Duplicate applications on Xiaomi Mi 9: a complete guide to solving typical problems

Owners of Xiaomi Mi 9 often face the need to use two accounts in the same app — be it messengers, social networks or games. Standard Android restrictions do not allow you to install the same program twice, but the manufacturer has provided several workarounds. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods for duplicating applications on the Mi 9, including the built-in features. MIUI and third-party solutions, and also analyze their pros and cons.

The feature of Xiaomi Mi 9 (codename cepheus) is to support proprietary technology Dual Apps, which is integrated into the shell. MIUI. However, not all users know that this feature does not work with all applications and has a limit on the number of clones, and after updating the system, settings can be reset, and some applications (for example, banking) block the work in cloned mode. We tested all methods on current versions. MIUI 12–14 and identified key nuances.

If you’re looking for a way to run a second WhatsApp, Telegram or VKontakte on one device, this is the guide for you, and if the standard methods didn’t work, we’ll detail alternatives using Parallel Space and other devices. ADB-teams, including the resolution of errors INSTALL_FAILED_DUPLICATE_PERMISSION, This is often the case with manual cloning.

1. built-in Dual Apps function in MIUI: step-by-step

The easiest and safest way to duplicate apps on the Xiaomi Mi 9 is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature (also known as "Dual Apps"). MIUI, It's starting with the 8th, and it doesn't require superuser rights:

• 🔹 It only works with pre-approved Xiaomi apps (the list can be expanded, but not all programs are supported).
• 🔹 Maximum number of clones – up to 4 (depending on version) MIUI).
• 🔹 Clone apps are marked with a special icon (orange label in the lower right corner of the icon).
• 🔹 Some functions (such as notifications or geolocation) may not work well.

To activate Dual Apps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
2. In the list, select the desired app (such as WhatsApp or Facebook) and click on the switch.
3. Confirm clone creation – the system will automatically install a second copy with a postfix in the title (for example, "WhatsApp: Account 2").
4. Launch a cloned application and log in under another account.

Check the MIUI version (must be at least 8.0)

Free up at least 500 MB of memory

Disable battery optimization for the target application

Make sure the app is not on the "No Cloning" list"-->

Important: If the app you want isn’t on the Dual Apps list, try updating it. MIUI Use alternative methods (described below) and note that cloned applications take up additional memory space and can slightly increase battery consumption.

⚠️ Warning: When you reset your phone to factory settings, all cloned apps will be removed. Backup through Dual Apps doesn't save clone data - you'll have to reconfigure them.

2 Parallel Space: a third-party solution for cloning any applications

If Dual Apps doesn’t support the right app, or you want to create more than 4 clones, Parallel Space, a popular virtualization application, will come to the rescue, creating an isolated sandbox in which you can run duplicate programs, including those that are blocked in Dual Apps (for example, banking or cheat-protected games).

The advantages of Parallel Space:

• 🔹 Supports unlimited clones (limited to device memory only).
• 🔹 Works with applications that are not supported by Dual Apps (e.g. SberBank Online, Tinder).
• 🔹 Allows you to customize notifications and permissions for each clone separately.
• 🔹 There is a function of blocking access by fingerprint or pattern lock.

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 Additional resources are required (RAM and CPU), What can affect productivity.
• 🔸 The free version shows ads and has a limit on the number of clones (up to 8).
• 🔸 Some applications (e.g, Pokémon GO) detect the virtual environment and block the launch.

Instructions for setting:

1. Download Parallel Space from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and provide all the necessary permissions (access to memory, overlay of windows, etc.).
3. In the main window, click Add Apps and tick the ones you want to duplicate.
4. Click Add to Parallel Space – the program will create clones with individual data.
5. Launch the cloned application from the Parallel Space interface and log in under the second account.

WhatsApp

Telegram

VKontakte

Instagram

Game (e.g. Clash of Clans)

Banking appendix

Other-->

Parallel Space creates a virtual environment with a separate Android space, which can cause conflicts with some system services (for example, Google Play Services). If the cloned application is unstable, try to enable High Compatibility Mode in the Parallel Space settings.

3. ADB Cloning: For Power Users

If the first two methods are not suitable (for example, due to limitations of Dual Apps or incompatibility with Parallel Space), you can use the application. ADB-This method requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to duplicate any application, including system applications.

Pre-launch warnings:

• 🔸 Requires the debugging on-line USB developer-setting.
• 🔸 Some commands may cause the application to crash (backup is recommended).
• 🔸 On some versions MIUI ADB-Cloning is blocked by security policies.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi Mi 9: Go to Settings → About the phone. 7 times press the version. MIUI, until the notice "You've become a developer" appears. → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.

Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (use the original cable for connection stability).

ADB Tools

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed; if not, check the drivers and permissions on your phone)

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'name packet'

(Replace the name of the package with the app name part, such as WhatsApp search name)

adb shell pm install --user 0 -r /path/to/base.apk

(where /path/to/base.apk — path APK-Application file that needs to be cloned)

To automate the process, you can use a script:

adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 0 com.whatsapp


adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 999 com.whatsapp

(where com.whatsapp is the batch name of the application, and --user 999 Creates a clone for the second user).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI The install-existing command may not work due to modified Android policies. In this case, try an alternative method by creating a second user on the system (Settings). → System → Multiple users, but note that this feature may be disabled on some versions. MIUI Xiaomi Mi 9 for the first time.

4. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a comparative table of all three ways to clone applications on Xiaomi Mi 9:

Selection recommendations:

• 🔹 If you want to clone WhatsApp, Facebook or another popular app, use Dual Apps (the easiest and most reliable way to do this).
• 🔹 For games, banking applications or if you need more than 4 clones, choose Parallel Space.
• 🔹 If you are a user and want full control, try it. ADB, Be prepared for possible mistakes.

💡

For most users of Xiaomi Mi 9, the best solution will be a combination of Dual Apps (for basic messengers) and Parallel Space (for other applications). ADB Use only in extreme cases when other methods do not work.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

When duplicating applications on Xiaomi Mi 9, users often face typical problems, and we have collected the most common errors and ways to fix them:

Error 1: Apps are not listed in Dual Apps

If the desired application is not in the list available for cloning:

• 🔹 Update. MIUI Update to the latest version (some apps are added to support with updates).
• 🔹 Check if the app is listed as “Hidden” or “Forbidden” in the Dual Apps settings.
• 🔹 Try reinstalling the app – sometimes it helps it appear on the list.

Error 2: Parallel Space does not run a cloned app

If the application in Parallel Space opens and closes immediately:

• 🔹 Enable High Compatibility in Parallel Space Settings.
• 🔹 Clear the cache and Parallel Space data in your phone settings.
• 🔹 Check if the antivirus or optimizer is blocking the virtual environment.
• 🔹 Some applications (such as Google Maps) require you to enable Mock Location in the developer settings.

Mistake 3: ADB Issues Device unauthorized"

This error means that your computer is not authorized to debug on your Xiaomi Mi 9:

1. Turn it off and plug it back in. USB-cable.
2. On the phone in the debugging permission request window, tick Always Allow from this computer and click Allow.
3. If the window does not appear, restart the phone and reconnect.

Error 4: The cloned app doesn't receive notifications

A common problem with Dual Apps and Parallel Space is missing notifications.

• 🔹 For Dual Apps: Go to Settings → Notifications → Notification settings for apps and enable notifications for clone.
• 🔹 For Parallel Space: In the program settings, enable the option to Show Notifications and add Parallel Space to the battery optimization exception list.
• 🔹 Check if Android-level notifications are disabled: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [clone] → Notifications.

💡

If the cloned app in Dual Apps stopped opening after the update MIUI, Try to remove the clone (Settings) → Dual Apps → Remove it and recreate it. Often, this solves the problem without resetting the phone.

6. Alternative methods: second user and virtual machines

If none of the above methods work, consider alternative app duplication options for Xiaomi Mi 9:

Method 1: Create a second user

Some versions MIUI It supports Multiple Users, which allows you to create a separate profile with your own apps and data, which is not really cloning, but allows you to use two accounts in the same application:

1. Go to Settings. → System system → Multiple users.
2. Click Add User and follow the instructions.
3. Switch to the second user and install the application again.

Restrictions: On some firmware MIUI Xiaomi Mi 9 has disabled this feature, and the second user does not have access to some system functions (for example, calls).

Method 2: Virtual machines (e.g., virtual machines, VMOS)

Apps like this VMOS They create a full-fledged virtual Android system inside your phone, and it allows you to install any application in an isolated environment, but it requires significant resources:

• 🔹 Pros: Complete isolation, the ability to use different versions of Android.
• 🔸 Cons: Strong load on the processor and battery, complexity of settings.

For installation VMOS:

1. Download. VMOS Pro from Google Play.
2. Launch the app and create a new virtual machine (it is recommended to choose Android 7.1 or 9.0 for better compatibility).
3. Inside. VMOS install the required applications through Google Play or APK-file.

Method 3: Applications with Multiple Account Support

Some apps initially support switching between accounts without cloning:

• 🔹 Telegram - built-in function of changing accounts (up to 3 pieces).
• 🔹 Twitter/Instagram — Official support for multiple profiles.
• 🔹 Gmail/Google Apps – Adding additional accounts in the settings.

Before you clone the application, check if it has built-in multi-accounting function – this will save the phone resources.

7. Optimization of the work of cloned applications

Duplicate apps can consume more memory and battery.To minimize the impact on Xiaomi Mi 9 performance, follow these tips:

Battery savings

• 🔹 For Dual Apps: Turn off background activity for clones in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 🔹 For Parallel Space: In the program settings, enable Power Saving mode and add it to the auto-cleaning memory exception list.
• 🔹 Use the Performance Mode in MIUI (Settings → Battery → Performance mode) to limit background activity.

Freeing Memory

• 🔹 Regularly clear the cache of cloned applications through Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔹 In Parallel Space, use the garbage cleanup function (available in the free version).
• 🔹 If you don’t use the clone for a long time, remove it to make room.

Security of data

Cloned apps can pose a security risk, especially if you use them to log in to banking services:

• 🔹 Never enter credit card details in cloned applications (even in Parallel Space).
• 🔹 For Dual Apps, enable Application Protection in MIUI (Settings → Confidentiality → Application protection).
• 🔹 Regularly check the permissions of cloned applications in Settings → Annexes → Permits.

💡

If you use cloned applications to work with sensitive data, it is recommended to disable access to contacts, location and other information. SMS. This will reduce the risk of information leakage in case of possible failures of the virtual environment.

FAQ: Frequent questions about duplicate applications on Xiaomi Mi 9