Google App on Xiaomi: purpose, functions and how to use it

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you probably noticed in the list of installed applications mysterious Google App. It appears on all devices with Google services, but not all users understand why it is necessary and how to use it. Especially many questions arise from those who have switched from iOS or use Xiaomi without Google Play.

In fact, the Google App is not just "another app," it's the central hub of all Google services on your phone, and it's responsible for search, voice assistant, personalized recommendations, even integration with other apps. But why does it take up so much space? Can it be disabled or removed without consequences? And how do you customize it? The answers to these questions are in our detailed guide.

What is Google App and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Google App (or just Google in the app list) is an official app from Google that combines several key features:

• 🔍 Search Engine – Quick access to Google Search directly from the home screen or via a widget.
• 🎤 Voice Assistant – Controlling your phone via voice commands (Google Assistant).
• 📰 News Feed – personalized news, weather and recommendations based on your interests.
• 🔄 Integration with other services – synchronization with Gmail, Calendar, Google Photos and other applications.

On Xiaomi smartphones, this app is installed by default if the device comes with Google services (which is typical for global firmware versions). MIUI). Without it, many features like voice search or quick weather notifications just won’t work.

However, there is a caveat: some Xiaomi models (especially for the Chinese market) may not have the Google App initially, as they come without Google services, in which case it can be installed manually through Google Play or alternative sources.

The main features of Google App on Xiaomi

Let’s figure out what specific features this application gives owners Xiaomi and how to use them.

1.A quick search

The most obvious feature is the search string, which can be integrated:

• 📱 On the home screen (Google Search widget).
• 🔍 In the notification panel (swipe down) → search-line).
• 🔊 Through voice input (long-term pressing of the Home button or command "OK, Google").

Search works not only on the internet, but also on the contents of your phone: contacts, messages, installed apps and even files.

2. Google Assistant (Voice Assistant)

If you've ever tried to say, "OK, Google," you've actually interacted with this part of the app.

• 📅 Create reminders and events on the calendar.
• 🎵 Music: YouTube Music (Spotify, YouTube).
• 📡 Control smart devices (Google Home, Xiaomi Mi Home).
• 📞 Calling contacts or sending messages.

Xiaomi Assistant Can Conflict With Built-in Xiao AI, Sometimes you have to manually adjust it.

3. The "Discovery" tape (Google Discover)

It's a personalized news feed that appears when you swipe to the right of the home screen (if enabled in the settings) and it picks up content based on:

• 🌍 Your location (weather, local news).
• 🔖 Search Stories and Visited Sites.
• ❤️ Your interests (sports, technology, cooking, etc.).

The tape can be turned off if it interferes, but some users find it convenient for quick access to relevant information.

💡

If Google Assistant doesn’t respond to voice commands, check if it’s enabled in your language and input settings (Settings) → System system → Language and input → Google Voice Entering).

Can I delete or disable Google App on Xiaomi?

This is one of the most popular questions. Many users want to get rid of the app because it:

• 📉 It takes up space in memory (about 100-300 MB).
• 🔄 It works in the background and consumes battery power.
• 📡 Transfers data to Google (which concerns privacy advocates).

However, it is impossible to completely remove Google App without root rights - this is a system application sewn into firmware. MIUI. But it's okay:

• ❌ Disable (stop background activity).
• 🔕 Remove updates (return to factory version).
• 🔧 Restrict rights (prohibit access to location, microphone, etc.).

To turn off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google on the list.
3. Click Disable (or Remove Updates).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or X-ray) POCO X5) Disabling Google App can cause Google Play Services to crash. If you have problems updating apps after the shutdown, return your settings back.

How to customize Google App for yourself

If you don't want to delete the app, but you want to reduce the impact on your phone, you can optimize your settings. Here's what you can do:

1. Disable unnecessary functions

Go to the settings of the application:

1. Open the Google App (G-colored icon).
2. Slip on your avatar in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Go to General. → Personal results and disable unnecessary options.

2. Limit background activity

To reduce battery consumption:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Google → Battery.
2. Choose to limit background activity.
3. Turn off AutoRun (unless you use voice search).

3. Set up the Discovery tape

If the news feed interferes, it can:

• 🔄 Turn off completely: swipe to the right → gear → Tape settings → Turn off the tape.
• 📵 Hide unnecessary topics: tap three dots next to the news → Hide this source.
• 🔍 Clear your interest history: Settings → Google → Managing a Google Account → Data and personalization → Application history and web search.

Google App Problems on Xiaomi and How to Solve Them

Sometimes the application may not work properly, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

1. Google App is constantly crashing or not opening

Causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Old version: Update the app on Google Play.
• 🧹 Clogged cache: Clear cache in Settings → Annexes → Google → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 📱 Conflict with MIUI: Restart your phone or reset your app settings.

2 Voice search is not working

Check it out.

• 🎤 Permission to access the microphone (Settings) → Annexes → Google → Permits).
• 🌐 Internet connection (voice search requires a network).
• 🗣️ Language settings (Settings) → System system → Language and input → Google voice input).

3. The tape "Discoveries" is not updated

Possible causes:

• 📵 Lack of Internet.
• 🔒 Limitations of background activity (see section above).
• 📍 Location access is disabled (required for local news).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Google App has stopped working, try to delete its updates (Settings) → Annexes → Google → Three points. → Remove updates. Often this helps to return functionality.

Google App vs Xiao AI: What's better on Xiaomi?

Many Xiaomi users are faced with the dilemma of whether to use the built-in assistant Xiao AI Or Google Assistant. Let's compare them:

The choice depends on your needs:

• 🌍 If you are using Google services, it is better to keep Google Assistant.
• 🏠 If you have a lot of Xiaomi devices (Mi Band, smart lamps, robot vacuum cleaner) AI will be more comfortable.
• 🔋 If battery saving is important, disable the unnecessary assistant.

💡

In most global versions of Xiaomi, Google Assistant takes precedence over Xiao by default. AI. To change the assistant, go to Settings → Annexes → By default. → Assistant and voice input

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google App on Xiaomi