Cloning apps on Xiaomi: a complete guide with hidden chips

Cloning apps on Xiaomi is not just a convenient feature for separating work and personal accounts. It's a powerful tool that allows you to run two copies of instant messengers, games or social networks at the same time, bypass the restrictions on multi-accounts, test beta versions without risking the main profile. MIUI Not all programs work, and some cloning methods can lead to account blocking in apps like WhatsApp or Telegram if you set up the wrong setup.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of cloning on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones. POCO (including the 2026 model for the MIUI 15 and HyperOS), compare their pros and cons, and reveal little-known tricks — for example, how to circumvent the 2-clone limit or clone system applications. VK, Instagram or even Google Pay – here you will find workable solutions with step-by-step instructions and pitfall warnings.

1. Dual Apps feature built-in MIUI/HyperOS: Limitations and Hidden Opportunities

The most obvious and safe way to do this is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature (in HyperOS it’s called App Cloner), which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones from the start. MIUI 8, but its capabilities are highly dependent on the firmware version and regional software. MIUI EU The list of supported applications is wider than in the global.

To activate cloning:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Dual Apps (or App Cloner in HyperOS).
2. Select the app from the list (if not, see the section on circumventing restrictions below).
3. Click Create a clone and wait for the installation (can take up to 1 minute).
4. The clone will appear on the main screen with an icon in the form of two layers (📱➕).

Important: cloned applications take up extra memory space (on average) +10-15% The same can be said to be true for both accounts, but the same can be said to be different from the original size, and may conflict with the main version when used simultaneously. For example, on WhatsApp both accounts will receive notifications independently, and in games like Clash of Clans, the clone may not sync with Google Play Games.

Hidden Features of Dual Apps

• 🔄 Reset clone without removal: Click the clone icon → Information on the annex → Warehouse → Clear the data. It's useful if the clone is getting glitchy, but you don't want to recreate it.
• 📁 Transfer of the clone to SD-map: B MIUI 14+ You can move the cloned application to an external drive through Settings → Annexes → Application management → [The clone's name] → Warehouse → Change.
• 🔒 Password blocking of the clone: In HyperOS appeared the function Application Protection, which allows you to install a separate PIN cloned.

2. Cloning through ADB: for advanced users

If the application is not listed in Dual Apps, or if you want to clone system software (such as Google Play Services), Android Debug Bridge will help (ADB). This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the firmware version, but requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command:

adb shell pm install -r --user 0 -i com.android.vending -t "/path/to/base.apk"

Where /path/to/base.apk — path APK-The file of the application you want to clone to get APK, Use programs like this. APK Extractor.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download platform-tools (ADB)|Enable debugging on USB|Make a data backup|Get it. APK applications-->

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works with any application, including system.
• ✅ There is no limit on the number of clones (depends only on the memory of the device).
• ✅ Clones behave like completely independent apps (you can use different versions of one app). APK).

⚠️ Note: Cloning of banking applications (for example, SberBank Online) through ADB It can lead to account blocking due to the detection of “suspicious activity”, and some apps (such as Netflix) refuse to work in the cloned version due to verification of the signature.

3.Side launchers for cloning: Parallel Space, Island and others

If embedded tools MIUI They don't like it, they use third-party launchers that create an isolated environment for cloning:

For installation:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play or the official website.
2. Give all necessary permissions (including Overlay on top of other applications and Special Access).
3. Add applications to the launcher’s “space” (in Parallel Space, this is done through the plus-plus at the bottom of the screen).
4. Launch a clone from the launcher interface.

💡

If the cloned app doesn't run in Parallel Space, try enabling the "Accelerate" option in the space settings, which helps with games and heavy social media like TikTok.

The main disadvantage of third-party launchers is the increased consumption of RAM. For example, Parallel Space can take up to 500 MB RAM when working with 2-3 In addition, some applications (such as WhatsApp Business) block virtual environments.

4.Cloning on rooted devices: maximum freedom

If your Xiaomi has root rights, the cloning capabilities are expanded significantly, you can use Magisk modules or specialized programs like App Cloner (not to be confused with the built-in function). MIUI).

Popular tools for rooted devices:

• 🛠️ App Cloner (Premium): Allows you to change the name of the package, the signature, and even the clone interface. 64-bit applications.
• 📦 Magisk Module "Dual Boot": Creates a full-fledged second system where you can install any application without restrictions.
• 🔧 Lucky Patcher: Can clone paid apps (but it violates license agreement!).

Instructions for App Cloner:

1. Install App Cloner from Google Play or F-Droid.
2. Select the cloning app and adjust the settings (you can change the color of the icon, name, permissions).
3. Press Clone and wait until you are created. APK.
4. Install the generated APK (Permission to install from unknown sources may be required).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices, some Magisk modules may conflict with security MIUI Optimization: If your phone starts to overheat or discharge quickly after installing the module, roll back the changes via Magisk Manager.

💡

Rudiated cloning techniques offer maximum flexibility, but increase the risk of blocking accounts in banking applications and games (e.g., online casinos, Pokémon GO locks out the rooted devices).

5. Rootless cloning: bypassing restrictions MIUI

If you don't want to use ADB or third-party launchers, but the desired application is not in Dual Apps, there are several workarounds:

Method 1: Changing the firmware region

In some regional versions MIUI (for example, MIUI China MIUI India has a wider list of supported cloning applications to change region:

1. Install MIUI bootloader from Google Play.
2. Download the firmware for your model with the desired region (for example, miui_UMI_Global_V15.0.1.0.TKCCNXM → miui_UMI_EEA_V15.0.1.0.TKCEUXM).
3. Fastboot or Recovery (instructions are available on the phone) 4PDA).

After changing the region, check the list in Dual Apps – there may be new applications.

Method 2: Use of the Work Profile

Work Profile (formerly Android for Work) allows you to create an isolated work environment where you can install a second copy of the application.

1. Install Island or Shelter from F-Droid.
2. Create a Work Profile through the application settings.
3. In Google Play, install the desired application inside the profile.

The advantage of the method is that clones work in a completely isolated environment, which reduces the risk of conflicts with the main version.

Method 3: Installation of modified APK

Some apps (such as WhatsApp, Telegram) have unofficial builds with multi-account support:

• 📥 GBWhatsApp or FMWhatsApp: Allows you to use 2+ single-app account.
• 📱 Telegram X: Official client with multiple accounts (no cloning required).
• 🎮 Parallel Space-compatible APK: Some games (such as Free Fire) have special versions for multi-accounting.

⚠️ Attention: Modified APK (Especially for instant messengers, you can have malicious code. Before installing, check files on VirusTotal and download only from trusted sources like APKMirror.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When cloning applications on Xiaomi, users encounter common mistakes. Here's how to fix them:

If the cloned app is getting stuck on the download screen, try:

1. Clear clone data through Settings → Annexes.
2. Reinstall the original app and then recreate the clone.
3. Shut down. MIUI Optimization in the developer settings (helps to POCO F5 Xiaomi 13).

For applications that block cloned work (such as Snapseed or Adobe Lightroom), try:

• 🔄 Install an older version APK (Photoshop Express 5.0 instead of 6.0).
• 🛡️ Disable signature verification via Lucky Patcher (requires root).
• 📱 Use Work Profile instead of standard cloning.

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of cloning method depends on your goals and technical skills.

For most Xiaomi users, the best choice is:

• 📱 Dual Apps – if you want to clone 1-2 Popular applications (such as WhatsApp or Facebook).
• 🎮 Parallel Space – for games and heavy social networks.
• 🔧 ADB — If you want to clone a system software or a rare application.

If you often work with multi-accounts (for example, you have several pages on Instagram or TikTok), consider buying a smartphone with official support for Dual Apps.+ — For example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra or POCO F6 In these models, the limit of clones increased to 5 pieces, and also added support for cloning Google Apps.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions