The app cloning (or Dual Apps) feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to run two copies of the same messenger, social network or game at the same time – for example, have two WhatsApp, Telegram or Facebook accounts on the same device, which is convenient for separating work and personal profiles, testing new features or managing multiple accounts without having to buy a second phone.
However, not all users know that this feature is built into the firmware MIUI and does not require the installation of third-party programs. Moreover, the feature has nuances: it does not work with all applications, can conflict with updates and has limitations on some Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO models. In this article, we will discuss how to properly clone applications, which programs are supported suddenly, and what to do if the function disappeared after the system update.
What is Dual Apps and Why You Need It
Dual Apps (or "Dual Apps" in Russian) is Xiaomi's proprietary technology that creates an isolated copy of a selected application. In fact, the system installs a "sandbox" where the second version of the program works independently of the original: with separate notifications, cache and login data.
Main use cases:
- 📱 Separating personal and work accounts – for example, one WhatsApp for family, the second for colleagues.
- 🎮 Multi-account games – managing multiple profiles in Clash of Clans or Genshin Impact without bans.
- 🔍 Feature testing – testing new features in beta versions of messengers without risk to the main account.
- 🌍 Geo-dependent services – use of region-specific applications (such as TikTok or WeChat) under different locations.
It is important to understand that a cloned application is not a full second installation, it depends on the original version. If you delete the main application, the duplicate will stop working, and some programs (for example, banking) block the launch in the sandbox for security reasons.
What Xiaomi models support Dual Apps
Dual Apps is available on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI 8 and later.
| Series of devices | Support for Dual Apps | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 11/12/13, Mix | Full support | Restriction on 32 cloned applications (systemic) |
| Redmi Note 10/11/12, K50 | Full support | On budget models, lags are possible with the simultaneous use of duplicates |
| POCO F3/F4/F5, X3 | Full support | On global firmware, the list of supported applications may differ |
| Xiaomi Civi, Redmi A | Partial support | No support for cloning system applications (e.g. Mi Browser) |
| MIUI devices for Pad | Absent. | The function is not implemented in the tablet version of the firmware |
On devices with MIUI Global, the list of available cloning applications may be limited compared to the Chinese version of firmware (MIUI China), for example, in a global build, it is often not possible to duplicate WeChat or QQ.
⚠️ Note: On Android One smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2/A3) Dual Apps feature is missing – it is a limitation of pure Android without shell MIUI.
Step-by-step: how to clone an application on Xiaomi
The process of creating a duplicate takes no more than a minute. You do not need root rights or third-party utilities - everything is done through the standard MIUI settings.
☑️ Preparation for cloning
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
- In the list, find the desired application (for example, WhatsApp) and tap it.
- Click "Create a duplicate" and confirm the action.
- Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 30 seconds).
- The new app will appear on the home screen with the icon "Dublicate" (or "Clone" in English firmware).
After creating a duplicate, you can:
- 🔄 Switch between accounts via notifications (in some versions) MIUI).
- 🔕 Disable notifications for duplicates separately from the original.
- 🗑️ Remove the duplicate without losing the main application data.
💡
If the app you want isn’t listed in Dual Apps, try updating it via Google Play or installing it. APK-It's a version from the developer's official website, and sometimes it helps to unlock the cloning capability.
Dual Apps Limits and Problems: What You Need to Know
Despite the convenience, the cloning feature has a number of limitations that Xiaomi doesn’t always warn users about:
⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block Dual Apps due to the risk of data leakage".
Main problems:
- 🚫 Not all applications are supported – developers can ban cloning through a manifesto APK.
- 🔄 Update conflicts – after the original app update, the duplicate may stop working.
- 📱 Increased battery consumption – two instances of the messenger consume 15-20% more energy.
- 🛑 Synchronization errors – in rare cases, a duplicate can “forget” account data.
If the app doesn’t start after cloning, try:
- Reboot the smartphone.
- Clear the duplicate cache in Settings → Applications → [Duplicate Name] → Storage.
- Remove and create a duplicate again.
What if Dual Apps disappeared after the MIUI update?
Dual Apps: What to do if cloning doesn't work
If Xiaomi’s standard feature doesn’t fit (for example, because there’s no app on the list), you can use third-party solutions.
| Decision | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Parallel Space | Supports all applications, including system | It takes a lot of memory, shows ads |
| 2Accounts | Lightweight, no advertising. | Not all applications are stable |
| Island (based on Work Profile) | High security, data isolation | Complicated setup, requires Android 7+ |
| Shelter (FOSS-alternative) | Open source, no advertising | Limited compatibility with MIUI |
For the installation of alternative launchers duplicates:
- Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror.
- Provide all permissions requested (including “Overlaying Other Applications”).
- Add the desired programs to the "sandbox" through the interface of the alternative launcher.
Important: Third-party solutions can conflict with MIUI, especially on Android 12+ devices.
💡
If you need to clone a banking app or a high-security messenger (such as Signal), it is better to use the official Dual Apps or create a second user profile in Android.
How to remove duplicate application and clear data
If the cloned app is no longer needed, it can be removed without any consequences for the original, but simply dragging the icon into the cart won’t work – the duplicate is removed through the settings.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
- Find the desired duplicate in the list and tap it.
- Select "Delete duplicate" and confirm the action.
- If required, clear the remaining data in Settings → Storage → [Duplicate Name].
After removal:
- 📂 All duplicate data (chats, media, settings) will be permanently deleted.
- 🔄 The original app will continue to work as usual.
- 📱 Free up to 200-500 MB of memory (depending on the application).
If the duplicate is removed, but its icon remained on the main screen, it is enough to restart the device or update the launcher (prolonged pressing on the free space of the screen → “Update”).
Security of cloned applications: risks and recommendations
Using Dual Apps or third-party sandboxes poses potential privacy risks.
- 🔓 Data Leakage – If a duplicate is used to log into accounts with the same passwords, an attacker can access both profiles.
- 📊 Statistics collection – some third-party duplicate launchers share your activity data with third parties.
- 🚨 Blocking accounts – Social networks (such as Facebook) can block a profile for “suspicious activity” while using two copies at the same time.
Safety recommendations:
- 🔐 Use different passwords for the original and cloned app.
- 🛡️ Enable two-factor authentication for all accounts.
- 🔍 Regularly check the permissions of the duplicate in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
- 🚫 Avoid cloning banking apps and messengers with financial features (e.g. PayPal).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI For the Chinese market (firmware versions) CN) cloned applications can automatically send data to Xiaomi servers for analysis. If privacy is critical, use Global firmware or EU-rum.