How to run Google Assistant on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Google’s voice assistant has long been an integral part of the Android ecosystem, but Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a problem: default on firmware devices MIUI It's replaced by a branded XiaoAI, which is a policy and regional limitation, but it's easy to get around. In this article, we'll look at all the working ways to run Google Assistant on any Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco, and Black Shark model, from budget phones to flagships.

It is important to understand that the activation process may vary depending on the version. MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15), regional firmware (global, Chinese, European) and even device models. Some methods require unlocking the bootloader, others work out of the box. We will look at options for root-right users and those who do not want to risk the warranty. You will also learn how to configure voice control, tie smart devices and solve problems with the work of the assistant.

Why Google Assistant doesn’t work on Xiaomi by default

The main reason for the lack of Google Assistant on Xiaomi smartphones is the aggressive policy of the company to promote its own services. MIUI Google Assistant has been replaced by XiaoAI, which is integrated with the Mi Home ecosystem and other Xiaomi services:

• 🌍 Regional firmware: In Chinese (CN) version MIUI Google services removed completely. Global (Global) and European (EEA) The firmware supports them, but the Assistant may be disabled.
• 📱 Device model: Flagships (like Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Black Shark 5 Pro) are more likely to have full Google support than budget Redmis.
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: V MIUI 12-13 The assistant can be run through the settings, and MIUI 14+ additional adjustment is required.
• 🔒 Google policy: Since 2021, Google has restricted access to Assistant on non-certified devices (e.g., Chinese firmware).

Another nuance is language restrictions, because even if you were able to activate the assistant, it may not support Russian on some firmware, because Xiaomi blocks the download of language packs for Google services in certain regions. Change the region in settings or install additional APK.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (CN ROM) Google Assistant won't work without fully flashing to global version. Attempts to install it through APK This error is called "The device is not certified".

Preparation of the smartphone: compatibility check and preliminary settings

Before you start installing, make sure your device meets the minimum requirements. Here is a checklist to check:

Check the MIUI version (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version)

Ensure that a global or European firmware is installed (not CN)

Update all Google apps through the Play Market

Enable access to geodata and microphone for Google services

Disable XiaoAI in settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → XiaoAI)

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If your smartphone is running on Chinese firmware, you'll need to reflash it to the global version, which can be done officially through the Mi Unlock Tool (with bootloader unlocking) or informally through custom firmware like Pixel Experience. Note that unlocking the bootloader resets all data!

To check the current firmware:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the line Version MIUI — if there is CN, It's Chinese firmware.
3. Check the Model line – Global versions usually have the Global suffix (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G Global).

If your firmware supports Google services, but Assistant still doesn’t work, check:

• 📌 Having the latest version of the Google app (not to be confused with Google Play Services!).
• 📌 Permissions to access microphone and geodata for the Google app.
• 📌 No restrictions on settings → Annexes → Special access → Battery optimization (Google should be excluded).

Global (Global)

European (EEA)

Chinese (CN)

Castomium (Pixel Experience, LineageOS, etc.)

I don't know how to check.-->

Method 1: Activate Google Assistant through Settings MIUI (rootless)

This is the simplest method that works on most devices with global firmware. MIUI 12-15. It doesn’t require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, but it may not work on Chinese versions or some low-end Redmi models.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Search for Google (not Google Play Services!) and select it.
3. Slip on Permissions and enable access to Microphone, GeoDan and Phone (for calls).
4. Return to the main settings menu and go to Settings → System system → Gestures (or Additional) → Buttons on older versions MIUI).
5. Select Voice Assistant and set the Google Assistant value (if you don’t have that option, go to the next one).
6. Press the Home button (or swipe diagonally from the corner of the screen on gesture navigation) – the Google Assistant’s customization wizard should start.

If the assistant does not start after these actions, try:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🔄 Clear the cache of the Google app in the settings.
• 🔄 Install Google Assistant from Play Market manually (even if it is already installed).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Poco) X3 Pro or Redmi Note 10) voice assistant selection option may not be available MIUI 14+. In this case, use Method 2c. ADB-team.

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If the Assistant answers in English after activating Google, despite the fact that the settings have Russian, try changing the region in your Google account to “Russia” or “Ukraine” (depending on your location).

Method 2: Incorporation through ADB (power-user)

If you're in your version MIUI There is no option to select a voice assistant, you can force activate Google Assistant through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, but requires a computer connection.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download platform-tools from the official Google website).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the debugging. USB: Go to Settings. → Put 7 times on the line version MIUI, To activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.

File transfer

platform-tools

adb devices

Wait for the serial number of your device to appear.

adb shell pm grant com.google.android.as OEM_UNLOCK_ALLOWED

Then:

adb shell cmd assistant set-default-assistant com.google.android.as

Reset the device.

After the reboot, try to launch the Assistant with a long press on the Home button or a voice command "OK, Google." If nothing happens, follow the additional command:

adb shell cmd overlay enable-exclusive com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.gestural_extra_wide_back

This command resets the gesture settings, which sometimes helps to "wake up" the assistant.

Method 3: Installation via Magisk (for root devices)

If you have a bootloader unlocked and Magisk installed, you can use modules to force Google Assistant activation, a method that is suitable for Chinese firmware and devices where standard methods do not work.

Conditions required:

• 🔓 Unlocked Loader (Mi Unlock Tool).
• 📱 Installed by Magisk (version 25.0)+).
• 🛡️ Backup of data (in case of failures).

Instructions:

1. Download the Universal Google Assistant Enabler for Magisk.
2. Open the Magisk app, go to the Modules section.
3. Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded module file.
4. After installation, restart the device.
5. Run Google Assistant with a voice command or through a long press on the Home button.

If the module didn’t work, try an alternative option, Displax’s Google Assistant Enabler, which supports more devices but may conflict with some versions. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Installing modules through Magisk may result in loss of Google Play Protect certification, which blocks access to banking apps and some games. To return certification, use MagiskHide Props Config and check in Settings → Google → Certification.

Setting up voice control and smart home

Once you successfully activate Google Assistant, you need to set it up for maximum convenience.

• 🎤 Voice activation: To help you respond to the phrase “OK, Google”, go to Google Settings → Voice search → Voice Assistant and enable Access from any screen.
• 🏠 Smart home: To manage Xiaomi devices (lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaners) through Assistant, link them to Google Home via Mi Home (requires account synchronization).
• 🔊 Voice input: Enable OfflineSpeechModels in the settings of the Assistant for work without the Internet (supports Russian language).
• 📅 Personalization: Set up a schedule, reminders and quick commands in the section Your data in the Assistant.

For integration with the Xiaomi smart home:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to Profile → Settings → Smart assistants.
2. Select Google Assistant and link your accounts.
3. In the Google Home app, add devices from Mi Home to rooms.

If your devices don’t show up in Google Home, check:

• 🔹 Is the firmware updated on smart devices (e.g., Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum requires the latest version of the software to sync).
• 🔹 Are the devices connected to the same Wi-Fi as the smartphone.
• 🔹 Cloud management is enabled in Mi Home settings.

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To manage Xiaomi devices through Google Assistant, make sure to use the global version of the Mi Home app (not Chinese).

Solving typical problems with Google Assistant on Xiaomi

Even after successful installation, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If the assistant stopped working after the update MIUI, try:

1. Clear the cache and data of Google and Google Play Services applications.
2. Remove the Google Assistant update through the Play Market (if the problem has occurred after the update).
3. Perform a reset settings MIUI (without loss of data: settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.

For devices with MIUI 14+ You may need to adjust it via Activity Launcher:

1. Install Activity Launcher from Play Market.
2. Search in the Google list and select com.google.android.apps.googleassistant.velvet.VelvetActivity.
3. Start the activity - this will force the Assistant to open.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Assistant on Xiaomi