If you've ever wondered how to use two WhatsApp, Telegram or Facebook accounts on a Xiaomi smartphone without buying a second phone, the app cloning feature is your solution. MIUI, It allows you to create full-fledged copies of installed programs with separate data, notifications and settings. But how does it work in practice? POCO And most importantly, what are the pitfalls of cloning that are hiding?
In this article, we will analyze the mechanism of application duplication in detail, compare it with alternative methods (for example, using parallel spaces or third-party launchers), and also give step-by-step instructions for different versions. MIUI. We will focus on security, compatibility with popular messengers and games, and how cloning affects smartphone performance. If you want to learn how to manage multiple accounts on one device without the risk of blocking a profile, read on.
What is the cloning of applications on Xiaomi and why it is necessary
Application cloning (or duplicate applications) is a function MIUI, It creates an independent copy of the installed program with a separate data store, cache and notifications. Basically, you get a second Instagram, VK Clash of Clans, which runs parallel to the original but with a different account, is a feature that is particularly popular among the world's most popular users:
- ๐ฑ Users who manage personal and work accounts in the same phone.
- ๐ฎ Players who want to play on multiple accounts PUBG Mobile, Free Fire or Genshin Impact.
- ๐ผ Entrepreneurs who have multiple business profiles on WhatsApp Business or Telegram.
- ๐ Testers who check the work of applications on different accounts.
It's important to understand that a cloned app is not just a label, it's a complete, isolated environment, for example, if you clone Facebook, you're going to:
- ๐ Notifications from the original and clone do not overlap.
- ๐ Files (photos, videos) are saved in different folders.
- ๐ Account sessions do not conflict with each other.
However, there are limitations to the function, such as not all applications support cloning (especially banking or high-security), and some games can block duplicate accounts for "multi-accounting", and it is worth remembering that cloned applications take up additional memory and can slightly increase the load on the processor.
Xiaomi models support cloning in 2026
The app duplication feature is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, But with some nuances, the basic condition is that you have firmware. MIUI 8 or later, but full bug-free support only appeared in the MIUI 10 and above: Below is a compatibility table for popular models:
| Series of devices | Support for cloning | Features | Examples of models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14 | โ Complete. | Works on MIUI 14/15 It supports cloning to the point of 32 Applications (depending on the software version). | Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Ultra |
| Redmi Note 12/13 | โ Complete. | Some models require activation in Settings โ Special facilities โ Cloning of applications. | Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi Note 13 Pro |
| POCO F5/X5 | โ Complete. | In the base firmware MIUI 13 for POCO function can be hidden โ you need to enable through Settings โ All settings โ Annexes โ Cloning. | POCO F5 Pro, POCO X5 Pro |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 and older | โ ๏ธ Partial | Nana MIUI 12.5 and below, notification bugs in cloned messengers are possible. | Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, Xiaomi Mi 10T |
| Redmi 9/10 | โ Limited. | Only basic apps (like WhatsApp or Facebook) and games and banking apps are not cloned. | Redmi 9A, Redmi 10C |
If your model doesnโt make it to the table, check the support in the following way:
- Open Settings โ Applications โ Cloning of applications.
- If the section is missing, try to find it through the search in the settings (the magnifier icon at the top).
- On the old versions. MIUI (before 10th) the function may be referred to as โDual applications".
โ ๏ธ Note: On devices with global firmware (e.g. Xiaomi) EU ROM) The cloning function may be disabled by default due to Google's policy, in which case manual activation via the ADB mod-set.
How to enable cloning on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
Activation of the function takes no more than a minute, but the process may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI. Below is a universal guide for most modern Xiaomi smartphones:
โ๏ธ Preparation for cloning
- Open Settings and go to the Application section.
- Select Cloning of Applications (or Dual Applications on older versions).
- In the list, find the app you want to duplicate (like WhatsApp) and activate the switch next to it.
- Confirm the clone creation โ the system will automatically install a copy (you may need to download additional data).
- After completion, a new label with an icon will appear on the main screen. ๐ฅ (double-man).
If there is no Cloning section, try an alternative method:
- Hold your finger to the app icon on the home screen.
- In the menu that appears, select Clone (if available).
On some firmware (e.g, MIUI 14 for POCO F5) The function is hidden. To unlock it, run the command through ADB:
adb shell settings put global multi_app_clone_enabled 1After that, the section will appear in the settings.
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If the cloned app doesnโt send notifications, check permissions in Settings โ Notifications โ [Clone name] and enable the option "Show notifications".
Cloning vs. Parallel Space: Which is Better
Many users confuse app cloning with the Parallel Space feature, which is also available on Xiaomi, and while both technologies allow multiple accounts, they are fundamentally different:
| Criteria | Cloning of applications | parallel space |
|---|---|---|
| ๐ Principle of work | Creates a copy of one application with separate data. | Creates a full-fledged second user profile with a separate desktop, settings and applications. |
| ๐ Compatibility | It works with most applications, except banking and some games. | It supports all applications but requires more resources. |
| ๐ฑ System load | Minimum (only a duplicate application consumes memory). | High (parallel space works like a phone in a phone). |
| ๐ Security | The clone data is isolated but vulnerable to rooting. | It is a more secure solution, as the spaces are completely separated. |
| โ๏ธ Setting up | Simple (2-3 clique). | Complex (requires the creation of a second profile and data transfer). |
Which option should I choose?
- ๐ Cloning is fine if you need to duplicate. 1-2 applications (such as WhatsApp and Telegram).
- ๐ Parallel space is better for complete isolation (e.g., a separate profile for handling sensitive data).
In practice, many users combine both methods: clone messengers, and use Second Space for banking applications or software testing.
How to create a parallel space on Xiaomi?
Problems with cloning and how to solve them
While convenient, Xiaomi app cloning sometimes comes with bugs, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
โ The cloned application is not installed
If after activation of the clone there is an error "Can not be installed", try:
- ๐ Restart your phone and try again.
- ๐๏ธ Clear the cache and data of the original application in Settings โ Annexes โ [Name of name] โ Warehouse.
- ๐ฅ Make sure you have enough memory (the clone takes up as much space as the original).
- ๐ง Update. MIUI last-minute.
โ Notifications do not come to the cloned application
A common problem with messengers (WhatsApp, Viber).
- Open the Settings. โ Notifications โ [Name of the clone].
- Enable all permissions for notifications.
- In the Battery section โ Battery optimization add cloned app to exceptions.
- Restart the app.
โ The clone is not updated through Google Play
Cloned apps are not automatically updated through the Google Play Market.
- Download. APK-latest version file from the official website.
- Install it manually by selecting the cloned app as the target.
- Or wait for the update via Settings โ Annexes โ Cloning โ Update.
โ The game blocks a cloned account
Many online games (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Genshin Impact: Multi-accounting is banned if your cloned account is blocked:
- ๐ง Write in support of the game with an explanation (sometimes the block is removed).
- ๐ Use Parallel Space instead of Cloning, It's Harder to Detect.
- โ ๏ธ Don't use the same thing. IP-Address for both accounts (connect via mobile data or VPN).
โ ๏ธ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block work on cloned or rooted devices. If the app stops opening after duplication, remove the clone and use the original version.
Cloning Safety: Risks and How to Avoid Them
App cloning is a convenient tool, but it's not without risks.
- ๐ Data breach: If phone gets stolen or hacked, attacker will gain access to all cloned accounts.
- ๐ค Google Play conflicts: Some clones may be perceived as pirated versions, leading to Google account blocking.
- ๐ญ Ban accounts: social networks and games often block โdoublesโ for violating the rules.
How to minimize the risks:
- ๐ Use a fingerprint or PIN-code to block cloned applications (in clone settings).
- ๐ก๏ธ Do not clone banking apps or messengers with important correspondence.
- ๐ Update regularly MIUI โ New versions of the system fix cloning vulnerabilities.
- ๐ต Do not install clones on devices with root rights (this increases the risk of data leakage).
Important: Clone apps are not encrypted by default. If you sell or transfer a phone, be sure to delete all clones through Settings โ Annexes โ Cloning โ Remove and then reset to factory settings.
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Cloning is convenient for everyday tasks, but not suitable for storing sensitive data. Use Parallel Space or a second phone to work with important accounts.
Alternatives to cloning on Xiaomi: what to do if the feature does not work
If your Xiaomi model doesnโt support cloning or the feature isnโt stable, consider alternative ways to manage multiple accounts:
Third-party launchers with support for duplication
Some launchers (such as Parallel Space) 2Accounts) They allow you to create clones of apps on any Android device:
- ๐ It works on all smartphones, including Xiaomi with global firmware.
- ๐ Offer additional features (for example, password blocking of clones).
Cons:
- โ ๏ธ May contain advertising or collect data.
- ๐ข Slowing down the phone due to emulation of the second space.
2. Web versions of messengers
For WhatsApp, Telegram and VK can be used:
- ๐ WhatsApp Web in the browser (for the second account).
- ๐ฆ Telegram Desktop in multi-account mode (officially supported).
3. Second user profile (Android Multi-User)
Multi-User is available on all Android devices, including Xiaomi.
- Open the settings โ System โ Users.
- Add a new user and switch between profiles.
Requires a complete exit from the current profile.
4. Virtual machines (for advanced users)
Apps like this VMOS Or UserLand creates virtual Android inside your phone:
- ๐ฑ Install any applications without restrictions.
- ๐ Completely isolate data.
But this method is very loading processor and is suitable only for powerful smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or even the most powerful smartphones). POCO F5 Pro).