How to call Alice by voice on Xiaomi: all the ways and subtleties of setting up

Voice assistant Alice from Yandex has long ceased to be exclusive to devices on Android One or Yandex Phone. Today it can be activated even on Xiaomi smartphones, despite the fact that the manufacturer is actively promoting its own assistant Xiao. AI. However, not all users know how to properly configure Alice’s voice call – especially if we are talking about models with custom firmware. MIUI or devices without pre-installed Yandex application.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to call Alice, from a standard voice command to integration through third-party apps.+, POCO X5 Or even Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which commands are supported out of the box, and what to do if Alice doesn't answer her voice. MIUI, It allows you to call Alice to double press the power button - this is not known to many!

Why isn’t Alice working out of the box for Xiaomi?

The main problem is that Xiaomi blocks the background work of third-party voice assistants by default, which is done to save battery power and optimize performance, and in some regions (for example, in China), Yandex applications are not at all in the GetApps brand store.

Here are the key reasons why Alice may not respond to her voice:

• 🔴 No app – on new Xiaomi smartphones for the global market (Global) ROM) Yandex is not preinstalled.
• 🔴 Autoboot is prohibited — MIUI aggressively closes background processes, including voice recognition.
• 🔴 Conflict with Xiao AI — Xiaomi’s built-in assistant can intercept voice commands.
• 🔴 Restrictions on the region – on some firmware voice input works only with Chinese services.

Fortunately, all of these problems are solvable, and then we'll look at step-by-step instructions for different scenarios.

Method 1: Standard call through the Yandex application

The easiest method is to use the official Yandex app with voice assistant, but even here there are nuances.

Step 1: Installation of the application

• 📱 Download Yandex with Alice from Google Play (if available in your area).
• 🌍 For users from China or from MIUI China ROM need APK-file from a third-party source (e.g. APKCombo).
• 🔧 After installation, open the application and complete the initial setup (account login, permissions).

Step 2: Set up a voice call

1. Open the Yandex application and go to the Profile → Settings → Alice.
2. Activate the voice assistant switch.
3. In the Voice Activation section, select the phrase to call (by default - "Hello Alice" or "OK, Yandex").
4. Take voice training (recording) 3-5 phrases to improve recognition).

Step 3: Permits for background work

Without it, Alice won't respond to her voice when the screen is off:

Open Settings → Annexes → Application management → Yandex

Enable Auto Start and Background Activity

In the section Permissions to give access to the microphone and notifications

To the Battery. → Optimize the battery without restrictions for Yandex

Reboot your smartphone-->

After completing these steps, Alice must respond to a voice command even with the screen locked. 10C or POCO M4 Pro) additional adjustment may be required.

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If Alice can't hear you the first time, try to pronounce the command louder and clearer. → Alice. → Voice) can increase the sensitivity of the microphone.

Method 2: Call Alice through the widget on the home screen

If voice activation is unstable, you can use the Yandex widget for quick access. MIUI 14 and later, where widgets support interactive elements.

How to add a widget:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the main screen.
2. Select Widgets from the bottom menu.
3. Find the Yandex widget (usually called "Search and Alice").
4. Drag it to the screen and select a size (recommended 4×1 or 2×2).

Advantages of the widget:

• ⚡ Quick access to Alice with one tap (even if voice activation is disabled).
• 🔍 Shows weather, exchange rates and recent notifications.
• 🎤 You can hold the microphone button for voice input without a command.

On some firmware (MIUI 13 and older) the widget may not be updated automatically:

⚠️ Note: If Yandex widget does not work, check the battery optimization settings for the application MIUI Launcher.Sometimes the system limits the background activity of the launcher, which leads to "hang" widgets.

Method 3: Integration with Google Assistant (for global firmware)

On smartphones Xiaomi with Global ROM (for example, Xiaomi 12T pro POCO F5) You can set up Alice's call through Google Assistant, which is useful if you're used to using voice commands through the power button.

Instructions:

1. Install Google Assistant (if not preinstalled).
2. Open Google Assistant and go to Settings → Short teams → Add a team.
3. In the command box, type a phrase such as “Alice” or “Run Yandex”.
4. In the action field, select Open the application and specify Yandex.
5. Save the command and test it by saying, "OK, Google. Alice."

Limitations of the method:

• 🔄 Two-tier voice activation is required (first Google Assistant, then Alice).
• 📶 It only works when connected to the internet.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to two simultaneous assistants.

This method is suitable for those who are already actively using Google Assistant and do not want to relearn for new commands.

Method 4: Hidden function MIUI — double-press

Little-known life hack: on most Xiaomi smartphones, you can assign a call to Alice to double press the power button or volumen rocker. This feature is hidden in special features settings and works even on a locked screen.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Physical buttons.
2. Select the Power button (or Volume buttons if you want to use them).
3. Turn on the option Double tap and select the action Start the application.
4. Please specify the Yandex app (if it is not on the list, open it at least once first).
5. Save the settings and test: double-press the power button - Yandex with Alice should open.

Compatibility with models:

This method is especially useful for those who often use Alice in the car or on the go, when voice activation may be triggered falsely.

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Double pressing the power button is the most reliable way to call Alice on Xiaomi, as it does not depend on the quality of voice recognition and works even without the Internet (to open the application).

Solving problems: Alice doesn't answer her voice

If you have set everything up according to the instructions, but Alice still does not respond to commands, check the following points:

1.Microphone problems

• 🎤 Test the microphone in another app (such as a voice recorder or WhatsApp).
• 🧹 Clean the microphone connector from dust (on some models it is located next to the connector). USB-C).
• 🔊 Check if the microphone is switched off in the settings → Sound. → Microphone.

2. Conflict with Xiao AI

Xiaomi's built-in assistant can block voice commands for Alice.

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Xiao AI.
2. Turn off autostart and background activity.
3. In the Permissions section, deny access to the microphone.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

3. Errors of Yandex servers

⚠️ Note: If Alice replies, "I'm sorry, I have connection problems," it means a failure on the side of the servers of Yandex. Check the status of services on the site yastat.net.

Regional restrictions

On some firmware (MIUI China EEA ROM) Voice input can be limited:

• 🌐 Install. VPN with servers in Russia (for example, Warp or ProtonVPN).
• 📱 Change the region of the smartphone in Settings → Additionally. → Region on "Russia".
• 🔄 Refuse the device on Global ROM (requires unlocking the loader).

Useful teams for Alice on Xiaomi

Alice on Xiaomi supports all standard commands, but there are specific features that are useful for device owners. MIUI:

Smartphone control:

• 📵 "Turn on the "Do Not Disturb" mode - activates DND.
• 🔦 "Turn on the flashlight for 3 minutes" - works even on a locked screen.
• 📷 "Take a selfie – opens the camera in frontal mode.
• 🔋 "How much battery is left? – the percentage of the battery.

Integration with MIUI:

• 🌙 "Turn on the dark theme" - switches the system theme.
• 📶 "Enable mobile data" - manages the Internet.
• 🔊 "Increase volume by 30% – adjust the sound.
• 📡 "Connect to Wi-Fi [network name] – if the network is saved.

Smart home (if you have Xiaomi devices):

• 💡 "Turn on the lamp in the living room for Yeelight or Mi Home.
• 🌡️ "What is the temperature in the nursery? – if the Aqara sensor is connected.
• 🚪 "Close the curtains for smart rollers Mi Smart Curtain.

The full list of commands can be found in Alice's directory (Profile) → Alice. → What do you know?? for Xiaomi devices available about 150+ Unique teams including Mi Band or Roborock management.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Alice on Xiaomi