How to completely remove cloning applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The dual app cloning feature on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO allows you to create a second account on messengers or social networks without using additional devices. However, over time, duplicates begin to take up excess memory, consume battery power and create confusion in notifications. If you decide to get rid of unnecessary clones, this article will help you do it correctly, without risk to the system.

Many users have a problem when standard removal through the application menu does not work: the icon remains on the desktop, and there is no uninstallation option in the settings, the reason is the features of the MIUI shell, where cloned applications are integrated at the system level, we will analyze all the current ways, from basic to advanced, including working with ADB and hidden settings.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of important data. Some methods require superuser rights (root) or can reset the settings of individual applications. Also check the MIUI version - in recent updates (starting with MIUI 14), the deletion algorithm has changed.

If you’re using a device with HyperOS (the new firmware for Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70 flagships), some of the instructions may not work – in this case, pay attention to alternative methods at the end of the article.

1. Standard removal through MIUI settings

The easiest way to do this, which works on most devices without any additional manipulation, is for users who have Dual Apps activated through the standard menu.

Open Settings → Applications → Dual Apps. Here you will see a list of all duplicate programs. Click on the desired application and select the option to Remove the clone. Confirm action - the system automatically uninstalls the second copy without affecting the original.

If the item Remove the clone is not or is inactive, then the application was cloned through third-party utilities (for example, Parallel Space or 2Accounts).

• 📱 What models are suitable for: Xiaomi Mi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5, Black Shark 5/6 on MIUI 12-14.
• ⚙️ Restriction: Does not work for system applications (e.g., duplicated Google Play Store).
• ⚡ Speed: It takes no more than 30 seconds.

Once removed, it is recommended to restart the device so that the system clears the cache and residual clone files. If the app icon is still displayed on the desktop, try holding it and dragging it to the cart (this works on some versions of MIUI).

2. Removal via the application menu

Sometimes cloned applications appear in a general list of installed programs, but marked (Clone) or (Dual). To find them, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and sort the list alphabetically.

Find the app you want with the cloning tag and click on it. If the Delete button is active, use it. If not, try Stop first, then Clear the data, and recheck the uninstallation option.

On some devices (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), this method does not work due to manufacturer limitations, in which case only resetting the application settings or using ADB will help.

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse cloned applications with system duplicates (for example, two Mi Browser browsers - the original and Mi Browser Lite). ADB or after obtaining root rights.

3.Use of ADB for forced removal

If standard methods don’t work, you’ll have to connect to your device via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a computer and basic command line skills, but is guaranteed to remove even the most stubborn duplicates.

First, turn on USB debugging on your smartphone:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate Debugging on USB.

Now connect your phone to your PC, install ADB drivers (for example, through the Mi Unlock Tool) and execute the commands:

adb devices


adb shell pm list packages | grep "clone"




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.clone

Instead of com.example.clone, substitute a real cloned application package (it can be found through the adb shell pm list packages command or the App Inspector utility).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packets called com.miui.dualapp.manager or com.xiaomi.dualappframework, which are the system components that control the cloning function, and uninstallation will lead to errors in the cloning function. MIUI.

4. Reset application settings (without data loss)

If the clone is not deleted, but it doesn't interfere with work, you can reset it to factory settings. This won't delete the app itself, but it will clear the cache, account data and notifications. The method is useful when the duplicate takes up a lot of space, but you don't want to risk the stability of the system.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, find the cloned application and select Storage → Clear Data. Then click Settings Reset (if the option is available).

For messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), this method will lead to logging out in the second instance. To avoid losing chats, make a backup copy through the main application.

• 🔄 When to apply: If the clone is >500 MB of memory, but not removed by standard methods.
• 📉 The effect: Frees up to 70% of the space occupied by the clone.
• ❌ Not suitable for: System clones (Google Play Services, Mi Account).

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Before resetting the cloned VK or OK settings, export your message history through the web version of the social network – this will save correspondence even after the data is cleaned.

5. Remove via Safe Mode (Safe Mode)

Some cloned applications block their uninstallation by running in the background. To get around this limitation, boot the device into Safe Mode, where all third-party processes are disabled.

To activate Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Hold your finger on the option to turn off.
3. In the window that appears, confirm the transition to safe mode.

In Safe Mode, try removing the clone through Settings → Applications. If the Remove button is active, the problem was in the background. After uninstallation, restart the device as normal.

This method works on 80% of Xiaomi devices, except for models with HyperOS, where Safe Mode only disables some of the features.

6. Radical methods: root-access and custom firmware

If neither of these methods works, there are two options: root rights or custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), both of which are risky, with no warranty and can result in the Mi Account being blocked if Xiaomi’s policies are violated.

To remove clones through root:

1. Install Magisk or SuperSU.
2. Use a root-access file manager (such as Root Explorer).
3. Go to /data/app/ and manually delete folders with cloned applications.

The alternative is firmware via TWRP with a pre-backup, for example, Xiaomi.eu allows you to disable Dual Apps at the system level, but requires unlocking the bootloader.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra), unlocking the bootloader may result in hardware locking the module. NFC or 5G. Before the procedure, check the compatibility of the model in the forum. XDA Developers.

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Getting root rights voids the warranty and can block access to banking applications (due to the SafetyNet trigger).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing clones on Xiaomi