How to completely ban the cloning of applications on Xiaomi: from MIUI to ADB

You've noticed that on your Xiaomi or Redmi, some apps are doubling up without you knowing, not a system glitch, but a Dual Apps feature built into the MIUI shell. It allows you to create a second copy of messengers, social networks or games with a separate account -- useful if you want to separate your work and personal profiles. But not everyone likes it when the system automatically clones apps without a request, clogging memory and notification bar with duplicates.

In this article, we will discuss why MIUI clones applications, how to disable them through standard settings, and consider radical methods for those who do not disappear even after resetting. We will focus on hidden settings through ADB and third-party utilities, which will help if the MIUI interface stubbornly ignores your commands.

Why Xiaomi is Cloning Apps: 3 Main Reasons

Dual Apps (or "Dual Apps" in Russian) appeared in MIUI 8 and has since become an integral part of the shell, with the goal of making multitasking easier, but in practice it often works too aggressively, which is why you might encounter clones:

• 🔄 Automatic offer: MIUI Analyzes frequently used applications (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook) and suggests making a copy of them when you first run them. Many users accidentally agree, without realizing the consequences.
• 📱 Synchronization error: When you restore from a backup or transfer data from another device, Xiaomi may duplicate applications, considering them to be “new".
• 🛠️ Failures in operation MIUI: In some versions of the firmware (especially) MIUI 12-14) the function is triggered spontaneously due to bugs in the service com.miui.dualapp.

Interestingly, cloning isn't always obvious: some takes are camouflaged to the original apps, with only a small "2" icon in the corner of the icon. Check for them in the Settings menu → Apps → Double Apps. If there are records that you didn't create, they need to be deleted.

Method 1: Disable Dual Apps via standard MIUI settings

The safest method is to use built-in shell tools, which are suitable for most models (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12 and later) and do not require technical skills.

1. Open Settings and go to the Application section.
2. Select Double Apps (or Cloning Apps in some localizations).
3. In the list, find applications marked "Included" and tap them.
4. Click Remove (or Disable clone) and confirm the action.

If this menu is empty, but clones still appear, check the Special Permissions section in the same application settings. Sometimes MIUI hides the take control there.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (POCO F3, Redmi K40) Once the clone is removed, the original app icon may disappear from the desktop. Don't worry, it stays on the menu of all apps. Just drag it back.

Method 2: Blocking through Developer Mode and ADB

If the standard method doesn't work, you'll have to use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which is suitable for advanced users and requires a computer, and the advantage is that it disables the function at the system level, preventing it from reappearing.

First, activate the Developer Mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
4. Turn on USB debugging and confirm the permission.

Now connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the commands:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.dualapp


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.dualapp

The first command removes the cloning service updates, the second one completely deactivates it, and once the device is restarted, the Dual Apps function will disappear from the settings menu.

Method 3: Using third-party utilities (without root)

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can use Google Play apps that can manage system functions.

• 🔧 App Cloner – allows you not only to create clones, but also to remove them, even if you have a MIUI Minus: Requires a plugin for Xiaomi.
• 🚫 Disable Service is a utility for disabling system services. Search com.miui.dualapp and deactivate it.
• 📱 MIUI Hidden Settings – reveals hidden shell settings, including clone control, works without root, but may require permissions for special features.

Warning: These applications often require permission to Overlay on other windows and access Special Features. Do not install them from unverified sources - you risk catching a virus.

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Before using third-party utilities, check reviews from the past 2-3 months. Many MIUI management apps stop working after firmware updates.

Method 4: Manually remove clones through the file system (for experienced ones)

This method involves working with system files and is only suitable for those who are ready for possible failures. If you are not sure about your actions, skip this section.

The cloned applications are stored in the /data/app folder with a postfix of -1 or -2 in the packet name to delete:

1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk).
2. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
3. Go to /data/app and find folders with names like com.whatsapp-1 or com.facebook.lite-2.
4. Delete these folders and clear the cache in /data/dalvik-cache.

⚠️ Note: Deleting system files without backup can lead to bootloop. TWRP to create a backup before changes.

Method 5: Flashing on custom firmware (radical solution)

If none of the methods worked, and the clones appear again after each update, it is worth considering the transition to custom firmware.

• 🌍 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary features MIUI.
• 🔥 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface, without cloning.
• 📱 Havoc-OS - flexible firmware with settings for every taste.

The installation process requires unlocking the bootloader, which will reset all data and may deprive you of warranties, but you will forever forget about the problems with Dual Apps and other MIUI “chips” that interfere with the work.

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Custom firmware solves the cloning problem radically, but it requires technical skills. If you're a beginner, you'd better reach out to more experienced users or a service center.

How to Prevent the Reappearance of Clones

Even after successful removal, Dual Apps may return to the site.

1. Turn off automatic MIUI updates in your system settings. Newer firmware versions sometimes reset user settings.
2. Remove unnecessary system applications through ADB or Debloater utilities. The fewer MIUI services running in the background, the less chance of spontaneous cloning.
3. Use alternative launchers (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) that don't show cloned apps on the desktop.

If the problem comes back after each reset, it’s a sign of hardware failure or damage to /data partition, in which case only flashing through Fastboot or replacing the motherboard will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning apps on Xiaomi