Where to look for Google Assistant on Xiaomi Redmi 9: 5 proven ways

Google Assistant has become an integral part of modern smartphones, but on Xiaomi Redmi 9 devices, its location is not always obvious. Many users face a problem: the application is installed, but the call button is not on the desktop or on the menu. The reason lies in the features of the shell MIUI, which by default promotes its own assistant XiaoAI.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can find and activate Google Assistant on Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A/9C/9T modifications), even if it’s hidden by the system, and learn how to run it through gestures, voice command, settings, and third-party launchers — with step-by-step instructions and screenshots, and if the assistant isn’t available at all, we’ll show you how to install and configure it from scratch.

1. Standard ways to run Google Assistant on Redmi 9

On most Google smartphones, Assistant is triggered by holding the Home button or by voice commanding "OK, Google." However, on Redmi 9, these methods are often disabled by default. Here's how to turn them on:

• 📱 Holding the Home button: Press the virtual Home button for 1-2 seconds. If nothing happens, go to Settings → Annexes → Default applications → Assistant and voice input and select Google.
• 🎤 Voice activation: Say "OK, Google" or "Hey Google." If it doesn't work, check your settings in the Google app (Settings). → Voice assistant → Voice Match).
• 🔍 Search in Launcher: Swipe your finger up the screen to open App Drawer and type in the search box "Google Assistant".

If these methods don’t work, the problem may lie in regional settings or firmware versions, for example, some versions of MIUI for Russia have Google’s voice assistant disabled by default due to local restrictions.

2.Why Google Assistant may not be on Redmi 9

There are several reasons why Google Assistant doesn’t show up on your Redmi 9:

On Redmi 9 models for the Chinese market (with firmware without Google services), the Assistant is absent fundamentally - it can only be installed through manual stitching of the global version of MIUI.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi 9 in China or through unofficial channels, check for Google Play Services in Settings → Apps, without them, the assistant will not work.

3. How to install Google Assistant if it is not in the system

If Google Assistant is not listed in the application list, you can install it manually:

1. Open the Google Play Store and find the Google Assistant app (or Google – it includes an assistant).
2. Click "Install" and wait for the download to be completed.
3. After installation, restart the phone.
4. Run Google Assistant through the search bar or hold the Home button.

If Google Play has an error when installing, try:

• 🔄 Update Google Play Services manually through Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services → Update.
• 📥 Download APK-file from the official APKMirror website (select the version for the arm64).
• 🔧 Clear the Google Play cache in Settings → Annexes → Google Play Store → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Check for Google Play Services|Update the Google App to the latest version|Clear the cache of the Google Play Store|Installation from unknown sources (if you use it) APK)-->

4. Google Assistant setup on Redmi 9: step-by-step instruction

After installing Google, the Assistant requires initial setup. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter "G" on a color background).
2. Tap the profile icon in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Google Assistant section.
4. Click "Start" and follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to enable access to the microphone, contacts and other data).
5. Activate the Voice Match option to run on the command "OK, Google".

For convenience, add the Google Assistant widget to the home screen:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select "Widgets."
3. Find the Google widget (4×1 or 4×2) and drag it to the screen.

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If the voice assistant doesn’t respond to the “OK, Google” command, try retraining the voice model in the voice Match settings. Say the phrase 3-5 times in a quiet room.

5. Alternative ways of launching (gestures, third-party launchers)

If the standard methods do not work, use alternative methods:

• 👆 Swipe from the corner gesture: In some versions MIUI You can set the Assistant to swipe diagonally from the bottom corner. To do this, install the Fluid Navigation Gestures app from Google Play.
• 🏠 Third-party launchers: Install Nova Launcher or Action Launcher – they have built-in support for calling Google Assistant with a gesture or button.
• 🔗 Quick Commands: Create a shortcut on your desktop using the Tasker or Shortcut Maker app (select the "Assist intent" action").

To launch via Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the blank space on the screen → “Widgets” → “Nova Actions”.
3. Select “Google Search” or “Assist”.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers may conflict with the shell MIUI. If after installing Nova Launcher started lags, clear the system cache in Settings → The phone. → Memory. → Clean up.

6. Solving problems with the work of Google Assistant

If Google Assistant is installed but not working correctly, check the following points:

If the problem persists, try resetting the Google Assistant settings:

1. Open the Google app.
2. Go to Settings → Google Assistant → General → Reset settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

7. Google Assistant vs XiaoAI Comparison: Which Is Better on Redmi 9

The Redmi 9 has Xiaomi's XiaoAI assistant installed by default, compared to Google Assistant:

Google Assistant wins in functionality, but XiaoAI is better optimized to manage Xiaomi devices (like smart lamps or robot vacuum cleaners).If you use the Mi Home ecosystem, it makes sense to leave both assistants behind.

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For maximum convenience, set up Google Assistant as the primary assistant, and use XiaoAI only to manage Xiaomi smart devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)