How to permanently remove Google Duo from Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Google Duo (now Google Meet) is pre-installed on most Xiaomi smartphones and often runs in the background, using up battery power and taking up space in memory. Many users want to remove it, but face a problem: standard deletion through the app menu does not work, since Duo refers to system services from Google. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods, from simple disconnection to complete removal with ADB and root rights.

It’s important to understand that on Xiaomi devices with MIUI or HyperOS firmware, the process of removing system applications is nuanced. For example, on some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13T), Duo is integrated into Google Play services, and its removal may affect the operation of other functions. We tested all methods on current firmware versions (2026) and detailed the risks of each method.

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

The Google Duo app (com.google.android.apps.tachyon) is a system application that the manufacturer blocks from being removed for several reasons:

• 🔗 Integration with Google services: Duo is closely linked to Google Play Services, Contacts and Phone, making it difficult to isolate it.
• 📦 Pre-installed software: Xiaomi contracts Google to pre-install services, so deletion could violate license agreements.
• 🔄 Automatic Recovery: Even after removal, the system can restore Duo with the next Google Play Services update.

On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), things get more complicated: the system protects system components more actively. Trying to remove Duo without the right rights can lead to a failure of Google services or even “forever boot” (bootloop) on some firmware.

Method 1: Disable Duo through settings (no root rights)

If you don’t have to completely remove the app, but just turn it off, it’s the safest method, and it’s suitable for all Xiaomi models, including POCO and Black Shark, and requires no special knowledge.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type Duo (or com.google.android.apps.tachyon).
3. Click on the app, then select Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• ✅ The application will stop running and spending resources.
• ✅ Disappears from menu and search.
• ❌ It will stay in memory (takes up) ~50–100 MB).
• ❌ It may be activated again after the Google Play Services update.

💡

To prevent Duo from recovering from updates, disable automatic updates for all Google apps in Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Auto Update.

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

If the Duo was updated through Google Play, it can be rolled back to a factory version that takes up less space and has no background processes, which works on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS without root rights.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Duo.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm the action. The app will return to the version preinstalled on the phone.
4. Then click Disable (if the option is available).

Important: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T Pro) Duo can automatically update again after resetting. To avoid this, block updates through Google Play Store:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Find Google Duo in your search.
3. Click on the three dots next to the Update button and uncheck the Auto Update box.

Turn off automatic updates in Google Play

Make a backup copy of important data

Check the version. MIUI/HyperOS at the Settings → The phone.

Battery charge of at least 50%-->

Method 3: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

If disabling doesn’t work and you don’t have root rights, you can uninstall Duo using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that works on most Xiaomi devices but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on.
• 🛠 Utility. ADB (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version (or HyperOS Build Number) to turn on Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging.
2. Connect your phone to your PC: Adb devices (Should show up. If not, install Xiaomi drivers.)
3. Remove Duo: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tachyon
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: On some HyperOS firmware (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra), this method may not work due to enhanced protection of system applications:

adb shell pm hide com.google.android.apps.tachyon

It doesn’t remove the app, but hides it from the system.

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

If you have root access (e.g. via Magisk), you can completely remove Duo along with its cache and data, a method that is suitable for users who are prepared for possible risks (e.g., a Google Play Services crash).

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root rights support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore or /system/app/ and find the Duo folder or the com.google.android.apps.tachyon.apk file.
3. Delete the folder or file (pre-return!).
4. Clear cache and data: su pm clear com.google.android.apps.tachyon
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Some HyperOS firmwares remove system APK-files may cause a bootloop to crash before deleting:

• Create a full backup through TWRP or OrangeFox.
• Check if Duo is a dependency for other services (like Google Phone).
• Use the Magisk App Systemizer module to convert Duo to a custom app first and then uninstall.

Method 5: Magisk modules (alternative to root rights)

If you have Magisk installed, but you don’t want to manually delete system files, you can use special modules, for example, the Universal SafetyNet Fix module or Debloater allows you to disable unnecessary system applications without risking damage to the firmware.

How to install the Duo Remove Module:

1. Download the Xiaomi Debloater or Universal App Remover module from the Magisk repository.
2. Install the module through Magisk Manager.
3. Reboot the phone.
4. Open the module app (if any) and select com.google.android.apps.tachyon to remove.
5. Confirm the action and restart the device.

🔹 Advantages of this method:

• ✅ More secure than manual file removal.
• ✅ You can roll back changes by removing the module.
• ✅ It works on HyperOS and new versions. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Some modules may conflict with Google Play Services:

• 📱 Google Play Store (should open without errors).
• 📞 Calling through Google Phone (if you use it).
• 🔄 Application updates (should be downloaded).

What if the Duo has recovered after removal?

Even after successfully removing Google Duo, it can reappear on the phone, due to automatic system applications recovery through Google Play Services.

1. Turn off automatic updates: Open Google Play Store → Profile → Settings → Network settings. Select App Auto Update → Do not update automatically.

Block the installation via ADB:

adb shell pm block com.google.android.apps.tachyon

(This command hides the application from the system, but does not remove it completely.)

Use the Firewall:

• Install the NetGuard or AFWall+ app (requires root).
• Block internet access for Google Play Services (but it could disrupt other services!).
• Install custom firmware: LineageOS or Pixel Experience, for example, without Google services installed beforehand. However, this is an extreme measure that requires unlocking the bootloader and losing warranty.

💡

If Duo has recovered from the Google Play Services update, the only reliable way is to disable automatic updates to system applications or use Magisk modules to block.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Duo on Xiaomi