How to Remove Google Duo from Xiaomi Redmi: From Disconnection to Uninstallation

Google Duo is pre-installed on most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones as part of Google’s service package. Even if you don’t use video calls, it takes up memory space, consumes battery power in the background and can send notifications. Unlike regular apps, Google Duo on Xiaomi is integrated into MIUI firmware as system software, so standard removal via the Apps menu is often not available.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to get rid of Google Duo on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10, POCO X3/X4 and other models – from simple disabling to complete deletion of system files. Each method has been tested on MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (including global and Chinese versions of firmware).

Why can’t Google Duo be removed in the standard way?

On Xiaomi smartphones, the Google Duo app is classified as a system (built-in) program.

• 📦 Application files are stored in a protected section /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/, Where ordinary users do not have access.
• 🔒 MIUI Blocks the “Delete” button in the application settings, leaving only the “Disable” or “Delete Updates” options".
• 🔄 Even after resetting to factory settings, Google Duo is automatically restored (unless removed at firmware level).

In addition, on some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G), Google Duo is linked to Google Play Services, and its forced removal may cause disruptions to other Google apps (Gmail, YouTube, Maps).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (versions of firmware marked RU) Google Duo may be part of Google Mobile Services (GMS). Deleting it violates the license agreement and may result in blocking some features, such as push notifications.

Method 1: Turn off Google Duo without removing (no root)

The safest method is to deactivate the application so that it doesn't run or waste resources, a method that is suitable for users who don't want to risk system stability.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type Duo (or scroll through the list to the All Apps section).
3. Click on Google Duo, then select Disable.
4. Confirm the action in the dialog box (the system will warn you of possible failures – ignore if you do not use video calls).

After the shutdown:

• 📵 The app will disappear from the menu and stop sending notifications.
• 🔋 Background activity will be stopped (charge savings) ~1-3% day-to-day).
• 📥 Updates to Google Play will no longer be installed.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI after updating OTA Disabled applications can be activated again. Check the status of Google Duo after each system update.

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

If Google Duo was updated through Google Play, you can bring it back to the original version, which takes up less space and has no unnecessary features.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Google Duo → Three points (⋮) → Remove updates.
2. Confirm the action. The app will return to the version preinstalled in the firmware.
3. (Optional) Disable Automatic Update: Open Google Play → Click on Profile Avatar → Settings → App Auto Update. Choose Do Not Update Automatically or Update Only via Wi-Fi.

Advantages of the method: it does not require technical skills, reversible (you can update the application again).

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

For users who are ready to connect the phone to a computer, there is a way to uninstall Google Duo via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), an official tool from Google that does not require root rights, but requires basic command-line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

USB debugging

• Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• Turn on the USB debugging switch and confirm the resolution.
• Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
• Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
• Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
• Enter the commands in order: adb devices (you should see your device name – if not, check the drivers) adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tachyon

What the team does:

• pm uninstall – removes the application for the current user (--user 0).
• -k - saves cache and data (so that other applications' settings do not get confused).
• com.google.android.apps.tachyon is a unique Google Duo identifier.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After restarting or updating the Google Duo system, you may recover. To avoid this, before executing the command, disable automatic updates of applications in Google Play.

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If the command doesn’t work, try first disabling Google Duo in the app settings, then repeat the procedure through ADB.

Method 4: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you have a bootloader unlocked and root rights set (for example, through Magisk), you can delete Google Duo at the system file level. This method is guaranteed to get rid of the application forever, but requires caution - errors can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore or (if Duo is installed separately): /system/app/Duo
3. Delete files with extensions:.apk (main application file),.odex (optimized code),.vdex (virtual Dalvik-executable file).

rm -rf /data/data/com.google.android.apps.tachyon

(The command can be executed via the root terminal or in the same file manager.)

Reboot the phone.

Important: Before deleting, back up /system/priv-app/ or specific Duo files to help restore the application in case of failure.

Method 5: Removal through Custom Recovery (TWRP)

If your Xiaomi Redmi has custom recovery installed (e.g. TWRP), you can delete Google Duo using specialized scripts or manually through the file manager recovery.

Procedure:

1. Download TWRP for your model (if not already installed).
2. Upload the phone to recovery mode: Turn off the device. Press the Power button + Volume up until the TWRP logo appears.

Advanced → File Manager

/system/priv-app/

Duo

PrebuiltGmsCore

Tachyon

Delete the entire folder (swipe for confirmation).

Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache

Reboot → System

Warning: Deleting system applications via TWRP can disrupt firmware integrity. If the phone freezes on the logo or has errors after rebooting, restore deleted files from backup (if you did) or reflash MIUI via Fastboot.

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Use the method with TWRP It's safer for beginners to limit themselves to shutting down or ADB-removal.

What if Google Duo is back after the MIUI update?

After an over-the-air firmware (OTA) update, many system applications, including Google Duo, are automatically restored.

• 📥 Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points (⋮) → Settings. Turn off the option Auto boot via Wi-Fi.
• 🔧 Use Magisk Module (for root): Install Universal Debloater via Magisk. In the module settings, mark Google Duo to lock.
• 🛡️ Install custom firmware without GMS: Firmware type MIUI EU Pixel Experience allows you to selectively remove Google apps, minus: lose Google services (Play Market, Gmail, etc.).

If Duo is still back, repeat the removal of the previously chosen method (ADB or root). On some firmware, it helps to freeze the application through Titanium Backup or App Quarantine (requires root).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Google Duo on Xiaomi