How to completely remove clones of applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven methods

Why Xiaomi Apps Are Cloned and Why They Are Dangerous

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the problem of duplicate applications called “clones”; these copies of standard services (such as Gallery, Camera or Browser) are created by the system automatically when updating the firmware or after resetting, in most cases they take up extra space in memory, confuse the user and can even worsen the performance of the device.

The main reason for the appearance of clones is the features of architecture MIUI. Xiaomi’s operating shell uses a dual app mechanism that is originally designed to create separate messaging profiles (like two WhatsApp or Telegram accounts:

• 🔄 Firmware updates through OTA or MIUI Recovery
• 📱 Transfer data from your old phone via Mi Mover
• 🔧 Reset to factory settings with recovery from backup
• 🤖 Rooting or modifying system files

The danger of clones is not limited to the occupied space, and some duplicates may:

• 🔋 Discharge the battery due to background activity
• 📥 Consume traffic (e.g., clones of Browser or Weather)
• 🛡️ Create vulnerabilities if they are modified versions
• 📊 Distorting usage statistics in battery settings

How to distinguish a clone from the original application: 4 key features

Before you delete duplicates, it's important to identify them correctly, and an error can cause system functions to fail.

For an accurate check, use the application manager:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Tap three dots in the upper right corner and select Show Systems
3. Sort the list by size – clones are usually lighter than the originals
4. Check the Package Name (click on the app) → "Additionally")

⚠️ Attention: Some clones masquerade as updates, such as com.miui.gallery.cloned may pose as Gallery 2.0. MIUI.

Method 1: Removing clones through settings MIUI (rootless)

The safest way that works for MIUI 12-15 It is suitable for removing duplicates of user applications (not system ones!).

Step-by-step:

Tap and hold the duplicate icon on the home screen

Select "Delete" or "Deinstall"

Confirm the action (if the button is active)

Reboot your phone if the clone is left in the app menu-->

If standard removal is not available:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Find a clone in the list and tap it.
3. Select Disable (if the Remove button is inactive)
4. Confirm the disconnection – it will stop the background processes

For system clones (such as a duplicate settings or phone), this method will not work – you will need to use it. ADB But even disabling such applications can free up the 15-20% The memory they used in the background.

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If errors appear after disabling the clone (for example, the camera does not open), return it to its original state through the same section "Application Management" → "Turn on".

Method 2: Use of the ADB cleavage

To remove system duplicates (e.g. com.android.mms.cloned or com.miui.calculator:dual) you will need Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method works on all versions. MIUI, but requires a PC connection.

Preparation:

• 💻 Install. ADB Tools on the computer
• 📱 Turn on the debugging. USB on the phone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Slip 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trusted device

Commands for removal:

adb shell


pm list packages | grep cloned #Clone search




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.name.packet.cloned # Deletion for current user




pm uninstall --user 0 com.name.package:dual # Deletion of dual profile

Examples of real-life teams for popular clones:

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.gallery.cloned


pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.contacts:dual




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.calculator.cloned

⚠️ Note: Removing system packages through ADB This may result in the inability to update MIUI through OTA. Before executing commands, create a backup through Settings → System system → Backup.

Method 3: Manual removal through TWRP (for advanced users)

If your Xiaomi has a custom recavator installed TWRP, You can remove the clones directly from the section. /data/app or /system/priv-app. This method is risky, but allows you to get rid of even the most persistent duplicates.

Instructions:

1. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on)
2. Select Advanced → File Manager
3. Move to the /data/app Find folders with clone names (for example, com.miui.gallery.cloned-1)
4. Delete the folder (swipe right for confirmation)
5. Reboot to the system.

For system clones (/system/priv-app):

• First, back up the System partition in TWRP
• Delete the clone files (usually this is the case) APK + lib)
• After removal, be sure to swipe Magisk (if used) to avoid looping the download.

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Use this method only if other methods have not worked. Always have Fastboot recovery firmware on hand!

Method 4: Automatic tools (App Cloner Detector, MIUI Hidden Settings)

For users who do not want to mess with ADB or TWRP, There are specialized utilities that scan the system for duplicates and suggest that they be removed in one click.

Top.-3 clone-finding:

• 🔍 App Cloner Detector – Analyzes packet names and identifies suspicious duplicates.
• 🛠️ MIUI Hidden Settings – reveals hidden settings MIUI, including the dual application manager.
• 🗑️ SD Maid - cleans up garbage and finds "dead" clones that are not removed by standard methods.

How to use App Cloner Detector:

1. Install and open the application
2. Press Scan for Clones
3. In the list of duplicates found, select unnecessary ones.
4. Tap Uninstall or Disable (if deletion is blocked)
5. Reboot the phone.

Limitations of automated tools:

• Not all detectory applications work MIUI 15 (due to security changes)
• System clones may require manual confirmation for each deletion
• Some utilities show false positives (for example, they mistake updates for clones)

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Before using third-party utilities, check the reviews for the latest 2-3 Many cleaning applications MIUI Advertising software or not updated with 2022 year-end.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If clones have been created after a firmware update and are not removed by any means, the last option is a complete reset, which is a radical solution, but it is guaranteed to remove all duplicates, including hidden system ones.

How to reset Xiaomi without losing data:

1. Create a backup through Settings → System system → Backup (select Backup Copy) MIUI)
2. Transfer important files to your PC or cloud (photos, videos, documents)
3. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings
4. Choose to erase all data and confirm
5. After the reboot, restore the data from the backup (but don’t restore the applications – this can bring back clones!)

What to do if the clones returned after resetting:

• 📵 Don’t restore apps from backup – install them manually from Play Market

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note) 12, Poco X5) Resetting via the settings menu does not remove clones from the section /system. In this case, you will need firmware through Fastboot with full formatting (fastboot erase userdata).

How to Prevent the Creation of Clones in the Future

The best way to control duplicates is to prevent them, and follow these guidelines to minimize the risk of their occurrence:

• 🔄 Update the firmware only through official channels (Settings) → Updating the system)
• 📱 Avoid restoring applications from backups (restore only contacts, SMS media)
• 🔧 Turn off Dual Apps if you are not using: Settings → Special facilities → Dual Apps
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) to prevent malware from creating clones
• 📦 Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup

List of "safe" firmware (with minimal clone risk):

• MIUI 15 Global Stable (Recent versions)
• Xiaomi.EU (unofficial but optimized firmware)
• Pixel Experience or LineageOS (Castom Firmware without a MIUI)

If you encounter clones frequently, consider switching to custom firmware.For example, Xiaomi.EU removes most duplicate services by default and offers a cleaner system.

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Check the list of apps regularly after updates.Clones often appear during the course of 2-3 days after installing the new version MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app clones on Xiaomi