The dual app feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to create full copies of instant messengers, social networks and other programs โ the ideal solution for separating personal and work correspondence or managing multiple accounts in one device. Despite the obvious benefits, many users face problems when activating: the feature can be hidden in settings, not available on some models or requires additional manipulation.
In this article, we will discuss all ways to include dual applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO โ From the standard method through settings to workarounds for devices with limited functionality, we will pay special attention to the nuances of the function on the latest versions. MIUI 14/15, And we'll also tell you how to avoid the typical setup errors, and if you want to use two WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram on the same phone, read on.
What are dual applications and why do they need them?
Dual Apps (sometimes called App Cloning) creates a full-fledged second copy of the program with a separate cache, data, and notifications, not just a shortcut on the desktop, but a real duplicate of the application that:
- ๐ Works in parallel with the original without conflict
- ๐ฑ Has its own settings and data (for example, another account in the VK)
- ๐ Receive notifications regardless of the main application
- ๐ Can be protected by a separate password or fingerprint
Main use cases:
- ๐ผ Separation of work and personal correspondence in one messenger (for example, two Telegrams with different numbers)
- ๐ฎ Managing multiple accounts in games (such as Clash of Clans or Brawl Stars)
- ๐ Testing Application Functions Without Risk for the Main Profile
- ๐ Use of regional versions of services (for example, TikTok for different countries)
Itโs important to understand that dual apps donโt replace multiplayer on Android, they work within a single user profile but with isolated data, and itโs also worth considering that some apps (like banking apps) may block the cloned version for security reasons.
The official way to enable through settings MIUI
On most Xiaomi devices, the dual app function is activated via the standard menu. MIUI 12โ15, including Redmi Note 12 models, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others. Follow the steps:
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to the Appendix section โ Dual applications. Some firmware may have different paths: Settings โ Special facilities โ Dual annexes.
- In the list, select the app you want to create a copy for (such as WhatsApp or Facebook).
- Click Activate and confirm the creation of a dual application.
After activation, a second icon of the selected application will appear on the desktop with a small icon "2" in the lower right corner, and you can now log in to another account or use the program in parallel with the original.
Check the MIUI version (must be at least 12)
Free up at least 500 MB of memory
Make sure the app supports cloning
Disable battery optimization for the original application-->
If the Double Apps section is not in the settings, this may mean:
- ๐ฑ The device does not support the function (relevant for budget models such as Redmi). A1 or POCO C50).
- ๐ง The function is disabled by the manufacturer for your region (for example, on global firmware for Europe).
- ๐ ๏ธ Update required MIUI last-minute.
How to check for dual app support on your model?
Alternative methods for incorporating dual applications
If the standard method didn't work, try one of the alternative methods. They're suitable for devices where the function is hidden or disabled by default.
Method 1: Through a Hidden Developer Menu
On some firmware MIUI Double applications can be activated through the developer menu:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings โ About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Back to Settings โ Additionally. โ For developers.
- Find the option Double Apps (may be called Parallel Apps) and activate it.
- Restart the device and check for partition in the main settings.
Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for advanced users)
If the function is locked at the firmware level, it can be unlocked through ADB. For that:
- Install Platform Tools on your PC.
- Connect your phone to your computer and enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
- Open the command line in the folder with ADB Enter: adb shell settings put global multi_user_dual_app_support 1
- Reset the device.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Use ADB This can cause the system to be unstable if you type the wrong command.
Method 3: Third-party launchers with cloning support
If none of the methods worked, try installing an alternative launcher, such as:
- Parallel Space creates a virtual space for cloning applications.
- 2Accounts โ Specialized launcher for managing multiple accounts.
- Island โ isolates applications in a separate profile (requires root).
These solutions do not replace the built-in function. MIUI, But you can do the same thing, but you can do it with third-party launchers:
- ๐ข Slow down the device due to additional load.
- ๐ Requires broad permission (risk of data leakage).
- ๐ฐ Contain advertising or paid functions.
List of apps that support cloning on Xiaomi
Not all programs can be duplicated through Dual Apps. Xiaomi limits the list of supported applications for security and stability reasons. The table below is an up-to-date list of programs that can be cloned on most devices with a high-end design. MIUI 14/15:
| Category | Annexes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Messengers | WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Facebook Messenger, WeChat | WhatsApp requires a separate application SIM-card. |
| Social media. | Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, VK | Instagram can block cloned versions when logged in frequently. |
| Games | Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars, Free Fire, PUBG Mobile | Some games (such as Genshin Impact) do not support cloning. |
| Mail and clouds | Gmail, Outlook, Yandex Mail, Google Drive | The cloned versions may not sync with the main account. |
| Others. | Uber, Google Maps, Spotify, Netflix | Netflix may restrict access to content in a cloned app. |
If the app is not listed, it doesn't mean it can't be cloned. Sometimes support is added after the update. MIUI Or through third-party utilities to check the current list on your device:
- Open the Settings. โ Dual annexes.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update list.
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If you need to clone an app that isnโt on the list, try installing it first. APK-You can manually file and then create a dual version, and sometimes it works for little-known programs.
Typical problems and their solutions
When using dual applications, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Double application is not installed
If you have an error when activating "You failed to create a dual application", try:
- ๐ Restart the device and try again.
- ๐๏ธ Clear the cache and data of the original application in Settings โ Annexes.
- ๐ฅ Update the app to the latest version via Google Play.
- ๐ต Make sure there is enough free space on the device (at least 1 GB is recommended).
Problem 2: Notifications donโt come in a dual app
If the cloned version does not receive notifications:
- Check notification settings for dual application in Settings โ Notifications.
- Turn off battery optimization for it in Settings โ Battery โ Optimizing the battery.
- Make sure that notifications are allowed in the app settings (such as WhatsApp).
Problem 3: The dual app is constantly crashing
The reasons for the unstable operation of the cloned version:
- ๐ Lack of RAM (close background applications).
- ๐ Conflict with the original app (try reinstalling both versions).
- ๐ ๏ธ An outdated version MIUI (firmware update).
โ ๏ธ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block the cloned version for security reasons.
Problem 4: The Double App icon is missing
If after the reboot the cloned app icon is missing:
- Check the Double Apps folder on your desktop (sometimes icons are grouped automatically).
- Go to Settings. โ Double Apps and Make Sure the Function is Still Active.
- If the application is disabled, activate it again.
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Before you delete the original app, always disable the dual version in the settings, otherwise the cloned version will also be deleted and its data lost.
How to remove the double application
If the cloned version is no longer needed, it can be removed in two ways:
Method 1: Through the MIUI settings
- Open the Settings. โ Dual annexes.
- Find the desired app in the list and click on the switch to turn it off.
- Confirm the deletion of data (if necessary).
Method 2: Through the application menu
- Find the double app icon on your desktop.
- Press it with your finger and drag it to the top of the screen where the words โDeleteโ appear.
- Confirm the action.
Once deleted, all the cloned application data (messages, media files, settings) will be permanently erased. If you need to save information, pre-restore through the app menu (if this feature is supported).
If the original app icon disappeared from the desktop after deleting the dual version, don't panic - the program didn't leave. Just find it in the menu of all apps and return it to the screen.
Comparison of dual applications with other multi-accounting methods
Dual Apps isnโt the only way to manage multiple accounts on Xiaomi, but letโs look at the alternatives and their features:
| Method | Pluses | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Apps (Dual Apps) | Built-in function, does not require root, stable operation | Limited list of supported applications | Messengers, social networks, games |
| Multiplayer Android Mode | Complete data isolation, support for all applications | It is difficult to switch between profiles, not all functions are available | Working telephones, family use |
| Third-party launchers (Parallel Space) | Supports any applications, additional functions | Slows down the device, the risk of data leakage | Testing, temporary use |
| Virtual machines (VMOS) | Full Android Emulation, Root Support | High resource consumption, complex setup | Developers, Advanced Users |
For most users, dual apps remain the optimal solution because of the balance between usability and performance, but if you need to manage more than two accounts or use programs that are not supported, you can use the same. MIUI, Consider the alternatives.