Creating a second account on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to separate work and personal data to having to test apps in an isolated environment. However, standard MIUI settings do not always provide an obvious path to adding an additional profile, especially on newer versions of firmware. In this article, we will examine all current methods, from official features to workarounds for Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi’s multiplayer capabilities are limited compared to pure Android. The manufacturer deliberately narrows the functionality to encourage the use of branded services (such as Mi Account).However, there are legal and semi-legal ways to circumvent these restrictions, which we’ll talk about later. If you need a second account for social networks, messengers or games, some methods will be easier than it seems at first glance.
Why is Xiaomi not a standard multiplayer mode?
Unlike Android devices (like Pixel or Nokia), Xiaomi smartphones lack the built-in multi-user feature, a decision the company has made due to several factors:
- 🔒 Data security: Xiaomi positions its devices as secure from unauthorized access, and multiplayer mode potentially weakens this protection.
- 📱 Optimization MIUI: Shell MIUI It was originally designed for a single-player scenario, and adding profiles would require a major overhaul of the system.
- 💼 Marketing strategy: The company promotes family access through Mi Cloud, where one account can manage multiple devices.
- 🎯 Target audience: Xiaomi’s main markets (Asia, Europe) are less in demand in multiplayer scenarios compared to, for example, the United States.
However, the lack of official support does not mean that the task is unsolvable, and below we will look at all the options available, from using guest mode to installing alternative firmware.
Method 1: Guest mode (limited functionality)
The easiest and safest method is to activate guest mode, which is available on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, but has serious limitations:
- Open Settings → System and device → Additional → Guest mode.
- Activate the switch and set the password for the main profile (required!).
- After the reboot, a user icon will appear in the notification panel - tap it to switch.
⚠️ Warning: Guest mode does not support app installation, sync with Mi Account, or access to some system functions (e.g. Developer Mode.
Create a backup copy of the main profile data
Set a password for your main account
Check for free space (guest mode takes ~1 GB)
Turn off auto-update apps in the guest profile-->
| Function | Available on guest mode | The alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Installation of applications | ❌ No. | Use Parallel Apps (see Method 3) |
| Synchronization with Mi Cloud | ❌ No. | Manual transfer of files through the Explorer |
| Calls and SMS | ✅ Yes, but history doesn't persist) | — |
| Access to the gallery | ✅ Only new files. | Create a separate folder for the guest |
| Developer mode | ❌ No. | Activate in the main profile |
Method 2: Parallel Apps (Cloning Applications)
If you only need a second account for individual services (such as WhatsApp, Instagram or Telegram), Parallel Apps (also known as “Dual Apps”) is the best solution. MIUI 8 and newer.
Algorithm of settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
- Select the apps you want to create a second account for (maximum 32 apps at a time).
- After cloning, icons with a yellow icon in the lower right corner will appear on the desktop.
- Launch a cloned application and log in under another account.
🔹 Features of the method:
- 📌 Clone applications work independently of the original ones (different caches, data, notifications).
- 🔄 Application updates apply to all clones simultaneously.
- 🚫 Some applications block work in cloned mode (for example, banking services).
- 📱 In the models with MIUI 14+ It is possible to create “secret” clones hidden from the main profile.
💡
If the app you want is not listed for cloning, try updating it via Google Play or installing it. APK-Multi-account version (e.g. Telegram X).
Method 3: Second user via ADB (for advanced)
For users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a method to activate hidden multiplayer mode, which works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires an unlocked bootloader and developer mode on.
🔧 Step-by-step instruction:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect the phone to the PC, install ADB drivers and execute the command: adb shell pm create-user --profileOf 0 "Second user"
- Restart the device. The lock menu will show the icon of the second user.
⚠️ Note: This method can lead to unstable system operation, especially on devices with MIUI 13+. Some features (such as Google Pay or Widevine) L1) We recommend you to back up through Mi Cloud or TWRP before experimentation.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 4: Install custom firmware (for enthusiasts)
If you want a full-fledged multiplayer mode without restrictions, the only reliable way is to install alternative firmware, such as:
- 📱 LineageOS – supports up to 4 users, stable operation on most Xiaomi models.
- 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with pure Android, where multiplayer mode works out of the box".
- 🛠️ Havoc-OS - custom firmware with advanced profile settings.
- 🔧 MIUI EU — modified MIUI Unlocked features (including multiplayer mode).
🔹 Step-by-step process:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires binding to the Mi Account and waiting 7-15 days).
- Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
- Download the right firmware for your model from the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum.
- Flush the firmware through recovery, and wipe dalvik/cache.
- After booting the system, go to Settings → System → Users and add a new profile.
Installing custom firmware voids the official warranty and can lead to device blockage if errors occur. On models with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi Note 11), the risk is higher due to the bootloader's closed source code.
Method 5: Virtual Machine (for testing)
If the second account is only for testing applications or web services, consider using an Android virtual machine inside the main system.
- 🖥️ VMOS — Fully-fledged virtual Android system with support for Google Play.
- 📱 Parallel Space – creates an isolated environment for cloning applications (similar to Parallel Apps, but with great capabilities).
- 🔄 Shelter – open source software to isolate applications in a separate profile (requires root).
🔹 Pros and cons VMOS:
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| Complete isolation from the main system | High battery consumption |
| Support for root without risk to the main device | Limited productivity |
| Option to choose the Android version | Not all applications are stable |
| No need to unlock the loader | It takes up a lot of space (3-5 GB) |
To install VMOS, download APK from the official website and follow the instructions. Once set up, you will get a full-fledged second Android inside your Xiaomi, where you can register any accounts without restrictions.
💡
Virtual machines are the only way to get a second account with full functionality without risk to the main system and warranty, but they require a powerful processor (Snapdragon 7xx/8xx recommended) and sufficient RAM (at least 6 GB).
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of how to add a second account depends on your goals and technical skills, and below is a comparison table with recommendations:
| Method | Difficulty | Skills required | Functionality | Risks. | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guest mode | ⭐ | Basic | Very limited. | No. | For temporary access to the telephone |
| Parallel Apps | ⭐⭐ | Basic | Limited to cloned applications | No. | For social networks, instant messengers, games |
| ADB (Hidden Mode) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Advanced (ADB, debugging) | Fully-fledged second user | System instability | For enthusiasts who are ready for experimentation |
| Custom firmware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Expert (unlock, TWRP) | Full functionality | Loss of warranty, risk of brick | For experienced users |
| Virtual machine | ⭐⭐ | Medium (APK installation) | Complete isolation. | High consumption of resources | For testing applications |
💡 Tip: If you need a second account exclusively for WhatsApp or Telegram, the easiest way to use Parallel Apps. For a full separation of work and personal data, consider buying a second Xiaomi budget smartphone (for example, Redmi). A2+) — It's cheaper than potential repairs after a failed firmware experiment.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you add a second account to Xiaomi, users face common mistakes, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:
- 🔄 "It is impossible to create a user in ADB: Check if the debugging is included USB and if your PC is allowed access. Try the adb root command before creating a user.
- 📱 Second user icon disappears after reboot: It's a bug MIUI 14.The solution: repeat the procedure through ADB Install MultiUser Enabler patch via Magisk.
- 🔒 Parallel Apps doesn’t clone the app you want: Update the app to the latest version or use an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that supports hidden clones.
- 🔋 Quick battery discharge in guest mode: Turn off background activity for guest profile in battery settings.
- 🛠️ Error when installing custom firmware: Check firmware compatibility with your model (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro has different versions for sweet and sweetin).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 (2026) Xiaomi tightened control over multiplayer features.Some methods (e.g, ADB) You may stop working after the update. Before experimenting, roll back to a stable firmware version or use it. MIUI bootloader to select a secure build.