How to set up a voice call on a Xiaomi phone: instructions for all models

Voice calls on Xiaomi smartphones save time and make communication easier — especially when hands are busy or you need to make a quick call without looking for contact. However, many users face problems: voice assistant does not respond to commands, settings are hidden in the depths of MIUI, it is not at all clear which service to use — built-in XiaoAI, Google Assistant or third-party applications like Siri (yes, it also works on Xiaomi!).

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can configure voice calls, from basic MIUI 14/15 features to advanced automation tricks. We’ll focus on Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, and POCO F5 models, where voice recognition algorithms are different from older devices, and we’ll also talk about how to get around the restrictions if your phone doesn’t officially support voice dialing, such as on the budget Redmi A2 or POCO C55.

1.What voice calling methods are available on Xiaomi

On Xiaomi smartphones, there are three main ways to make a voice call — each with its own pros and cons. The choice depends on the version of MIUI, the region of the firmware and even what Google services you have connected.

• 🤖 XiaoAI (built-in assistant) – works without the Internet, supports Chinese and English (on global firmware), but often refuses to understand Russian».
• 🎤 Google Assistant is the most versatile option, it recognizes Russian, knows how to call contacts and dictate numbers. It requires an Internet connection and a Google account.
• 📱 Third-party apps like Siri (via Shortcuts on iPhone but synced to Xiaomi), Yandex Alice or Bixby (for Samsung owners but with Xiaomi installed) need workarounds.

Important: on devices with MIUI for Russia (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G), Google Assistant can be disabled by default – it will have to be activated manually, and on Chinese firmware (Xiaomi 13 Ultra CN), instead it will only be XiaoAI, who does not understand Russian.

2. Set up voice call via XiaoAI (built-in assistant)

XiaoAI is Xiaomi’s branded assistant, which works even without the Internet, but its capabilities are limited and Russian-language support leaves much to be desired, but it is suitable for basic voice dialing.

To enable voice dialing via XiaoAI:

1. Open the Settings. → Additionally. → XiaoAI (on some firmwares, the path may differ: Settings) → Annexes → XiaoAI).
2. Activate the Voice Assistant switch.
3. Turn on the voice recognition option and allow access to the microphone.
4. In the Voice Activation section, set up the call phrase (by default, “OK, XiaoAI” or “Hey, XiaoAI”).

Now you can say, "Call [contact name]" or "Dial [numbers]." Remember that XiaoAI is the best at recognizing English commands -- for example, "Call mom" is more reliable than "Call mom."

⚠️ Attention: On Chinese firmware (MIUI CN) XiaoAI can block calls to international numbers.If you need to call abroad, use Google Assistant.

3. Voice call via Google Assistant (the most reliable way)

Google Assistant is the best choice for Russian-speaking users of Xiaomi. It understands natural speech, can search for contacts by nicknames (for example, “Call your husband”) and can even call commands like “Tell the last number”.

How to set up:

1. Make sure your phone has a Google app installed (usually preinstalled). If not, download from the Play Market.
2. Launch the Google app, click on the profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings → Google Assistant.
3. Go through the initial setting (voice, language, permissions).
4. Turn on the “OK Google” option for voice activation.
5. In the “Phone” section, allow access to contacts and calls.

Now you can say, "OK Google, call Anna," or "Call the taxi" (if you have a service number in your contacts). For convenience, add the Google Assistant widget to the home screen, so the assistant will always be at hand.

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If Google Assistant doesn’t recognize your voice, try retraining the model: Go to Settings → Google → Account Services → Voice Search → Voice Recognition and do the training again.

4. Voice dialing via Yandex Alice (alternative for Russia)

If you prefer Yandex.Alice, it can also be used for voice calls on Xiaomi, but there is a nuance here: Alice can not directly call through the system application “Phone”, but can open contacts or dial numbers through third-party services.

Instructions:

1. Install the Yandex app with Alice from Play Market.
2. Open the app, click on the microphone icon and say, “Show contacts.”
3. When Alice opens the contact list, say, "Call [name]."
4. For quick access, add Alice’s widget to the home screen or activate a voice call with the phrase “Hello Alice.”

The disadvantage of this method is an extra step with opening contacts, but Alice understands Russian well and can call even if the phone is locked (if the option “Voice assistant on a locked screen” is enabled).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) Alice may be in conflict with Google Assistant. If voice commands stop working, disable one of the assistants in the app settings.

5. Automation of voice calls (for advanced users)

If you need your phone to automatically ring on a schedule or after certain events (like when you come home), you can set up automation via MIUI Automation or Tasker.

Example of configuration via MIUI Automation (available on MIUI 12+):

1. Open the settings → Additional → Automation.
2. Click “Create a rule” and select a trigger (such as “Time” or “Geolocation”).
3. As an action, select “Execute voice command”.
4. Enter a command for Google Assistant or XiaoAI, such as: Call your wife.
5. Save the rule and activate it.

For more complex scenarios (such as a low-power call), you’ll need a Tasker app, where you can create a Phone → Call task and tie it to any event.

6. Solving Voice Call Problems

If voice dialing doesn’t work, check out these points:

• 🔇 Microphone: Make sure it's not contaminated or blocked by a cover. You can check the microphone using the Dictaphone app.
• 🌐 Internet: Google Assistant and Alice require a connection to the network.If the Internet is slow, the assistant may not respond.
• 📱 Permissions: Check that the assistant app has access to microphone, contacts and phone (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
• 🔄 Updates: Outdated version MIUI Google Assistant may crash. Update the software to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If the problem persists, try resetting the assistant settings:

• For Google Assistant: Settings → Google → Account Services → Voice Search → Voice Recognition → Delete the voice model.
• For XiaoAI: Settings → Applications → XiaoAI → Storage → Clear data.

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If the voice assistant stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back the Google or XiaoAI app version via APK. Often newer versions contain bugs.

7. Voice call on locked screen

To call voice without unlocking the phone, you need to turn on the appropriate settings:

For Google Assistant:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Google.
2. Select "Helpman» → «Locked screen».
3. Activate the option to “Allow voice assistant”.

For XiaoAI:

1. Go to Settings → Screen Lock → More.
2. Turn on “Voice Assistant on Locked Screen.”

Now you can say, "OK Google, call your mom," or "Hey XiaoAI, call dad," even when the screen is off. Note that on some models (like the Redmi 10A), this feature may be disabled by the manufacturer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about voice calls on Xiaomi