Cloning apps on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: a complete guide with instructions and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, which is still actively used for its reliability and functionality, among its features is a little-known but extremely useful feature — app cloning, which allows you to create full copies of instant messengers, social networks and other services to use with different accounts on the same device.

But how exactly does this feature work on the Redmi Note 8? Which apps are supported and which aren't? And why do cloned versions sometimes start to "glut" or even refuse to run? In this article, we'll take a look at everything from basic principles to hidden settings and workarounds to solve typical problems.

What is app cloning and why is it necessary

The app cloning function (or Dual Apps as Xiaomi calls it) allows you to create independent copies of installed programs, each copy works as a separate application: with its own data, cache and settings.

• 🔄 Separating work and personal accounts, such as one WhatsApp for colleagues and one for family.
• 🎮 Multi-account games can be managed simultaneously in multiple characters in Clash of Clans or Brawl Stars.
• 🔒 Testing new features: Create a Telegram clone to try out the beta without risking the main account.
• 🌍 Geolocation services: Use different Google Maps or Uber accounts for different countries.

It's important to understand that a cloned application is not just a shortcut, but a full-fledged sandbox with isolated storage.

• 📱 Notifications will be sent separately for each copy.
• 🔋 Each copy consumes additional resources (RAM, battery).
• 📦 Updates are installed independently (you can update the clone, but not the original, and vice versa).

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support cloning, for example, banking programs (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) and some messengers (Viber in older versions) may block work in a cloned environment due to security policies.

How to enable cloning on Redmi Note 8: step-by-step instructions

You can activate the Dual Apps feature on the Redmi Note 8 via standard MIUI settings. Here is a detailed algorithm:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Cloning of applications (Dual Apps).
3. In the list, select the app you want to clone (such as WhatsApp or Facebook).
4. Click the switch next to the name and the Clone button will appear.
5. Confirm the action. A new icon with the Dual Apps logo (two overlapping figures) will appear on the desktop.

If the application is not listed, it means that it is not supported by MIUI for cloning, in which case you can try workarounds (we will discuss them below).

Check the MIUI version (must be at least 10)

Free up at least 500 MB of memory

Disable battery optimization for a cloned application

Reboot your smartphone before creating a clone-->

After the clone was created:

• 🔐 When you first start, you will need to log in to another account (for example, a second phone number for WhatsApp).
• 📲 The cloned app icon will be marked with an orange icon with two men.
• ⚙️ Dual Apps can manage notifications for each copy separately.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12 or higher cloned applications may conflict with the Second Space function. If you use both tools, we recommend disabling one of them for stable operation.

What apps can be cloned on Redmi Note 8: compatibility table

Not all programs support cloning due to developer limitations or technical specifications, and below is a table with popular apps and their compatibility with Dual Apps on the Redmi Note 8 (relevant to MIUI 11-14):

Critical: multi-account protection applications (such as Tinder or Badoo) can block a cloned version after the first sign-in, and only use of a second space or third-party launchers like Parallel Space helps in such cases.

Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)

Social networks (Facebook, Instagram)

Games (Clash of Clans, PUBG)

Other-->

Limitations and Challenges of Cloning: What You Need to Know

Despite the convenience, the Dual Apps feature has a number of limitations that are important to consider:

1. Resource consumption: Each clone increases the load on the processor and RAM. On the Redmi Note 8 (with its 4 GB of RAM), it is recommended to create no more than 3-4 clones at the same time, otherwise slowdowns are possible.
2. Updates: Clone apps are updated on Google Play separately from the originals, and if you forget to update the clone, it may stop working.
3. Notifications. Sometimes notifications from clones come with a delay or duplicate. This is treated by restarting the Security application (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Security → Stop).
4. Data reset: When you reset your phone to the factory settings, all the clones are deleted without the ability to recover.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

• 🚫 «Failed to clone the app» → Check if there is enough free memory (required) ≥300MB. Reboot your smartphone.
• 🔄 The clone is not updated → Remove the clone, update the original, then clone again.
• 🔔 No notifications coming. → Go to Settings. → Notifications → Dual Apps and enable the option for the desired clone.

Dual Apps Alternatives: What to Do If the App is Not Cloned

If Dual Apps doesn't support the right program, you can use third-party solutions.

1. Second Space (Second Space)

Built-in MIUI, which creates a completely isolated copy of the system with separate applications, settings and data, suitable for banking programs and other secure services.

How to turn on:

Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space → Create a Space

2. Parallel Space

A third-party app from Google Play that emulates a second Android environment, supports cloning even programs that block Dual Apps.

Cons: consumes a lot of resources and can display ads in the free version.

3. Island (on request)

The application for creating a sandbox based on Android Work Profile is suitable for advanced users, as it requires manual configuration.

Comparison of methods:

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If you use Parallel Space, add it to the battery optimization exceptions (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Parallel Space → No Limits) to prevent clones from spontaneously closing.

How to remove the app clone and clean up the data

If the cloned app is no longer needed, it can be removed in two ways:

Method 1: Through Dual Apps Settings

1. Open Settings → Applications → Cloning of applications.
2. Find the clone in the list and click on it.
3. Select Remove the clone and confirm the action.

Method 2: As a normal application

1. Press the clone icon on your desktop.
2. Drag it to the top of the screen and say Delete (or Delete the app).
3. Confirm removal.

Important: when you delete a clone, all its data (messages, media files, settings) are deleted irrevocably. If you need to save information (for example, correspondence on WhatsApp), make a backup copy of the following:

• 📱 For WhatsApp: Settings → chat → Backup copy.
• 📎 Telegram: Data synced to the cloud automatically.

⚠️ Warning: If you removed a clone but its icon remained on your desktop, restart your smartphone. MIUI Does not update the launcher immediately.

Hidden settings and life hacks for Dual Apps

The MIUI cloning function has several hidden features that few people know about:

1. Changing the clone icon. By default, cloned apps are marked with an orange icon, but it can be removed: Settings → Apps → Cloning of Apps → [Clone Name] → Icon → Hide the Dual Apps icon
2. Background restriction: To prevent the clone from eating mobile traffic: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Background restriction → [The clone's name]
3. Quick switch. In the notification bar, you can add a switch for Dual Apps to quickly turn clones on/off: Settings → Notification panel → Change tiles → Dual Apps

Another useful trick is to create a shortcut for fast-switching between accounts, like WhatsApp:

• Create a clone of the messenger.
• Press the original WhatsApp icon on your desktop.
• Select a shortcut → Account 1 (for the original) or Account 2 (for the clone).

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If you use clones often, add a folder on your desktop with originals and copies of apps, which will make navigation easier and reduce the risk of getting confused in accounts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning on Redmi Note 8