications (e.g. Mi Security) can block changes made through the ADB. If the settings are reset after the reboot, try disabling Mi Protect in the security settings.