How to put Yandex on the smartphone Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones often come pre-installed with a suite of services from Google and the brand’s own apps, but many users prefer the Yandex ecosystem — especially for search, navigation and weather. However, standard installation through Google Play does not always provide full integration: widgets may not work, the search bar is not replaced, and some features (such as voice assistant Alice) require additional manipulation.

In this guide, we will analyze 5 ways to install Yandex services on Xiaomi - from basic application installation to deep integration into the system (including replacing standard search and adding widgets to the home screen). MIUI (12–14) and smartphone models, as well as avoid common errors that make Yandex services work incorrectly.

If you want to not just install an application, but make Yandex the main search engine, default maps or even replace a standard browser, read on. For each method, screenshots (interface descriptions) and alternative solutions in case of blocking or technical restrictions are given.

1. Installation of Yandex applications through Google Play

The easiest and safest method is to download official apps from Google Play Market, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) and does not require root rights or changes to the system.

• 🔍 Yandex Search – will replace the search bar on the home screen only after manual settings (see Section 3).
• 🗺️ Yandex Maps – will not become default cards automatically (you need to change the geolocation settings).
• 🌐 Yandex Browser - may conflict with MIUI Browser when opening links from other apps.
• ☁️ Yandex Drive – will require separate authorization, even if you have already logged in to other Yandex services.

To install applications:

1. Open the Google Play Market.
2. Enter the name of the service you want (for example, Yandex Cards).
3. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
4. Launch the application and log in through your Yandex account.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (especially those in China) may have Google Play blocked.In this case, use the method in Section 2.

Installation through APK-Files (if not Google Play)

If your Xiaomi does not support Google Play (for example, models for China or custom firmware), you will have to install applications manually through the Internet. APK-This method is also relevant for testing beta versions of Yandex services.

Step-by-step:

Download APK from the official website [yandex.ru/devices](https://yandex.ru/devices)

Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Installation of Unknown Applications

Check out the Android version (some APKs require Android 10+)

Disable the antivirus (it can block the installation)-->

1. Download. APK-file of the desired application from an official source (for example, yandex.ru/devices). Avoid third-party sites – they may distribute modified or infected files.
2. Open the file manager (such as Mi File Manager) and find the downloaded APK.
3. Click on the file and confirm the installation. If the “Installation locked” error appears, go back to Settings → Applications → Special Rights and allow the installation for your file manager.
4. After installation, launch the application and perform authorization.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works on any firmware, including custom (for example, LineageOS).
• ✅ Allows you to install beta versions or modified builds (for example, Yandex Maps with offline cards for a specific region).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ No automatic updates (you will need to manually monitor new versions).
• ❌ Risk of installing malware when downloaded from unofficial sources.

3. Replacement of standard search with Yandex

By default, Xiaomi searches on the home screen lead to Google or Mi Search. To replace it with Yandex Search, you need to:

1. Install Yandex Search (see Section 1 or 2).
2. Click and hold the search bar on the home screen → select Search Settings (or Change Search Engine).
3. In the list of available search engines, choose Yandex.
4. If Yandex is not listed, go to Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Search App and select it there.

On some versions of MIUI (especially 13-14), the standard replacement may not work.

• 📱 Install a launcher from Yandex (Yandex Launcher) – it will completely replace the interface and search bar.
• 🔄 Use the Yandex Search widget: a long tap on the home screen → Widgets → Find the Yandex widget and drag it to the screen.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI for China (without Google Services), it is impossible to replace the search engine by default without root rights. In this case, you only need to use a widget or Yandex browser.

4. Integration of Yandex Maps as a default navigator

To Yandex Maps opened automatically when you click on addresses in other applications (for example, in Telegram or 2GIS), you need:

1. Install Yandex Maps and Yandex Navigator (if you need a voice assistant).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Maps.
3. Select Yandex Maps from the list.

If the "Maps" item is not in the settings:

• 📍 Open any application with an address (such as Google Maps or Google Maps) 2GIS).
• 🔗 Press the address. → In the window that appears, select Always for Yandex Maps.

On Xiaomi with China firmware (without Google Services), Yandex Maps may not be able to locate due to lack of geolocation services. Solution: install Google Play Services via APK or use alternative ways of determining coordinates (for example, via mobile networks).

💡

If Yandex Cards are slowing down on your Xiaomi, turn on the “Light Cards” mode in the application settings. 3D-Buildings and animations, but will speed up work on weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3).

5. Installation of Yandex Browser and replacement of the standard

Yandex Browser offers a built-in ad blocker, turbo mode for slow internet and synchronization with a Yandex account. To make it the default browser:

1. Install Yandex Browser from Google Play or via APK.
2. Open any application with a web link (such as Twitter or Email).
3. Click on the link → in the window that appears, select Yandex Browser and mark Always.
4. For reliability, check the default settings: Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Browser.

Challenges and solutions:

• 🚫 Links open in Mi Browser: Remove or disable Mi Browser in app settings.
• 🔄 Yandex Browser is not saved as the main one: Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Yandex Browser → Memory.
• 🛡️ Ad Blocker is not working: Enable it in your browser settings (Settings) → Ad-blocker).

6. Additional settings: widgets, Alice, synchronization

To maximize the integration of Yandex into MIUI, configure:

Yandex widgets

Add widgets to the main screen:

1. Long tap on the free space of the screen → Widgets.
2. Find widgets Yandex Weather, Yandex Search or Yandex Maps.
3. Drag the widget onto the screen and adjust its size.

Voice assistant Alice

To activate Alice on Xiaomi:

• 🎤 Install Yandex Browser or Yandex Search.
• 🔊 In the application settings, enable Voice Search.
• 📱 Assign AliExpress to the Assistant button: Settings → Buttons and gestures → Google Assistant button → Choose Yandex.

Synchronization with Yandex account

To ensure that data (bookmarks, history, passwords) are synchronized between devices:

1. Open any Yandex application (for example, the Browser).
2. Sign in under your account.
3. Enable synchronization in the application settings.

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For the full work of Alice on Xiaomi, it is required that the phone settings include access to the microphone for Yandex applications (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Microphone).

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing Yandex on Xiaomi