Yandex instead of Google: how to make it the main assistant on Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphones by default use Google Assistant as the main voice assistant, but many users prefer Yandex for its adaptation to the Russian-speaking audience, integration with local services and more accurate answers to queries about the weather, traffic jams or nearby establishments. You can switch from Google to Yandex even without root rights, but the process requires knowledge of hidden MIUI settings and the right sequence of actions.

In this article, you will find unique ways to activate Yandex as the default assistant, including bypassing restrictions on new versions of MIUI 14, where the manufacturer made it difficult to replace standard services. We will also discuss how to integrate Yandex into the sidebar, assign it to the power button and even replace the search bar on the home screen. If you are tired of Google’s English-language tips or want to get more relevant information on Russia, this guide is for you.

Why is Google better than Xiaomi?

Before we move on to settings, let’s understand what the real advantages of Yandex for Xiaomi users in Russia and the CIS are:

• 🗣️ Russian-language optimization: Yandex is better at recognizing accents, jargon and complex phrases in Russian, whereas Google often requires clear diction.
• 📍 Local services: Integration with Yandex.Maps, Taxi, Food and Market allows you to order services faster without switching between applications.
• 🚗 Navigator takes into account traffic jams in real time better than Google Maps, especially in small cities.
• 📅 Calendar and Reminders: Synchronization with Yandex.Mail and Calendar simplifies business management.
• 🔒 Privacy: Yandex stores data on servers in Russia, which is important for users concerned about the transfer of information abroad.

However, there are downsides: Yandex consumes more battery in the background due to constant synchronization with local services. In addition, some features (such as managing a smart home) can work unstable if your Xiaomi devices are tied to the Mi Home.

Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before setting up

Before installing Yandex as the default assistant, follow the mandatory preparatory steps:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update. On versions older than MIUI 12, some methods may not work.
2. Delete the cache and data of the Google app (Settings → Apps → Application Management → Google → Storage → Clear cache / data) This will prevent conflicts when changing assistant.
3. Download the latest versions of applications: Yandex (search and browser) Yandex with Alice

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex → Permissions → Enable all

Microphone

Location.

Auto-start

Update MIUI to the latest version

Clear the cache of Google and Yandex

Download the latest versions of Yandex applications

Enable all permissions for Yandex

Reboot your smartphone-->

If you use Xiaomi.eu or custom firmware, some menu items may be different, in which case, use the search by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner of Settings).

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked boot loader (Redmi Note) 10/11, POCO X3/X4) Changing the default assistant may require unlocking OEM Unlock in Settings → Without this, some of Yandex’s functions will be unavailable.

Method 1: Assigning Yandex as the default assistant through settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI settings. It works on most devices (Redmi, POCO, Mi), but can be blocked on Chinese versions of firmware (China ROM).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Assistant and Voice Input.
2. Select Yandex from the list (if it is not available, go back to the Preparation section and check the application installation).
3. Confirm the choice and restart the smartphone.

After the reboot, check the assistant's work:

• Press the Home button (on physical-button devices) or swipe diagonally from the corner of the screen (on buttonless models).
• Tell the team, for example: "Yandex, what is the weather forecast today?"

On some devices (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) after changing the assistant, voice search in Google Chrome may disappear. To return it, go to Chrome Settings → Voice Search → Select the engine and install Yandex.

Method 2: Forced change of assistant through ADB (for experienced)

If the standard method does not work, use it. ADB-This method requires connecting a smartphone to a PC, but it is guaranteed to work even on blocked firmware.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on Xiaomi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Follow the command to change assistant: adb shell pm grant ru.yandex.voiceassistant android.permission.BIND_ASSISTANT_SERVICE
5. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

After the reboot, Yandex will become the default assistant. If the command does not work, try an alternative option:

adb shell settings put global assistant ru.yandex.voiceassistant/.YandexAssistantActivity


adb shell settings put secure voice_interaction_service ru.yandex.voiceassistant/.YandexVoiceInteractionService

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 after updating the system, the assistant settings may reset. To avoid this, create a task in Automate or Tasker, which will automatically apply ADB-team after reboot.

Method 3: Replace the search bar and widgets on the home screen

Even if Yandex became the primary assistant, the search bar on the home screen and in Launcher can still open Google.

Step 1: Removing Google widgets

1. Press the Google Search widget on the home screen.
2. Drag it to the basket (Delete) at the top of the screen.
3. Similarly, remove the Google Discover widget (the news feed to the left of the main screen).

Step 2: Adding the Yandex widget

1. Click on the free space on the main screen → Widgets.
2. Find the Yandex.Search widget (4×1 or 4×2).
3. Drag it to the location of the Google widget.

Step 3: Set up search in Launcher

• For POCO Launcher: Launcher Settings → Search → Default → Yandex.
• MIUI Launcher: An alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher) is required because the standard launcher has blocked the search change.

💡

If after replacing the widgets, the search bar still opens Google, clear the application data MIUI Launcher (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data. This will reset the home screen settings, but solve the problem.

Configure voice control and hot keys

To make Yandex respond to voice commands as quickly as Google, we will set up hotkeys and optimize recognition.

1. Activation by voice

• Open the Yandex app with Alice.
• Go to Settings → Voice Assistant → Recognition “OK, Yandex”.
• Turn on the option and get voice training (repeat phrases 3-5 times for fine-tuning).

2. Assignment to the power button

On MIUI, you can reassign a long press of the power button:

1. Settings → buttons and gestures → Power button → Long press.
2. Select the Voice Assistant and specify Yandex.

3. Quick call from locked screen

To start Yandex without unlocking the phone:

1. Settings → Screen Lock → Additional → Voice Assistant on a locked screen.
2. Select Yandex and allow access to the microphone in the locked state.

💡

For maximum reaction speed, turn off battery optimization for Yandex: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex → Battery → No restrictions.

Solving common problems

When changing assistants, Xiaomi users often encounter common mistakes.

If after all the manipulations Yandex still does not become the default assistant, check:

• 📱 Region of device: must be Russia (Settings) → Additionally. → Language and region).
• 🔄 Application updates: Google Play may have a beta version of Yandex with fixes.
• 🛠️ Root rights: Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) requires manual file editing /system/build.prop (ro.assistant.default=ru.yandex.voiceassistant).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Yandex on Xiaomi