How to clone an app on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a complete guide with risks and life hacks

Why to clone Android apps and why Redmi Note 9 is a special case

Cloning apps on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is a challenge that users face for two key reasons: having to use multiple accounts on the same service (for example, two WhatsApp or Telegram on the same device) or testing different versions of the program without risking the main profile. Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, the Redmi Note 9 has hardware and MIUI limitations, making the duplication process less trivial.

The official MIUI 12/13 firmware for this model supports built-in cloning, but only for a limited list of applications. For example, you will not find an option there to duplicate banking programs or games with multi-account protection. Alternative methods - using third-party utilities like Parallel Space or ADB commands - require caution: improper actions can lead to system failures or blocking the Mi Account.

In this guide, we will analyze 3 proven methods of cloning (including hidden MIUI settings), compare them in terms of security and resource intensity, and also warn against the typical mistakes that Redmi Note 9 owners make when trying to duplicate messengers or social networks.

Method 1: Built-in dual applications in MIUI

The safest and most recommended method for Xiaomi is to use the standard Dual Apps tool, which is available on all versions of MIUI since the 8th, but in the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 12.5+ firmware, the list of supported programs has been reduced.

Open Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
If there is no item, update the firmware to the latest stable version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
In the list of available apps, find the right one (such as WhatsApp or Facebook) and turn on the switch next to it.
Confirm the creation of a clone – a second icon with an icon will appear on the desktop ⧉.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 9, dual apps may be hidden due to performance optimization. To return it, reset the application settings to Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → Reset the settings.

Check the MIUI version (not lower than 12.5)

Free up at least 2 GB of memory

Disable battery optimization for the target application

Backup of the main account data-->

The list of applications that can be cloned in the standard way varies depending on the firmware region, for example, in the global version of MIUI for Redmi Note 9, you can find:

Category	Examples of supported applications	Limitations
Messengers	WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Messenger	No Signal support, Skype
Social media.	Facebook, Instagram, Twitter	TikTok is cloned only in Chinese firmware
Post	Gmail, Outlook	No support for Mail.ru or Yandex.Mail
Games	Clash of Clans, PUBG Mobile	Prohibited for anti-cheat games (e.g. Genshin Impact)

Important: MIUI-clone applications consume 15-20% more RAM than the originals; on the Redmi Note 9 with 4 GB of RAM, this can lead to slowdowns while using both instances simultaneously.

Method 2: Parallel Space and analogues - third-party launchers for cloning

If the application is not listed as dual, the alternative is to use specialized utilities like Parallel Space, 2Accounts or Island (the latter requires root rights), which create an isolated sandbox where you can run copies of applications without conflicts with the main system.

Instructions for Parallel Space (the most popular option for the Redmi Note 9):

Download Parallel Space from Google Play or the official website (version 4.0.9186 is stable on MIUI 12-14).
Run the utility and provide all the permissions you request (including Overlay on top of other apps and Access to Notifications).
In the Parallel Space main menu, click + and select cloning apps, and even those that are locked in the standard MIUI feature (like Snapchat or Tinder) are supported.
Once you create a clone, run it only through the Parallel Space interface – a direct icon will not appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g., banking or two-factor authentication) can block entry from Parallel Space sandstone, recognizing it as an insecure environment. In this case, try Island with Work Profile mode enabled.

Parallel Space|2Accounts|Island (requires root)|Another |Do not use-->

Comparison of popular utilities for Redmi Note 9:

🔹 Parallel Space: Simple interface, no root, but shows ads and can slow down on weak devices.
🔹 2Accounts: Parallel Space is lighter, but a limited list of supported applications.
🔹 Island: the most reliable, but requires root rights and customization through ADB.
🔹 Shelter: Open source, works through Work Profile, but not all applications run correctly.

💡

If Parallel Space is slowing down, open its settings and turn off the "App Acceleration" option, which will reduce the load on the Redmi Note 9 (Helio G85) processor by 10-15%.

Method 3: Cloning through ADB (for power users)

The method for those who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to clone any application, even those that are not supported in Dual applications or Parallel Space.

Step-by-step:

Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi Note 9: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB drivers (you can download from Android Studio) and check the connection with the command: Adb devices In response, the serial number of your Redmi Note 9 should be displayed.
Run a cloning command (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the target application, for example, com.whatsapp): adb shell cmd appclone clone com.example.app
Reboot the phone. The cloned app will appear on the desktop with the clone postfix in the packet name.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (for example, Google Pay or SberBank Online) block work on devices with debugging enabled USB. After cloning, turn off debugging by USB developer-setting.

How to find out the batch name of an app? Open Google Play on your PC, find the right app and see URL — after= will be a batch name (e.g. com.instagram.android).--> Advantages of the method

🔧 Works with any application, including system. 🔧 It does not require root rights (unlike Island). 🔧 The clone is completely isolated from the original: ⚠️ The risk of blocking a Google account when used frequently ADB. ⚠️ It’s hard to change if something goes wrong. ⚠️ On the Redmi Note 9 with 64GB of memory, cloning heavy applications (such as games) can lead to space shortages. Methods comparison: which one to choose for the Redmi Note 9 depends on your goals and technical skills. Below is a comparison table taking into account the features of the Redmi Note 9 (Helio G85, 4/6 GB RAM, MIUI 12–14): Criterion of Double Annexes (MIUI) Parallel Space ADB Supported Applications Limited list Most other than banking Any skills required No Basic Advanced (ADB) Impact on productivity Average (+15% RAM loading) High (+25–30% Low load (if cloned) 1–2 Risks Minimum Average (Data Leakage in Sandstone) High (account locks, system failures) Root-right No No No No No (but debugging is needed) USB) Typical Errors and How to Avoid Them by Redmi Note User Experience 9 It shows that 70% There are three problems with cloning: Memory deficit: Clone applications take up as much space as the originals. 64 (a) the memory (of which the ~50 GB is critical. Solution: Before cloning, clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Clear cache. Notification conflict: Both instances of the app (original and clone) can send duplicate notifications. Correction: in notification settings, turn off notifications for the clone or original. Account lock: Some services (such as WhatsApp or WhatsApp) VK) They can block your account if you switch between clones often. Solution: use different phone numbers or email for each instance. ⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 9 with firmware MIUI Global cloning of multi-account applications in games (such as Free Fire or Call of Duty Mobile) can lead to account bans, and game developers are actively fighting against such methods: 🚫 Clone not updated: Updates for cloned applications must be installed manually APK-file. 🚫 No sound in the clone: Check the microphone and speakers permissions in the app settings. 🚫 Parallel Space crashes: Disable battery optimization for utility in Settings → Annexes → Parallel Space → Battery → No restrictions. Alternative solutions: virtual machines and second user If none of the above methods fit, consider two additional options: Second Android user: MIUI There's a built-in multiplayer feature. Go to Settings. → System system → Multiplayer and create a new user, disadvantage: you have to reinstall all the applications from scratch. VMOS or Bluestacks emulate the second Android inside your Redmi Note 9. G85 will slow down). ⚠️ Warning: Virtual machines on Redmi Note 9 can overheat the processor. If the temperature exceeds 45°C (checked through Settings) → Battery → Temperature, close immediately. VMOS. 💡You don’t need root rights to create a second user, but some apps (like Netflix) may not work in your guest profile due to restrictions. DRM. FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning on Redmi Note 9: Can you clone SberBank Online or Tinkoff? No. Banking apps block work in sandstones or cloned environments due to security requirements. The alternative is to use a second Android user (see section above). ADB Probable reasons: Incorrectly specified batch name (check through adb shell pm list packages).The app requires Google Play Services that are not automatically cloned. Nana MIUI 14 You may need an additional command: adb shell cmd appclone enable. Solution: reboot the phone and repeat the procedure. How to remove the cloned application? Methods depending on the cloning method: 🔹 MIUI Double Appendices: Settings → Annexes → Dual annexes → Turn it off. 🔹 Parallel Space: Go to the utility, click on the clone icon and select Delete. 🔹 ADB: Follow the command adb shell cmd appclone unclone com.example.app. Will cloning work on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)? On custom firmware, the standard function Double applications are missing, but you can use it: 🔹 Island (requires root). 🔹 ADB (The same commands, but manual mounting may be required /system). 🔹 MultiROM (advanced version to run the second OS). ⚠️ On the Redmi Note. 9 Unlocked loader cloning through ADB This could cause problems with Widevine (support will disappear). HD into Netflix/Disney+). Can system applications (e.g. Camera or Phone) be cloned? Technically yes, but: Through Dual Applications MIUI — It's impossible. ADB — It is possible, but the clone may not work properly (e.g., the camera will give an error). 0xA00F4244). Through Parallel Space – System applications are cloned but may not have access to hardware functions (e.g., a clone phone will not be able to call).