How to completely replace Google Assistant with Alice in Xiaomi smartphones: 3 working ways

Are you tired of the constant notifications about synchronization with Google Account and want to switch to a domestic voice assistant? Replacing Google Assistant with Alice from Yandex in Xiaomi smartphones is a real task, but with nuances. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of integration, including official and alternative methods, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors in setting up.

It's important to understand that MIUI is out of the box optimized for the Google ecosystem, so a complete replacement will require either deep customization of the system or the use of workarounds. We tested all methods on devices with MIUI 14/15 (including Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13T and POCO F5) and identified the three most reliable options, from simple to complex. If you are willing to sacrifice some functionality for privacy or convenience, this guide is for you.

Why users want to replace Google with Alice in Xiaomi

There are three main reasons, and they all have to do with the peculiarities of Google Services on Chinese smartphones:

• 🔒 Data privacy: Alice does not transfer voice requests outside the Russian Federation, unlike Google, which processes data on servers in the United States.
• 📡 Local optimization: Alice better understands Russian-language queries, including slang and regional features (for example, "where is the nearest pizzeria with delivery up to 300 rubles").
• 🎵 Integration with Russian services: Voice assistant Yandex can manage Yandex Music, Film Search and even Sberbank Online – something that Google blocks because of sanctions.

In addition, many users note that Alice responds more quickly to commands in unstable Internet conditions (for example, in the subway or outside the city), as part of the processing of requests takes place on the device (GMS) Some features (such as voice dialing in Google Maps) will stop working.

Method 1: Install Alice as the main application (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to make Alice the default voice command app without removing Google Assistant, which is suitable for MIUI 14/15 and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

You'll need:

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with Android 11 and higher.
• 🔗 Installed Yandex app with Alice (download only from the official store!).
• 🛠️ Access to the Application's default settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Voice Assistant (or Assist & Voice Input in English).
4. Choose Yandex with Alice instead of Google.
5. Return to the basic settings and go to System → Gestures → Additional gestures.
6. Assign Alice to hold the Home button or swipe from the corner of the screen (if supported).

⚠️ Note: After changing the default assistant, some functions MIUI For example, voice search in the Gallery or Notes will stop working because these apps are sharpened with Google, and the solution is to use alternative applications (for example, Yandex Photos instead of the standard gallery).

💡

If Alice does not respond to voice commands, check the application permissions in Settings → Applications → Yandex → Permissions and enable access to the Microphone, Contacts and Notifications.

Method 2: Disable Google Assistant via ADB (for advanced)

If you want to completely remove Google Assistant from your system, but are not ready to get root rights, you can turn it off via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is reversible and does not violate the warranty, but requires a connection to a computer.

What you'll need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📋 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → return to additional settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Disable Google Assistant as a system application: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
5. Reboot the device: adb reboot

Once you reboot, the Google Assistant icon will disappear from the menu, and Alice will be the only voice assistant.

adb shell pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox

Method 3: Install custom firmware (for enthusiasts)

The radical but most effective method is to reflash your smartphone to custom firmware without Google Services (like LineageOS or HavocOS) and install Alice as a system application, which is only suitable for power users, as it requires:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (bootloader).
• 🛠️ Custom recaveri installations (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 📦 Firmware of an alternative OS with support for MicroG (replacement) GMS).

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Complete removal of all Google components.
• ✅ The ability to use Alice as a system assistant (including voice control on a locked screen).
• ✅ Increased privacy and productivity (no background activity) GMS).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
• ❌ Risk of "bricking" of the device in case of firmware error.
• ❌ Certain functions MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo may not work.

If you decide to take this step, follow the official guides for your model on the XDA Developers forum. For Xiaomi, we recommend firmware based on Android 13/14 with MicroG support, for example:

⚠️ Note: Before firmware be sure to make a backup copy through TWRP (Backup section) and save it to PC if the custom OS stops working after you install it. NFC or Wi-Fi, return to stock firmware via Mi Flash Tool.

Solving problems after replacing an assistant

Even after successfully replacing Google Assistant with Alice, you may encounter bugs, and here are some of the most common problems and solutions:

• 🔇 Alice does not respond to voice commands: Check whether Yandex Voice Assistant is enabled in the special features settings (Settings) → Special opportunities → Rumor → Voice Assistant. Also make sure that the battery settings for Yandex are turned off Power Optimization.
• 📱 Alice's call from the locked screen does not work: MIUI 15 is a system limitation. The solution is to install Always On Display with gesture support or use Tasker to create an automatic rule.
• 🔄 Google Assistant Unauthorized After Update: This happens due to automatic system applications recovery.To prevent, disable auto-update for Google in the Play Store and block background activity through Settings → Annexes → Google → Battery → Limit background activity.

If Alice stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

1. Clear the app cache (Settings → Applications → Yandex → Storage → Clear the cache).
2. Reinstall the app.
3. Reset voice settings to Settings → System → Language and input → Voice input.

💡

If voice notifications in instant messengers (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp) stopped working after replacing the assistant, check the notification settings for Alice in the Settings → Notifications → Additional settings → Voice Assistant section.

Google Assistant vs. Alice on Xiaomi: Which is Better?

To decide whether to change the assistant, compare their key features on Xiaomi devices:

The choice depends on your priorities:

• 🌍 If you care about the global ecosystem (Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps) stay on Google Assistant.
• 🇷🇺 If you use mainly Russian services and value privacy, go to Alice.
• 🔧 If you’re ready for experiments, try the hybrid version: Alice for voice commands. + manual control MIUI.

What happens if you completely remove Google Services?

Some users go further and try to remove not only Google Assistant, but all Google Mobile Services (GMS) – this is only possible through custom firmware (like LineageOS for microG), but has serious consequences:

• ❌ Stop working: 📺 YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail and other Google apps. 🎮 Games that require Google Play Games Services (e.g., Google Play Games Services, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact). 🔄 Auto-update applications through the Play Store (you will have to install) APK manually).
• ✅ It'll work better: 🛡️ Privacy (no Google tracking). ⚡ Performance (less background processes). 🇷🇺 Full compatibility with Russian services.

The alternative to complete removal is to use MicroG, which emulates the basic functions of the GMS without transferring data to Google, but even then some applications (such as banking) can block work on “uncertified” devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing Google with Alice in Xiaomi