Modern Xiaomi smartphones running on the operating system Android, by default, use the voice assistant from Google. However, for Russian-speaking users, Yandex Aliceoften becomes a more convenient and functional solution. This virtual assistant better understands the context of spoken language, can manage the Yandex smart home, and offers more relevant answers to local queries.
The process of replacing the regular assistant with a third-party application does not require obtaining root access or complex reflashing of the device. The entire procedure is performed through the standard system settings menu, which is available on all current versions of the shell MIUI and the new HyperOS. The user only needs to perform several sequential steps to transfer control rights for voice commands to the new application.
It is important to understand that after changing the settings, the button to call the assistant (long press the power button or swipe from the corner of the screen) will activate it Alice, and not Google Assistant. This allows you to fully integrate the Yandex ecosystem into the everyday use of your smartphone, providing quick access to music, navigation and control of gadgets without unnecessary switching.
Preparing the device for changing the assistant
Before you start changing system settings, you need to make sure that the latest version is installed on your device applications Yandex or a separate application Yandex with Alice. Old versions of the app may not have the necessary permissions to work as the main voice request processor, which will lead to errors during activation.
Go to the application store Google Play or GetApps and check Availability of updates. If an app is already installed but hasn't been updated in a while, the system may block it from being designated as the default assistant for security reasons. Also make sure that you have a stable Internet connection, since initial initialization requires loading voice modules.
⚠️ Attention: Some global versions of Xiaomi firmware may have restrictions on installing applications from unknown sources. If you download Yandex Browser or the Alice application as an APK file, you will need to additionally allow installation in the security settings.
After installation or update, open the application and perform the initial profile setup. Sign in to your Yandex IDto sync your search history, music subscriptions, and smart home settings. Without authorization, the assistant's functionality will be limited, and it will not be able to perform personalized commands, such as reminders or media management.
☑️ Ready for setup
Search for the assistant settings section in MIUI and HyperOS
Settings interface in shells Xiaomi may vary slightly depending on the version Android and specific modification MIUI or HyperOS. However, the logic of the menu layout remains the same: system applications are managed through the section responsible for the general settings of the device. You will need to find an item related to applications or special access.
Open the main settings menu of your smartphone. There is usually a search bar at the top of the screen - this is the fastest way to find the section you need. Enter the phrase "assistant" or "assistant" into the search field. The system will automatically highlight the desired menu item, which is most often called Applications → Application settings → Default applications.
If the search does not produce results, you can go through the path manually. Depending on the firmware version, the sequence may look like this: Settings → Applications → Manage applications. In some cases, the required item is hidden in the Advanced settings → Advanced settingssection. Look for the gear icon or three dots in the corner of the screen to access the full list of options.
Differences in the HyperOS menu
In the new HyperOS shell, the path can be simplified. Often, the assistant selection item is placed directly at the top level of the settings menu or integrated into the “Search on device” section. If the standard path does not work, try finding the "Search" section and changing the application for voice input there.
The key element in this section is the item Digital Assistant or App & Digital Assistant. This is where information is stored about which application has priority when processing voice commands and long-pressing the power key. Without going to this specific submenu, changing the assistant is impossible.
Procedure for selecting Yandex Alice as the main assistant
Once you are in the default application selection menu, the system will offer a list of available options. By default, Google or Google Assistantwill be indicated here. Your task is to tap on this item to reveal the full list of assistants installed on the device.
In the list that opens, find the line with the name Yandex or Alice. The name may vary depending on which application you installed: it could be “Yandex Browser”, “Yandex with Alice” or simply “Yandex”. Select the desired option by clicking on it with one touch.
The system may ask you to confirm the action or show a pop-up window warning you about changing the default settings. This is standard security procedure Android, the user is aware that another application will now process his voice data. Confirm your choice by clicking OK or Yes.
| MIUI / HyperOS version | Path to settings | Name of selection item |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 / 13 | Settings → Applications → Application settings | Default applications |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Applications → Application management | Digital assistant |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings → Applications → Default applications | Assistant and voice input |
| Android 13+ (Global) | Settings → Google → Settings for Google applications | Google Assistant (disabled) |
After selecting Alice in the list, the system instantly switches the priority. There is no need to restart the phone, the changes take effect immediately.
Now, when you long press the screen lock button or swipe from the bottom corner (if gesture control is configured), the interface should launch Yandex Alice. If instead a black screen appears or nothing happens, check the application permissions in the next section.
Setting up the necessary permissions and accesses
Simply selecting the application in the settings is not enough. For correct operation Alice requires special permissions to access the microphone, contacts and display on top of other windows. Without these rights, the assistant will not be able to hear your commands or show answers when the screen is locked.
Go to the section Applications → Application management and find Yandexin the list. Go to item Permissions. Make sure access to Microphone is set to "Always Allowed" or "Allow". This is critical for activation by the voice command “Listen, Yandex.”
You also need to configure the display on top of other windows. Find the item Other permissions or Display on top of other applicationsin the application settings. Activate this switch. This will allow Alice to display widgets, answer cards and the browser interface on top of the desktop or open apps.
⚠️ Attention: If you use the face or fingerprint unlock feature, make sure that Alice does not conflict with these security methods. In rare cases, access to the microphone on the lock screen may be limited by Xiaomi security policies.
Additionally, it is recommended to enable auto-run for the application. In the application management menu, find the setting Autostart and allow it for Yandex. This ensures that the voice assistant service will work in the background even after rebooting the device or clearing the RAM.
Setting up gestures and the power button for calling
To use Alice was as comfortable as possible, it’s worth setting up a convenient way to call it. There are several methods for activating the assistant in Xiaomi smartphones, and you can combine them or choose the one most suitable for your style of use.
The most popular method is using the power button. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons (or Special. capabilities). Find the item Long press the power button. By default, there may be a call to Google Assistant or a shutdown menu. Change the value to Selected assistant or Voice assistant.
An alternative option is to use gestures. In the menu Settings → Additional settings → Gesture control you can activate the function of calling an assistant by swiping from the lower left or right corner of the screen. This method is convenient when the phone is on the table and you don’t want to reach for the power button.
Path to configure the gesture:
Settings → Additional settings → Gestures → Launch voice assistant
If you prefer voice activation, make sure that the function is enabled in the settings of the Yandex application itself Activation by phrase. To do this, open Alice's settings inside the application, go to the "Voice" section and enable the "Activation by phrase" option. Now the smartphone will constantly listen to the broadcast in the background, responding to keywords.
Solving common problems and conflicts
Despite the ease of setup, users may encounter a situation where Alice does not start or is unstable. A common cause is MIUI's aggressive power saving system, which kills background processes to save battery power. This leads to voice activation stopping working some time after setup.
To fix this, you need to add the application to the exceptions. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Yandex → Battery saving. Select mode No restrictions. This will prevent the system from forcibly closing the assistant process.
Another problem is a conflict with Google Assistant. Sometimes the system tries to return the default settings after updating the firmware. In this case, check your Google account settings. Go to the Google application, click on the profile icon, select Settings → Google Assistant and disable it if such an option is available, or just make sure that Yandex is given priority in the Xiaomi system settings.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu item names may change with firmware updates. If you do not find the described item, use the settings search or check the official support forum for your device model.
If Alice starts but does not hear commands, check your privacy settings. In new versions Android there is a microphone usage indicator. Make sure that you have not accidentally denied access to the microphone for Yandex in the quick privacy menu, which is called up by swiping from top to bottom.
To diagnose problems with the microphone, record a voice message in any messenger. If the recording is clean, it means (the hardware) is working, and the problem lies in the software permissions or settings of the Yandex application itself.
Optimizing Alice's work on Xiaomi devices
After successful setup, it is recommended to carry out a small optimization so that interaction with Alice becomes smoother. In the settings of the Yandex application, you can select a voice package for offline work. This will allow you to execute basic commands (timer, alarm clock, simple queries) even without access to the Internet.
It is also worth setting up smart home scenarios if you have Yandex devices. Alice on Xiaomi can act as an excellent control panel for lamps, sockets and household appliances. The integration works stably, since the application uses the same communication protocols as on specialized stations.
Do not forget to periodically clear the application cache if you notice a slowdown in response to commands. This can be done in the menu Applications → Manage applications → Yandex → Memory → Clear cache. This will not delete your personal data, but it will remove temporary files that can slow things down.
The secret of quick activation
If long pressing the power button is inconvenient, configure Alice to launch by double tapping on the back of the phone (the "Quick Actions" function in MIUI). This works faster and more reliably than voice activation in noisy rooms.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are assistant settings reset after updating MIUI?
In most cases, the settings are saved. However, after major firmware updates (for example, moving from MIUI 13 to 14 or to HyperOS), the system may reset applications to factory defaults. In such a situation, you will need to re-select Alice in the settings menu, the procedure will take no more than a minute.
Is it possible to use Alice and Google Assistant at the same time?
Technically, applications can be installed simultaneously, but only one application can be activated by a button or gesture - then which is selected in the settings Default applications. You will have to switch between them manually through the system settings; instant switching with one button is not provided.
Why is Alice not activated on the locked screen?
This is due to Android security settings. The app requires advanced permissions to work on the lock screen. Check whether access to the microphone is enabled for Yandex in the "Always" mode and whether displaying on top of other windows is allowed. Also make sure that access to widgets is not disabled in the lock screen settings.
Does replacing the assistant affect battery consumption?
Battery consumption may increase slightly, especially if the constant voice activation function ("Listen, Yandex") is enabled, since the microphone works in the background. To minimize the impact, use button or gesture activation and set the power saving mode to "No restrictions" only for critical functions.
Does Alice work on older Xiaomi models?
Yes, the application Yandex is optimized to work on a wide range of devices. However, on very old models with a small amount of RAM (less than 2 GB), the assistant's operation in the background may be unstable due to the system aggressively closing applications. In this case, it is recommended to use the call through the icon on the desktop.