How to set up Alice instead of Google Assistant on Xiaomi: the full guide

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the dilemma of choosing a voice assistant. On the one hand, Google Assistant is deeply integrated into the Android operating system, providing basic control over the device. On the other hand, Yandex Alice better understands Russian language, the context of conversation and local services such as Music, Navigator and Market.

Unfortunately, the standard MIUI or HyperOS interface doesn’t allow you to simply switch the default system voice input to a third-party app with a single click, but there are several proven methods that circumvent this limitation: You can run Alice with a power button, with a long press on the home button, or even completely replace the standard search.

In this article, we will look at not only the software settings, but also the hardware capabilities of modern Xiaomi models. It is important to understand that completely replacing Google system functions with third-party services requires care. Voice input is a critical component of the interface, and improper configuration can lead to application conflicts.

Why Google Assistant should be replaced by Alice

The main reason for the transition lies in linguistic processing, Google is traditionally strong in English, while Yandex algorithms are sharpened to complex Russian grammar, slang and regional pronunciation, Alice is able to maintain dialogue, joke and understand context better than foreign counterparts.

In addition, integration with the Yandex ecosystem opens up access to content that may be limited or unavailable through Google, including music tracks, podcasts and audiobooks. For users actively using Yandex’s smart home, replacing an assistant becomes a necessity for managing speakers and outlets.

It’s also worth noting the visual aspect, because Alice’s interface is often perceived as being more friendly and adapted to Russian realities, but when you install a third-party assistant, you may find that Android system commands will still try to run Google, which is why the right sequence of actions, described below, is important.

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Before installing alternative assistants, make sure you have the latest version of Yandex app with Alice installed from the official store or APK-file from a verified source.

Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone to install a new assistant

Before you start replacing, you need to prepare a software environment, and Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell or HyperOS aggressively work energy saving mechanisms, which can automatically kill background processes Alice, which will not work voice call at the right time.

The first step is to download the Yandex app or a separate Yandex application with Alice from Google Play or Mi GetApps. After installing, do not rush to call the assistant. Go to the smartphone settings, find the Applications section and select the Yandex installed.

In the app menu, find the “Start” option and activate it. Also go to the “Battery” or “Energy Saving” section and select “No Limits” mode. This is a critical step, since Xiaomi’s standard settings prohibit background activity, making it impossible to constantly listen.

Set up Alice's call through a long push of a button

The most convenient way to interact is through hardware buttons. Many Xiaomi models have long-pressing power or home buttons reserved for Google Assistant, and to reassign this feature, you will need third-party software, as MIUI does not provide this out of the box.

One of the most effective solutions is to use the Button Mapper app, which you need to grant special access rights to via computer or wireless debugging, and select the button you want to reassign from the app menu (e.g., Long Press).

As an action, select "Application" or "Tag" and specify Yandex. Now, with a long press, Alice will start. Note that on some new models with a proximity sensor in the screen, the power button can be blocked software.

⚠️ Note: Using third-party apps to reassign buttons may conflict with system gestures MIUI. If your phone starts to behave incorrectly, remove the Button Mapper or reset its settings.

An alternative method for some firmware versions is to use built-in features. Go to Settings → Additional Features → Buttons. If there is an option to “Run Voice Assistant”, try selecting Yandex from the list. If Google is the default and does not change, this method will not work without root rights.

Comparison of Google Assistant and Alice

To make a final decision, compare the functionality of both assistants in the context of use on a Xiaomi device. Below is a table showing the key differences in the performance of services.

As you can see from the table, localization is Yandex's top bargaining chip. If you use Yandex's navigation to navigate traffic jams, Alice can make her way faster and more accurate with her voice, while Google gains in deep integration with Android, such as managing phone settings.

For multimedia content, the choice is also obvious: If your music library is in Yandex Music, using Google Assistant to control playback will be uncomfortable and often impossible, and Alice understands the commands “turn on similar” or “add to my wave” in half words.

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The choice of assistant depends on your ecosystem: if you live in Yandex services, the transition to Alice is a must for comfort, despite the technical difficulties of setting up.

Solving Activation and Conflict Problems

A common problem after setting up is the "Assistance War," where when you say a keyword phrase or press a button, two apps can run simultaneously, causing chaos, and to avoid that, you need to turn off Google Assistant completely.

Open the Google app on your smartphone, go to the settings (via profile avatar) and select Google Assent. Find the All Assistant Settings section and then the Phone section. You need to turn off the Google Assistant option. Check the Hey Google settings and turn off voice activation.

If after these actions the system still suggests using Google, try clearing the cache of the Google app. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Google → Storage and click “Clean” This will reset the default selection priorities.

⚠️ Note: Disabling the Google Assistant system may disrupt the “Ok Google” function for searching the system and dictating text in the Gboard keyboard. Be prepared for the fact that dictating text may stop working or switch to the Yandex engine.

Sometimes it helps to reset the default apps settings. In the phone's settings menu, find this section and click Reset. After rebooting the first voice assistant call, the system will ask which app to use. Select Yandex and click Always.

Alternative methods of launching the assistant

If reassigning buttons seems too complicated or is unstable, there are other ways to call quickly, such as a widget on the home screen. Add a Yandex Search or Alice widget to the MIUI desktop. This will provide one-tap launch.

Another option is to use app shortcuts. Many Xiaomi shells, when you click on the app icon for a long time, have a context menu, and you can take the Voice Search command from this menu directly to your desktop as a separate icon.

For advanced users, the method is available through automation scenarios. Apps like MacroDroid allow you to create a rule: "If you have Bluetooth headphones connected, you can use Bluetooth headphones." → It creates a native integration effect, where the assistant turns on itself when you start using the headset.

Also, don’t forget the Alice Dialogue widget on the lock screen, if your firmware version and launcher allow it, which brings the experience closer to the native Google Assistant, allowing you to ask questions without unlocking the phone completely.