Duplicate applications on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide with 5 proven ways

Duplicating apps on Xiaomi Redmi is a useful feature that allows you to use multiple accounts on the same messenger, game or social network without having to buy a second phone. For example, you can manage both your work and personal WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram on the same device. However, not all users know that MIUI offers several ways to clone applications, from built-in tools to advanced methods using ADB.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for duplicating applications on Redmi (including the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5 and others), their pros and cons, as well as nuances that are important to consider. Special attention will be paid to the hidden MIUI settings that allow you to clone even those applications for which the official duplication function is disabled. If you have previously encountered errors like “failed to create a duplicate” or “Function is not available”, here you will find solutions.

1. Built-in "Duplicate Apps" function in MIUI

The easiest way is to use the standard MIUI tool available on most Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, which does not require super-user rights (root) and works out of the box. However, there are limitations: not all applications are supported, and some (for example, banking) can block work in duplicate mode.

To activate the function:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Duplicate applications.
2. Turn on the slider at the top of the screen (if the function is disabled).
3. Select apps from the list (e.g. VK, Facebook, TikTok).
4. Click “Duplicate” and wait for the copy to be created (the icon will appear on the desktop marked “Duplicate”).

⚠️ Important: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for global version) the list of supported applications can be reduced. If the desired messenger is not in the list, try updating the firmware or using alternative methods from the following sections.

Update the firmware to the latest version

Check the space available (needs ~200-500 MB for each duplicate application)

Turn off battery optimization for duplicate applications

Create a backup of data (via Settings → About Phone → Backup)

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2.The use of the "Second Space"

Second Space is a separate user profile in MIUI that works as a sandbox with its own apps, settings and data, and unlike duplication, it creates a full-fledged copy of the system where you can install any applications again, which is suitable if you need to not just duplicate the messenger, but completely separate the work environment from the personal environment.

How to set up:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Second Space (on some models, path: Settings) → Special facilities → Second Space).
• 📱 Click “Create Second Space” and follow the instructions (you need to set a password).
• 🔄 After creating, switch between swipe spaces down the lock screen (or through the notification bar).
• 📲 In the second space, install the desired applications through Google Play or MIUI App Store.

⚠️ Warning: Second Space consumes additional resources (up to 1-1.5 GB of memory) and can slow down the smartphone on weak models (Redmi) 9A, Also, some applications (e.g. banking) may block the entrance in the second space due to suspicions of fraud.

Built-in MIUI function

Second Space

The Appendix (Parallel Space, 2Accounts)

ADB or root methods

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Part of the cloning application (Parallel Space, 2Accounts)

If the built-in MIUI tools don't fit, you can use third-party utilities.

• 📱 Parallel Space creates a virtual environment for duplicate applications, supports games and social networks, but can slow down on weak smartphones.
• 🔄 2Accounts — It's a lightweight alternative with a minimalist interface. It doesn't require root, but some apps (like WhatsApp Business) may not run.
• 🛡️ Island (root only) is an advanced application isolation tool that allows you to duplicate even system utilities.

⚠️ Warning: Apps like Parallel Space may be suspicious of anti-cheaters in games (e.g., in the game). PUBG If you are duplicated with a game account, use Second Space or Free Fire. ADB-Methods – They are less visible to protection systems.

Instructions for Parallel Space:

1. Download the app from Google Play or APKPure (if it is blocked in your area).
2. Open Parallel Space and add the right applications to the virtual space.
3. Launch a duplicate application and log in under another account.

💡

If the duplicate application doesn’t run, try clearing its cache through Settings → Apps → Select App → Storage → Clear the cache.

Duplicate through ADB (without root)

A method for advanced users that allows you to clone any application, even those that are not supported by the built-in MIUI function. You need a computer and enabled debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

ADB Tools

Win + R → cmd

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified.

com.example.app

com.whatsapp

adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 0 com.example.app

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Google Play Services) may not be duplicated through the ADB. Also after the update MIUI Duplicates may disappear, they will have to be recreated.

5.Duplicate with root and island

If you have root rights, the most reliable way to do this is to use Island, which creates a Work Profile where you can duplicate any application, including the system, and it's a method that works for Redmi with the bootloader unlocked.

Instructions:

1. Install Island from Google Play or the official website.
2. Open the application and click “Create a Work Profile”.
3. In the list, select the cloning applications and confirm the transfer.
4. Duplicate apps will appear in a separate menu with the Island icon.

⚠️ Important: On some firmware MIUI Island may conflict with Second Space. If duplicate apps don't work, turn off Second Space in settings.

💡

Root methods give you maximum freedom, but they take away warranties and increase security risk, and only use them if other methods do not work.

Addressing problems in duplication

Even after successful cloning, errors can occur.

• 🚫 «Failed to create a duplicate" - check if there is enough space on the device (need a minimum of 500 MB of free memory.
• 🔄 Duplicate disappeared after the update MIUI — take advantage ADB-Recreate the duplicate through the Settings → Annexes → Duplicate applications.
• 📵 No notifications arrive in a duplicate app – open notification settings for duplicate and enable all permissions manually.
• 🔒 The banking application blocks the entry in duplicate mode – use Second Space or refuse to duplicate (banks often block virtual environments).

If the duplicate app is not updated through Google Play, download it. APK-The latest version file from the official website and install it manually.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app duplication on Xiaomi Redmi