Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to use multiple accounts in one app, which may be due to the separation of work and personal correspondence or the need to manage several projects. Standard Android settings allow you to add multiple profiles, but do not always provide convenient access to notifications from both boxes at the same time.
Fortunately, the MIUI shell and its new HyperOS counterpart offer a unique application cloning feature that creates an independent copy of the program that runs parallel to the main one. In this article, we will detail how to set up a second Gmail on your device, what are the limitations, and how to optimize the dual-service system.
The process of activating this feature takes only a couple of minutes and does not require installing third-party software. However, there are nuances related to power consumption and displaying notifications that you need to know about in advance.
Why do we need to clone email services?
The main reason users are looking for a way to clone Gmail is to have a clear digital space division: When all emails come in one drawer, it's easy to get confused about the flow of information, and having a separate workmail app helps keep focus and avoid distracting personal messages during work hours.
In addition, some Google features may work more consistently when using a single instance of the app, such as when the main account is used to synchronize contacts and calendars for the whole family, and the second one is only needed for specific tasks or testing, cloning allows you to isolate synchronization processes, preventing data conflicts between different users.
It is also relevant for those who use different language settings or regions for different accounts. The standard mechanism for switching profiles in the Gmail application can sometimes work incorrectly when abruptly changing geolocation or network settings, while an isolated application works autonomously.
Compatibility check and system preparation
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure your version of the operating system supports cloning. In most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco models, this option is built in by default.
It is important to free up enough RAM. Running two instances of a heavy app like Gmail requires resources. If your smartphone has less than 4GB of RAM, the system can automatically close the background processes of the second application, which will delay notifications.
Make sure you have internet access and the Google account you plan to add to the second profile, and it is also recommended to upgrade the system components of Google Play Services to the latest version to avoid login errors.
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Before cloning, clear the cache of the main Gmail application through the storage settings to avoid possible conflicts when creating a copy.
Step-by-step activation instruction through settings
The process of creating a copy of the application in the MIUI shell is done through the system menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android, but the logic of actions remains the same. You do not need to download additional launchers or obtain root rights.
First, open the standard settings menu for your device. Scroll down to the section that manages installed programs. Different versions of the firmware may call it different, but the functionality remains the same.
Find App Cloning or Dual Apps. In some cases, this option is hidden inside the Apps or Special Features menu. If the settings search fails, use the search bar at the top of the settings screen and type in the word "clone."
☑️ Activation algorithm
Once the switch is activated, the system will label the second application on the desktop, and it will be marked with a special icon, usually in a yellow or blue square, so you can distinguish it from the original, which is the copy you will need to log in to under the second account.
Set up a second Google account
When a new icon appears on your desktop, launch it. You'll see the standard Gmail welcome window. Click Start or Sign in. The system will ask you to confirm that you want to add an account to this app.
Enter the account you want to use in the second profile. If the device has already logged in to that account through the Android system settings, the app may suggest selecting it from the list, but for complete isolation, it is better to re-enter the password.
In the process of setting up, the system can request permission to access contacts and calendars, and in order for the cloned application to work properly, these permissions must be granted, without which synchronization of emails and meetings will not work.
What if the system requires you to delete your account?
Optimizing notifications and work in the background
The most common problem with using cloned apps on Xiaomi is the lack of timely notifications. MIUI’s aggressive energy-saving system often kills the background processes of the second Gmail, considering them inactive.
To fix this, you need to manually adjust the battery settings. Press your finger on the cloned app icon and select About App, then go to Battery or Energy.
Select No Limits mode. This is a critical step that prevents the system from stopping the application to save power. Without this action, emails can only come when the application is open.
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No Limits mode in the battery settings is mandatory for the second Gmail to work smoothly, otherwise notifications will arrive with a delay or not at all.
Also check your autorun settings. In the security menu or in the application settings, look for Autostart and make sure the switch for cloned Gmail is active, which will allow the app to start immediately after the phone is turned on.
Comparison of methods: Cloning vs. Standard addition
Users often wonder whether it is better to use a built-in cloning feature or simply add a second account to the main application, both of which have their advantages and disadvantages, which are worth considering in the table below.
| Parameter | Cloning of applications | Adding an account to Gmail |
|---|---|---|
| Separation of notifications | Full, different icons. | United in one window |
| Battery consumption | Above (two trials) | Below (one process) |
| Confidentiality | High (separate entrance) | Medium (full list available) |
| Occupied seat | More (two copies of APK) | Minimum |
If you're critically interested in seeing the difference between email streams visually and being able to switch between them quickly, cloning is better, but if you're monitoring every megabyte of free memory and battery power, you'd better limit yourself to a standard profile addition.
Impact on memory
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Users may face a number of challenges in the process of operation, one of which is the inability to remove a cloned application in the usual way, and since it is a system function, the deletion is done through the same menu where the activation was performed.
Another problem is contact desynchronization. A cloned Gmail can try to upload all the contacts of the phone, creating duplicates. To avoid this, when you first set up the second profile, turn off the synchronization of contacts in the account settings, leaving only the mail and calendar.
Also, sometimes there is an error "Google Play services stopped" in the second profile, in which case you need to clear the data and cache not only of Gmail itself, but also the Google Play Services service for all users, you can do this in the application settings by selecting the appropriate option and clicking "Clear all data".
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If the second Gmail is unstable, try turning off traffic savings in your mobile internet settings for that particular app.
In conclusion, Xiaomi’s cloning feature is a powerful productivity tool that allows you to turn one smartphone into two devices in a software sense, and by setting up notifications and understanding how the system works, you can avoid the typical mistakes and enjoy a convenient separation of digital space.