How to clone applications on Xiaomi Mi 10: 3 working methods + error solving

Cloning apps on Xiaomi Mi 10 is a useful feature that allows you to use two accounts in the same messenger, game or social network without having to buy a second phone. For example, you can manage a personal and work account on WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram on the same device. However, not everyone knows that there are several ways to duplicate applications on the Mi 10, from built-in MIUI tools to manual methods through ADB.

In this article, we will discuss all current cloning methods, including hidden functions. MIUI 12/13/14, Bypassing restrictions on unsupported applications and solving common errors like β€œinsufficient memory” or β€œfunction is not available in your region.” 10 Snapdragon-powered 865 β€” On this model, some ways work differently than on newer or budget smartphones of the brand.

1. Method: Dual Apps (built-in MIUI function)

The simplest and most official method is to use Dual Apps (also known as Dual Apps) feature, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 8 firmware and newer, including the Mi 10. The main advantage is that it does not require root rights and works stable, but does not support all applications.

To activate Dual Apps:

  • πŸ“± Open the Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Dual Apps.
  • πŸ” Find the right application in the list (for example, VK Facebook or Facebook and switch on the switch next to it.
  • πŸ”„ Wait a few seconds – the system will create a clone with an icon in the form of two folded squares (πŸ“¦).
  • πŸ“₯ Launch a cloned application and log in with a second account.

Backup the data of the main application |

Free up at least 500 MB of memory |

Connect to Wi-Fi (downloading a clone requires internet)|

Check the version. MIUI (update if necessary)-->

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ Not all apps are supported (for example, Signal or Slack may not be listed).
  • ❌ Clones take up extra memory space (each duplicate weighs as much as the original).
  • ❌ Some features (such as notifications) may not work smoothly in a cloned version.

πŸ’‘

If the application is not listed in Dual Apps, try updating MIUI to the latest version or using the method with MIUI Lab (described below).

2. Method: MIUI Lab (Hidden Functions)

For advanced users, Xiaomi has provided a hidden menu MIUI Lab, where experimental features are available, including advanced cloning, which works even for applications that are not on the standard list of Dual Apps.

Instructions for activation:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Tap 5 times on the MIUI version until the notification β€œYou became a developer” appears.
  3. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional β†’ Special features β†’ MIUI Lab.
  4. Find the option β€œParallel Apps” (or β€œParallel Apps”) and turn it on.
  5. Restart your phone – there will be additional cloning apps in the Dual Apps menu.

Important! features in MIUI Lab may vary depending on the firmware region. For example, on the European versions of the Mi 10, the Parallel Apps option is sometimes missing, in which case changing the region to India or China will help (but this requires resetting!).

How to change MIUI region without losing data?
Changing the region through Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Region is only possible on unlocked bootloaders. On standard firmware, this will result in a phone reset. Alternatively, using ADB (described in the next section).

Method 3: Cloning through ADB (for unsupported applications)

If the first two methods don't work, there's a manual method, which is called Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is versatile, but requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to clone any application, even the system one.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
  2. On your phone, activate USB Debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (tap 7 times) β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB.
  3. Connect the Mi 10 to your computer and confirm your debugging permission.
  4. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:
adb shell pm list packages | grep 'name packet'

For example, for WhatsApp, the package is called com.whatsapp. Once you know the exact identifier, follow the cloning command:

adb shell pm create --clone --user 0 com.whatsapp

Once successful, a cloned application will appear on the screen, and if the command returns an Operation not allowed error, it means:

  • πŸ”§ Support for clones is disabled on your firmware (try to update) MIUI).
  • πŸ”§ The application is system-based and blocked for duplication.
  • πŸ”§ Lack of rights (root or unlocked bootloader needed).

Dual Apps (built-in function)|

MIUI Lab (hidden settings) |

ADB (manual method)|

I don't clone apps.-->

4. Solving common errors in cloning

When duplicating applications on Xiaomi Mi 10, users often encounter errors. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
"Not enough memory."Clones take up 2 times more spaceFree up 1-2 GB of memory or transfer applications to SD-card (if supported)
"The function is not available in your area."Firmware Restriction for EU/Global VersionsChange region to India via ADB or install custom firmware
The clone is not updatedThe original and clone have different versions.Remove the clone, update the original, then clone again.
"No appendix installed"Damaged clone dataClear cache and clone data in Settings β†’ Apps

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If a clone stopped working after the MIUI update, try removing it and re-create it, often solving compatibility issues.

The error "MIUI does not support cloning this application" is particularly noteworthy, and it occurs when:

  • πŸ“Œ The app uses Google Play Services with restrictions (e.g. banking apps).
  • πŸ“Œ The developer has explicitly banned duplication of AndroidManifest.xml.
  • πŸ“Œ You have a modified firmware installed (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) that has clone support disabled.

πŸ’‘

For banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff), cloning is often blocked for security reasons, in which case use a second account in your browser or install the application on a second user profile of Android.

5. Alternative methods: Second user and virtual spaces

If standard methods do not work, consider alternatives:

1.The second user of Android

Multi-user mode allows you to create a separate profile with your own applications and data, minus you need to switch completely between profiles.

  • πŸ‘₯ Go to Settings. β†’ System system β†’ Multiplayer mode.
  • πŸ†• Click "Add User" and follow the instructions.
  • πŸ“± After creating a profile, install the desired applications again.

2. Virtualization applications

Programs like Parallel Space, 2Accounts, or Island (requires root) create isolated cloning environments, plus β€” even on non-Xiaomi devices, minus β€” can slow down and display ads.

3. Custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience supports native cloning through Work Profile, but installing them requires unlocking the bootloader and resetting the data.

How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 10?
1. Get permission to unlock through the official Xiaomi website (link to your Mi Account). 2. Install Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (Loudness down). + Meals. 3. Follow the instructions of the program (wait time up to 720 hours for new accounts). ⚠️ Unlocking will reset all data and may deprive you of guarantees!

6. Optimizing the work of clones: productivity tips

Cloned applications consume additional resources, which can affect the speed of the Mi 10.

  • πŸ”‹ Turn off clone auto-update in Google Play (settings) β†’ auto-refresh β†’ "Not update").
  • 🚫 Stop clones from working in the background: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ [The clone's name] β†’ Battery β†’ Background activity β†’ Limit.
  • πŸ“΅ Turn off notifications for clone if they are not critical: Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ [The clone's name].
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Clean the clone cache regularly through Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.

On the Xiaomi Mi 10 with Snapdragon 865 and 8 GB of RAM, the clones usually work stably, but if you notice the lags:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your phone – it will reset the background processes.
  • 🧹 Use the Optimization function in Settings β†’ Battery.
  • πŸ”¨ Set a limit FPS for clones through Developer Settings β†’ Limit background processes.

πŸ’‘

On the Mi 10 with MIUI 14 firmware, clones consume 15-20% less memory thanks to the optimization of the ART virtual machine.

7.Safety: The Risks of Cloning and How to Avoid Them

Duplicating applications is convenient, but involves risks:

⚠️ Attention: Clones of social media and messengers can be targeted for phishing. Attackers often create fake login pages masquerading as a "second account." Always check. URL authorization!

Other threats:

  • πŸ”“ Data Leakage: Clones may have access to the same permissions as the original (e.g., contacts or location).
  • πŸ“± Account Blocking: Some services (such as WhatsApp) block accounts if they suspect the use of clones.
  • 🦠 Viruses in virtual spaces: Virtualization applications (such as Parallel Space) sometimes contain malicious code.

How to defend yourself:

  • πŸ”’ Use different passwords for the original and clone.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Install an antivirus (like Dr.Web or Kaspersky) and scan clones regularly.
  • 🚫 Do not log into cloned applications via public Wi-Fi networks.
  • πŸ”„ Remove unwanted clones and clean up their data.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Mi 10 with firmware older MIUI 12.5 clones may conflict with App Lock. If you notice that the clone does not open after you lock the screen, disable App Lock for it or update the firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning on Xiaomi Mi 10

Can system applications be cloned (e.g., β€œContacts” or β€œMessages”)?
Yes, but only through ADB. Built-in Dual Apps doesn't support system applications. Cloning command: adb shell pm create --clone --user 0 com.android.contacts However, note that clones of system applications can work unstable (for example, not synchronize data with a Google account).
Why did the clones disappear after the MIUI update?
This is standard behavior β€” in major updates (e.g., from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13), clones are reset. To restore them: Go to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Dual Apps. Enable cloning again for the desired applications. Log in to clones (account data will be saved if you haven’t reset your phone).
How to remove a clone of the application?
There are two ways to remove the clone: via Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Dual Apps (turn off the switch next to the clone). Through ADB: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.whatsapp:clone Replace com.whatsapp with your application package. Please note that removing the clone does not delete the data of the original application.
Can I transfer the clone to another phone?
No, clones are tied to a specific device and firmware. If you transfer to another smartphone (even the same Mi 10 model), you will have to create a clone again. However, you can: Back up the data of the original application (for example, through Titanium Backup for root devices); Export your account settings (if the application supports export, like Telegram).
Why does Instagram clone not save stories and likes?
This is a limitation of Instagram itself - cloned versions of the app are often stripped of features due to Meta's policy. There are several solutions: Use a second account in the browser (PC version via Chrome β†’ Desktop Mode). Set an alternative client for Instagram (for example, Instand or Barinsta). Create a second user profile in Android (see section 5).