The modern rhythm of life dictates its rules, requiring the user of the smartphone to constantly be present in several digital spaces at once. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices often face the need to use two accounts in the same messenger, for example, sharing a work and personal WhatsApp or Telegram. Fortunately, the built-in shell MIUI and its successor HyperOS offer a native tool for this task, which does not require the installation of dubious third-party programs.
The process of creating a copy of an application, known as cloning, allows two independent instances of the same program to run on the same device. Clone applications work in isolation: they have their own settings, cache and authorization data, which ensures maximum privacy and convenience. Unlike many competitors, Xiaomi implemented this feature at the system level, which guarantees stable operation even when used actively.
In this detailed guide, we will take a look at the nuances of App Cloner, how to activate duplication for popular social networks, how to create a clone for a game that is not supported by default, and what hidden features the menu of special features of the system opens up for the user.
The operating principle and system limitations of MIUI
Xiaomi’s shell cloning feature is based on application space virtualization technology, which creates an isolated container to copy the files of the selected program, and when a cloned version is launched, Android perceives it as a completely separate application with a unique identifier, which bypasses the standard operating system restrictions that prohibit the installation of two identical packages.
However, it is important to understand that not all programs are duplication-proof, the system algorithm checks the compatibility of the application before activating the function, most often restrictions concern banking programs and services with a high level of security, which can block work in a virtual environment to avoid fraud, and system restrictions can also occur when working with heavy graphics games that consume significant amounts of RAM.
It is important to note that the cloned application depends on the main one. If you delete the original, the copy will also be deleted automatically by the system, and notifications from cloned programs are marked with a special icon, which allows you to visually distinguish them in the notification curtain and on the lock screen.
⚠️ Cloning of resource-intensive applications such as navigators or heavy-duty 3D-games, can lead to accelerated battery discharge and heating of the device body due to double the load on the processor.
Standard activation via the settings menu
For most users, a standard set of supported applications will be enough. The activation process is as simple as possible and does not require deep technical knowledge. You need to open the Settings menu of your Redmi or Xiaomi smartphone and find the Applications section. Within this section, you should select Cloning of applications (in some versions of the firmware it may be called “Dual Apps”).
Once you log in, the system will offer a list of programs that you can duplicate, and usually the most popular messengers are present here: WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, as well as social networks. To activate, you just need to switch the slider opposite the desired name to the "On" position, the system automatically creates a copy, and a new icon with a characteristic icon in the corner will appear on the desktop.
If you don't find the right app on this list, don't despair. There's an advanced activation method that allows you to bypass the standard compatibility filter, which requires you to go to a special engineering menu through settings search, which we'll talk about in detail in the next sections. In the meantime, make sure that your main application is installed and updated to the latest version.
Extended cloning through a hidden menu
The standard list of supported applications in MIUI is often limited, but enthusiasts have found a way to activate the feature for any program, including games and services that are not in the basic list. This will require a search by settings and special code. Open Settings and in the search bar at the top, type the phrase “Cloning applications” (or “Dual applications” if the interface is in Russian).
When a search result appears, don't click on it right away. Instead, quickly click 10 times in a row on the app icon in the search results (or the text of the function name itself, depending on the version of MIUI). The screen should pop up---WIDGET:spoiler: What to do if the code doesn't work?: If after ten times pressing nothing happens, try to enter the query in English: "App Cloner" or "Dual apps." Also, the method may not work on the latest versions of HyperOS without additional modifications, as Xiaomi gradually closes these loopholes.------>
After successfully activating the hidden mode, new items will appear in the list of supported programs, including games and utilities that were previously unavailable. APK-This is especially true for gamers who want to run two copies. PUBG Call of Duty Mobile on the same phone to play with different accounts.
It is worth considering that forced cloning of unsupported applications can lead to unstable operation. Some programs can fly out at launch or incorrectly save data.
☑️ Pre-cloning testing
Comparison of methods: Staff funds vs Parallel Space
Users often wonder whether it is worth using Xiaomi’s built-in tools or whether it is better to install a third-party analogue like Parallel Space? Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, which directly affect the performance of the smartphone and usability.
The built-in MIUI function works at a deeper level of integration with the system, which means less power consumption in standby mode and faster loading of cloned applications. Also, you don't have to keep running the additional heavy shell process that often advertises its services. However, the functionality of the regular cloner is limited only to creating copies.
Third-party cloners, such as Parallel Space or 2Accounts, More flexible options, including changes GPS-The coordinates for each clone, the different design themes and the ability to clone multiple applications in one interface at a time, but that comes with a resource cost: these programs often contain ads and can slow down the device.
| Characteristics | MIUI's regular cloning | Third-party applications (Parallel Space) |
|---|---|---|
| Integration into the system | Deep, native. | Surface, through emulation. |
| Battery consumption | Low. | High. |
| Support for games | Limited to a list (expandable by code) | Almost any |
| Advertising | Absent. | Often present. |
| Stability | Tall. | Depends on the Android version |
Notification management and interface configuration
Once duplicates are created, it is important to properly configure them to avoid getting confused by the flow of information. Xiaomi’s system allows you to flexibly manage how notifications from cloned apps appear on the screen. You can customize individual sounds, vibrations, and even the appearance of icons for a second account.
To access these settings, go to Settings -> Notifications and Status bar -> Indicators in the app icons. Here you can turn on the digital unread message counter separately for the main and cloned application. Also, in the Sound and Vibration menu, you can assign a unique ringtone for incoming calls in the second WhatsApp to instantly understand where the call is coming from.
Special attention should be paid to permissions. A cloned application requests access to the camera, microphone and geolocation regardless of the main one. When you first run a copy, carefully check the requested permissions. The privacy of the second account depends entirely on what permissions you give it.
⚠️ Note: When you delete a cloned application, all the data inside it (correspondence, media files, game progress) will be permanently lost.
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Tip: To quickly distinguish icons, some launchers allow you to change their color or add text tags. Use widgets to directly access the chats of the second account on the home screen.
Solving common problems and errors
Despite the smooth process, users may face a number of common problems, including the inability to receive an SMS with a confirmation code in a second account, because both apps use the same phone number to sign up, but the system can block resending or auto-reading the code.
Another common mistake is to “depart” a cloned application when attempting to make a video call, often due to a lack of RAM or conflict of versions, in which case it is recommended to clear the cache of the cloned application through the Application menu -> Application Management -> Clone [Name] -> Memory -> Clear the cache.
If the clone has stopped receiving notifications in the background, check the power saving settings. For cloned applications, aggressive battery optimization is often enabled by default, which kills the process when the screen is turned off. You need to go to the battery settings and select the No Limits mode for the second instance of the program.
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Key takeaway: Most of the problems with cloned apps are solved by cleaning the cache, updating the main application to the latest version, or changing the power saving settings.
In conclusion, the app cloning feature on Xiaomi Redmi is a powerful productivity tool.Tune in the right way allows you to effectively manage two lives in the digital space without having to buy a second smartphone. Experiment with settings, but remember to consume your device’s resources wisely.