If you are the owner of a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone and notice an unknown application in the list of installed programs DUO, So don't rush to remove it. It's not a virus or malware, it's an official service from Google that's integrated into the firmware. MIUI However, its purpose is not always obvious to users, especially if you do not use video communication features.
In this article, we will explain in detail what is DUO On Xiaomi Android devices, what tasks it solves, how to use it and whether it can be safely removed if the application is not needed. DUO Sometimes appears in autoboot and how to fix it.The material is relevant for all Redmi models (including Redmi Note). 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and other Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12–14.
What is it? DUO Why you need it on Xiaomi
Google Duo (now renamed Google Meet for personal accounts) is a video calling app developed by Google as an alternative to Skype or Zoom, pre-installed on many Android devices, including Xiaomi smartphones, as part of Google Mobile Services (GMS).
Main features DUO:
- 📞 Simple video calls in one click – no need to create accounts or enter logins.
- 🔒 Encrypting all end-to-end calls to protect privacy.
- 📶 Adaptive quality – automatically adjusts to the speed of the Internet.
- 👶 Nanny mode – the ability to broadcast video from the smartphone camera in real time (for example, to monitor the child).
On Xiaomi Redmi, the app often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t have a home screen shortcut, but it can run in the background, especially if you’ve ever used video communication through Google services (like Google Meet or Google Contacts).
How DUO Getting into the Xiaomi Redmi smartphones
Annex DUO It is installed on Xiaomi in two ways:
- Pre-installation in firmware MIUI. Xiaomi enters into agreements with Google to include standard services (for example, YouTube, Google Play Store, DUO) This applies to all models sold outside of China (global versions).
- Automatic updates via Google Play, even if you delete DUO, It can return after updating other Google apps (e.g. Google Contacts or Phone).
On the Chinese versions. MIUI (without GMS) This app doesn't exist. DUO On such a device, it means that the firmware has been modified or installed by Google services manually.
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To check whether the DUO system application, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → DUO. If the "Delete" button is inactive, it means it is sewn into the firmware.
Functions DUO, which you might not know
Many users are mistakenly thinking DUO It's useless, but it has unique chips:
| Function | Description | How to turn it on |
|---|---|---|
| Button SOS | Quick call for emergency contacts with location transfer. | In the settings DUO → Emergency calls. |
| Nanny mode. | Continuous video broadcast from the camera of the smartphone (for example, to monitor the child). | Click Create a link → Nanny regimen. |
| Effects. AR | Masks and filters for video (similar to Snapchat or Instagram). | Press the icon during the call 🎭. |
| Voice communications | Sending short audio messages (up to 30 seconds). | Hold the microphone button in the chat. |
Important: Nanny mode works even if the caller doesn't answer the call -- the video is automatically broadcasted after confirmation on your device, which is convenient for remote surveillance, but requires a stable Internet connection.
How encryption works in DUO?
How to use it DUO Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step instructions
If you're going to try it out. DUO, follow this instruction:
- Launch the app: Find it in the app menu (the icon with the Google Duo logo) or through a search system (Swipe down the home screen) → introduce "DUO").
- Authorization: First run, you'll need to link a phone number (like WhatsApp) and enter your number and confirm the code from the phone. SMS.
- Creating a call: Press + You can select the contact from the list or enter the number manually. Press the video call (camera) or audio call (tube).
Quality setting
⋮ → Settings → Data data
☑️ Preparation for video call in DUO
If the call does not pass, check:
- 📶 Internet connection (DUO Requires a minimum of 1 Mbps for stable operation).
- 🔕 Permissions: Application settings must include access to Microphone, Camera and Contacts.
- 🔄 Updates: Open Google Play and check if the latest version is installed DUO.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI with regional restrictions (e.g. Chinese firmware), some features DUO This will require you to change the region in your Google account settings.
How to remove or disable DUO Xiaomi
If you do not plan to use DUO, It can be removed or at least disabled from the startup:
Method 1: Normal deletion (if the button is active)
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find it. DUO on the list and tap on it.
- Press Delete. → Confirm.
Method 2: Disconnect (if deletion is blocked)
- In the application menu, click Disable (the button will become active after clicking on the ⋮ top-corner).
- Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu, but it will remain in the system.
Method 3: Remove via ADB (for power users)
If DUO interferes with the system (for example, constantly hangs in the processes), it can be removed through ADB:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tachyonThis command will only remove the application for the current user without affecting system files.
⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB This may cause other Google services to crash (e.g. Google Contacts or Phone) before you execute a command, back up your data.
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Even after removal DUO may return after updating firmware or other Google applications. To avoid this, disable automatic updates to Google Play for this application.
Problems with DUO Xiaomi Redmi and its solutions
Xiaomi Redmi users sometimes face errors in their work DUO. Let’s look at the most common ones:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| DUO open-ended | An outdated version or conflict with MIUI. | Update the app on Google Play or clear the cache (Settings) → Annexes → DUO → Warehouse → Clear the cache). |
| Calls are off. | Limitations MIUI background. | Add in. DUO Exceptions to battery: settings → Battery → Choice of applications → DUO → No restrictions. |
| No sound or image. | No permits or microphone/camera is occupied. | Check the permissions in Settings → Annexes → DUO → Permissions and Close Other Apps Using Camera. |
| DUO self-start | App added to autoload. | Turn off autostart: Settings → Annexes → DUO → Auto-start. |
If problems persist, try resetting the app settings:
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → DUO → Warehouse.
- Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
- Reboot your smartphone.
Alternatives DUO Xiaomi Redmi
If DUO You are not suitable, consider other video calling apps:
- 📱 WhatsApp is a built-in video calling feature (there is encryption, but the quality is worse than in the video). DUO).
- 💬 Telegram supports video communication with effects and screen up to 30 participants.
- 🎥 Zoom is the best choice for group calls (up to 100 members in the free version).
- 🔒 Signal – maximum privacy (encryption as in the DUO, but without Google's reference).
- 🇨🇳 WeChat – if you need calls to China (there) DUO blocked).
Comparison DUO popularly:
| Annex | Max. participants | Encryption | Traffic consumption | Integration with MIUI |
|-------------|------------------|-------------|----------------|-------------------|
| DUO | 32 | E2EE | Low. | Pre-installed |
| WhatsApp | 8 | E2EE | Medium. | No. |
| Telegram | 30 | Partial | Low. | No. |
| Zoom | 100 | No. | High-pitched | No. |
| Signal | 5 | E2EE | Low. | No. |
If you are interested in integration with MIUI, piece DUO It is the most convenient option – it is optimized for Xiaomi and does not require additional settings.