Cloning apps on Xiaomi Redmi 9: how to create a second account in one phone

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with app cloning feature, which allows you to use two accounts in the same messenger or social network at the same time, this feature is especially popular among users who want to share personal and work correspondence, manage multiple profiles on Instagram or Facebook, or simply test new features without risk for the main account.

In this article, we will discuss how cloning works on Redmi. 9, What applications are supported out of the box, and consider alternative ways to create duplicates through third-party utilities. MIUI 12/13 and the nuances of working with clones based on Android 10, To avoid common errors and conflicts between the original and cloned versions.

What is app cloning and why is it necessary

Cloning of applications (or Dual Apps) is a function of the operating system MIUI, It creates a full copy of the installed application with a separate data store, cache and notifications, essentially two independent instances of the same program running in parallel on the same device.

Main use cases:

• 📱 Separation of personal and work correspondence – for example, two WhatsApp or Telegram accounts with different phone numbers.
• 🎭 Managing Multiple Social Media Profiles – Maintaining a Business Page and a Personal Instagram Account at the Same Time.
• 🔍 Testing new features – checking beta versions of messengers without risk to the main account.
• 🌍 Use of regional versions of applications – for example, the Chinese version of TikTok (Douyin) near the global.

It is important to understand that the cloned application is not a virtual machine - it consumes the real resources of the device (RAM, processor, battery) and takes up additional space in memory. 9 s 3/4 GB RAM simultaneous operation of two copies of “heavy” messengers can lead to slowdowns.

The official method: Dual Apps in MIUI Redmi 9

Dual Apps feature built into firmware MIUI It is available on all versions of Redmi 9 (including Redmi models). 9A, 9C, 9T), but the list of supported applications may differ depending on the regional firmware.

To activate cloning:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
2. In the list, find the desired application (for example, WhatsApp) and tap the switch.
3. Confirm the creation of the clone – a new icon with the Dual logo will appear on the desktop.
4. Launch a cloned application and log in under another account.

List of apps that can be cloned out of the box on Redmi 9 (MIUI 12/13):

Limitations of the official method:

• ⚠️ Not all apps are supported – Signal or Skype are not included in the list.
• ⚠️ Clone apps don’t automatically update via Google Play – manual installation required APK.
• ⚠️ Some features may not work properly (for example, push notifications in Viber clones).

Check the MIUI version (not lower than 11)

Free up at least 1 GB of memory

Disable battery optimization for a cloned application

Download the latest version of the application from the official store-->

Third-party cloning utilities: Island, Parallel Space and others

If you don't have the right app on the Dual Apps list, you can use third-party apps.

1. Island (by Oasis Feng)

• 🔹 Work Profile (no need for root).
• 🔹 Supports cloning of any applications, including system.
• 🔹 Allows you to freeze the original app, leaving only a clone.

Disadvantages: Some applications (e.g. banking) can block work in the Work Profile.

2. Parallel Space

• 🔹 Creates a sandbox for cloned applications.
• 🔹 Supports simultaneous launch of up to 32 clones (in the paid version).
• 🔹 It has a built-in notification manager for clones.

Disadvantages: high load on the battery, possible conflicts with the MIUI Optimizations.

3. 2Accounts

• 🔹 Lightweight solution with minimal resource consumption.
• 🔹 Supports cloning without creating a second user profile.

Disadvantages: limited functionality in the free version.

Before installing third-party utilities, check their compatibility with the MIUI 12/13. Some programs (such as App Cloner) may require disabling MIUI Optimization in the developer settings, which is not safe for system stability.

Next Post How to clone WhatsApp on Redmi 9

So, let's take a look at WhatsApp, the most popular messenger for cloning. MIUI 12.5–14.

Step 1: Checking support

Make sure WhatsApp is on the Settings list → Annexes → If not, use Island or Parallel Space.

Step 2. Creating a clone

1. Activate the switch next to WhatsApp in the Dual Apps menu.
2. Confirm the creation of a clone - the process will take 10-30 seconds.
3. A new icon will appear on the desktop with the inscription “Dual: WhatsApp”.

Step 3: Set up the clone

1. Launch a cloned WhatsApp and log in with a different phone number.
2. In the clone settings, disable auto-update via Google Play (to avoid conflicts with the original).
3. Set notifications for the clone separately from the main app in Settings → Notifications.

Step 4: Optimization of work

• Add a clone to the list of exceptions for Battery Optimization (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
• Turn off synchronization of media files for the clone if you do not want to duplicate photos / videos in the gallery.

💡

If the cloned WhatsApp does not receive notifications, check the AutoRun and Display notifications settings for both versions of the app in Settings → Annexes → Application management.

Problems and mistakes in cloning: how to solve them

Even with the official Dual Apps feature, Redmi 9 users may face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them.

1.The cloned application does not start

Reasons:

• 🔸 Insufficient memory on the device (requires a minimum of 500 MB of free space).
• 🔸 Conflict with an antivirus or optimizer (e.g., Security from Xiaomi).
• 🔸 An outdated version of the app.

Solution: Clear the clone cache in Settings → Annexes → Dual: [Appendix name] → Clear the cache.

2 Notifications don't come to the clone

Reasons:

• 🔸 Auto-run disabled for cloned application.
• 🔸 Background activity restrictions in battery settings.

Decision:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Dual: [Name] → Battery → No restrictions.
2. Enable AutoRun and Display Notifications.

3.The clone conflicts with the original app

Reasons:

• 🔸 Simultaneous use of the same function (e.g. camera or microphone).
• 🔸 Data synchronization error (relevant to Google services).

Solution: Restart the device or temporarily freeze the original app via Island.

💡

If the cloned app starts to slow down, try turning off animations in Settings → The phone. → Additionally. → Animation speed (set the value of animation disabled).

Security and privacy: risks of cloning

Using cloned applications comes with several risks that you should be aware of:

1. Data leakage

Clone apps can have access to the same permissions as the originals, for example, if you give access to Contacts and Warehouse to a WhatsApp clone, it can read data from the original app (and vice versa).

⚠️ Note: Do not use cloning for banking applications or messengers with sensitive information (for example, Signal with encrypted chats.

2. Account blocking

Some platforms, such as Facebook or TikTok, may view simultaneous sign-in from a single device as suspicious activity and temporarily block an account, especially for clones created through third-party utilities like Parallel Space.

3. Increased energy consumption

Two instances of a single app (like Instagram) will consume 1.5 to 2 times more battery. On a Redmi 9 with a 5020 mAh battery, this can reduce battery life by 10 to 15 percent.

4. Update conflicts

Apps cloned through Dual Apps don’t update automatically.If you update the original through Google Play, the clone may stop working until manually reinstalled.

To minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Use different passwords for original and cloned accounts.
• 🔐 Clean the clone cache regularly in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔐 Turn off data sync for clones (e.g., WhatsApp Contact Sync).

Alternative methods: second user and virtual machines

If cloning through Dual Apps or third-party utilities is not suitable, consider alternative options:

1.Second User Mode (Multi-User)

It allows you to create a separate profile with your own applications and data, suitable for the complete separation of the work environment and personal environment.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → System → Additional → Multiplayer mode.
2. Click Add User and follow the instructions.
3. After switching to the second user, install the desired applications again.

Disadvantages: you can not quickly switch between profiles (you need a full logout from the account).

2. Virtual Machines (UserLand, VMOS)

Programming VMOS Create an isolated virtual Android environment inside your Redmi 9, which allows you to run any applications in the sandbox without risking to the main system.

Advantages:

• 🔹 Complete isolation from the main OS.
• 🔹 The ability to use different versions of Android.

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 High CPU load (may be on Redmi) 9 helio G35/G80).
• 🔸 Difficulty setting up for beginners.

3. Lightweight launchers (e.g. Second Space)

Some launchers (for example, built-in in the MIUI Second Space allows you to create alternative desktops with separate applications, but this is not full cloning, but only visual separation.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions