Duplicating apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that allows you to use two accounts of the same messenger, social network or games at the same time. For example, you can have separate WhatsApp profiles for work and personal purposes, or manage multiple accounts on Instagram without constantly re-loginizing. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to clone applications on devices with MIUI 14/15, including hidden settings and circumventing restrictions.
It's important to understand that not all apps support duplication because of developer policies. For example, Telegram and Viber officially ban multi-accounts in one client, but workarounds do exist. We'll also look at how to avoid common mistakes, such as Error 24 when installing a clone or the disappearance of a duplicate after a system update. If you use the Redmi Note 12 model, POCO X5 or the flagship Xiaomi 13 series, the instructions below will work for all of them - the difference is only in the location of some menu items.
1. Built-in dual applications function in MIUI
The easiest and safest way to duplicate applications on Xiaomi is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature, which is available on all devices with MIUI 8 and later, including the latest versions of MIUI 15. The feature does not require root rights and works stable, but has a limitation: not all programs are supported.
To activate cloning:
- Open Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
- In the list, find the desired app (such as WhatsApp or Facebook) and switch the switch to the right.
- Confirm the creation of a clone – a second icon with the icon “2” will appear on the desktop.
Note that some applications (such as banking or high-security) may not appear on the list, and in this case, you will have to use alternative methods, which will be discussed later.
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If there is no program in the list of Double Apps, try updating MIUI to the latest version – sometimes support is added in new releases.
2. Alternative methods: Island and Parallel Space
If the built-in MIUI function doesn't work (for example, you want to duplicate TikTok or Snapseed> that aren't officially supported), third-party apps will come to the rescue.
- 🔹 Island creates an isolated sandbox for cloning applications. Requires activation through Settings → Special facilities → Island. supports even banking apps, but may conflict with some versions MIUI.
- 🔹 Parallel Space is a universal solution for dubbing any program, including games. The free version shows ads, but there are premium options without restrictions.
Both applications have drawbacks:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Island | High stability, support for banking applications | Difficult setup may not work on some firmware |
| Parallel Space | Simple interface, supports games | Advertising in the free version, high battery consumption |
| Built-in Dual Applications | No installation, minimum resource consumption | Limited list of supported programs |
Before using third-party apps, check their compatibility with your Xiaomi model. For example, on POCO F5 Island may require additional settings in Settings → For developers.
3. Cloning through ADB (for power users)
If none of the previous methods worked, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for advanced users and allows you to duplicate almost any application, but requires a connection to the computer and enable the developer mode.
Instructions:
- Enable Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm install --user 0 -i "com.example.app" /path/to/apk (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the application).
Importantly, this method can cause an app or system to crash if it is not done correctly, such as dubbing Google Pay in this way often blocks access to payments.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Errors in duplication and their solutions
Even with official methods, users often face problems, and let's look at the most common ones:
- 🚫 Error 24 when installing a clone - occurs due to a conflict of signatures APK. Solution: Clear the Google Play Store cache and reboot your phone.
- 🚫 The clone icon disappeared after the update MIUI — Check the list of dual apps in the settings and recreate the clone.
- 🚫 The clone app does not open – remove both options (original and clone) and install it again.
If the problem persists, try resetting the app’s settings through Settings → Apps → App Management → [name] → Storage → Clear the data.
☑️ Pre-duplication verification
5. Features of duplication on different models Xiaomi
Despite the common MIUI firmware, some Xiaomi models have nuances when cloning applications.
- 📱 On the Redmi. 10/11 The “Dual Applications” function can be hidden in the Settings menu → Advanced settings → Confidentiality.
- 📱 Nana POCO X3/X4 sometimes need to be turned off MIUI Optimization in the developer settings for Island work.
- 📱 Xiaomi's flagships 13/14 support 4-x clones of one application (e.g, 4 WhatsApp account, but only through ADB.
Before you duplicate, check the space on the device — each clone takes up the same amount of memory as the original app. For example, Facebook weighs ~150 MB, and its clone will take up another similar amount.
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On devices with a Snapdragon chipset (e.g., POCO F5), duplication is more stable than on MediaTek (Redmi 9A).
6. Security and limitations
Duplicate applications can create privacy risks, especially if you use the same password for both accounts, for example, in a cloned Telegram, data leakage from one account can affect another, to minimize the risks:
- 🔒 Use different passwords for the original and clone.
- 🔒 Turn off autocomplete login / password in the browser for cloned applications.
- 🔒 Check the clone permissions in Settings regularly → Annexes → Permits.
Also remember that some applications (e.g. Google Authenticator or Bank Clients) block work in a cloned environment due to security policies.
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For banking applications, use official multi-profile solutions, for example, the “Second Entry” to SberBank Online.
7. How to remove a cloned application
If the duplicate is no longer needed, you can remove it in two ways:
- Through Settings → Settings → Apps → Dual Apps → select an unnecessary clone and click “Delete”.
- Manually: Press the clone icon on your desktop and drag it into the basket (like a regular app).
Note that when you delete a clone, all the data inside it (messages, media files) will be permanently erased. If you need to save information, first back up through Settings → System → Backup.