How to permanently remove clones of apps on Android Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi has duplicated apps — for example, two Google Play Stores, two galleries or two browsers? — This is a typical problem of devices with MIUI firmware, where system applications are duplicated due to shell features or update errors. Clones not only take up space in memory, but can also knock down default settings (for example, open links in an unwanted browser) or even create conflicts when working.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to remove clones, from standard MIUI tools to manual methods through ADB. Importantly, some methods require super-user rights, but most solutions work without them. We will also explain why clones appear (spoiler: not only updates, but also regional versions of firmware are to blame), and how to prevent their occurrence in the future.

Why are there clones of applications on Xiaomi?

The main reason for the duplication is the MIUI architecture, where system applications can be installed in /system/app or /data/app.

• 🔄 Firmware updates – newer versions of apps are installed on top of old ones, but old ones aren’t always removed.
• 🌍 Regional firmware – for example, in the global version of the Mi Browser can be duplicated with the Chinese version of the Mi Browser Pro.
• 📦 Pre-installed Google Services – Some apps (such as YouTube or Google Duo) may be duplicated due to version conflict.
• 🛠️ Hand-mounted APK — if you manually installed the app on top of the system (for example, Google Gallery next to Mi Gallery).

The problem is especially common on Redmi Note and POCO devices after upgrading to MIUI 14/15, where the system automatically restores some system applications, and clones can appear after resetting settings or flashing through Fastboot.

Method 1: Remove clones through MIUI “Settings” (without root)

The safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most duplicate user applications (not system!).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip three dots in the top right corner and select "Show all apps."
3. Find a duplicate (like the second Google Play Store) and tap it.
4. If the Remove button is active, press it. If not, move on to the next one.

⚠️ Note: Not all clones can be removed this way. System applications (e.g. Mi Security or Mi Video) are usually protected from removal. Attempt to delete them may cause system instability.

Method 2: Using MIUI Cleaner (Hidden Function)

MIUI has a hidden tool for cleaning duplicates, MIUI Cleaner, which is not available on all firmware, but it is worth a try:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Cleanup section. → Deep cleaning.
3. Scroll down and find the item “Application Duplicates” (may be called “Repeat Apps”).
4. Tick the unwanted clones and click “Clean”.

If this is not the case, try an alternative route:

Settings → Memory → Cleaning → Additional → Duplicate applications

💡 Useful tip: After cleaning, restart the device.Some clones may remain in the cache and disappear only after rebooting.

Method 3: Removing clones via ADB (without root but with PC)

If standard methods don't work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is Google's official tool for managing system files without superuser permission.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. On your phone, activate Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times until the inscription “You became a developer” appears).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and type:

adb devices

(Your device should appear. If not, install Xiaomi USB Drivers.)

adb shell


pm list packages | grep 'appendix name'

For example, to search for a duplicate of the Google Play Store:

pm list packages | grep 'play'

You will see a list of packages, for example:

package:com.android.vending


package:com.google.android.finsky

Determine which one is a clone (usually a.miui or.global postfix packet) and remove it by command:

pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packets called com.android. or com.miui. - this can cause the system to fail.

💡

ADB-It's safe for user applications, but it's risky for system applications. Always check the name of the package before you delete it!

Method 4: Disable clones through “For Developers” (without deleting)

If you can't remove the clone (for example, it's a system application), you can turn it off, and this hides the application from the menu and stops it from working, but it doesn't free up memory.

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find a duplicate and tap it.
3. Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, first click “Stop”).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

🔹 Limitations of method:

• ❌ Does not free up space in memory.
• ❌ When resetting the settings, the application can be activated again.
• ✅ But it's safe and reversible.

Method 5: Manual removal via TWRP (root users only)

If you have custom TWRP recaps installed and you have root rights, you can manually remove clones through the file manager, a method that is risky but effective for system applications.

Instructions:

1. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Select “Advanced → File Manager”
3. Go to the folders: /system/app – system applications; /system/priv-app – privileged system applications; /data/app – custom applications.

MiBrowserGlobal-1

MiBrowser-2

Reboot to the system.

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /system It can lead to bootloop. Always backup through TWRP → Backup before changes!

How to prevent the appearance of clones in the future?

To avoid duplication of applications:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic app updates in the Google Play Store (especially for system applications).
• 📥 Don't install it. APK over system applications (e.g. Google Gallery next to Mi Gallery).
• 🔧 Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Only through official channels (avoid custom firmware from questionable sources).

If you encounter clones frequently, consider switching to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where there are no pre-installed duplicates, however, this will require unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP.

💡

Before updating MIUI, make a cache reset via TWRP – this reduces the chance of duplicates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app clones on Xiaomi