How to turn Alice on with a voice on Xiaomi: all the ways of 2026

Voice assistant Alice from Yandex has long been an integral part of the smartphone ecosystem, but owners of Xiaomi devices often face difficulties in setting it up. Unlike Google Assistant, which is integrated into MIUI by default, Alice requires additional manipulation — especially if you want to run her voice without unlocking the screen. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of activation, including hidden settings and bypassing system restrictions.

The main problem is that Xiaomi doesn’t pre-install Alice as a system assistant, and standard voice calling methods (e.g., through OK, Google) only work with Google services. However, there are a few workarounds, from using Yandex.Luncher to setting up via Tasker or Bixby Routines (on some models), and we tested all methods on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and highlighted the most reliable ones.

It is important to understand that the functionality may vary depending on the smartphone model (for example, the settings on the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi Note 12 will be different) and the firmware region. If your device runs on the global version of MIUI, some menu items may be called differently - we will indicate alternative paths.

1. Prepare the smartphone before setting up Alice

Before you start activating the voice assistant, you need to follow several mandatory steps, which will help to avoid errors such as "Alice is not responding" or "No access to the microphone."

First, make sure your Xiaomi has the latest version of Yandex (with Alice) installed. Download it from Google Play or AppGallery if you’re using a device without Google services.

• 📱 Version. MIUI at least 12.5 (on older firmware, voice calls may not work).
• 🎤 Microphone not blocked for Yandex application in privacy settings.
• 🌐 Internet connection stable (Alice requires constant access to the network).
• 🔊 Media volume is set to an average level (otherwise voice prompts may not be heard).

If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (China ROM), pre-installe Google Mobile Services (GMS) through GetApps or third-party tools like XiaomiTool. Without them, Yandex will not be able to correctly work with voice commands.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) post-update MIUI 14 reset the microphone permissions. Check them in Settings. → Annexes → Permit management → Microphone.

2. Method 1: Voice call via Yandex.Luncher

The simplest and most official method is to use a proprietary launcher from Yandex, which replaces the standard MIUI Launcher and adds support for Alice's voice call on the command "Hello Alice" even from a locked screen.

Instructions for setting:

1. Download Yandex.Luncher from Google Play.
2. Set it as the default launcher (the system will prompt you to do so when you first start).
3. Open the launcher settings (prolonged pressing on the free screen space → Settings).
4. Go to Alice and activate the option "Voice call from the lock screen".
5. Take a short voice setting by saying “Hi Alice” 3 times.

After that, the assistant will be launched by voice command, even if the screen is turned off, the main advantage of the method is that it does not require root or additional applications.

• 📉 The launcher consumes additional RAM (about 150-200 MB).
• 🔄 When changing the launcher back to the standard MIUI Voice call will stop working.
• 🔒 Some firmware (HyperOS) may need to disable battery optimization for Yandex.Luncher.

Method 2: Configure with Google Assistant (for MIUI Global)

If your Xiaomi runs on global firmware with Google Assistant preinstalled, you can redirect voice commands to Alice, a method that works on most models, including the Redmi Note 11/12, Xiaomi 12/13, and POCO X5.

Algorithm of action:

Install the Yandex app with Alice

Open Google Assistant and say “Open Settings”

Select "Commands for Assistant" → "Add Team"

Enter a phrase to activate (e.g., "Alice, turn on music")

In the "Action" field, select the Yandex application and specify the command-->

When you save the command, when you say "OK, Google, Alice," you start Yandex.Assistant, which is convenient because it doesn't require a launcher change, but it has limitations:

• 🗣️ It only works after saying “OK, Google” (you can’t configure direct activation).
• 🔌 Requires a permanent internet connection for both assistants.
• 📱 On some devices (such as the Xiaomi Pad 6), Google Assistant may conflict with system services.

⚠️ Warning: If Alice doesn't respond to commands after setting up, check if the microphone is blocked for Google Play Services. MIUI 14 with Chinese firmware.

Method 3: Automation via Tasker (for advanced)

For users willing to spend time fine-tuning, Tasker offers maximum flexibility, and it can be used to customize Alice’s launch by:

• 🎤 Voice command (even without "OK, Google").
• 🔄 Gesture or push buttons (for example, triple tapping the screen).
• ⏰ Schedule (for example, in the morning Alice will tell the weather).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Tasker and AutoVoice plugin.
2. Create a new profile (+ → Status → Plugin → AutoVoice → Recognized)
3. In the Command Filter field, type in an activation phrase (e.g., "Listen, Alice").
4. In the task add the action Launch the application → Yandex.
5. Save the profile and activate it.

For work in the background, it is necessary:

• Disable battery optimization for Tasker and AutoVoice.
• Give Tasker the right ADB (adb shell pm grant net.dinglisch.android.taskerm android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS).
• In MIUI settings, allow auto-run for both applications.

On devices with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14), for the correct operation of Tasker, you additionally need to disable the function "Adaptive Optimization" in the battery settings.

5. Method 4: Using Bixby Routines (for some models)

On some Xiaomi devices (mainly flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra or MIX Fold 3), Bixby Routines is available, an analogue of Samsung Bixby, which allows you to create automated scripts.

• 🗣️ Voice command (through integration with Google Assistant).
• 📍 Geolocations (e.g., Alice’s home will automatically turn on smart lamps).
• ⏱️ Time (Morning briefing with weather and news).

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Additional features → Bixby Routines.
2. Create a new routine and select the “Voice Team” trigger.
3. Enter the activator phrase (e.g., “Run Alice”).
4. As an action, select "Run the application" → Yandex.
5. Keep your routine and test it.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices, Bixby Routines may be called Smart Scenarios and may be in another settings section. If you don't find it, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware.

6.Problem Solving: Alice doesn't respond to voice

If Alice does not respond to voice commands after setting up, check the following points:

• 🔇 Microphone locked: Go to Settings → Confidentiality → Permits → Microphone and enable access to Yandex application.
• 📵 Battery Limitations: In Settings → Battery → Battery optimization disable optimization for Yandex and Tasker (if you use it).
• 🌍 Regional settings: Alice works only with the Russian language system. → Additionally. → Language and input.
• 🔊 Helper conflict: If you have Google Assistant and Sber Salute installed, they can block the microphone.

If the problem persists, try:

1. Reinstall the Yandex application.
2. Clear the cache and application data in Settings → Applications → Yandex → Storage.
3. Check the microphone in another application (for example, in the recorder).
4. Update MIUI to the latest version (some assemblies have bugs with microphone access).

💡

If Alice is working but not following commands (e.g., doesn’t include music), check if she has permission to manage other applications. This is configured in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Manage other applications.

7.Alternative ways to launch Alice

If none of the above methods work, consider alternatives:

• 📱 Widget on the home screen: Add Yandex widget with Alice launch button (prolonged on-screen tap) → Widgets).
• 🔘 Quick settings: In the notification bar add a switch for Alice (swipe down) → Edit → Find Yandex.Aide).
• 🎧 Headset with button: On some wireless headphones (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) you can set Alice to launch double-press.
• 🖥️ Smartwatches: If you have a Mi Band 8 Pro or Xiaomi Watch S3, You can set up voice launches through them.

For owners of Xiaomi Smart Home there is another life hack: if you have a Xiaomi Smart Speaker column, you can link it to Alice via Mi Home and control smart devices by voice, even if the smartphone is locked.

💡

HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14) have built-in support for third-party voice assistants. Alice can now be added to Settings → Voice Assistant → Additional services without third-party apps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Alice on Xiaomi