Google Assistant on Xiaomi: what is it, how does it work and why is it needed?

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, I'm sure you've noticed the mysterious Google Assistant, a program with a microphone and a colorful logo, which many people confuse with their own. MIUI Assistant (or Xiao) AI), Some people even try to delete it as a block, and it's actually a powerful tool from Google that can make it much easier to interact with your phone -- if you know how to use it properly.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what Google Assistant is on Xiaomi, how it differs from its analogues, how to activate it (including hidden methods), what functions are available on devices with a mobile appliance. MIUI, You will also learn how to integrate a smart home assistant, customize voice commands and solve typical problems, from the lack of Russian to conflicts with Xiaomi’s branded services.

What is Google Assistant and why is it necessary for Xiaomi?

Google Assistant is a Google intelligent voice assistant that uses machine learning technologies to perform tasks on voice commands. AI (Xiaomi's assistant, which is deeply integrated with Google's ecosystem of search, YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail and other services, is pre-installed on Xiaomi smartphones, as all of the company's devices (except the Chinese versions) run on Android with Google services.

The main tasks that the assistant solves:

• 🔍 Quick search on the internet, on a device or in apps without manual input.
• 📅 Schedule management: creating reminders, calendar events, alarm clocks.
• 📱 Control of the smartphone by voice: calls, SMS, launch of applications, setting parameters (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness).
• 🏠 Smart home: management of compatible devices (lamps, sockets, thermostats).
• 🎵 Multimedia: Playing music, videos, podcasts through YouTube Music, Spotify, etc.

On Xiaomi, Google Assistant often works in parallel with Xiao. AI, What's confusing is the difference: Xiao. AI Optimized for Chinese services (Baidu, WeChat) and better understands Chinese, while Google Assistant focuses on global services and supports more languages, including Russian.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (especially in the Chinese market), the Google Assistant may be disabled by default or not at all.

How to enable Google Assistant on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

You can activate the assistant in a number of ways, from standard application launch to voice command.

Method 1: Through the application

1. Open the app menu and look for the Google Assistant icon (or Google Assistant).
2. Click on it and follow the setup instructions (you will need to allow access to the microphone, contacts, etc. at the first start).
3. After setting up, the assistant will be available by long pressing the Home button (on older models) or by gesture from the bottom panel.

Method 2: Voice activation

To start the assistant with a voice, you need:

1. Open the Google Assistant settings (via the app icon or in Settings) → Google → Settings of Google Assistant).
2. Go to the Voice Assistant section → Voice control.
3. Enable the “OK, Google” option and get voice recognition training.

Method 3: Through the power button (on some models)

On devices with MIUI 12+ You can call the assistant to double press the power button:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Power button.
2. Select Google Assistant from the action list.

Check the Internet connection

Allow access to the microphone in the settings

Update Google App in Play Market

Make sure that the language of the system is set in Russian-->

⚠️ Warning: If Google Assistant doesn’t respond to voice commands after setting up, check if it blocks microphone access MIUI Optimization (in battery settings). Also make sure that in Settings → Annexes → Google → All necessary permits included.

The difference between Google Assistant and Xiao AI Xiaomi

Many Xiaomi users don't understand why their phone has two voice assistants.

Key takeaway: if you’re actively using Google services (Mail, Maps, Drive), Google Assistant will be more useful. If you have a lot of Xiaomi devices (lamps, robot vacuum cleaners), then Xiao AI might be more comfortable.

Interesting fact: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or XPG). POCO F5) Both assistants can work simultaneously, but this increases battery consumption.

Google Assistant

Xiao AI (MIUI Assistant)

Both of them.

I don't use voice assistants.-->

What Google Assistant features are available in Xiaomi

The functionality of the assistant on Xiaomi is almost no different from other Android devices, but there are nuances associated with the development of the new model. MIUI. Here’s what Google Assistant can do on your smartphone:

1. Voice control of the telephone

• 📞 Calls and SMS: "Call your mother" or "Write a message to Ivan: meet me at 18:00".
• 🔦 Settings: "Switch on Bluetooth", "Grow brightness to maximum".
• 📸 Photo and video: "Take a selfie", "Start recording video".

2. Work with applications

• 🎵 Multimedia: "Play Imagine Dragons on YouTube Music".
• 📊 Social networks: "Publish in Telegram: I'm in the park" (requires settings).
• 🎮 Games: "Run Genshin Impact" or "Pick a screenshot".

3. Smart Home and IoT

If you have devices that are compatible with Google Home (such as Yeelight lights or TP-Link sockets), you can control them by voice:

• 💡 "Turn on the light in the living room".
• 🌡️ "Set the temperature to 22 degrees".
• 🔌 "Turn off the socket in the bedroom".

4.Personal assistant

• 📅 "Add to the calendar meeting for tomorrow at 15:00".
• ⏰ "Set your alarm for 7:00 a.m".
• 📍 "How to get to Red Square by subway? (Google Maps opens).

💡

To make Google Assistant recognize your voice faster, learn in settings (Settings) → Google → Settings of Google Assistant → Voice control → This is especially useful if you have a non-standard accent or a quiet voice.

Why Google Assistant May Not Work on Xiaomi and How to Fix It

Despite the pre-installing, Google Assistant sometimes refuses to work on Xiaomi devices.

Problem 1: The assistant doesn't start

• 🔄 Solution: Update Google's app to the Play Market. Often bugs are fixed in newer versions.
• ⚙️ Solution: Check the default settings: Settings → Annexes → By default. → Assistant and Voice Input – Google Assistant must be selected.

Problem 2: Does not respond to voice (OK, Google)

• 🎤 Solution: Go to Settings → Google → Settings of Google Assistant → Voice Assistant and Re-Tune in the Voice Model.
• 🔇 Solution: Make sure the microphone is not locked MIUI. To do this, go to the Settings. → Confidentiality → Permits → Microphone and enable access for Google.

Problem 3: No Russian language

• 🌐 Solution: Install Russian as the main language of the system (Settings) → Additionally. → Language and input).
• 📱 Solution: If the language of the system is Russian, but the assistant speaks English, update the Google App and restart the phone.

Problem 4: Conflict with Xiao AI

• ⚔️ Solution: Shut down Xiao AI In Settings → Annexes → Application management → Xiao AI → Shut down.
• 🔋 Solution: If both assistants are active, they can drain the battery.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI For the Chinese market (e.g., the model with the C suffix in the title), the Google Assistant may not be available due to Xiaomi restrictions. APK, But it requires unlocking the bootloader and may violate the warranty.

How to remove or disable Google Assistant on Xiaomi

If you don't use the voice assistant or it interferes with your work, you can turn it off or remove it.

Option 1: Unplug (without deletion)

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google or Google Assistant in the list.
3. Click Disable (not available on all models).

Option 2: Removal of updates

You can’t completely delete Google Assistant (since it’s embedded), but you can return it to the factory version:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Google.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.

Option 3: Hiding from the menu

If you don’t need an assistant, but you don’t want to delete it, you can simply remove its icon from the main screen:

• Long click on the Google Assistant icon.
• Choose Remove from Screen or Hide (depending on version) MIUI).

Hidden features of Google Assistant on Xiaomi

Few people know, but Google Assistant on Xiaomi is more than it seems.

1.Fast teams for MIUI

The assistant can manage some functions. MIUI, documented:

• 🔋 "Turn on the power saving mode".
• 🌙 "Activate the dark theme".
• 📵 "Turn off the mobile data".

2.Integration with Mi Home

While Google Assistant doesn’t officially support Xiaomi devices via Mi Home, you can set up a connection via the phone. IFTTT (For example, create an applet that will turn on Yeelight on the command "OK, Google, turn on the lights".

3. Offline mode

Some teams work without the internet:

• ⏰ Installation of alarm clocks and timers.
• 🔦 Lighting/off.
• 🎵 Managing music playback (pause, next song).

4. Personalization

In the settings of the assistant (Settings) → Google → Settings of Google Assistant → Your data is available in the Assistant:

• 📌 Set up "Favorite Contacts" for a quick call.
• 📍 Add home/work addresses for navigation.
• 🎨 Change the voice of the assistant (a number of options are available).

💡

Hidden commands often depend on the version MIUI For example, on global versions, Google Assistant is better integrated with system functions than on Chinese versions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Assistant on Xiaomi