How to Enable and Call Google Assistant on Xiaomi: All Ways

Why Google Assistant doesn’t work out of the box on Xiaomi?

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones use XiaoAI, the Chinese equivalent of Google Assistant, by default, which is optimized for the MIUI ecosystem, leading to two key problems for users outside China:

First, XiaoAI does not support Russian at a deep level (only basic commands), and its functionality is limited to integration with Xiaomi services (for example, Mi Home or Mi Fit). Second, the manufacturer often blocks the launch of Google Assistant by default, even if it is installed - this is due to agreements on pre-installation of software in different regions. For example, on models for the European market (EEA), the assistant may not be in the default application list.

Fortunately, there are several ways to get around these limitations, from basic settings to manual activation via ADB. Next, we will discuss all working methods, including solutions for cases where the assistant call button is not in the menu.

Method 1: Standard settings through Google

If your Xiaomi already has Google app installed (usually preloaded on global firmware), you can turn on the Assistant in 3 steps:

1. Open the Google app (the icon with the letter “G” on a color background).
2. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner → select Settings → Google Assistant.
3. In the General Settings section, tap on the Google Assistant and follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to voice-confirm the phrase “OK, Google”).

Once activated, the assistant will respond to voice commands or to hold the Home button (if physical). On gesture-controlled models (such as Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5), additional configuration may be required in the system settings.

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If the menu doesn’t have a Google Assistant option, update the Google app through the Play Market – sometimes older versions hide this option.

Method 2: Activate through MIUI settings

Some MIUI firmware (especially Chinese or custom) have hidden the path to the Assistant.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type “Google” and select the app.
3. Slip on the Resolutions and turn on all switches associated with the Microphone and Special features.
4. Return to the main settings menu and open Special Opportunities → Special Opportunities Services.
5. Activate Google Assistant in the list.

This method often helps if the voice assistant is lost after the MIUI update, for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ users after switching to MIUI 14 experienced the Assistant not responding to voice commands, although the icon on the menu remained.

Is the Google app installed? | Is microphone access enabled for Google? | Is MIUI firmware updated to the latest version? | Is XiaoAI disabled in the settings-->

Method 3: Launching through ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, you can force the Assistant to activate via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method suitable for firmware where the manufacturer has blocked a standard assistant call (for example, on Xiaomi for the Chinese market).

You will need to:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (in Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Next, execute commands in the terminal (command line):

adb shell


settings put global assistant com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.opa.OpaActivity




settings put global voice_interaction_service com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox/.googlequicksearchbox.VoiceSearchActivity

After the device is restarted, the Assistant should appear in the application list. If the command does not work, check if MIUI blocks changes through ADB - some firmware requires additional permission in Settings → Additional → Authorization debugging.

Method 4: Use of gestures or buttons

On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, you can assign an Assistant call to:

• 🎤 Long-term retention of the home button (if physical, as on the POCO X3 Pro).
• 👆 Swipe from the corner gesture** (on models without buttons, for example, Xiaomi) 12T).
• 🔊 Voice command “OK, Google”** (requires voice training in settings).

To tune the gesture:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → buttons and gestures.
2. Select the Home gesture or the Home button (depending on the model).
3. In the action list, find Google Assistant and assign it to the desired action.

Some firmware may call it something else, like Voice Assistant or Digital Assistant. If there's no Google Assistant on the list, go back to Method 3.

Voice command (OK, Google) | Long hold of the Home button | Swipe gesture from the corner | Through the app icon-->

Method 5: Alternative Assistants for Xiaomi

If Google Assistant doesn’t run on principle (for example, on Chinese firmware without Google Services), consider alternatives:

To install Alice, download the Yandex app from the official website (if it is not in the Play Market due to regional restrictions). To call Alice to the button, use applications like Button Mapper (ADB rights are required).

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XiaoAI is the only assistant that can manage built-in MIUI functions (e.g., enabling Do Not Disturb mode or setting up the screen).

Problem Solving: Assistant fails to respond or flies out

If Google Assistant is enabled but not working, check:

⚠️ Note: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Without pre-installed Google Services, the Assistant will not work even after manual activation, in which case a full flashing to the global version is required. MIUI.

• 📶 Internet Connection: Assistant Requires a Stable Connection to Process Commands.
• 🔊 Microphone Resolutions: Go to Settings → Confidentiality → Permits → Microphone and enable access for Google.
• 🔄 Cache cleaning: In Settings → Annexes → Google → Storage press Clear Cache.
• 📥 Updates: Make sure you have the latest version of Google and Google Play Services installed.

If the Assistant stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting it:

1. Open the Google application → profile → Settings → Google Assistant.
2. Scroll down and select Delete Assistant Data.
3. Reboot the device and reset the assistant.

On models with MIUI 14 and later, disabling battery optimization for Google can help:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google → Battery.
2. Choose No Limits.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Assistant on Xiaomi