How to remove a clone of the application on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 proven ways

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi Redmi has two identical apps, like a Gallery, a Camera, or a Browser, one with a Google icon, the other with a MIUI? It's not a system bug, it's a firmware feature. The manufacturer installs both standard Google services and Xiaomi branded counterparts on the devices, but these clones take up extra memory, confuse the interface and can conflict with each other.

In this article, you will find 5 working methods for removing duplicates, from simple (via MIUI settings) to advanced (using ADB and manual editing of system files).We will also explain why some applications can not be removed completely without root rights, and how to circumvent this limitation. All instructions are relevant for the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5 and other devices on MIUI 14/15 (including hyperos).

Why Xiaomi Redmi has cloned apps

The duplicates arise from Xiaomi’s policy and Google’s requirements: the manufacturer must include basic Google Mobile Services (GMS) services in the firmware, but at the same time develops its own MIUI ecosystem.

• 📷 Two Galleries: Standard Google Photos + branded MIUI Gallery.
• 🌐 Two browsers: Google Chrome and Mi Browser.
• 📞 Two Calendars: Google Calendar and Mi Calendar.
• 📱 Two Launchers: Google Launcher (on some models) + MIUI Launcher.

In addition, clones can appear after a firmware update if Xiaomi adds new system applications without removing older versions. For example, after switching from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14, users often find a duplicate of Settings and Mi Settings.

⚠️ Note: Not all duplicates can be removed without consequences. For example, removing the Mi Browser can disrupt the work. MIUI-account or updates by air (OTA). Before taking action, check if the application is critical to the system.

Method 1: Disable the clone through MIUI settings (without deleting)

If you don’t want to risk system stability, start with the safest method, which is to disable an unnecessary app, which will hide it from the menu and stop background processes, but will not delete files from the device.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, look for a duplicate app (e.g. Mi Browser).
3. Slip on it and select “Disable” (or “Delete Updates” if the off button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once disabled, the app icon will disappear from the home screen and its processes will no longer consume resources.

Check if the application is system (the icon with the gear in the list)

Create a backup copy of important data

Make sure that the application that is being disabled is not connected to MIUI-account

Reboot the device after disconnecting-->

Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

For users willing to use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), there is a way to remove clones completely without getting root rights.This method works on most Redmi models with MIUI 12-15, but requires a connection to a PC.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
3. Find out the exact package name of the unwanted application. To do this, type: adb shell pm list packages | grep "app name" For example, for Mi Browser, use grep "browser".
4. Delete the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name package Example for Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

If the command is executed without errors, the application will be removed for the current user (not systemically). To return it, you just need to reinstall it through Google Play or update MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI-services such as themes, cloud storage or updates. Before executing commands, back up through Settings → Memory. → Backup.

Method 3: Use MIUI Hidden Settings (for power users)

MIUI has a hidden menu called Application Settings that allows you to manage system components without ADB. It is accessed through the access code:

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that appears, select "Phone Information" (or "Usage Statistics").
3. Scroll down and find the "Manage applications" section.
4. In the list, mark the unnecessary application and select "Uninstall for all users".

This method does not work on all versions. MIUI (into MIUI 14/15 If the menu doesn't open, try the alternative code:

##284##

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If the hidden menu doesn't open, try entering code through the Google Drive app: create a text file, paste the code, copy it, and paste it into the dialing field. This bypasses the limitations of some shells.

Method 4: Removal with root rights (for advanced)

If you have root access (like through Magisk), you can delete clones of apps permanently, including system files, a risky method that gives you complete control.

Tools required:

• 📱 Smartphone with unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk.
• 🛠️ File Manager with support for root (for example, Root Explorer or Root Explorer) FX File Explorer).
• 🔍 Knowing the paths to system folders (/system/app/, /system/priv-app/).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Root Explorer and go to /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/.
2. Find a folder with the name of the application you are removing (for example, Browser for Mi Browser).
3. Delete the folder or rename it by adding.bak (e.g. Browser.bak) at the end.
4. Reset the device.

Once the app is restarted, it will disappear from the system, and to return it, you just need to rename the folder back or reinstall MIUI via Fastboot.

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications from the folder /system/priv-app/ This can lead to bootloop. Before you do something, create a full backup through the bootloop. TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If duplicates have appeared after the firmware update and are not deleted by other means, the last option is a full reset, which will delete all user data, but return the system to its original state.

How to do the reset correctly:

1. Create a backup through Settings → Memory → Backup or Mi Cloud.
2. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, set the device up as new, but don’t restore data from the backup – this can return duplicates.

If duplicates are due to an OTA update, manually install the firmware via Fastboot or Recovery after the reset, selecting the clean (non-incremental) version.

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Factory reset removes all clones of apps, but this is a radical method. Use it only if other methods have not worked, and you are ready to lose all data on the device.

How to Prevent the Creation of Clones in the Future

To prevent duplicate applications from appearing again, follow these guidelines:

• 🚫 Turn off automatic updates to system applications in Google Play (Settings) → Auto-update of applications → Never).
• 🔄 Install firmware manually through Fastboot, selecting versions without GMS (If you do not use Google services).
• 📥 Use alternative firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where there are no duplicate applications.
• 🔍 Check the list of installed apps after each update MIUI through settings → Annexes.

If you often encounter duplicates, consider switching to custom firmware. Xiaomi.eu, for example, offers modified versions of MIUI without unnecessary apps and with improved optimization.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the clones of the applications on Xiaomi Redmi