If you have recently upgraded your Xiaomi smartphone or installed a fresh firmware version MIUI 14/15, You may have noticed a new app called Duo, which appears on the menu without you asking, takes up space in memory and sometimes sends notifications, what kind of program it is, why it's installed on your device, and most importantly, can it be safely removed?
In this article, we will take a closer look at what Duo is on Xiaomi, how it relates to Google Duo (now called Google Meet), what features it performs, and give you clear instructions on how to manage the app, and why Xiaomi preinstalles it on some models, and what alternatives exist for video calls on Android.
Spoiler: it's not a virus or a spyware, but it's not useful either. Next up are the technical details and screenshots from the real devices.
What is the Duo app on Xiaomi: Origin and purpose
Duo is a simplified version of Google’s video service, originally called Google Duo. In 2022, Google merged Duo and Meet into one service under the Google Meet brand, but some devices (including Xiaomi) still have a separate app with the old name.
On smartphones Xiaomi Duo appears for two reasons:
- 📱 Pre-installation – Xiaomi includes it in the firmware MIUI for some regions (e.g. India, Europe) as part of Google Mobile Services (GMS).
- 🔄 Automatic update – if the device already had Google Duo, the system could upgrade it to a new version called Duo (without the Google prefix).
The main purpose of the application is video calls in high quality (up to the 720p or 1080p It is positioned as a competitor to WhatsApp Calls, Zoom and Skype, but with a focus on simplicity and minimalist interface. However, after the merger with Meet, Duo functionality became redundant, as all its features were transferred to the main Google Meet application.
Differences between Google Meet and other video services
Many users confuse Duo with Google Meet or consider it a stripped-down version.
| Function | Duo (old version) | Google Meet (new service) | WhatsApp/Telegram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max: Number of participants | 8 people | 100+ man | 4-8 people |
| Video quality | Do 1080p (on supported devices) | Do 720p (1080p premium) | Up to 720p. |
| Account necessity | Phone number | Google account | Account in the messenger |
| Call recording | No. | Yes (for Meet) | No. |
| Integration with the calendar | No. | Yes. | No. |
Important: Google officially ended Duo support as a standalone app in 2023, bringing all users to Meet, but some Xiaomi smartphones remain because of licensing features. GMS.
If you see Duo on your Xiaomi, it’s not a mistake — it’s just that the manufacturer hasn’t updated the firmware to the latest version of Google Mobile Services, and the app itself doesn’t get any updates and is actually a frozen product.
Can you remove Duo from Xiaomi: risks and consequences
Technically, Duo can be removed, but there are nuances:
- ✅ System-Secure – The application is not critical to the job MIUI Android.
- ⚠️ Update errors are possible – if Duo has been pre-installed as part of the update GMS, Removal of the update may cause failures in future firmware updates.
- 🔄 Auto-Recovery – on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or X-ray) POCO X5) The application can return after resetting settings or a major update.
If you want to get rid of Duo, there are two ways:
Disable the application in settings (without root rights)|Remove through ADB (PC)|Use the patch for Magisk (for advanced users)|Hide the icon with a launcher-->
The safest method is to shut down.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Duo in the list (could be called com.google.android.apps.tachyon).
- Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is protected from disabling).
Complete removal will be required ADB (Android Debug Bridge. Instructions:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tachyon⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB This can lead to unstable operation of Google services (for example, synchronization of contacts or push notifications will disappear.
How to use Duo on Xiaomi: a brief instruction
If you’ve decided to leave Duo and try it out in action, here are the basic features:
- 📞 Calls by number – you can call any phone (even if the interlocutor does not have an application, he will receive it). SMS-link).
- 🎥 Video calls - supported background blurring effect and video quality adjustment.
- 🔒 Knock Knock – a unique feature that shows video from the caller’s camera before the answer.
- 📱 Cross-platform – works on Android, iOS and in the browser.
To make a call:
- Open the Duo app.
- Click Create a Call (Plus Icon).
- Choose a contact or enter a phone number.
- Click on the video camera icon (for video call) or the tube (for audio call).
What is Knock Knock in Duo?
Note that Duo requires an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) and calls through the app are not charged as regular telephone calls, but consume traffic (around 3-5 MB/min for video and 1 MB/min for audio).
Duo issues on Xiaomi and how to fix them
Xiaomi users often face the following problems:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Duo's not opening. | An outdated version or conflict with GMS | Update Google Services to Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services |
| Permanent notification | The app tries to sync contacts | Turn off notifications in Duo settings |
| No sound during the call. | Conflict with MIUI-sound optimisation | Turn off the Smart Sound Amplification in the Phone Settings |
| You can't log in to the account. | Problems with Google servers | Check your internet connection or reinstall the app |
If Duo consumes too much battery, check its activity in Settings → Battery → Battery use. Often, the application runs in the background because it automatically syncs:
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → Duo → Battery.
- Choose to limit background activity.
- Turn off AutoRun.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M4 Pro) Duo can conflict with the built-in Mi Video Call app. If video screen calls are lost through the standard app after installing Duo, try resetting the network settings to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
Alternatives to Duo on Xiaomi: what to use instead
If you don’t like Duo, here are the more relevant video calling alternatives on Xiaomi:
- 🌍 Google Meet is a full-fledged replacement for Duo with conference support.
- 💬 WhatsApp – Easy to make personal calls (but limit to 8 members).
- 📱 Telegram supports video calls with effects and no time limits.
- 🎮 Discord – Optimized for gamers, but also suitable for regular calls.
- 🏢 Zoom is the best choice for work meetings (up to 100 participants).
Comparison of key parameters:
| Annex | Max. | Video quality | Account required | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Meet | 100+ | 720p (1080p premium) | Yes (Google) | Integration with the calendar, recording calls |
| 8 | 720p | Yes (WhatsApp) | Encryption is end-to-end, simple interface | |
| Telegram | 30 | 720p | Yes (Telegram) | No time limits, effects for video |
| Zoom | 100+ | 1080p | Yeah (Zoom) | Virtual background, webinars, recording in the cloud |
For most Xiaomi users, the best choice is Google Meet (if you need work calls) or WhatsApp/Telegram (For personal communication, Duo in 2026 The year is inferior to them in functionality and relevance.
💡
If you make frequent calls to phone numbers (not online), try the built-in Mi Video Call app on Xiaomi.It supports video calls via a telecom operator (VoLTE) without additional apps and does not require internet.
The future of Duo on Xiaomi: should we wait for updates
Google has officially announced that Duo will be shut down as a separate service, with all users migrated to Google Meet and support for the old app discontinued, but Xiaomi devices may still have it for the following reasons:
- 📦 License Agreements – Xiaomi signs contracts with Google to pre-install the app package, and removing Duo could violate the terms.
- 🔄 Firmware updates - new versions MIUI It may contain "forgotten" components of older versions. GMS.
- 🌍 Regional features – Duo is still popular in some countries (e.g. India) and Xiaomi is leaving it for the local market.
Probably in future versions. MIUI 16+ The Duo app will disappear completely, and while its presence on the device does not bring any benefit, it also does harm - except for busy people. ~50–100 MB of memory.
If you want to get rid of it once and for all, the most reliable way is to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), where there are no pre-installed Google apps, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and can be insecure.
💡
Duo on Xiaomi is an artifact of the past that doesn’t get upgrades and has no advantages over modern alternatives.It can be safely disabled or removed if you don’t use video calls through your phone number.