How to clone apps on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: from Parallel Apps to ADB

Cloning apps on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a challenge that users who want to use multiple accounts in the same messenger, play games with different profiles or test apps in an isolated environment. Unlike flagship models with MIUI 12+, where the duplication function is built in by default, owners of the Redmi Note 7 (released in 2019) often have to resort to workarounds. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard tools to methods using ADB and third-party utilities.

It is important to consider that the cloning capabilities depend on the MIUI version (10 to 14) and the bootloader unlock status. For example, in firmware based on Android 9 Pie (the original version for Redmi Note 7), Parallel Apps may not be available or work with restrictions. We tested all methods on real devices and identified those that are guaranteed to work without the risk of “bricking” the smartphone.

1.Standing Parallel Apps: Limitations and Opportunities

The easiest way to clone applications on the Redmi Note 7 is to use the built-in Parallel Apps feature (some versions of MIUI call Dual Apps), which is available in firmware starting with MIUI 8, but its availability and supported applications depend on the regional version of the software.

To check the availability of the function:

1. Open Settings → All settings → Special features.
2. Scroll down and find the Parallel Apps section (or Dual Apps).
3. If there is no partition, try updating MIUI to the latest stable version for Redmi Note 7 (current for 2026 – MIUI 14 based on Android 12).

The list of supported applications is limited: usually WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and some system utilities, and alternative methods will be required to clone other programs.

⚠️ Note: In some regional firmware (e.g. India or China), Parallel Apps may be disabled by the manufacturer. ADB — We will tell you about this in section 4.

2.Cloning through Island (Sandbox): isolation without root

Island is a sandbox application that works without superuser rights on Android 8.0+ devices. It uses built-in Work Profile mechanisms to duplicate applications in a separate space.

Instructions for setting:

1. Download Island from Google Play.
2. When you first start, click Setting → Create a profile.
3. In the list of applications, select the ones you want to clone and click Install.
4. After installation, open Island from the app menu – duplicates will appear there.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Security: Apps on Island are completely isolated from the main system.
• 📱 No root: runs on standard firmware Redmi Note 7.
• 🔄 Flexibility: Any application can be cloned, even those that are not supported by Parallel Apps.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Not all applications work properly in Work Profile (for example, some banking programs block startup).
• 📶 Notifications from cloned applications may be duplicated.

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If Island doesn’t see the cloning app, try installing the original version first, then upgrading Island to the latest version and restarting your smartphone.

3. Use of third-party launchers with cloning support

Some alternative launchers (like Nox Launcher or Parallel Space Lite) offer built-in tools for duplicating applications. They don’t require root rights, but their functionality is limited compared to ADB or Island.

Example of settings in Parallel Space Lite:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select Standard (no root) mode.
3. Add the apps to the list for cloning via the + button.
4. Run a duplicate from the launcher interface.

Features of the method:

• 🎯 Suitable for cloning games and social networks, but may not work with system utilities.
• 🛡️ The data of cloned applications is stored in an encrypted container.
• ⚠️ Some launchers show advertisements or collect telemetry.

4.Cloning through ADB: Advanced features without root

If your MIUI version has disabled Parallel Apps, you can activate it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that does not require superuser rights, but requires command-line operation.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times) → Additional → For developers).
2. Connect the Redmi Note 7 to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
3. Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder.
4. Open the command line in this folder and type:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'application package'

(Replace the application package with the package name, such as com.whatsapp for WhatsApp.)

1. Activate cloning for the selected application:

adb shell settings put global multi_app_clone_allowed_list "com.whatsapp,com.facebook.orca"

(Please list the packages by comma.)

1. Reboot your smartphone. Parallel Apps will then have new cloning apps.

USB | Installed drivers ADB| Downloaded package platform-tools|App package name Verified |Data backup made-->

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause a system failure. on the Redmi Note 7 MIUI 10 if you enter the settings put global command incorrectly, you can reset your network settings - check backups before starting.

5. Root-Right Cloning: App Cloner and Analogues

If your Redmi Note 7 has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk (or other root rights manager) is installed, you can use App Cloner, the most flexible solution for duplicate applications, which allows you not only to create copies, but also to modify them (for example, change permissions or disable ads).

Instructions:

1. Install App Cloner from Google Play.
2. Provide root access at the first start.
3. Select the app from the list and click Clone.
4. Configure the duplicate settings (name, icon, permissions) and confirm the creation.

Advantages:

• 🛠️ Full control over the cloned application (you can turn off background activity, change it) DPI etc.).
• 🔄 Support for automatic duplicate updates.
• 📦 Possibility of exporting/importing clone settings.

Risks:

• ⚠️ Violation of security policies of certain applications (for example, banking).
• 🔓 Loss of warranty when unlocking the loader.

6.Alternative methods: virtual machines and emulators

If none of the above methods are suitable, you can use virtual machines based on Android (for example, VMOS or X8 Sandbox), these applications create an isolated environment with a full copy of Android, where you can install any program.

Example of working with VMOS:

1. Download VMOS Pro (requires Android 8.0+).
2. Start the virtual machine and perform the initial setup (like on a new smartphone).
3. Install the apps you want through Google Play inside the VMOS.
4. Use duplicates regardless of the main system.

Features:

• 🖥️ Complete isolation: The virtual machine does not affect the main OS.
• 🔋 High resource consumption (can drain the battery faster).
• 📱 It takes at least 4 GB of RAM for stable operation.

💡

Virtual machines are the only way to run cloned applications with different versions of Android (for example, to test the compatibility of older versions of programs).

7. Problem Solving: Why doesn't cloning work?

If cloned apps crash, don’t launch, or sync, check out the following:

Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:

• 🚫 Application Not Installed Error: Remove the clone and repeat the procedure. check if there is enough memory space (requires a minimum of 500 MB of free space).
• 🔄 Duplicate notifications: Turn off notifications for the clone in the app settings. Use Island with the option Separate notifications.
• 🔒 Account lock (e.g. WhatsApp): Use different phone numbers for the original and clone. For games, link clones to different accounts Google/Facebook.

If the problem persists, check the error logs via adb logcat or contact the developer for the cloning method used.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning on Redmi Note 7