Cloning apps on Xiaomi Redmi 5: a complete guide to duplication of messengers and social networks

Introduction: Why to clone applications on Xiaomi Redmi 5

The app cloning feature on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a handy tool, but a real find for those who have multiple accounts on messengers or social networks. You can use two WhatsApp, two Telegrams, or even two Instagram profiles on the same device at the same time – without having to buy a second phone or constantly log out of one account and log in to another. This is especially true for Redmi 5 owners, where Dual Apps is built into the firmware. MIUI default.

But how does this technology work? Unlike running two apps in parallel (which is technically impossible without cloning), Xiaomi creates an isolated copy of the program with a separate cache, data, and notifications. This means that the cloned app will behave as a fully independent installation, for example, you can receive notifications from both accounts. VK Use both personal and work Facebook on the same screen.

But it's not that simple: there are limitations to the function, not all apps are supported out of the box, and some cloned versions may not work as well. MIUI (for example, MIUI 9 MIUI 10) there may be specific bugs that you should know about in advance, and in this article we will discuss all the nuances, from standard cloning through Settings to circumventing restrictions using third-party tools.

What is Dual Apps and How Does it Work on Xiaomi Redmi 5?

Dual Apps (or "Dual Apps") is a proprietary feature. MIUI, Unlike alternative methods (e.g., using multiple users on Android), cloned applications through Dual Apps are integrated into the main system and do not require switching between profiles. On Redmi 5, this feature is available from MIUI 8, but its implementation depends on the firmware version.

Technically, Dual Apps works through Android’s Work Profile mechanism, but with a simplified interface. When cloning, the system creates an isolated space for the application, where it runs with a unique identifier (package name), for example, a cloned WhatsApp will have the.dual suffix in its batch name, which allows Android to perceive it as a separate program.

It is important to understand that cloned applications:

• 📱 Separate notifications (can be disabled regardless of the original).
• 🔒 Have your own data and cache (cleaning one does not affect the other).
• 🔄 You can update via Google Play (but not automatically).
• ⚠️ Not all features of the original (for example, some payment systems may block cloned versions).

Redmi 5's Dual Apps feature is available in Settings menu → Annexes → Dual applications. However, depending on the regional firmware, the item may be called differently (like App Clone or Parallel Apps). If you don't find this option, maybe your version of the app is yours. MIUI modified (e.g. custom firmware) or requires updating.

Step-by-step: how to clone an application on Redmi 5

Cloning process through standard settings MIUI It takes less than a minute, but requires attention to detail. 5 on any version of the firmware (from MIUI 8 before MIUI 12). If you have a newer version (for example, MIUI 13/14), The interface may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same.

Step 1: Verification of the function support

Not all apps can be cloned. Xiaomi limits the list of supported programs (usually messengers and social networks) to see if cloning is available for the application you want:

1. Open the Settings.
2. Go to the Apps → Dual annexes.
3. See the list of cloning software available. If you don't have the right app, try updating it. MIUI Or use alternative methods (described below).

Step 2: Cloning of the application

If the application is supported:

1. Activate the switch next to its name.
2. Confirm the creation of the clone (reboot may be required).
3. After the process is completed, a new shortcut with an icon will appear on the main screen. ⧉ (double-hander).

Step 3: Configure a cloned application

The cloned app will behave like new: you will need authorization, notifications and permissions.

• 🔐 Permissions (access to contacts, camera, microphone) must be configured separately for the clone.
• 🔔 Notifications can be disabled or configured regardless of the original in Settings → Notifications.
• 🗑️ Cleaning the cache or clone data does not affect the original application.

Step 4: Removal of the clone

If the cloned application is no longer needed:

1. Back to Settings → Annexes → Dual annexes.
2. Turn off the switch next to the app.
3. Confirm the deletion (the clone data will be erased irrevocably).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI For Redmi 5, you may have "junk" in your memory after you delete the clone. To completely clear the system, go to Settings. → Memory. → Clean and perform a deep cleaning.

List of supported cloning apps on Redmi 5

By default, Xiaomi only allows clones of a limited list of applications, due to the technical limitations of Android and the policies of some services (for example, WhatsApp officially prohibits the use of unofficial customers). 5 (base MIUI 10/11).

If the application you need is not on the list, you can try to circumvent the restrictions by:

• 🔧 MIUI Lab (Hidden Firmware Functions).
• 📱 Third-party launchers (e.g. Parallel Space).
• 🛠️ ADB-Teams (for experienced users).

We will explain each of these methods in more detail in the following sections.

💡

If the app isn't cloned through Dual Apps, try updating it first through Google Play. Sometimes this solves the compatibility issue.

Alternative methods of cloning: MIUI Lab and Parallel Space

If standard Dual Apps don’t work (e.g., the right app isn’t supported or the feature is missing from your firmware), alternative methods come to the rescue.

Method 1: Hidden functions MIUI Lab

MIUI Lab is an experimental menu in Xiaomi firmware that contains features that aren't ready for mass release. MIUI (for example, MIUI 10 Global) Extended cloning settings, including support for additional applications, can be found here.

How to turn it on MIUI Lab:

1. Open the Settings.
2. Go to About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version line to activate the developer mode.
3. Go back to the main Settings menu and find a new item. → Special facilities → MIUI Lab.
4. Turn on the Parallel Apps switch (if any).

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Not all versions. MIUI contain MIUI Lab.
• ⚠️ Functions in the laboratory may not work smoothly.
• ⚠️ After updating the firmware settings can be reset.

Method 2: Parallel Space (third party application)

Parallel Space is a popular cloning app that works on any Android device, including Redmi 5. Unlike Dual Apps, it allows you to clone any program, but has its drawbacks:

• 🔹 Creates an isolated sandbox where applications run slower.
• 🔹 Shows ads in the free version.
• 🔹 Could be in conflict with MIUI (For example, duplicate notifications).

How to use Parallel Space:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Add the necessary programs to the "parallel space".
3. Sign in to cloned applications.

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g., SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may block Parallel Space because of security policies.

Problem Solving: Clone apps don't work

Even if you successfully clone an app, there can be problems ranging from no notifications to a complete program crash, and below are the most common errors on Redmi 5 and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The cloned application does not start

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Older version of the app: Update it via Google Play.
• 🗑️ Cache conflict: Clear the clone cache in Settings → Annexes → [The clone's name] → Memory.
• 🔧 Incompatibility with MIUI: Try to revert to an older version of the firmware.

Problem 2: No notifications from the clone

Notifications from cloned applications are often blocked by the system to fix:

1. Go to Settings. → Notifications → [The clone's name].
2. Enable all permissions for notifications.
3. Turn off battery optimization for clone in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

Problem 3: The clone is not updated through Google Play

Cloned applications may not be automatically updated.

• 🔄 Update the original app – the clone is updated with it.
• 📥 Remove the clone, update the original, then clone again.
• 🛠️ Use it. APK-Manual Update Files (Risky!).

On Redmi 5s. MIUI 9 cloned applications may lose data after a system update. Before upgrading the firmware, back up the clones through Titanium Backup or similar tools.

💡

If a cloned application is unstable, try to clear its cache and data first, and 80 percent of the time, it solves the problem.

Security and privacy: risks of cloning

App cloning is a convenient feature, but it is not without risks, especially for instant messengers and social networks, where personal data is stored.

Risk 1: Data breach

Cloned apps can be targeted by malware, especially if you use third-party tools like Parallel Space to minimize the risks:

• 🔒 Don't clone banking apps.
• 🛡️ Install a reliable antivirus (for example, Dr.Web or Kaspersky).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI (New versions are closing vulnerabilities).

Risk 2: Account blocking

Some services (such as WhatsApp or Snapchat) are actively fighting cloning and can block an account for "suspicious activity" to avoid being blocked:

• 📵 Don’t use the same phone number for two WhatsApp accounts.
• 🌍 Avoid switching between the clone and the original on Instagram or Facebook.
• 🔧 If your account is blocked, try to restore access through the original app.

Risk 3: Increased battery consumption

Clone apps run in the background, which puts more strain on the processor and battery. On the Redmi 5 with its modest 3,300mAh battery, this can be a problem.

• ⚡ Turn off background activity for clones in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 🔔 Limit notifications for non-critical clones.
• 🗑️ Regularly clean the cache of cloned applications.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 5s MIUI 9 and below cloned applications may conflict with the function Lean mode. If you notice lags, turn off lean mode in the battery settings.

Cloning Methods Comparison: What’s Best for Redmi 5

Choosing a cloning method depends on your tasks, version MIUI And the willingness to accept the constraints. Below is a comparison table for Redmi 5.

Selection recommendations:

• 📱 For instant messengers and social networks: Dual Apps (most stable).
• 🔧 For rare applications: MIUI Lab or Parallel Space.
• 🛠️ For experienced users: ADB (maximum flexibility).

If you’re not sure which method to choose, start with Dual Apps – it’s the safest and most proven option for Redmi 5.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions