Where cloned applications are stored on Xiaomi: hidden folders and secure management

The function of cloning applications (Dual Apps) on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones POCO It allows you to create two independent copies of instant messengers, social networks or games under different accounts, but where are the duplicate files physically stored? Why do they take up extra memory space, and can they be safely deleted without losing data? In this article, we will analyze in detail the structure of storage of cloned applications, hidden system folders and the nuances of working with them on different versions. MIUI.

Many users face a problem: cloned applications take up 1.5-2 times more space than the originals, but it is impossible to find their files through a standard file manager. These containers are hidden from the user and are controlled by the system at a low level, and we'll show you how to access them, both through built-in tools and through the use of the system. ADB.

It’s important to understand that removing cloned applications files directly from system folders can cause crashes. So we’ll also look at safe cleanups, official duplicate removal methods, and alternative solutions to save space. If you use cloning to work with multiple accounts on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook, this information will help optimize the device’s memory without risking losing important data.

How does the cloning of applications work in MIUI: technical

Dual Apps function in MIUI It's based on Android Work Profile technology, but with its own modifications from Xiaomi. When you clone an app, it creates a second copy of it with a unique user. ID (This mechanism allows applications to run in parallel without data conflicts.

Key features of storage:

• 📁 Isolated folders: Each clone gets its own directory in the /data/user/{user_id}/, where cache, settings and media files are recorded.
• 🔒 Access protection: folders are hidden even for rooted devices without special rights.
• 🔄 Data Duplication: Cache and media (photo, video) are stored separately for the original and clone, which increases the space occupied.
• 📱 Multi-account support: Clone apps can use different Google accounts or phone numbers.

For example, if you cloned WhatsApp, its files will be stored in two places:

/data/data/com.whatsapp/ # Original Appendix


/data/user/10/com.whatsapp/ # Cloned Application (user_id=10)

And the way is /data/user/10/ Unavailable through a standard File Manager – you will need root rights to view it. ADB.

Where exactly cloned application files are stored: paths and structures

The duplicate application files are distributed across multiple system folders, and their location depends on the version. MIUI The overall structure is maintained, and the following is a current list of ways for modern Xiaomi smartphones (2022-2026.).

Examples of real ways for popular applications:

• 💬 WhatsApp: Original: /data/data/com.whatsapp/ and /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/ Clone: /data/user/10/com.whatsapp/ and /storage/emulated/10/WhatsApp/
• 📷 Instagram: Original: /data/data/com.instagram.android/ Clone: /data/user/10/com.instagram.android/

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To find out user_id In the cloned application, use the command adb shell pm list users. 10 for the first clone and 11 second.

Important nuance: folders in /storage/emulated/{user_id}/ They can be hidden even for root-access applications. They require you to manually mount the partition through the root-access application. ADB Or use specialized file managers like Mixplorer with superuser mode enabled.

How to Access Cloned Application Files

Standard means MIUI You can't see duplicate applications, but there are a few ways to access them, from the official to the technical.

Method 1: Dual Apps (official method)

The safest but most limited option is:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
2. Select a cloned app (such as WhatsApp (2)).
3. Press Warehouse. → Management of space.
4. Here you will see the amount of data taken and you can clear the cache.

Cons: This method does not show specific files, but only their overall size.

Method 2: Use of ADB (for power users)

If you have debugging enabled USB, can be used ADB file-view:

adb shell


su




ls /data/user/10/ # Viewing folders of cloned applications




cd /storage/emulated/10/Android/data/com.whatsapp/files/




ls -la

To copy files to the PC:

adb pull /storage/emulated/10/WhatsApp/Media/ ~/Downloads/whatsapp_clone_media/

Enable debugging over USB in Developer Settings

Install ADB drivers on PC

Connect your phone to your computer via USB

Allow debugging on the smartphone screen-->

Method 3: File Managers with root access

Applications like Mixplorer, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer can display hidden folders if you:

• 🔓 The device has root rights.
• 📂 In the manager settings included display of hidden and system files.
• 🔧 Superuser mode activated (in Mixplorer: Settings) → Show hidden files → Turn on the Root).

How to securely delete cloned application files

Removing duplicate applications directly from system folders is fraught with failures. Instead, use official methods or proven workarounds.

Method 1: Remove from Dual Apps

The most reliable way:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
2. Click on the basket icon next to the unwanted clone.
3. Confirm removal.

The system will automatically clean all associated files, including cache and media.

Method 2: Resetting a clone to factory settings

If the app is buggy but you don’t want to delete it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
2. Select the problem clone and click Clear Data.
3. This will delete all settings and files, but save the very copy of the application.

💡

Never remove folders of cloned applications manually through root or ADB, if you don't know the exact package_name. This can lead to errors in the operation of other applications or even to bootloop (locking the system boot).

Method 3: Cleaning the cache without removing the clone

To make room without losing data:

1. Go to the Settings → Storage → Cleanup.
2. Select Other apps and find cloned apps (like Telegram (2)).
3. Press Clear cache.

This will delete temporary files, but save chats, media and settings.

⚠️ Note: If you delete the cloned app through Settings → Annexes → Delete (and not through Dual Apps), the system can leave behind the "junk" in the form of folders with data, in which case you will need to use the complete cleaning to remove the data. ADB root.

How to transfer files between original and cloned applications

Sometimes users want to move chats, media, or settings from the original app to a clone (or vice versa), such as not reuploading photos to WhatsApp or setting up Telegram from scratch. Here's how to do it safely.

Transfer of media files (photos, videos, documents)

Media files are stored in open folders, so they can be copied manually:

1. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager.
2. Go to the folder of the original application, for example: /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Media/
3. Copy the files to a similar clone folder: /storage/emulated/10/WhatsApp/Media/

For Telegram, the path will be like this: /storage/emulated/0/Telegram/Telegram Images/ → /storage/emulated/10/Telegram/Telegram Images/.

Database transfer (chats, messages)

This method is risky and requires caution:

1. With help. ADB or root manager copy the database file from: /data/data/com.whatsapp/databases/msgstore.db into /data/user/10/com.whatsapp/databases/msgstore.db
2. Make sure that the file access permissions are saved (chmod 660 msgstore.db).
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Transferring databases between the original and the clone can lead to conflicts if they use different accounts. For example, on WhatsApp, this will cause a phone number check error!

Synchronization through the cloud

The most reliable way is to use built-in backup functions:

• 📱 WhatsApp: Settings → chat → Backup (saves chats in Google Drive).
• ☁️ Telegram: Cloud chats are synchronized automatically when you log in to your account.
• 📷 Instagram: Media can be re-downloaded and settings synced through Facebook account.

Memory Optimization: How to Reduce the Weight of Clone Apps

Clone applications can take up gigabytes of memory, especially if messengers or social networks are actively used, here are a few ways to reduce their appetite.

1. Disabling Automatic Media Downloading

In messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram:

• 📥 Open the settings of the cloned application.
• 🔧 Find the Storage and Data section or Autoload Media.
• 🚫 Turn off automatic uploading of photos, videos and documents.

2. Hand-cleaning the cache

Regularly clean the cache of cloned applications:

adb shell pm clear --user 10 com.whatsapp # Clear WhatsApp clone data

Or through Settings. → Annexes → [Pick a clone] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

3. Transfer of media to SD-card (if supported)

Some applications (for example, Telegram) allow you to save media to an external drive:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. In the Telegram settings, select the Download Folder.
3. Show the way. SD-map, for example /storage/1234-5678/Telegram/.

4. Use of lightweight versions of applications

To save space, install Lite versions of applications:

• 💬 WhatsApp Business instead of WhatsApp (takes up less space).
• 📷 Facebook Lite or Messenger Lite.
• 🎵 Spotify Lite for Music.

💡

If you only use cloning for a second instant messenger account, consider alternatives like Parallel Space or Island, which create isolated environments but allow you to manage storage flexibly.

Frequent problems with cloned applications and their solutions

Xiaomi users often encounter bugs when working with Dual Apps. Let’s consider the typical errors and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: The clone is not updated through Google Play

Clone apps are not automatically updated, as Google Play does not see them as separate entities.

• 🔄 Update the clones manually by downloading APK from official websites (for example, whatsapp.com/android).
• 📦 Use APKMirror or APKPure to download current versions.
• 🔧 Install App Cloner from Google Play – it creates updated copies.

Problem 2: The clone takes up too much space

If the cloned app has swelled to several gigabytes:

1. Check the folder. /storage/emulated/{user_id}/Android/data/{package_name}/cache/ — Temporary files are often stored there.
2. Clear the cache through Settings → Annexes → [Clone] → Warehouse.
3. If the media files are the problem, transfer them to your PC or cloud and then delete the local copies.

Problem 3: The clone doesn't open after the update MIUI

After major system updates, cloned applications may stop working.

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📥 Remove and clone the app through Settings → Dual Apps.
• 🔧 If the problem persists, reset the clone settings (Clear the data in the app settings).

Problem 4: Notifications do not come to the cloned app

Frequently complaining about WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber.

• 🔔 Notification permissions: Settings → Notifications → [Appendix clone].
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Add a Clone to the List with No Limits in Settings → Battery.
• 📵 Do Not Disturb: Make sure it doesn’t block notifications for the second profile.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after resetting to factory settings, cloned applications may disappear from the Dual Apps menu. MIUI until the latest version or reset the settings again, but without cleaning the internal storage.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions