If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you’ve probably noticed Google Duo, a video calling service from Google, preinstalled on the list. Many users are wondering what kind of program it is, why it is needed on my device and can it be safely removed? In this article, we’ll take a look at all the nuances of Google Duo on Xiaomi phones, compare it with its counterparts, talk about hidden features and give clear recommendations for optimization.
Google Duo is not a virus or spyware, but its presence on the device is not always justified. In 2022, Google merged Duo with Google Meet, which caused confusion among users. Today, the service continues to work, but its role has changed. Next, you will learn how Duo is integrated into Xiaomi’s ecosystem, what data it collects and how it affects smartphone performance, POCO and Mi in 2026.
What is Google Duo and why is it preinstalled on Xiaomi?
Google Duo is a video communication app developed by Google in 2016 as a competitor to Apple's FaceTime, and its key feature is simplicity and reliability: calls work even on slow Internet thanks to technology. QUIC (Quick UDP On Xiaomi smartphones, it is preinstalled because:
- 📱 Google Agreement: All Android devices with Google services (GMS) You must include a basic set of applications, which includes Duo.
- 🔄 Replacement of the standard dialer: in some firmware MIUI Duo integrated as an alternative for video calls instead of a built-in solution.
- 🌍 Global availability: Unlike Mi Video Call, Duo is available in all countries without regional restrictions.
It is important to understand that Google Duo is not a system application in the classical sense – it can be deactivated or removed without harming your system. MIUI. However, after the firmware update, it may appear again. Since 2022, Duo has actually become part of Google Meet, but Xiaomi often remains as a separate application due to the peculiarities of licensing.
How is Google Duo different from Google Meet and other similars?
Since the merger of Duo and Meet in 2022, many users have confused these services, with the main differences presented in the table:
| Function | Google Duo | Google Meet | Mi Video Call (Xiaomi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. participants | 32 (since 2023) | 100+ (corporate accounts) | 4 |
| Google account required | No (can be called by number) | Yes. | No (works through Mi Account) |
| Video quality | Do 1080p (adaptive) | Do 720p (free-of-charge) | Up to 720p. |
| End-to-end encryption | Yes (default) | Yes (duo mode only) | No data. |
| Preinstalled on Xiaomi | Yes (on global firmware) | No (set separately) | Yeah (on Chinese firmware) |
Duo’s main advantage over Meet is the ability to call phone numbers without registering, which is convenient for contacting relatives who do not have a smartphone or a Google account, but Meet is better suited for business meetings because of its support for more members and integration with Google Workspace.
Compared to Xiaomi’s native Mi Video Call solution, Duo is more stable on a weaker Internet, but consumes more traffic. MIUI: For example, allows you to make video calls directly from the Contacts application without running a separate software.
Pros and cons of Google Duo on Xiaomi smartphones
Like any app, Google Duo has its strengths and weaknesses, and let’s look at them in the context of being used on Xiaomi devices:
- ✅ Simplicity: one tap to call, no registration required (you can use the phone number).
- ✅ Cross-platform: runs on Android, iOS and even through a web browser.
- ✅ Saving traffic: technology QUIC reduces the consumption of data 30-40% Compared to WhatsApp or Zoom.
- ✅ Knock Knock: Shows video from the caller’s camera before the caller responds (you can turn it off in the settings).
However, there are also significant shortcomings:
- ❌ Excessive load: Duo background processes can consume up to 5-7% Charges per day even without active use.
- ❌ Duplication of features: Xiaomi already has Mi Video Call and WhatsApp/Telegram video-calling.
- ❌ Data collection: Google policy, Duo collects data IP-Addresses, device data and call logs (can be limited in privacy settings).
- ❌ Advertising in the interface: from 2023 in some regions there are banners with a proposal to switch to Meet.
⚠️ Note: If you are not using Google Duo, but it is preinstalled on your Xiaomi, we recommend at least disabling auto-start in the application settings. This will reduce battery load. → Annexes → Application management → Google Duo → Autostart and deactivate the option.
How to remove or disable Google Duo on Xiaomi: Step-by-step
If you've decided to get rid of Google Duo, you have three options: completely remove (requires root rights), uninstall updates, or simply disable. Let's take a look at each method in detail.
Method 1: Uninstall without removal (without root)
This is the safest method that does not require special knowledge:
- Open the settings on your Xiaomi.
- Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
- Find Google Duo in the list and tap it.
- Click Disable (if the button is inactive, select Remove Updates first).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
Once disabled, the app will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system, and it can be activated again at any time.
Method 2: Remove updates (frees up space)
If the Duo takes up too much space (for example, because of the cache), you can reset it to the factory version:
Open Settings → Applications
Find Google Duo in the list
Tap on three points (⋮) → Remove updates
Confirm the action.
Restart the phone (optional)-->
This method won’t remove the app completely, but it will return it to the minimum version that takes up everything. ~20 MB instead of 100 MB+ MB with updates.
Method 3: Complete removal (requires root or ADB)
Google Duo Removal Needs Superuser Rights or Team ADB. If you have root, use any file manager (like Root Explorer) and delete it:
/system/priv-app/Duo/
/system/app/Duo/Without root, you can use it. ADB:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tachyon⚠️ Note: Deleting system applications completely may cause Google Play Services to crash. If other Google apps stop updating after deleting Duo, restore it via firmware or reset settings.
Google Duo's Hidden Features That Few People Know About
Many Xiaomi users use Google Duo only for basic video calls, unaware of its hidden capabilities.
- 🎨 Effects and masks: you can add during the call AR-Masks (similar to Snapchat) To do this, tap the icon. ⭐ bottom-line.
- 📹 Video recording: If the caller is not responding, you can send video up to 30 seconds in length.
- 🔊 Low Speed Mode: Forcedly Limits Video Quality 360p, It saves traffic. It's included in the settings (⚙ → Video quality).
- 👶 Child Mode: blocks outgoing calls to unfamiliar numbers, useful if a child is using the phone, activated via Settings → Family.
- 📱 Screen transfer: You can stream your Xiaomi screen during a call (similar to Zoom).The feature is hidden behind a long tap in your video.
Important: Knock Knock is enabled by default and can consume traffic in the background. To turn it off, go to Duo Settings. → Knock Knock and move the slider to the left.
Another little-known feature is group notes, so you can create a shared notebook during a group call, where all participants can text, and it's convenient for recording important moments in a meeting. To use the feature, tap the icon. 📝 top-down.
Google Duo Alternatives for Xiaomi Owners in 2026
If Google Duo is not right for you, consider alternative video solutions on Xiaomi:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Video Call | Low battery consumption, integration with MIUI | Only works between Xiaomi, limiting 4 members | Calls between Xiaomi devices |
| All users are already registered, end-to-end encryption | 8 participants, high traffic consumption | Personal calls with friends/relatives | |
| Telegram | No phone number required, support for large groups | Video quality is worse than Duo | Group meetings and streams |
| Zoom | Professional functions (webinars, recording), up to 100 participants | Time limit in the free version (40 minutes) | Working meetings and conferences |
| Signal | Maximum confidentiality, open source code | Fewer users than WhatsApp | Secure calls with privacy priority |
For most Xiaomi users, the best choice is the Mi Video Call combination (for calls between Xiaomi devices) and the best way to make a phone call. WhatsApp/Telegram (If you need professional tools, look for Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
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If you make frequent calls to phone numbers (rather than the Internet), Google Duo may be more useful than WhatsApp, because it doesn’t require that you also register with the messenger.
Security Questions: What Data Does Google Duo Collect and How to Disable It?
Like any Google app, Duo collects certain user information, which is defined by its privacy policy as:
- 📞 Call logs: date, time and duration of conversations.
- 🌐 IP-Address and device data: phone model, OS version, language.
- 📍 Approximate location (by IP, geolocation enabled).
- 🎥 Media files: video and audio recorded during calls (stored on Google servers for up to 30 days).
To limit data collection:
- Open Google Duo and go to Settings → Confidentiality.
- Turn off the contact synchronization option.
- In the Call History section, select Do Not Save.
- In your Google account settings (myaccount.google.com), disable Ad Personalization.
If you're concerned about privacy, consider alternatives like Signal or Jitsi Meet that don't collect metadata about calls, and you can use Duo in incognito mode through your browser, which will reduce the amount of information you store.
⚠️ Attention: Google Duo's Knock Knock feature streams video from your camera before the caller answers the call. This may not be safe if you're calling in a public place.