Cloning apps in Xiaomi: a complete guide to Dual Apps

The function of cloning applications in Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular solutions in firmware MIUI, Users often face the need to have two accounts in the same messenger (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram), several profiles in social networks, or even duplicate games with different progressions. But how does this technology work, what applications are supported, and are there pitfalls? In this article, we'll go through everything from basic principles to hidden settings.

The concept of “duplicating” applications is not new – similar solutions are offered by other manufacturers (for example, Huawei with App Twin or Samsung with Dual Messenger). It's deeply integrated, supports a wide range of programs, and even allows you to customize notifications for each clone separately, and many users still don't know that cloned applications are in the same category. MIUI They work in isolated sandboxes, which eliminates data conflicts between the original and the copy.

It's important to understand that cloning isn't just a shortcut, it's a full-blown duplication of software with a separate data store, cache, and even permissions, which means you can be logged in to two Instagram accounts at the same time, or play Clash of Clans on two different accounts without having to log out of the main one, but there are limitations: not all apps are supported out of the box, and some features (like paying through Google Pay) may not work properly.

What is Dual Apps and How Does It Work? MIUI

Dual Apps technology (sometimes called App Cloning or Parallel Apps) is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution that allows you to create full copies of installed applications. Unlike third-party launchers or cloning programs like Parallel Space, this feature is built-in at the system level and requires no additional downloads. It runs on a virtualization basis, where each cloned application runs in an isolated environment with its own unique functionality. UID (user ID in Android).

Technically, the process looks like this:

• 🔄 The system creates a separate data directory for a clone with a unique prefix (e.g., a single prefix, com.whatsapp_2 instead of com.whatsapp).
• 📦 All clone files (cache, settings, media) are stored separately from the original, which prevents conflicts.
• 🔒 The clone application is assigned unique permissions as if it were a separate program.
• 🔔 Notifications from the clone are displayed with the mark "Dual App" (starting with the MIUI 12).

Important: Cloning is not the same as installing a second APK-The system doesn't duplicate the program's executable code, it just creates an isolated space for the program's data, which saves space on the device, but imposes limitations. For example, you can not clone system applications or programs that block work in virtual environments (some banking applications or antiviruses).

⚠️ Note: On devices with unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, Dual Apps may not work smoothly. In some cases, cloned apps lose access to Google Play Services, leading to authorization errors.

What apps can be cloned in Xiaomi

The list of supported programs depends on the version MIUI Smartphone models, but in most cases available:

However, there are limitations:

• ❌ System applications (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be cloned.
• ❌ Some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block work in clones for security reasons.
• ❌ Annexes with DRM-protection (e.g. Netflix or Disney)+) They may not be launched in cloned form.
• ❌ Anti-cheat games (such as Call of Duty: Mobile) often ban accounts used in clones.

Interesting fact: in MIUI 13 and later, it was possible to clone even those applications that were not supported in the first place. ADB:

adb shell settings put global dual_app_force_list "com.example.app1,com.example.app2"

But be careful – not all programs work in this mode.

How to enable app cloning on Xiaomi

You can activate the Dual Apps function through standard settings. MIUI. This is a good guide for most models, including the Redmi Note. 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and other devices based MIUI 12/13/14.

Open the Settings. → Annexes|

Select Dual Apps (or Cloning Apps)|

Press the badge. + top-right|

Select the app from the list of supported|

Confirm the creation of the clone and wait for the installation|-->

Once activated, a new shortcut marked "Dual App" will appear on the home screen (usually with two circles at the bottom of the icon).

• 📌 Rename the clone (long press) → Rename).
• 🔕 Disable notifications for clone (in app notification settings).
• 🗑️ Remove the clone (long press) → Delete).
• 🔄 Update the clone separately from the original (via Google Play or Google Play) MIUI App Store).

If the list does not contain the desired application, try the following methods:

1. Update. MIUI Update: The list of supported programs expands with each update.
2. Install the application through APK (Not all Google Play apps support cloning).
3. Use it. ADB-command for forced addition (see section above).

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F4 or Redmi K50) Dual Apps can be hidden in regional firmware. To unlock it, change the region to India or China (via Settings) → Additionally. → Region).

Problems and mistakes in the cloning of applications

Despite the convenience, Dual Apps is not without bugs, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

One of the most frustrating mistakes is, "Dual App failed," which often occurs on root-access or modified firmware devices.

• 🔧 Disable Magisk or other modules related to virtualization.
• 📱 Reset the application settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting application settings).
• 🔄 Re-show the device to the official MIUI modificationless.

Another common complaint is that cloned games ban accounts, because many online games like Free Fire or Mobile Legends recognize virtual environments as cheating, and if you play on two accounts, use:

• 🎮 Official emulators (e.g. BlueStacks or MuMu Player) instead of Dual Apps.
• 🔄 Different devices for different accounts.
• 🛡️ VPN different IP-address for each clone.

💡

If the cloned application doesn't save data after the reboot, check if the power saving mode is on for it. Add the clone to the exception list in Settings → Battery → Energy conservation.

Hidden Dual Apps: What a Function Can Do Beyond Basic Cloning

Few people know, but Dual Apps is a MIUI It has several hidden features that go beyond just duplicating apps:

1. Isolated Notices: Starting with MIUI 12.5, you can adjust the sounds, vibrations and LED-The indication is separate for the original and the clone, for example, for a working Telegram set a quiet signal, and for a personal one - a loud one.
2. Separate Data Management: C Settings → Annexes → Dual Apps can only clear cache or data for clones without affecting the original.
3. Run clones in the background: Some applications (such as messengers) continue to run in the background even if the original is closed.
4. Multiple clone support: On devices with 8+ GB of RAM (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Black Shark 5) can create up to 3 clones of a single application through the use of the app. ADB.

Another useful feature is synchronizing clones between devices, so if you use Xiaomi Cloud, you can recreate the list of cloned apps (but not their data) when you log in to the same Mi Account on another smartphone.

1. Activate synchronization in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
2. Enable the option of Application Settings.
3. On the new device, log in to the same account and wait for the settings to be restored.

For advanced users, there is the ability to customize clones through ADB. For example, you can:

• 🔧 Change the clone icon:
• 📵 Turn off background activity for the clone:

Dual Apps: When Standard Cloning Is Not Enough

If the built-in Xiaomi feature is not suitable (for example, does not support the desired application or works unstable), you can consider alternative solutions:

If you need to clone system applications (such as Contacts or Messages), the only reliable way to do this is to use Island or Parallel Space with root access.

• ⚠️ It could disrupt the job. MIUI (For example, they'll stop coming. SMS).
• ⚠️ Some banking applications will refuse to work on the root device.
• ⚠️ The warranty on the device will be cancelled.

For games, the best solution would be BlueStacks or LDPlayer, Android emulators that allow you to run multiple copies of the game simultaneously on your PC, especially for Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, where Dual Apps often leads to a ban of an account.

💡

If you need to use two accounts in a banking app at the same time, it is better to refrain from cloning. Most banks block access when a virtual environment or root rights are detected.

Security and privacy: risks of app cloning

Using Dual Apps involves several security and privacy risks:

1. Data Leakage: Clone apps can have vulnerabilities, especially if they are not updated through Google Play.Attackers can exploit them to access your accounts.
2. Authorization conflicts: Some services (e.g. Google or Facebook) can block an account while simultaneously logging in from one of the same services. IP-address.
3. Xiaomi Data Collection: Dual Apps feature integrated into MIUI, What does it mean for the company to have access to information about your cloned apps.
4. Problems with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Clones may not receive SMS or push notifications to confirm entry.

To minimize the risks, follow these guidelines:

• 🔒 Use different passwords for the original and clone.
• 🛡️ Enable two-factor authentication (preferably through authenticator, not through a single-factor authentication). SMS).
• 🔄 Regularly update cloned applications manually.
• 🚫 Do not use clones to work with financial data (banks, cryptocurrency wallets).

Special attention should be paid to the permissions of cloned applications, which by default inherit all the permissions of the original, but they can be limited:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
2. Select a cloned application.
3. Click on Permissions and disable unnecessary permissions (such as access to contacts or location).

⚠️ Note: If you use cloned messengers for work, please note that some corporate security policies (such as Microsoft Teams or Slack) prohibit sign-in from uncertified devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app cloning in Xiaomi