Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer many features, but the Google Assistant pre-installed by default does not suit all users. Many owners of devices based on MIUI and HyperOS prefer the domestic voice assistant Alice from Yandex for its better understanding of the Russian language and integration with local services. However, the standard procedure for calling an assistant through the power button or long pressing of the home button is strictly tied to the Google ecosystem.
Fortunately, the Android architecture allows you to reassign these activities by replacing one assistant with another. You don't have to have superuser rights or flash the device to get the desired result. The process involves several steps of configuring the system applications and the assistants themselves, which will take just a few minutes of your time.
In this article, we will discuss how to completely switch voice input control to Yandex. We will look at methods for different firmware versions, including new HyperOS updates, where Xiaomi has strengthened the protection of system settings. You will learn how to make sure that Alice is activated when you press the power button or pronounce a keyword.
Preparation of the system and installation of necessary components
Before you start deep customization, you need to make sure that your device has the latest versions of all applications. The basic requirement is the presence of the Yandex application with a built-in assistant. If you have a lightweight version of the browser or a separate Alice application, the functionality may be limited, so it is recommended to use the full service package.
Go to Google Play Market or GetApps and check for updates. You should pay special attention to the Google app, because it manages the assistant system calls. Sometimes, reassignment requires that the basic Google service be updated to the latest version, even if you plan to ignore it, to work properly.
⚠️ Note: Some global versions of the firmware MIUI without Google services (Chinese versions), the procedure may differ, since there is initially no native Google Assistant. In this case, the installation of Yandex is normal, but the system reassignment of the power button may not require complex manipulations.
Also make sure that the security settings allow you to install apps from unknown sources if you plan to download modified versions of the launcher or specialized button reassignment utilities. Xiaomi's standard app store doesn't usually require additional permissions for the underlying programs.
Basic Alice setup and Hotword activation
Once you install Yandex, the first thing you need to do is log in to your account. Without logging in, the voice assistant won't be able to save your request history and provide personalized responses. Open the app and click on the round assistant icon in the corner of the screen, or say "Listen to Yandex" if the microphone is already activated.
In order for Alice to respond to voice commands without touching the screen, you need to activate the Hotword function (keyword). In the application settings, find the "Voice commands" or "Voice activation" section, where you will need to allow the application to access the microphone and possibly record a sample of your voice for better recognition.
- 📱 Open the Yandex application and go to profile.
- 🎤 Select the assistant settings and find the item "Voice activation".
- 🗣️ Say the phrase “Listen to Yandex” several times for calibration.
- ✅ Make sure the Always Listen switch is active (works in the background).
It is important to understand that background listening to keywords can consume additional battery power. Android strictly controls background processes, so the system needs time to “get used” to the constant presence of Yandex in memory. On Xiaomi devices with aggressive power optimization this is a critical point.
Replacement of the system assistant through Android settings
The most reliable and regular way to replace Google with Alice is to use the built-in digital assistant selection menu, which works on most Xiaomi devices running Android 9 and above, and allows you to reassign a system call, which is usually activated by a long press of the home button or a swipe from the corner of the screen.
To start, open the standard Settings app on your smartphone. The path to the menu may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for default applications or special features of the system. Often it is hidden in the submenu of "Apps" or "Advanced Settings".
Settings → Applications → Application configuration → Three dots (top right) → Default apps (default apps)In the list that opens, look for the Digital Assistant App. Google is the default option. Click on this, and the system will suggest a list of installed assistants. Select Yandex. After that, the system will try to run Alice using standard assistant gestures.
| MIUI/HyperOS version | The path to adjustment | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 11-12 | Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points → Default Apps | The classic path, it works stably |
| MIUI 13-14 | Settings → Applications → Default apps → Digital Assistant | May require security confirmation |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings → Additional settings → Digital Assistant | Interface changed, item can be hidden |
| Global ROM | Settings → Google → Settings Google Assistant | Depends on the availability of Google services |
If Google still opens when you select Yandex, try clearing the Google app cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Google, select Clean and then Clear Everything. This will reset priorities, and the next time you call, the system will ask you which assistant to use.
Reassign the power button to Xiaomi
A separate and very popular feature is calling the assistant with a long press of the lock button. In newer versions of Xiaomi firmware, this feature triggers Google Assistant by default, and it is not always possible to change this behavior with standard means.
If you have a default settings → Settings → Settings → Assigning buttons doesn’t have an assistant choice, you’ll need a third-party app. One of the most effective solutions is the Button Mapper utility or similar programs available in the Play Market, which allows you to intercept system button events.
- 🔽 Download and install a button reassignment app (e.g. Button Mapper).
- 🔐 Give the application special access rights (Accessibility) by following the instructions on the screen.
- 🔘 Find the Power Button or Power Button button and select Long Press).
- 🤖 As an action, specify “Launch App” and select Yandex or Alice.
⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS and new versions MIUI If the app says that the button is occupied by the system, try to disable the call to Google Assistant in the settings of the power button itself before setting up third-party software.
An alternative method without third-party software is available on some versions of firmware via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a more complex way that requires a connection to a computer. With the command line, you can change the system flag responsible for the action of long pressing. However, given the risks and complexity, using proven mapper applications is a safer and more convenient option for the average user.
☑️ Checking the settings of the power button
Solving Background and Energy Saving Problems
The most common problem after setting up is that Alice stops responding to voice commands after a while, due to MIUI's aggressive energy saving policy, and the system simply kills Yandex's process when the screen goes out, believing it to be inactive.
To prevent this, you need to manually adjust autostart and background settings. Go to Settings → Applications → All Applications → Yandex. Here you need to activate several critical switches. First of all, turn on Autorun. This will allow the application to start with the system.
Next, go to Energy Saving inside the app settings. Select No Limits mode. This will prevent the system from limiting Yandex background activity. Without this step, the Listen Yandex function will not work, since the microphone will not be active in sleep mode.