How to install Yandex by default on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often find that Google services are prioritized after buying or upgrading the system. However, for a Russian-speaking user, the Yandex ecosystem can be much more convenient due to deep integration with local services, smart answers and navigation. Fortunately, the MIUI shell (and the HyperOS that replaced it) allows you to flexibly customize your preferences, replacing standard solutions with more familiar ones.

The process of replacing the search engine and the start page does not require root rights or complex code manipulations. All necessary actions are performed through the standard menu of browser and system settings. It is important to understand the difference between installing an application, changing the searcher in the address bar and assigning a voice assistant, since these parameters are regulated in different sections.

In this guide, we will discuss in detail how to make Yandex services the main one on your device. We will consider setting up the built-in Mi Browser browser, the popular Chrome, and also touch on the issue of integrating the voice assistant Alice instead of Google Assistant.

Setting up a search engine in Mi Browser

Xiaomi’s standard browser is pre-installed on most devices and is often used by default to open links from other applications. To change the search engine inside it, you need to go to the settings of the application itself, which will allow you to get search results directly from Yandex when you enter queries into the address bar.

Open the Mi Browser app and click on the profile icon or the three menu bars at the bottom of the screen. Next, select Settings. In the list that opens, find the Search Engine section. Click on it and you will see a list of available options where you want to choose Yandex. Now all queries from the address bar will be processed by this engine.

⚠️ Note: Changing the search engine in the browser settings does not automatically change the start page. If a Google News Feed or other page opens when you start the browser, you need to configure it separately in the Home Page section".

For users who prefer minimalism, the feature of disabling the news feed on the browser start screen is also available, which allows you to make the interface cleaner and faster. After making changes, it is recommended to restart the application to make sure that the search engine is working correctly.

Instructions for Google Chrome on Android

Despite having its own browser, many Xiaomi users prefer Google Chrome because of the synchronization with Google account and familiar interface. In this browser, the search engine setting is also done manually, since Google Search is the default one.

Launch Chrome on your smartphone. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen to open the menu, and select Settings. In the list of options, find Search Engine. In the window that opens, tick Yandex. From now on, all search queries from the address bar will be redirected to the corresponding engine.

• 🔍 Open the three-dot menu in the corner of the screen.
• 🛠 Go to the general settings section of the application.
• 📍 Select the item "Search system".
• ✅ Activate the switch opposite Yandex.

It is worth noting that Chrome does not allow you to change the start page to an arbitrary one. URL-The address (e.g. ya.ru) is as flexible as desktop versions, but installing a search engine solves the main task of obtaining relevant search results. For deeper integration, you can install a separate Yandex application with widgets.

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Use Yandex’s Smart String widget on your desktop to search for information without opening your browser itself, which makes it much faster to access search.

Replacing Google Assistant with Alice

One of the key features of the modern smartphone is the voice assistant. On Xiaomi devices, the default activated Google Assistant, which is called (long press) power button or swipe from the corner of the screen. For those who are used to dialogue with Alice, the function of replacing the standard assistant is available.

To install Alice as the primary assistant, first make sure that the Yandex or Yandex app with Alice is installed and updated to the latest version. Then go to the smartphone settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find the Google or Google Assistant list (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI).

Some versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14 have native support for third-party assistants. Go to Settings → Additional → Select the default assistant (or Digital Assistant). Select Yandex from the list. Now Alice will be activated when you call voice control.

⚠️ Warning: After the assistant is replaced, the "OK, Google" command will stop working to activate the assistant. Use the phrase "Listen, Yandex" or the call button.

Set up widgets and desktop

The visual part of interacting with a smartphone is the desktop and widgets. MIUI allows you to place widgets of various sizes on the screen, making using Yandex services as convenient as possible. You can display weather, traffic jams, music or a smart search bar directly to the main screen.

To add a widget, pinch your two fingers on your desktop or tap and hold an empty area. In the bottom menu, select Widgets. Find Yandex. The system will offer a number of options, from a compact search bar to large blocks with news and weather.

• 🌤 Weather widget shows temperature and precipitation in real time.
• 🎵 Music widget allows you to manage tracks Yandex Music.
• 🔎 Smart string combines search, voice and scanner QR-code.
• 📰 Zen News Feed is updated automatically.

Not only does putting widgets on the interface, it saves time. You don't have to open the app every time you check for currency rates or traffic jams. Personalizing your desktop is an important step in customizing your smartphone.

Solving problems with resetting settings

Sometimes, after a system update or cache clearing, settings can reset and the browser will start using Google again by default. This is a common situation that is solved by re-tracing the setup steps. However, there are deeper reasons that require attention.

If the settings are constantly "flying", check whether you have a mode to save traffic or Lite-mode in the browser. These features can redirect requests through their servers, ignoring the selected search engine, and it is also worth checking for updates for the browser itself and the Yandex application.

In rare cases, third-party launchers (desktop shells) can cause conflict. If you use Nova Launcher or analogues, make sure that their settings also do not specify a forced search engine. Resetting the launcher settings to factory ones often helps eliminate software errors.

Features of work in HyperOS

With the release of the new HyperOS operating system, which gradually replaces MIUI on Xiaomi’s new smartphones, the settings interface has become more minimalist. The logic has remained the same, but the location of some items may have changed.

In HyperOS, application management is made by default in a separate subsection. Follow the Settings path → Applications → Default applications. Here you can set a browser that will open links from other programs. Select Yandex Browser or Chrome (depending on where you set up Yandex search) so that the system will use it as a priority.

The new shell also improves widgets and screen time, and can offer smart widgets based on your habits, and if you’re a user of Yandex, the algorithm can suggest adding a Music or Maps widget to the home screen.

⚠️ Note: When transitioning from MIUI On HyperOS, some custom settings may be reset via an update, and it is recommended to take a picture of the current configuration of important applications before updating.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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Properly configuring search engines and assistants turns a standard smartphone into a personalized tool that saves you time on everyday tasks.