Replacing Google Assistant with Alice in Xiaomi TV: full instructions with nuances

Why Xiaomi TV users want to replace Google Assistant with Alice

Voice assistants have become an integral part of modern smart TVs, but not all users of Xiaomi Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV or Mi TV Stick are satisfied with the built-in Google Assistant. The main reasons for wanting to switch to Alice from Yandex are more adapted for Russian-speaking users functionality, better understanding of accent and integration with popular services such as Yandex.Music, Kinopoisk or Yandex.Weather.

Also, Alice supports Yandex smart home management, while Google Assistant in Xiaomi TV is often limited to domestic devices. However, the replacement process is not so obvious: officially Xiaomi does not provide such a possibility, so you will have to use workarounds from changing the region to installing third-party firmware. In this article, we will analyze all working methods with regard to TV models and potential risks.

Before you start, consider that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or the rights of the superuser (root), which can be ineffective. If your TV is still guaranteed, it is better to wait for an official update with support for Alice, such cases have already been for some models in Russia.

What Xiaomi TV models support the replacement of voice assistant

Not all Xiaomi TVs allow you to replace Google Assistant with Alice, and here are the key compatibility criteria:

• 📺 Mi TV 4S/4A/4C (2018–2021 (d) - require manual firmware or installation APK with Alice.
• 📺 Mi TV Q1/Q2/Q2C (2020–2023 - partially support Alice through updates for the Russian market.
• 📺 Redmi Smart TV X and Redmi Smart Fire TV — There is no official support, but it is possible to install ADB.
• 📺 Mi TV Stick and Mi Box S – Replacement can only be done with third-party launchers.

Officially, Alice is available on models released for the Russian market after 2021 (for example, Xiaomi TV A2 43" or Xiaomi TV P1E).To check support, go to Settings → Device → About TV and see the firmware region. If RU is specified, the chances of a successful replacement are higher.

⚠️ Note: On TVs with a processor MTK (Like Mi. TV 4A) Replacing the voice assistant may cause the remote to fail. Before starting, check the chipset model in Settings → On TV. → Hardware information.

Preparing TV for the replacement of voice assistant

Before installing Alice, several critical steps must be taken to avoid errors:

1. Back up your settings. Go to Settings. → The device → Backup and save data to USB-It'll help you rebuild the TV if something goes wrong.
2. Check the firmware version. In Settings → For TV, see the current version of MIUI TV. Most methods require a version at least 1.7.0.
3. Activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About TV and click on MIUI TV 7 times. Then the Developer option will appear in the settings.
4. Enable USB/ADB debugging. In the Developer section, activate ADB debugging and OEM Factory Unlock (if available).

If you plan to install Alice via ADB, download Android Platform Tools to your computer and connect your TV over the network (in the developer settings, enable Network Debugging).

adb connect [IP- address television]:5555

⚠️ Attention: On Android TVs TV 9 and below, the network debugging may not work. OTG-cable.

Create a backup copy of settings|Check the version. MIUI TV (≥1.7.0)|Activate the Developer Mode|Enable debugging on ADB|Download Android Platform Tools-->

Method 1: Install Alice via APK (for most models)

The most universal method is manual installation APK-This method works on most Xiaomi TVs, but requires pre-preparation.

Steps:

1. Download the latest version of Alice's APK for Android TV from Yandex's official website or a trusted source (e.g. APKCombo).
2. Move it. APK on USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32) Or upload directly to the TV via the browser.
3. Connect USB to your TV and open any file manager (like File Commander or X-Plore).If it's not, install it through Google Play.
4. Find it. APK-file and start installation. If you see an "Installation locked" error, go to Settings → Security → Unknown sources and allow installation from your file manager.
5. Once installed, restart the TV.Alice should appear in the app list and replace the Google Assistant call button on the remote.

If Alice doesn’t appear in the voice assistant menu, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall APK with superuser rights (root).
• 🔧 Clear the Google App cache in Settings → Annexes.
• 📋 Install a third-party launcher (for example, ATV Launcher) and assign Alice as default assistant.

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If Alice is not responding to voice commands after installation, check the microphone in Settings → Device → Microphone. Sometimes reconnecting the remote or external microphone helps.

Method 2: Replacement with ADB (for advanced users)

If the APK installation didn't work, you can try replacing the voice assistant with ADB, which is more complex, but gives you more control over the system.

Instructions:

1. Connect the TV to your computer over the network (as described in the Preparation section) and check the connection with the command: Adb devices must display your TV serial number.
2. Set Alice through ADB: adb install yandex_voice_assistant_tv.apk
3. Deactivate Google Assistant: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
4. Assign Alice as the default assistant: adb shell cmd assistant set-default-assistant com.yandex.browser Note: the name of the package may vary depending on the version of the APK.
5. Reboot TV: Adb shell reboot

If after rebooting the microphone button on the remote does not call Alice, check:

• 🔍 The correctness of the package name (com.yandex.browser or com.yandex.quasar).
• 🔄 Conflicts with other voice services (e.g. Amazon Alexa, if installed).
• 📵 The microphone's performance in the settings → The device → Entrances.

⚠️ Note: pm disable-user commands may cause some Google features, including YouTube and Google Play Movies, to fail.If critical, use instead: adb shell pm hide com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox This command just hides the app without disabling it completely.

Method 3: Change the firmware region (for Alice's official support)

Some Xiaomi TV models (e.g. Mi TV Q1 or Xiaomi TV A2) get Alice in official firmware for the Russian market. If your TV is originally designed for another region (e.g. IN - India or CN - China), you can try to change the region.

Steps:

1. Download firmware for the Russian market (RU) from the official Xiaomi website or the 4PDA forum. Make sure the version matches your model!
2. Transfer the firmware file (usually with the.zip extension) to USB-storage device FAT32.
3. Connect USB to your TV and go to Settings → About TV → System Update → Local Update.
4. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation. Don't turn off the power during the process!
5. After the reboot, check for Alice in Settings → Voice Assistant.

If a local update is not available, you can use ADB:

adb sideload [name file firmware].zip

⚠️ Note: Firmware for another region may block some features, such as Netflix or Prime Video, if they are not licensed to Russia.

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Changing the firmware region is the most reliable way to get Alice’s official support, but it’s only suitable for models released after 2020.

Solving common problems after replacement

Even if the installation is successful, it can be difficult, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🎤 Alice doesn't respond to her voice. Check: Permissions to access the microphone in Settings → Annexes → Alice. → Permissions. Connecting the remote (sometimes helps to reconnect via Bluetooth) Having updates for Alice's app.
• 🔄 The microphone button on the remote calls Google Assistant. execute: adb shell cmd assistant set-default-assistant com.yandex.quasar or reset the remote settings in Settings → DU remote → Reset.
• 📵 Alice works, but doesn't control the TV. Install an additional Yandex Launcher or ATV Launcher and Configure Integration in Settings → Voice assistant → Alice's settings.
• ⚠️ The TV freezes after installation. Reset to factory settings (Settings) → The device → Reset or stream the TV through Fastboot.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📋 Compatibility of your model with Alice on forums (e.g. Mi Community).
• 🔧 Availability of updates for MIUI TV (Sometimes new versions add support to Alice).
• 🛠️ System File Integrity (can be verified by ADB logcat).

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If Alice refuses to start with the error "Device not supported", try installing an older version of the APK (e.g. 3.15.0 instead of 4.0+).

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing Google Assistant with Alice