Google Duo on Xiaomi: why you need, how it works and the better standard calls

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed a Google Duo app preinstalled -- or an icon of it on the system services list -- that many users mistake for another Google junk that you can remove, but it's one of the most convenient video chat solutions, integrated into the MIUI ecosystem at a deep level.

In this article, we’ll break down what Google Duo is on Xiaomi, how it relates to the Mi Video Call app, and why you shouldn’t be in a hurry to turn it off. You’ll learn about hidden features (like automatically switching between Wi-Fi and mobile network during a call), how to work on Redmi’s budget models, and how to set up an app for maximum performance – even if you have a weak internet connection.

We will focus on the problems faced by Xiaomi owners: from the lack of sound in Duo to conflicts with MIUI 14. At the end of the article – a checklist for troubleshooting and a comparison table with alternatives (Zoom, WhatsApp, Skype).

What is Google Duo and Why is it Necessary for Xiaomi?

Google Duo is a dedicated video and audio calling app developed by Google as an alternative to Skype and WhatsApp, and its key feature is optimization for weak networks: Duo automatically reduces video bitrate if the connection is unstable, but at the same time keeps the synchronization of sound and image (unlike Zoom, where in poor Internet, picture and voice can diverge).

On smartphones, Xiaomi Duo is often pre-installed for two reasons:

• 🔹 Integration with MIUI: Starting with MIUI 12, the system uses Duo to implement the Video Call function in contacts (if the subscriber also uses Duo).
• 🔹 Google Services: On Global firmware (Global ROM), Duo is included in the mandatory app package, like YouTube or Google Play Services.
• 🔹 Traffic savings: Duo consumes 30-40% less data than WhatsApp for the same quality of communication (tests were conducted on the Redmi Note 10 Pro).

It’s important to understand that Duo on Xiaomi works differently than on pure Android. For example, there’s a Knock Knock feature here, but it can conflict with the energy-saving MIUI settings.

Google Duo is different from Xiaomi’s Mi Video Call

Many people confuse Google Duo with Mi Video Call, which is also pre-installed on Xiaomi, the difference between the two is fundamental:

⚠️ Warning: On some Xiaomi models (e.g., POCO X3 Pro), the Mi Video Call can automatically redirect video calls to Google Duo if a subscriber uses this service. This is due to the default settings in Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Video Calls.

If you care about privacy, consider Duo encrypts calls with end-to-end encryption (E2E), while Mi Video Call uses Xiaomi’s standard encryption, which is less transparent. On the other hand, Duo collects metadata about calls (time, duration), which is prescribed in Google’s privacy policy.

How to set up Google Duo on Xiaomi for maximum quality

Duo works out of the box by default, but Xiaomi has nuances due to MIUI optimizations. Follow this instruction to avoid problems:

1. Allow auto-start: go to Settings → Apps → App Management → Google Duo → Auto-run and enable the option. This is needed for notifications of incoming calls.
2. Turn off background restriction: in the same Duo settings, find Background Restriction and select No Limits.
3. Set up the camera: in the Duo itself, open Settings → Video and select the main camera (on Xiaomi, a low-resolution frontal can be selected by default).
4. Optimize your network: Enable Adaptive Quality in Duo settings if you have an unstable internet.

Enable autorun in MIUI| Allow access to microphone and camera | Turn off background restriction | Select the main camera in Duo| Check Internet speed (minimum 1 Mbps for HD)

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⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi smartphones with a Snapdragon 4xx processor (e.g., Redmi 9A), Duo can brake when Knock Knock is turned on. Turn off this feature in the app settings if you notice lags.

To improve the sound during calls:

• 🔊 Use headphones with a microphone (Duo supports Bluetooth 5.0 without delay).
• 🔊 Enable Noise Suppression in Duo settings (effectively on noisy Xiaomi single-mic).
• 🔊 If the sound is interrupted, check the MIUI Optimization settings in Settings → Special features → Optimization MIUI and disable Sound Optimization.

Google Duo Issues on Xiaomi and How to Solve Them

Even on Xiaomi’s flagship models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), users are faced with Duo bugs. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

1.Doo doesn't show notifications of incoming calls

Reason: MIUI blocks the application’s background activity.

Decision:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google Duo.
2. Enable Display Notifications and Auto Start.
3. In the Battery section, select No Limits.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

2.The camera does not work in Duo (black screen)

Reasons:

• The MIUI Camera (especially the POCO F3)
• The camera is busy with another app (e.g. TikTok).

Decision:

• Close all applications that use the camera.
• Clear the Duo cache in Settings → Apps → Google Duo → Memory → Clear the cache.
• If the problem persists, reset the camera settings to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset application settings.

3. Calls are interrupted or there is a severe delay

Reasons:

• Restricting background traffic in MIUI.
• Conflict with VPN or Dual Applications.

Decision:

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later Duo may conflict with the Game Turbo feature. If you notice lags while calling, turn off Game Turbo in the settings or add Duo to the exception list.

Hidden Google Duo Features on Xiaomi

Duo on Xiaomi has a few “chips” that few people know about:

• 🎭 Real-time effects AR: When you call, tap the screen and select the 🎨 icon. Masks, filters, and even a virtual background are available (powered by Snapdragon 7xx/8xx).
• 📱 Screen Transfer: The call menu has a button to share screen – convenient for remote help (e.g., showing settings MIUI to a relative).
• 🔄 Automatic network switching: If Wi-Fi goes missing during a call, Duo seamlessly goes to mobile data (and back again). This works even on Redmi 8A with MIUI 12.5.
• 📹 Record video messages: If the subscriber does not respond, a 30-second video can be sent (Leave a message function).

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To enable Knock Knock (preview video before answering), go to Duo → Knock Knock Settings and add contacts to the trusted list. On Xiaomi, this feature may not work if power saving mode is enabled.

On devices with a IR- blaster (e.g., Xiaomi Mi 10), Duo can be used to control smart devices during a call — for example, turn on the TV to show something to the interlocutor.

Google Duo vs Zoom/WhatsApp/Skype: What’s better for Xiaomi

If you’re choosing between Duo and other video calling services, take note of this table:

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Google Duo is the best choice for Xiaomi if you care about low traffic consumption, stability on weak devices and minimal latency. For conferences (3+ people), you better use Zoom, and for international calls - Skype (cheaper rates).

On Xiaomi with MIUI 13/14 Duo has another advantage: it supports the simultaneous use of two SIM- cards for calls (for example, you can call Duo on one SIM, and leave the second for SMS). WhatsApp or Zoom does not have this feature.

How to Remove Google Duo from Xiaomi (and Whether to Do It)

If you are trying to get rid of Duo, consider:

• 🚫 On Global firmware (Global ROM), Duo is a system application and is not removed by standard methods.
• 🔧 On Xiaomi.eu or custom firmware, you can remove Duo via ADB or Root.
• ⚠️ After deleting, the video calling ability directly from the Contacts app will disappear (if the subscriber also uses Duo).

Instructions for removal (without root):

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tachyon
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Lite), deleting Duo may cause Google Play Services to crash. In this case, restore the app through Settings → Apps → Remote.

Another way to do this is to disable Duo:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Google Duo
2. Click Disable (the app will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Duo on Xiaomi