Xiaomi smartphones with frameless (“limitless”) screens have become popular due to the maximum display area and minimal bezels. However, owners of such models often face a problem: the standard gesture to call Google Assistant (holding the Home button or swipe out of the corner) does not work due to the lack of physical buttons or features of the MIUI firmware. In this article, we will discuss all ways to activate the voice assistant on devices with Full Screen Display, including hidden settings and bypassing manufacturer restrictions.
Complicating the problem, Xiaomi has replaced Google Assistant with Xiao AI in some regions, and Google’s voice assistant is not available in China, but even on global versions of MIUI, users are faced with bugs: for example, a swipe gesture from the bottom corner can conflict with the navigational gestures of the system. We tested all the current methods on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO F5 models – and are ready to provide working solutions.
Why Google Assistant doesn’t work on Xiaomi’s limitless screen
The main reason is the conflict between the navigation gestures MIUI and the standard call assistant. on smartphones with a frameless display Xiaomi uses three types of navigation:
- 🔄 Classic buttons (if enabled in settings) – but they take up space on the screen, which contradicts the concept of “limitless».
- 👆 Gestures MIUI (swipe up for return, hold for multitasking – cover the standard gesture of calling the Assistant.
The second reason is that there is no Google app on some firmware, such as Chinese versions of MIUI, where Google services are removed due to local law, while global ones can be disabled by default, and when you upgrade to MIUI 14/15, some users report a reset of gesture settings, which makes Assistant less responsive to commands.
⚠️ Note: If you are using firmware for China ROM), Google Assistant will not work without manually installing Google Play Services and changing the region in the account.
Method 1: Configure the call gesture through system parameters
The most reliable method is to tie the Assistant call to hold the power button or to adjust an alternative gesture.
- Open Settings → Special features → System navigation.
- Choose MIUI gestures with buttons (even if you prefer full-screen gestures – this is temporary).
- Return to Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Assistant and Voice Input.
- Select Google Assistant (if it’s not listed, install an app from the Play Market).
- Now hold the Home button (if it appears) or Power button for 1-2 seconds.
If the Home button doesn't appear, force it through Settings → Display → Full-screen → Navigation Style → Buttons. Once set up, you can return to gestures, but the Assistant will only work through the Power button.
Make sure that Google Assistant is installed.|Update Google Services to Play Market|Check the Google account region (should match the firmware region)|Shut down Xiao. AI in the settings (if not used)-->
Method 2: Voice activation (OK, Google)
If the gestures don't work, set up voice activation, which is universal and doesn't depend on the type of navigation you're using.
- 🎤 Open the Google Assistant app manually (find it in the menu or through search).
- 🔧 Tap on the profile icon → Settings → Voice assistant → Recognition "OK Google".
- 📲 Follow the instructions for recording the voice (say the phrase 3 times).
- ⚙️ Enable the Unlock Phone option to let the assistant work on a locked screen.
Once set up, just say "OK, Google" or "Hey, Google" (English), even if the screen is turned off. Note: this requires that the security settings turn off the Background Activity Limit option for the Google app.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) K60) voice activation may not work due to battery optimization.To fix this, add Google Assistant to the list No Limits in Battery Settings.
Swipe gesture from the corner|Holding the power button|Voice command OK, Google"|Another option-->
Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications
If standard methods fail, install alternative launchers or utilities to call the Assistant.
| Annex | Functional | Compatibility with MIUI |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Switching the swipe gesture up to call the Assistant | Full (works on all versions) |
| Tasker | Creating custom gestures or buttons to call | Requires manual adjustment, possible conflicts |
| Assistant Trigger | Adds a floating button for a quick call | It works, but can be blocked MIUI as an overlay |
| Button Mapper | Reassignment of hardware buttons (for example, double pressing volume) | Some models require rooting. |
To install Nova Launcher:
- Download the app from the Play Market.
- Set it as the default launcher in Settings → Applications → By default.
- Go to the Nova settings → Gestures and controls → Gestures.
- Assign the Assistant action to the swipe up from the dock panel.
💡
If the gesture doesn’t work after installing Nova Launcher, clear the Google app cache in your phone’s settings.
Method 4: Manually Incorporated through ADB (for Advanced)
If none of the methods worked, you can force the Assistant to activate through ADB-This method requires you to connect to a PC and enable debugging. USB, It works on all the firmwares. MIUI:
adb shell settings put secure assistant com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.opa.OpaActivity
adb shell settings put secure voice_interaction_service com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.opa.OpaActivityAfter the commands are executed:
- Reboot your smartphone.
- Hold the Home button (or power button if the Home button is missing).
- If Assistant does not start, check if the Google app is installed and if the services are updated.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It may cause some of the settings to be reset. MIUI, For example, face unlocks or a fingerprint. Before you execute commands, back up your data.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Addressing regional constraints
Google Assistant is not available on China ROM by default.
- Download. APK-Google App file (e.g. from APKMirror site).
- Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
- Install Google Play Services (also via APK).
- Change the region in your Google account to the country where the Assistant is supported (e.g., the United States or Germany).
Once installed, you may need to clear the Google app cache and restart. If the Assistant still doesn't start, check if it's blocked by the MIUI antivirus (turn off Real-Time Protection in Settings → Security).
💡
Google Assistant will not work stably on Chinese firmware (China ROM) without a complete replacement of firmware with the Global ROM.