Google Assistant on Xiaomi: a full guide to voice assistant in the ecosystem of the brand

Voice assistants have long been an integral part of modern gadgets, and Google Assistant is one of the most functional among them. MIUI If you were wondering, "Google Assistant Xiaomi - what is it?", you've come to the right place.

In this article, we will look at how Google Assistant works on smartphones, smart speakers and other Xiaomi devices, what features are available and where restrictions arise. You will learn how to turn on and configure the assistant, what commands it supports in tandem with the help of the assistant. MIUI, And why is it sometimes better to choose your native XiaoAI, and also touch on the issues of security, compatibility with the smart home Mi Home and the nuances of working on global and Chinese firmware.

Spoiler: Despite the competition with XiaoAI, Google Assistant on Xiaomi can be a powerful tool if you know how to use it correctly, followed by step-by-step instructions, comparison tables and answers to frequent questions.

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

Google Assistant is a voice assistant from Google that can perform tasks using voice commands, manage smart devices, search the Internet and integrate with the company’s services. On Xiaomi devices, it works in parallel with the brand assistant XiaoAI, but has a number of unique features:

  • 🌍 Global support: understands more languages and dialects than XiaoAI (e.g. Russian, English, Spanish with regional variations).
  • πŸ” Search and context: Uses the power of Google Search to answer questions more accurately, especially on topical topics (weather, news, currency rates).
  • 🏠 Smart Home: Compatible with Google Home and many third-party devices that do not support Mi Home.
  • πŸ“± Cross-platform: syncs with other Android or iOS devices where a Google account is installed.

On Xiaomi, Google Assistant can be useful if you:

  • 🌐 Use Google services frequently (Gmail, Calendar, Maps).
  • πŸ—£ You prefer voice input instead of manual control.
  • πŸ”Œ Have smart devices from other brands (e.g. Nest, Philips Hue).
  • πŸ“± Switch between gadgets from different manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi smartphone) + Samsung tablet).

But there are limitations, like some firmware. MIUI (Google Assistant may be unstable or require manual installation, and XiaoAI is better optimized for managing Xiaomi’s branded devices (Yeelight lamps, Mi Robot robot vacuum cleaners, etc.).

πŸ“Š What voice assistant do you use on Xiaomi?
Only Google Assistant
Only XiaoAI.
Both of them.
I don't use voice assistants.

What devices Xiaomi works on Google Assistant

Google Assistant is officially supported on most Xiaomi smartphones with Android 6.0+ and global firmware MIUI. However, there are nuances depending on the type of device and region:

Type of deviceSupport for Google AssistantFeatures
Smartphones (Redmi series, POCO, Mi)βœ… Yes (on global firmware)Chinese firmware requires manual installation of Google Play Services. Some models (e.g., Google Play Services, POCO F6 Pro) have a pre-installed assistant.
Tablets (Xiaomi Pad 6, Pad 5)βœ… Yes.It works stably, but can conflict with XiaoAI when called at the same time.
Smart speakers (Xiaomi Smart Speaker)❌ No (officially)Only XiaoAI is used. Unofficial firmware with Google Assistant is possible, but this violates the warranty.
Smartwatches (Mi Watch, Redmi Watch 3)⚠️ Partially.On Wear. OS-devices (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3) It works through Google services. It works on Propietary. OS β€” only XiaoAI.
TVs (Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV)βœ… Yes (on global firmware)Requires manual activation through Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Google is the only Chinese TV station running XiaoAI.

Important: on devices with Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Google Assistant is not available due to Google Mobile Services restrictions (GMS) In China, it will require unlocking the bootloader and firmware on the global version. MIUI.

If you are not sure if your device supports Google Assistant, check:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ All applications.
  2. Find the Google Assistant or Google Assistant list.
  3. If the app is not available, your firmware does not support GMS.

πŸ’‘

On smartphones. POCO With global firmware Google Assistant can be called long hold of the Home button (if not disabled in the settings).

How to enable and configure Google Assistant on Xiaomi

If your device supports Google Assistant, you can activate it in a few steps. MIUI 12–14:

Make sure the device is connected to the internet|Update Google Play Services in the Play Store|Sign in to a Google account on your device|Disable energy saving for Google app-->

  1. Install or update the app: Open the Google Play Store. Find Google Assistant and click Update (if already installed) or Install.
  2. Activate Assistant: Press the Home button (navigation bar) or say OK Google. Follow the on-screen instructions for setting voice and permissions.
  3. Set up voice activation: Go to Settings β†’ Google β†’ Settings for Google apps β†’ Search, Assistant and Voice. Select Voice Assistant β†’ Voice Match and turn on the Hey Google option.
  4. Give the necessary permissions: C Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Permissions enable access to Microphone, Contacts and Notifications.

If Google Assistant is not running:

  • πŸ”„ Reset the device.
  • πŸ“₯ Update Google Play Services and Google App.
  • πŸ”§ Reset the Google App Settings in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Warehouse β†’ Drop it.

On Xiaomi TVs, the activation path is different:

Settings β†’ Accounts and Security β†’ Google β†’ Voice Search β†’ Enable Google Assistant
What if Google Assistant doesn’t understand English?
If the assistant answers in English, check the system language: 1. Open Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Language and input. 2. Set Russian as your primary language. 3. Re-start Google Assistant via Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Forced stop. If the problem persists, update the Google App or reset its data.

The main Google Assistant commands for Xiaomi

Google Assistant on Xiaomi supports most standard commands, but some features may conflict with the standard commands. MIUI. That's what works:

πŸ“± Smartphone management

  • πŸ”‹ Turn on/off the plane mode.
  • πŸ”¦ Turn on the flashlight.
  • πŸ“· Take a selfie (opens the camera).
  • πŸ”Š Turn up the volume by 50%.
  • πŸ“΅ Don't disturb for 1 hour.

🏠 Smart home management

To work with Mi Home devices through Google Assistant, you need to link them to Google Home:

  1. Open the Google Home app.
  2. Press. + β†’ Set up the device β†’ Already tuned in?.
  3. Select Mi Home from the list of services and sign in to your Xiaomi account.
  4. Allow access to the devices.

After synchronization, commands can be used:

  • πŸ’‘ Turn on the light in the living room (for Yeelight lamps).
  • 🧹 Start cleaning with a robot vacuum cleaner (for Mi Robot Vacuum).
  • 🌑 Show the temperature in the nursery (for Aqara sensors).

πŸ” Search and information

  • πŸ“… What are my plans for tomorrow? (Google Calendar integration).
  • πŸš— How to get to the airport by car? (opens Google Maps).
  • πŸ’° How much is a dollar worth in rubles?
  • 🎬 Turn on the trailer for the movie "Dune 2" on YouTube.

Restrictions on Xiaomi:

  • ❌ Not all system settings MIUI available for voice control (e.g., Game Turbo or Second Space cannot be enabled).
  • ❌ XiaoAI commands (like Little Love, turn on music) don't work.
  • ❌ On some devices, voice activation is OK, Google only works when the screen is unlocked.

πŸ’‘

To manage Mi Home devices through Google Assistant, you need to link Xiaomi account to Google Home. Without this command, turn on the air conditioner will not work.

Google Assistant vs XiaoAI: What’s better for Xiaomi

The choice between Google Assistant and XiaoAI depends on your tasks.

CriteriaGoogle AssistantXiaoAI
🌍 Language supportMore than 30 languages, including regional dialectsLimited list (Chinese, English, Russian - with errors)
🏠 Smart home.Works with Google Home and Third Party DevicesOptimized for Mi Home, but limited to other brands
πŸ” Search for informationUses Google Search – Answers are more accurate and relevantReceives data from Baidu (for China) or limited sources
πŸ“± Integration with MIUILimited access to system functionsFull control over Xiaomi settings (modes, themes, memory cleanup)
πŸ”’ ConfidentialityData processed by Google (possible privacy issues)Data is stored on Xiaomi servers (for China – under local laws)

When to choose Google Assistant:

  • 🌎 You need support for multiple languages or dialects.
  • 🏑 You have smart devices of different brands (not just Xiaomi).
  • πŸ“Š You are actively using Google services (Gmail, Calendar, Maps).

When to choose XiaoAI:

  • πŸ“± You need to have a deep integration with MIUI (For example, the management of Second Space or Game Turbo).
  • 🏠 All your smart devices are from Xiaomi (lamps, robot vacuum cleaners, sensors).
  • πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ You are using Chinese firmware (there Google Assistant may not work).

πŸ’‘ Lifehack: On some devices, you can configure both assistants to call with different voice commands. For example, OK, Google for Google Assistant, and Little Love (or Hey XiaoAI) for a brand assistant.

πŸ’‘

To quickly switch between assistants, assign Google Assistant to hold the power button long and XiaoAI to swipe on the lock screen. β†’ Buttons and gestures.

Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know

Using voice assistants is always associated with privacy risks. Google Assistant on Xiaomi is no exception.

⚠️ Attention: All voice requests to Google Assistant are recorded and analyzed by Google to improve the service. This data can be used for targeted advertising. To disable the recording, go to Google Settings β†’ Managing a Google Account β†’ Data and personalization β†’ Voice Request History and Delete It.

What Google Assistant collects:

  • 🎀 Audio recordings of your requests (stored until manually deleted).
  • πŸ“ Location (if permission is included).
  • πŸ“… Calendar and Contact Data (for execution of commands).
  • πŸ“± Information about the device (model, version) MIUI, fixed-appendice).

How to protect your data:

  1. Limit access to the microphone for Google in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Permits.
  2. Turn off your voice request history in your Google account settings.
  3. Use Guest Mode in Google Assistant if you are transferring your device to other people.
  4. Check your account activity regularly at myactivity.google.com.

Features on Xiaomi:

  • On Chinese firmware, Google Assistant may collect data via workarounds (e.g., Google Assistant, VPN).
  • XiaoAI transfers data to Xiaomi servers, which may be critical for users from the EU (because of the data transfer). GDPR).
  • On some devices (such as Xiaomi 14), Google Assistant works in an isolated environment (Sandbox), which reduces the risk of data leakage.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware and install Google Assistant manually, there is a risk of running into a fake app. APK only from trusted sources (e.g. APKMirror).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even on supported devices, Google Assistant can malfunction, and let’s look at common errors and how to fix them:

πŸ”Š Assistant does not respond to voice commands

Possible causes and solutions:

  • πŸ”‡ Microphone is turned off: check permissions in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Permits.
  • πŸ“΅ Power Saving Mode: Add Google to Exceptions (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Energy consumption of applications).
  • 🌐 Poor Internet connection: Google Assistant requires stable access to the network.
  • πŸ”„ App crash: Clear the Google App cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Warehouse.

πŸ“± Commands are not executed (for example, the flashlight is not turned on)

What to do:

  • Check if your Xiaomi model supports this command (on some devices) POCO Voice flashlight control disabled).
  • Update Google App and Google Play Services.
  • Reinstall Google Assistant through the Play Store.

🌍 Assistant responds in English, system language is Russian

Decision:

  1. Open Google Assistant and tell us your settings.
  2. Go to the Assistant. β†’ Languages and select Russian.
  3. If you don’t have an option, update the Google language package.

πŸ”„ Google Assistant is constantly restarting

Reasons:

  • Conflict with XiaoAI (disable it in Settings) β†’ Annexes).
  • Damaged application data (clean up the cache and storage of Google App).
  • Incompatible version MIUI (firmware update).

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the Google Assistant settings:

Settings β†’ Google β†’ Settings for Google apps β†’ Search, Assistant and Voice β†’ Google Assistant β†’ Three dots (menu) β†’ Reset settings
How to remove Google Assistant from Xiaomi?
If the assistant interferes with or conflicts with XiaoAI, it can be disabled: 1. Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Disable (not available on all devices). 2. Or remove Google App updates in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google β†’ Three points. β†’ Remove updates. 3. Complete removal will require root or firmware rights without GMS.

πŸ” Can I use Google Assistant on Xiaomi with Chinese firmware?
Yes, but with reservations. On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Google Assistant is not available due to lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS). To install it, you'll need to: Unlock the bootloader. Switch the global version. MIUI ornamental GMS. Install Google Play Services and Google Assistant manually. ⚠️ This violates the warranty and can cause the device to operate unstable.The alternative is to use XiaoAI with a translator or a translator. VPN accessing Google services.
πŸ“± Why Google Assistant doesn’t work on my Redmi Note 12?
Probable reasons: You have Chinese firmware (China) ROM) without GMS. Google Play Services is outdated or corrupted. You have the microphone disabled for the Google App. Power Saving Mode activated to block the assistant's background work. Solution: Update Google Play Services, check permissions, and restart the device. If the problem persists, reset your Google App settings.
🏠 Can you use Google Assistant to control Yeelight lights?
Yes, but you need to: Connect the lamps to the Mi Home app. Link Xiaomi account to Google Home (in Google Home settings, select Add Add β†’ You're already set up? and find Mi Home. Once synchronized, you can use commands like Turn on the bedroom lights. ⚠️ Not all Yeelight devices are supported by Google Home. check compatibility on the manufacturer's website.
πŸ”’ How to disable voice requests in Google Assistant?
To stop saving your voice commands: Go to myactivity.google.com. From the menu on the left, select History Management. β†’ Voice history. Press Delete and select Full Period. To turn off recording in the future, go to Settings β†’ Application history and web search β†’ Voice history and deactivate the option. Please note: this will not disable the Google Assistant itself, but will only stop saving your queries.
πŸ“² Can I assign Google Assistant to a button on Xiaomi?
Yes, on most Xiaomi devices, you can link a Google Assistant call to a physical button or gesture: πŸ”˜ Long-term Holding of the Home button: Settings β†’ Buttons and gestures β†’ Home buttonΒ» β†’ Long press. πŸ”„ Double press of the power button: Settings β†’ Buttons and gestures β†’ Power button β†’ Double-push. πŸ‘† Swipe on lock screen (on some models). If you don't have the right option, use applications like Button Mapper (rights required) AD