Many users of Redmi and Poco smartphones, when they examine the list of installed applications in detail, discover a process called Duo. Often, the right question is: what is this system component and is it not malware or a hidden miner? In fact, it is an official service from Google, which is integrated into the shell of MIUI or HyperOS by default.
The software's primary goal is to provide high-quality video communications even when the Internet is unstable, and Google designed it as a competitor to Skype and FaceTime, relying on adaptive video compression, which if you see it in Task Manager, means that the system has reserved resources to run calls quickly or synchronize contacts.
Owners of Xiaomi devices often face a situation where unclear processes consume battery power in the background. However, in the case of this application, the situation is different: it is activated only when an incoming call or manual synchronization. Next, we will discuss in detail the functionality, how to adjust and the feasibility of removing this component from your gadget.
The main purpose and functions of the service
Google Duo (which in recent versions of Android has transformed into Google Meet) is designed to organize video conferencing and personal calls. Unlike the standard “caller”, it uses an Internet channel (Wi-Fi or mobile data), which allows you to make international calls without charging by the mobile operator, if you do not exhaust traffic.
A key feature is WebRTC, which optimizes real-time data flow, and even if you're in a low-cost 3G area, the algorithms compress video, keeping the audio track legible, making it indispensable for communicating with relatives in remote areas where cell phone signals are often lost.
It also supports Knock Knock, which allows you to see the caller's video stream before you pick up the phone, which improves security and usability, since you know who's calling you right away and you can decide to respond.
- 📹 High quality: Support HD-Video and automatic switching between front and main camera.
- 🌐 Cross-platform: The ability to call from Android to iOS (iPhone/iPad) and even through a web browser on a computer.
- 🎭 Effects and filters: Built-in masks, voice changes and background images for video conferencing.
- 📞 In the new versions of Android functionality fully merged with Google Meet to unify communication.
It’s worth noting that on Xiaomi smartphones, the app can work in conjunction with system contacts, which means that when dialing from the phone book, the system will itself offer a video call if the subscriber also has the appropriate software installed.
Technical features of work on MIUI and HyperOS
The MIUI shells and the new HyperOS have an aggressive energy-saving policy that often kills background processes to save charge. However, Duo has special system permissions that allow it to bypass some restrictions to keep incoming calls out of the box, which can make users suspect that overconsumption of resources is a problem.
In Task Manager, the process can be displayed as com.google.android.apps.tachyon (the old package name) or com.google.android.apps.meetings (new). It's important not to confuse it with Xiaomi system services like Mi Service or MIUI Daemon. It's a third-party but pre-installed component of Google's ecosystem.
To work smoothly, the software requires access to a microphone, camera, and contact list. Without these permissions, functionality will be limited or completely inoperable. In Xiaomi's privacy settings, you can control in detail when exactly the application accesses these sensors.
Why is the process hanging in your memory?
Users often notice that after updating Xiaomi’s firmware, the notification settings for this app are reset, which is standard Android security behavior that requires repeated manual settings checks for each important app.
Instructions: How to disable or remove the application
Since it is a Google system application, the standard methods are through the Settings menu» → «Applications can't be completely removed, only Disable feature is available, which will hide the icon and prevent startup, but the files will remain in memory.
The safest way for the average user is to disable through settings. Find the app in the list, click "Disable." This will stop all background processes and updates, freeing up the CPU resources, although the storage space will take up only a little.
For advanced users who want to completely clean the system of excess software (bloatware), there is a method of uninstallation through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but requires a computer and a USB cable.
☑️ Preparation for removal through ADB
To perform the removal, connect the phone to the PC, open the command line in the folder with ADB and type the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tachyonIf you are using the latest version, where Duo has already been replaced by Meet, the package will be called differently.Be careful when entering the package name, as an error can lead to instability of other Google services.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection in settings | Low. | Medium (files remain) | No. |
| Removal via ADB | Tall. | Complete. | Medium (needs accuracy) |
| Root rights + System App Remover | Medium | Complete. | High (loss of warranty) |
⚠️ Note: Before removing system components through ADB It is strongly recommended to create a full backup of data.Errorous removal of dependent Google packets can lead to a cyclical device reboot (bootloop).
Solving Notifications and Sound Problems
A common problem on Xiaomi smartphones is that there is no sound signal or vibration when an incoming video call is made if the application is closed, and this is due to the memory cleanup mechanism, and to fix this, you need to fix the application in RAM.
Open the menu of running applications (swipe from the bottom up and hold, or menu button), find the Duo/Meet window and press the lock. This will prevent the system from unloading the process when cleaning the memory with the "Trump" button.
You also need to check notification settings. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Duo (or Meet) → Notifications. Make sure the Incoming Calls switch is activated and marked as Important or Silent (if you need to make it ring).
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Set battery priority: Go to the app settings, select Activity Control, and set "No Limits" to prevent a forced shutdown of the service by the MIUI energy saving system.
If the sound still doesn't work, check to see if Do Not Disturb or Silent Mode is on in the notification curtain. Sometimes Xiaomi audio codec system conflicts are resolved by simply restarting the device after a firmware update.
Data security and confidentiality
Video security is always a matter of urgency, and the service uses end-to-end encryption for one-to-one personal calls, meaning that even Google can't technically listen to your conversation or watch your video while you're on the move.
However, it is worth considering that metadata (who, whom and when called) is stored on Google servers to synchronize the history of calls between devices, and for corporate negotiations with the highest level of secrecy, it is recommended to use specialized secure communication channels.
Xiaomi devices also have random access protection, and if the phone is locked, the video call may not display the camera image of the caller on the lock screen, depending on Android’s privacy settings.
- 🔒 Encryption: Encryption protocols meet modern security standards.
- 👁️ In Android 12 and above, a green dot appears in the corner of the screen when the camera or microphone is active.
- 🚫 Blocking: Ability to block unwanted contacts within the app.
Do not install modified versions of the app (MOD) from unverified sources. They may contain malicious code that steals your Google credentials, which is critical for the owner of the Xiaomi smartphone, since the account is tied to the entire ecosystem.
Differences between Old and New Version
Google is gradually eliminating the Duo brand, bringing all the functionality to Google Meet. If you update the app through the Play Market, the interface will change, and the name may simply become "Meet." This is not a mistake, but a planned migration of services.
Functionally, for the average user, not much will change: video calls will remain free and high-quality, only the color scheme (from purple to blue / corporate) and the name of the package in the system will change.
For Xiaomi owners, this may mean reconfiguring permissions, as the system will perceive the updated application as new.
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The move to Google Meet is a global update to Google's infrastructure, with Xiaomi users being advised to simply update the app through the Play Market to keep compatibility and security.
⚠️ Warning: If contacts are missing after upgrading to Google Meet, check sync in your Google account. Sometimes you need to manually allow access to the phonebook to a new app in your Android privacy settings.