How to enable and configure Google Assistant on Xiaomi smartphones: the complete guide

Google Assistant makes it much easier to interact with your smartphone, from quick information search to smart home management. However, on Xiaomi devices with a branded MIUI shell, its activation often raises questions - standard settings can conflict with the built-in Xiao AI assistant, and in some regions the function is initially disabled. In this article, we will discuss all ways to enable Google Assistant on Redmi, POCO and Mi-series, including solutions for cases when the voice assistant does not respond or malfunctions.

It is important to understand that the setup process depends on the version of MIUI (12 to 15), the smartphone model and the firmware region. For example, on devices for the Chinese market (China ROM), the Google Assistant may not be at all, and on global versions (Global ROM) – require additional permissions. We will look at universal methods relevant to most modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and later.

Checking the compatibility of the device with Google Assistant

Before you start setting up, make sure your Xiaomi smartphone supports Google Assistant.

• 📱 Android Version: Not Lower 6.0 (Marshmallow, but Android is recommended for full-fledged work 8.0+ (On the Oreo. MIUI 12-15 Assistant is stable.
• 🌍 Firmware region: Google Assistant officially unavailable on Chinese firmware (China) ROM). Global is required to use it. ROM, EEA ROM Or custom firmware like Pixel Experience.
• 🗣️ Language support: the assistant works in Russian, English and most European languages. To activate voice in Russian, the Russia/Ukraine/Kazakhstan region must be selected in the settings.
• 🔊 Microphone and speakers: check the microphone performance in other applications (e.g., in the Dictaphone (POCO M3, Redmi 9A) Driver updates may be required.

If your device meets these criteria, but Google Assistant still doesn’t turn on, the problem may be in MIUI settings or conflict with Xiao AI.

Method 1: Enable via Google App

The easiest activation method is to use the official Google app, which works on most Xiaomi smartphones with Global ROM and does not require superuser rights.

1. Open the Google app (an icon with a colored "G"). If it's not on the home screen, search the app menu or install it from the Play Market.
2. In the lower right corner, tap your profile icon (or initials).
3. Select the Settings item → Google Assistant.
4. Click General → Google Assistant and turn the switch on in the “On” position.
5. The system will suggest you set up a voice model. Follow the hints: say phrases to teach the assistant your voice.

Once activated, you can call Google Assistant by holding the Home button (navigation bar) or by voice commanding "OK, Google." If the Home button does not respond, check the gesture settings in System → Gestures → Navigation bar.

Method 2: Activation through system settings

If Google doesn’t offer the option of enabling the assistant, try an alternative path through MIUI system settings.This method is especially relevant for devices with MIUI 13-14, where the feature can be hidden:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type in Google and select the Google app (not Google Play Services!).
3. Slip on Permits and make sure it's included: 🎤 Microphone - "Always allow" 📍 Location – “Only during use" 📱 Overlay of other annexes — “Included."

Additional → Special Opportunities → Special Opportunities Services

Google Assistant

After this manipulation, try to reopen the Google app and enable the assistant through your profile settings. If the Google Assistant option never appears, the problem may be due to the firmware region or the lack of necessary Google services.

Method 3: Set up voice-activated "OK, Google"

For Google Assistant to respond to the voice command “OK, Google,” you need to configure voice recognition separately, a process that involves training your timbre and activating constant listening to the microphone (which can affect battery consumption).

Instructions for setting:

1. Open the Google app and go to Settings → Google Assistant → Voice settings.
2. Select Voice Match (or Voice Match in Russian).
3. Activate the switches: 🔊 Unlocking with Voice Match – will allow you to use the command even on a locked screen. 📱 Use Voice Match in any application to call an assistant from other programs.

Okay, Google.

Listening to "OK, Google"

Once set up, check the OK Google command in different conditions: with the screen unlocked, in headphones and in noisy environments. If the assistant doesn't work, restart the device or clear the cache of the Google app.

💡

If Google Assistant does not respond to voice in headphones, update the firmware of the Bluetooth module through Settings → Bluetooth → Additional → Update the firmware (not available on all models).

Method 4: Enable via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can force Google Assistant to activate. ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method is suitable for devices with MIUI 12-14, where the function is hidden by the manufacturer. ADB They may disrupt the system!

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

ADB Tools

adb shell settings put secure assistant com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.opa.OpaActivity


adb shell settings put secure voice_interaction_service com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/.googleandroidapps.gsa.velour.VelourService

Reset the device.

Once these commands are executed, Google Assistant should appear in gesture and voice control settings, and if that doesn’t happen, check if the antivirus (Mi Security) blocks changes in system settings.

💡

Use ADB is the last resort. Before executing commands, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

Solving problems with Google Assistant

Even after successful activation, Google Assistant can malfunction, and let’s look at the typical problems and ways to fix them:

• 🔇 Assistant does not respond to voice: Check if the microphone is switched off in Settings → Confidentiality → Application authorizations → Microphone. Update the Google app and Google Play Services. Clear the cache and data of the Google app in Settings → Annexes.
• ⚠️ Error: Google Assistant is not supported on your device": ⚠️ This error occurs on Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Or if the settings for the region indicate China, solution: change the region to "Russia" or "USA" in Settings. → Additionally. → Language and region and restart the device.
• 🔄 Assistant spontaneously starts: Turn off background listening in Google Assistant Settings → Voice settings → Voice Match. Check if Google Assistant is in conflict with Xiao AI (Turn off the last one in Settings → Annexes).
• 📵 No connection to Google servers: ⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with a MIUI 13) access to Google servers is blocked due to manufacturer's policy. VPN with servers in the United States or Europe or use alternative DNS (for example 8.8.8.8).

If neither method worked, consider flashing the device on Global ROM or using alternative voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Yandex Alice.

Google Assistant vs Xiao AI: Which is better?

Many Xiaomi users are faced with a dilemma: which assistant to choose - built-in Xiao AI or Google Assistant?

The choice of assistant depends on your tasks:

For working with Google services, a smart home based on Google Home or multitasking, Google Assistant is suitable.

If you use the Xiaomi ecosystem (Mi Band, Mi Robot Vacuum) and prefer minimalism, Xiao AI can be more convenient.

Both assistants can be used in parallel by assigning different startup commands to them (e.g., OK, Google for Google Assistant and Little A for Xiao AI).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Assistant on Xiaomi