Cloning apps on Xiaomi Redmi is not just a convenient feature for separating work and personal accounts, but also a way to test different versions of programs without risk for the main profile. Owners of Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or POCO X5 smartphones often face the need to duplicate messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), social networks or games - and here the built-in MIUI tools or third-party solutions come to the rescue.
In this article, we will look at all the current cloning techniques, from the standard dual apps feature in MIUI to using Parallel Space and Island (for advanced users), focus on compatibility with the latest versions of Android 14 and MIUI 15, and bypass the typical bugs that make cloning may not work. If you want to run two VK or Instagram accounts on the same phone, read on.
1. Built-in Dual Applications function in MIUI: step-by-step instruction
The easiest way to clone an app on Xiaomi Redmi is to use the built-in Dual Apps tool, which is available on all devices with MIUI 9 and later, including the latest firmware for the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and Redmi K60.
To activate duplication:
- Open the Settings → Applications.
- Select Dual Applications (in some versions of MIUI, the item is called Application Cloning).
- In the list, find the app you want (like WhatsApp or Facebook) and turn on the switch next to it.
- Confirm the creation of a clone – a new icon with an icon will appear on the desktop ⧉.
Limitations of the method:
- 🔄 Not all applications work (for example, banking programs often block cloning).
- 📱 It takes up additional memory (the clone creates a separate gerbil for the data).
- 🔒 Some functions (such as notifications) may not work well.
Make a backup copy of the data of the main application
Check the vacant space (minimum 500 MB)
Update MIUI to the latest version
Disable battery optimization for cloned app-->
⚠️ Attention: Redmi with Android 14 and MIUI 15 Dual applications can be hidden. To find it, search the settings for "double».
2 Parallel Space: How to clone apps through a third-party launcher
If the built-in MIUI feature doesn’t support the right application (like TikTok or AliExpress), Parallel Space, a popular virtual space launcher, will come to the rescue, which works even on non-root devices and supports Android 13/14.
Installation instructions:
- Download Parallel Space from Google Play (or APKCombo if the app is blocked in your area).
- Run the program and provide all the necessary permissions (access to memory, overlay of windows, etc.).
- In the main menu, click Add Apps and select the ones you want to clone.
- Create a new space (New Space → Standard Mode).
The advantages of Parallel Space:
- 🎯 Supports cloning of any applications, including games and banking services (but with reservations).
- 🔐 You can set up a separate password for the virtual space.
- 📲 It works on Redmi with all versions. MIUI (including MIUI for POCO).
| Parameter | Dual Apps (MIUI) | Parallel Space |
|---|---|---|
| Root is required. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Support for banking applications | ❌ Limited. | ⚠️ Partially (depends on the bank) |
| Memory expenditure | Low. | High (up to 1 GB) |
| Compatible with MIUI 15 | ✅ Complete. | ✅ Complete. |
⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g., SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may block Parallel Space because of security policies.In this case, try Island (Section 4).
Telegram
VK
Other-->
3.Cloning through Island: for advanced users
Island is a utility for creating isolated work profiles based on Android for Work. Unlike Parallel Space, it doesn't create a virtual machine, but instead uses Android's built-in mechanisms, making it more stable and secure, but it will require a root or unlocked bootloader to work properly.
How to set up Island:
- Install Island from Google Play.
- Activate the working profile mode in the application settings.
- Move the desired applications to an isolated profile through the Application Management menu.
- Set up rules for accessing notifications, contacts and files.
Features of Island:
- 🛡️ High security: the data in the work profile is completely isolated from the main system.
- 🔧 Requires root for some functions (e.g., app freezes).
- 📵 Could be in conflict with MIUI Optimization – Disable it in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 5 times tap to unlock).
What if Island doesn’t see the app?
4.Cloning through ADB: for tech-savvy
If you're not afraid of the command line, you can clone apps using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that works on any Xiaomi Redmi device, but requires a computer connection and USB debugging enabled.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm install -r -i "com.android.vending" -t /path/to/app.apk (substitute /path/to/app.apk path APK-file).
- To create a second user (if you need a full data separation) use: adb shell pm create-user --profileOf 0 CloneUser
Warnings:
- 🖥️ Required. ADB Basic knowledge of working with the command line.
- 🔌 If used incorrectly, you can damage data or reset settings.
- 📵 Not all apps support multiplayer (e.g. Google Play Games).
💡
Before working with ADB, back up your data through Settings → Memory → Backup. This will save your data if something goes wrong.
5.Cloning through Appas Clones (2Accounts, Multi Parallel)
If previous methods don’t work, you can use specialized cloner applications like 2Accounts or Multi Parallel, which are based on the principle of virtual machines, but optimized for Xiaomi and other brands.
How to use 2Accounts:
- Download the app from Google Play or APKPure.
- Provide access to Special Opportunities (required for window overlay).
- Add the app to the list for cloning and create a short label.
Comparison of popular cloners:
| Annex | Free version | Support for MIUI 15 | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2Accounts | ✅ Yes (with advertising) | ✅ Complete. | Medium. |
| Multi Parallel | ❌ No (3-day trial) | ✅ Complete. | High-pitched |
| Parallel Space Lite | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partial (notification bugs) | Low. |
⚠️ Cloner apps can slow down your phone if multiple virtual spaces are running at the same time. Redmi with 4GB of RAM recommends using no more than 2 clones at a time.
Problem Solving: Why doesn't cloning work?
Even on new Xiaomi Redmi devices (such as the Redmi 13C or POCO X6 Pro), app cloning can fail.
Problem 1: Dual applications don’t have the right application.
- 🔍 Check if the app supports cloning (some, like Snapchat, block the feature).
- 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version – in old firmware, the list of supported applications is limited.
- 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
Problem 2: The clone does not receive notification.
- 🔔 Check notification settings for the cloned application (Settings) → Notifications → Dual annexes).
- 🚫 Turn off battery optimization for clone (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
- 🔄 Reinstall the clone through Double Apps.
Problem 3: Parallel Space or Island is out.
- 📵 Make sure your phone has enough free memory (at least 1 GB).
- 🔧 Clear the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Parallel Space → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
- 📱 Check compatibility with your version of Android (for example, Parallel Space may not work on Android 14 without an update).
💡
If cloning doesn’t work on Redmi with MIUI Global, try switching to MIUI China (via firmware) – Dual Apps features are often extended in the Chinese version.
7.Security: Risks of App Cloning
App cloning is a convenient tool, but it also carries security risks, especially for banking apps, instant messengers and social media.
Major threats:
- 🔓 Data Leak: Virtual spaces (like Parallel Space) could be vulnerable to attacks if phone is hacked.
- 📵 Account Blocking: Some services (such as WhatsApp or WhatsApp) VK) You can block your account for suspicious activity from a clone.
- 📱 Performance: Multiple clones work simultaneously to reduce phone speed and drain battery.
How to minimize the risks:
- 🔐 Use Island instead of Parallel Space for sensitive apps (banks, instant messengers).
- 📵 Do not clone applications with two-factor authentication (2FA) — This can lead to a blockage.
- 🔄 Update regularly MIUI and cloning applications up to the latest versions.
⚠️ Warning: Redmi with an unlocked bootloader has a higher risk of data leakage. If you use cloning to work with financial applications, go back to standard firmware.