Tencent’s native AI assistant for its messaging app WeChat, “Xiaowei,” began a limited trial on June 20. Users need to update WeChat to version 8.0.75. Access it by clicking the “Xiaowei” logo at the top-left of the main interface or by swiping right on the main interface. Xiaowei supports transferring money, setting reminders, managing Moments, and placing orders by calling mini programs such as Heytea, food delivery apps, and taxi services via text or voice.
Xiaowei trial launches on June 20 — list of core functions already live
Xiaowei currently supported in the trial includes the following features:
Daily conversations and tasks: Operable via text or voice, including “Send Mom a happy birthday” and “Set a reminder to drink water after 5 minutes”
Memory function: When enabled, it can remember important conversation history and produce personalized responses and content recommendations based on its memories
Image understanding and generation: Supports reading and analyzing images, and generating images, and can recognize people in saved memories
Mini tools (custom tools): Users can customize tools; existing examples include “Copywriting Generator,” “Relative Relationship Calculator,” “Soccer Scoreboard,” and “BMI Health Assistant”
The trial currently uses a limited invitation-only approach. Even users who upgrade to version 8.0.75 may not necessarily see the “Xiaowei” entry if they are not trial users.
Xiaowei integrates into public accounts, video accounts, and mini programs — voice ordering follows a three-step logic
Public accounts and video accounts: On any public account or video account interface, tap “Xiaowei” to analyze and summarize the current content. Xiaowei will also proactively recommend high-quality content it believes is suitable for users. The recommendations are based on training data, not read counts, reposts, or follower numbers.
Mini program invocation: When users ask Xiaowei for a service need (e.g., “Order a cup of Heytea, three sugars, less ice”), Xiaowei automatically calls the corresponding mini program to select items and place the order. Users only need to pay manually. The same logic applies to services such as booking hotels and hailing taxis.
Existing execution constraints: The more complex the mini program’s interface structure (such as the homepages of Ctrip or Qunar that contain many banners and pop-up event windows), the more manual intervention the AI requires. Mini programs with simpler homepage structures—such as food delivery—execute more smoothly along their paths.
Xiaowei includes safety restrictions: reading private chats requires the user’s active initiation; transfers require manual password entry
Xiaowei cannot proactively read the user’s private chat or group chat content. If a user needs a summary of a specific conversation, the user must go into that chat interface and actively tap “Xiaowei” to initiate the reading operation.
For the transfer function, after Xiaowei executes, the user must manually enter a password to complete the payment. The AI cannot complete payment on its own. Before sending a message, Xiaowei will ask the user a second time; only after the user approves will it execute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current scope and usage conditions of WeChat “Xiaowei”?
Xiaowei launched on June 20 in a limited trial format, and is only open to users who have obtained trial access. Users need to update WeChat to version 8.0.75. Interface News reported on June 23 that this is “the biggest update in WeChat’s history.” Tencent has not yet announced a formal full rollout schedule.
Can Xiaowei proactively read the user’s private chats and group chats?
No. Under normal circumstances, Xiaowei cannot proactively read private chat or group chat records. If a user needs to summarize a specific chat, the user must actively tap “Xiaowei” in that conversation interface to initiate the reading. The transfer function also has a password mechanism, so the AI cannot automatically complete payment.
What factors affect the results of Xiaowei calling mini programs?
Xiaowei’s execution performance is directly influenced by the mini program’s architecture. Mini programs with simple homepage structures (such as a pure search-based food delivery interface) run more smoothly. Mini program homepages with many banners and pop-up windows—such as Ctrip and Qunar—still require extensive manual intervention at present, and the AI cannot automatically complete end-to-end operations.
