How to Call Google Assistant by Voice 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 (including Redmi and POCO), standard voice activation via the phrase “OK, Google” is often disabled by default or unstable due to the features of the MIUI firmware. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to configure the assistant voice call, including bypassing system constraints and solving typical problems.

It’s important to understand that the functionality depends on the MIUI version, the firmware region and Google’s installed services. For example, on Chinese versions of MIUI without global ROM, voice calling may not be available. We’ll look at universal methods that work on most models, from Xiaomi Mi 11 to Redmi Note 12, as well as alternative options for devices without official support.

Why is Xiaomi not running Google Assistant voice calls?

The main reason is the conflict between the MIUI shell and Google services, the manufacturer actively promotes its own assistant Xiao AI (available on Chinese firmware), which leads to artificial restrictions:

• 🔹 Lack of background work permit — MIUI aggressively shuts down applications in the background, including Google services.
• 🔹 Regional restrictions on Chinese firmware (CN ROM) Voice call is disabled at system level.
• 🔹 Conflict with Xiao AI — On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) priority is given to the brand assistant.
• 🔹 Outdated version of Google App – without updates through the Play Store, voice activation may not work.

An additional factor is battery optimization: MIUI by default limits application activity in the background, which blocks microphone listening for voice commands, even flagship models like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Preparation of the smartphone: mandatory conditions for voice call

Before setting up, make sure your device meets the minimum requirements:

If one condition is not met, the voice call will not work. For example, on Xiaomi Redmi 9A with Android Go, there may be no support for a full Google Assistant due to the limitations of the lightweight version of the OS.

⚠️ Note: On devices with unlocked bootloader and custom firmware (such as LineageOS), voice call may require additional customization via ADB or Magisk modules.

Method 1: Configure via Google App (official method)

This is the most reliable way to work on most global firmware devices.

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter “G” on the home screen).
2. Tap the profile icon in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the Google Assistant section → General.
4. Select Assistant → scroll to Device and tap the name of your smartphone.
5. Activate the Access switch with a voice command.
6. Get a voice model training (say the phrase “OK, Google” 3 times).

After setting up, check the work with the command “OK, Google, what day is it?” If the assistant does not answer, move to the next method.

Update Google App via Play Store |Check the microphone permissions in Settings |Disable battery optimization for Google App |Reboot your smartphone-->

Method 2: Resolving background activity in MIUI

MIUI blocks the background work of apps to save charge, which prevents Google Assistant from listening to voice commands.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google in the list and select it.
3. Touch the Permits. → Turn on the microphone.
4. Go back and select the Battery → Install No Limits.
5. Activate the AutoRun option (if available).

For reliability, also disable power saving mode in Settings → Battery. Some models (such as the POCO X5 Pro) may require Google to add additionally to the list of Protected Apps.

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If the voice call only works when the screen is unlocked after setting up, turn on the “Allow Access When Locked” option in the Google App security settings.

Method 3: Alternative button call (if voice is not working)

If the voice activation never works, you can call the Assistant to a physical button or gesture:

• 📱 Long pressing of the home button (on models with a touch button, for example, Xiaomi Mi) 10T):
• 👆 Swipe from the corner gesture (on models without buttons, for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+):

This method does not require voice activation, but allows you to quickly open the assistant at any time. On some firmware (MIUI 14 and later), you may need to pre-install Google Assistant Go for proper operation.

Solution: Why Google Assistant doesn't respond to voice?

If the assistant doesn’t respond to the “OK, Google” command after all the settings, check the following points:

On Chinese firmware (CN ROM), it may be necessary to change the region to a supported one (for example, the United States or Russia) via a VPN and reset Google App settings.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra after region change through VPN Mi Account and branded services may stop working. Before experimenting, back up your data.

Additional features: voice commands for Xiaomi

In addition to the standard features, Google Assistant on Xiaomi supports management teams for branded chips:

• 🔦 Camera Control: "OK Google, Take a Selfie" (opens the front camera in the Mi Camera).
• 🔋 Battery mode: OK, Google, turn on the power saving mode».
• 🌙 Dark theme: "OK, Google, turn on Dark Mode" MIUI 12.5+).
• 📶 Mobile data: OK, Google, turn on the mobile Internet».

These commands require pre-setting permissions in Settings → Apps → Google → Permissions (enable System Settings Change) on the POCO F4 GT and other gaming smartphones, you can also voice-activate the performance mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about voice assistant on Xiaomi

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If none of these methods worked, check if your device has modified firmware (e.g., from third-party developers) and if they do, you may need to run the official ROM through Fastboot.