Calling Google Assistant with gestures on Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient way to speed up interaction with the device, especially when hands are busy or the screen is locked. However, many users face a problem: standard MIUI settings do not always allow you to activate the voice assistant with a simple swipe or other movement. In this article, we will analyze all working methods, from official functions to workarounds for different versions of the firmware.
It’s important to understand that gesture controls depend on the MIUI version and the smartphone model. For example, Xiaomi 13/14 and Redmi Note 12 flagships support advanced gestures, while budget devices like the Poco M5 may require additional adjustments. We tested all methods on current firmware versions (up to MIUI 14.0.5) and collected only working solutions.
If you want to not just start the Assistant, but do it as quickly as possible — without unlocking the screen or pressing buttons — this is the guide for you. We'll also look at alternative options for devices where gesture control is disabled by the manufacturer.
What Xiaomi models support the call of the Assistant gestures
Not all Xiaomi smartphones allow you to activate Google Assistant with swipes or other gestures, and here are the key compatibility criteria:
- 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mix 4/Fold — Supports gestures "out of the box" on MIUI 13+.
- 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 11/12 Pro, Poco F4/F5 — Requires manual adjustment in Settings → Special facilities.
- 📱 Budget models: Redmi 10A, Poco M4 — gestures only work through third-party applications (for example, Assistant Trigger).
- ⚠️ Outdated devices: Mi 9, Redmi Note 8 - on MIUI 12 and below gesture call may not work due to Google restrictions.
The full list of compatible models can be checked on the official MIUI website, but there is a universal way to determine support: if your smartphone has a Settings section → Google → Settings for applications → Search, Assistant and Voice, then gestures can be configured.
| Xiaomi model | Support for gestures (MIUI 14) | Need third-party software? |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Pro | Yeah (swipe from the corner) | No. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Yeah (double touch) | No. |
| Poco X5 Pro | Partially (with unlock only) | Yes. |
| Redmi A2 | No. | Yes. |
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI In Russia (without Google services) gesture call Assistant is not possible – you will need to pre-installe Google Play Services through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Install the packages APK.
Official method: customization of gestures in MIUI
If your smartphone supports gesture control, follow the following steps:
- Open Settings → Google → Settings for apps → Search, Assistant and Voice → Google Assistant.
- Select Gestures and Voice (or Calling Methods in older versions).
- Activate the option of Swipe from the corner or Double touch (not available on all models).
- Return to the basic settings and go to Special Features → Gestures → Quick Start to assign an Assistant to a specific movement.
On devices with MIUI 14.0.3+, the option “Call the Assistant when holding the power button” appeared – it can be combined with gestures for convenience.
Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)
Update Google Assistant in Play Market
Enable permission to "Opose" for Google (Settings → Apps → Permissions)
Reboot the smartphone after the changes-->
If the Gesture section is missing, your model does not support the firmware level function, in which case move on to the next section with alternative methods.
Alternative methods: third-party applications
For devices that don't have official gesture support, you can use third-party tools.
- 🤖 Assistant Trigger (Play Market) – allows you to call the Assistant to any touch of the screen or hardware button, works even on a locked screen (requires permission Special features) → Accessibility services).
- 🔄 MacroDroid creates automatic rules for calling a voice assistant, such as setting the launch by shaking the phone or triple tapping the screen.
- 📱 Button Mapper – reassigns hardware buttons (such as long-term Loudness down) to an Assistant call.
Example of settings in Assistant Trigger:
1. Install the app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and select "Add gesture".
3. Set the action "Run Google Assistant".
4. Select a trigger: for example, "Swipe up from the bottom edge" or "Double touch".
5. Save the settings and provide all the permissions requested.⚠️ Note: Apps like Assistant Trigger can conflict with system gestures MIUI (For example, swipe up to return to the main screen.Before setting up, turn off conflicting gestures in Settings. → Display. → Full-screen gestures.
Official MIUI gestures
Third-party applications (Assistant Trigger, etc.)
Voice command "OK, Google"
Hardware button (power retention/volume retention)-->
Configure the Assistant call from the locked screen
By default, Google Assistant on Xiaomi does not respond to gestures if the screen is locked.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google.
- Select Permissions → Additional → Display on top of other windows and enable permission.
- Return to the Assistant settings (Google → Settings for apps → Search, Assistant and Voice) and activate the option to Allow Access from a locked screen.
- The gesture call will also require you to disable battery optimization for Google Play Services (in the same App Management section).
After this, a corner swipe or double-touch will work even when the phone is locked, but note that this can slightly increase battery consumption (by 2-5% in 8 hours in our tests).
Why is the call from the locked screen not working?
Problem Solving: When gestures don't work
If the gestures don’t work after setting up, check the following points:
- 🔄 Update the firmware: MIUI 13.0.4 and below were bugs with swipe recognition. Update via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 📱 Reset your gesture settings: go to Settings → Special facilities → Gestures → Drop it.
- 🔋 Check battery optimization: disable it for Google and Google Play Services in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
- 🛠️ Clear the cache: for Google Assistant and Google Play Services via Settings → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
If the problem persists, try an alternative method:
1.Install Nova Launcher from Play Market.
2. In the launcher settings, select Gestures and buttons → Swipe gesture up.
3. assign the action "Google Assistant".
4. Return to the home screen and test the swipe.⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) After resetting to factory settings, the Assistant's gestures are turned off. To avoid this, export the settings through Settings before resetting. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
Comparison of methods: what way to choose
To determine the best option, we will evaluate the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Pluses | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI gestures | No third-party applications, stable operation | It does not work on all models, limited settings | Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 Pro |
| Assistant Trigger | Works on any device, flexible settings | Requires permissions, may conflict with system gestures | Poco M5, Redmi 10C |
| Button Mapper | Calling by hardware button, does not depend on the screen | You need to get used to the new button, it does not work on some firmware | Xiaomi 11 Lite, Redmi Note 10 |
| Voice command | It works always, even without unlocking. | Requires to say "OK, Google" not suitable in noisy places | All models with Google Assistant |
For most users, the best solution is a combination of official gestures (if supported) and a voice command, but if you want maximum flexibility, use Assistant Trigger with a swipe setting from the bottom corner (similar to a return gesture to MIUI).
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On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13+, system gestures are prioritized. If the Assistant swipe conflicts with navigation, turn off full-screen gestures in Settings → Display → Full-screen mode.
Security and privacy when using gestures
Using gestures to call Google Assistant raises the issue of privacy.
- 🔒 Voice command data is processed on Google servers. To limit the collection of information, go to Google Settings → Account management → Data and confidentiality → History settings → Voice Request History and Turn Off Save.
- 📱 Third-party apps (such as MacroDroid) may request permissions to access notifications or special features.
- 🔄 Gestures on a locked screen can accidentally activate the Assistant in your pocket. To avoid this, set the delay in the gesture settings.
If you use the Smart Home Assistant (e.g., Mi Home), make sure that your Google account settings include two-factor authentication, which will protect your devices from unauthorized access if your smartphone is lost.
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To quickly turn off the microphone for Google Assistant, say, "OK, Google, turn off the microphone." This will temporarily block listening to commands until the next manual switch on.