Cloning applications on Xiaomi: a complete guide for MIUI

Cloning apps on Xiaomi smartphones is the official MIUI feature that allows you to create a full duplicate of the messenger, social network or game with separate accounts, notifications and data. For example, you can use two WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram accounts on one device at the same time without having to buy a second phone or log out of the main profile. The feature is available on all modern models of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi (starting with MIUI 8), but has nuances depending on the firmware version and regional build.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods of cloning – from the standard tool Dual applications to workaround solutions for models where the function is disabled by the manufacturer. You will also learn how to avoid common errors (such as a clone-cloud sync failure), which applications are supported and which block duplication, and how to completely remove the clone if it is no longer needed. MIUI 12–15 (including global and Chinese versions).

1. Standard cloning through “Dual Annexes”

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in Dual Apps (aka Dual Apps or App Cloner in different localities), which requires no root rights, does not violate warranty, and works on most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13. However, there are limitations: not all applications are supported (for example, some banking programs block cloning), and in Chinese firmware, the function can be hidden.

To activate it:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select Double Apps (if there is no item, use the Settings search).
3. Turn on the switch in the upper right corner.
4. In the list, tick the apps you want to clone (such as VK or Facebook).
5. Click Create and wait for the process to be completed.

The clone will appear on the main screen with an icon in the form of two layers (📱📱). It will have separate storage, cache and notifications.Please note that some applications (such as Google Pay or SberBank Online) may not work in the cloned version due to security policies.

2.Cloning through the Second Space (for MIUI 12+)

Second Space allows you to create a completely isolated user profile with separate apps, data, and even wallpaper, a more flexible option than Dual Apps, since you can clone not only messengers, but also system services (such as Google Play or Mi Account).

How to set up:

• 🔒 Go to Settings. → Second space.
• 📱 Click Create a Second Space and follow the instructions (set a password).
• 🔄 After creation, go to the second space through the notification panel (icon) 👤).
• 📲 Install the required applications again (they will be isolated from the main profile).

The advantage of this method is that it's completely data-isolated, so for example, you can use one WhatsApp account in the main space and another in the second space, and they won't conflict, and the disadvantage is that when you delete the second space, all the data in it is erased without the possibility of recovery.

3. Cloning with third-party launchers (without root)

If the built-in MIUI tools don’t fit (for example, you want to clone an application that isn’t supported by the dual apps feature), you can use third-party launchers that support duplication.

• 🎯 Parallel Space creates a sandbox for applications with separate storage, supports games and social networks, but can slow down on weak smartphones (Redmi). 9A, POCO C31).
• 🔄 2Accounts — Specializes in cloning messengers (Viber, Signal) and requires permission to access notifications.
• 📱 Island (from the developers of Xposed) is an advanced tool for isolating applications, but only works on firmware with support for Work Profile.

Example of Parallel Space configuration:

1. Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (if it is blocked in your area).
2. Open Parallel Space and add the app to the list of clones.
3. Launch a clone from the launcher interface, and the data will be stored separately from the original.

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. Tinkoff or Alpha Click) may block third-party sandboxes due to phishing risk.

4. Cloning through ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods do not work (for example, on Xiaomi Mi). A3 With Android One, where there are no dual applications, you can use it ADB-This method requires connecting a smartphone to a PC and basic knowledge of how to work with the console, but allows you to clone any application, even the system.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm create-user --profileOf 0 --managed CloneUser
3. Install the application in the cloned profile: adb install --user 10 com.example.app (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the desired application).

This is suitable for advanced users, as incorrect commands can disrupt the system, for example, cloning system applications (such as Mi Home) can lead to malfunctions in the management of Xiaomi smart devices.

5. Cloning on devices with unlocked bootloader

If you have a bootloader unlocked and a customized recap (TWRP) installed, you can use Magisk modules for cloning. For example, the App Cloner or Island module allows you to create duplicate applications with advanced settings (for example, change the name of the package or block Internet access for a clone).

Step-by-step:

• 🔓 Install Magisk and App Cloner Module with Magisk Manager.
• 📲 Reboot the phone.
• 🛠️ Open the App Cloner, select the app, and configure clone settings (e.g., disable auto-update).
• 🖥️ Press Clone and wait until it is completed.

The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can change clone icons, block them from accessing contacts or geolocation, but this requires unlocking the bootloader, which cancels the warranty and can lead to problems with the Mi Account (for example, locking the device when resetting).

💡

If the app doesn’t start after cloning, check if Google Play Protect blocks it. Go to Settings → Google → Security and temporarily turn off protection.

Comparison of cloning techniques

Common Problems and Their Solutions

1.The clone doesn't appear on the main screen

• 🔍 Check the folder All apps - sometimes the clone is hiding there.
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 If you use a launcher (like Nova Launcher), update its cache.

2.The clone is not synchronized with the cloud

This is a typical problem for Google Drive, iCloud or Mi Cloud.

• 🔑 Log in to the cloned app account again.
• 📁 In the cloud settings, turn off and back on sync.
• 🚫 If Parallel Space is used, check if it blocks access to Google accounts (in the launcher settings).

3: The clone consumes too much battery

Duplicate applications (especially messengers) can run in the background and drain the battery to optimize:

• ⚡ Turn off auto-update for clone in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 🔋 Limit background activity in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 🛑 For games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact: Use Game Turbo mode to limit resource consumption.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) cloned applications may conflict with the originals when using separate sound (for example, if the main Telegram is music, and in the clone - a voice message), in which case the sound will be played only in one of the applications.

💡

If you use cloning to work with two WhatsApp or Viber accounts, check notifications in both apps regularly. Sometimes clones may not receive push notifications due to MIUI limitations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning on Xiaomi