Cloning apps on Xiaomi Mi A2: a complete guide with working methods

Xiaomi Mi A2 is a popular smartphone with pure Android One, but its owners often face the limitation of not being able to use two accounts in the same application. App cloning solves this problem by allowing you to run, for example, two WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram on the same device. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of cloning for the Mi A2, including bypassing system limitations and solving typical errors.

It’s important to understand that the Mi A2 doesn’t support the built-in Dual Applications feature (like MIUI), so third-party tools will be required. We tested 3 methods: through Parallel Space, Island (using Work Profile), and manual cloning via ADB. Each option has pros and cons — see the comparison in the table below.

Why Mi A2 can’t be cloned by standard means

The Xiaomi Mi A2 runs on Android One, a “pure” version of Android without a MIUI shell. Unlike MIUI devices (like the Redmi Note 7 or POCO X3), there is no built-in Dual Apps option. This is due to Google’s policy: manufacturers cannot modify the Android One kernel without risking losing certification.

In addition, the Mi A2 does not support official cloning through Work Profile (as on Samsung Knox or Huawei App Twin).Attempting to create a second profile through Settings → Users will lead to the error: "This feature is disabled by the device administrator." This restriction is laid down at the firmware level.

• 🔹 There is no “Dual Applications” section in the settings (unlike the “Dual Applications” section). MIUI)
• 🔹 Blocking the creation of additional users (Work Profile)
• 🔹 No Multi-User support for cloning messengers

⚠️ Note: Using informal cloning methods can lead to account ban in some applications (for example, in banking services or games with cheat protection.

Method 1: Cloning through Parallel Space (without root)

Parallel Space is the simplest solution for the Mi A2, without requiring superuser rights. The application creates a virtual environment in which you can install a copy of any APK. Less method: some applications (such as Google Pay or SberBank Online) can block work in a virtual environment.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Parallel Space from Google Play.
2. Open the application and click "Add App".
3. Select from the list the programs you want to clone (such as WhatsApp or VK).
4. Click "Create" - a copy will appear on the home screen with the icon "Parallel".

Once cloned, you will need to log in again to the app. Note that notifications from cloned apps will be duplicated. To disable them, go to Parallel Space Settings → Notifications.

Download Parallel Space from the official store|Disable battery optimization for the application|Add the right programs to the virtual space|Set up notifications for clones-->

Method 2: Island (Work Profile) - semi-official method

Island is an application that uses the built-in Android Work Profile feature to isolate clones, a method that is more reliable than Parallel Space because it does not create a virtual machine, but on the Mi A2, you will need to pre-activate Work Profile via ADB.

Instructions:

1. Set up Island.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm install-create -r -t -i com.oasisfeng.island --user 0 -S com.whatsapp (replace com.whatsapp with the desired application package).
3. In Island, click “Create a Profile” and select the Sloaned App.
4. Sign in as if you were a new account.

This is suitable for instant messengers and social networks, but does not work with games (due to cheat protection) and some banking applications, the main advantage is lower resource consumption compared to Parallel Space.

⚠️ Note: After Android Update to Version 12+ In this case, use an alternative method with App Cloner (see next section).

Method 3: Manual cloning through ADB (for the experienced)

This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with ADB and have basic command-line management skills, the advantage of having complete control over cloning without third-party applications, but requires debugging over USB and access to a PC.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Mi A2: go to Settings → About Phone → Build Number and tap 7 times.
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → System → For Developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands: adb shell pm install --user 0 -i com.android.vending -r"path_apk_file" (replace path with current one).
4. To create a second profile, use: adb shell pm create-user --profileOf 0 --managed clone_user

This is more complicated than the previous ones, but it allows you to clone even those applications that are blocked in Parallel Space or Island, and minus — when you update Android clones can fly, and you have to repeat the procedure.

Parallel Space (simplicity)|Island (reliability)|ADB (full control)|Not yet tried-->

Comparison of cloning methods for Mi A2

To choose the best way, compare the key parameters: compatibility, performance and complexity of the setup. Below is a table with the current data for 2026 (tested on Mi A2 with Android 10 and 11).

For most users, Mi A2 The best solution is Island, which is a balance between reliability and simplicity. If you want maximum compatibility (for example, for games), you should try it. ADB-Cloning will take longer.

💡

For instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) it is better to use Island for games — ADB-Cloning for Temporary Cloning – Parallel Space.

Typical errors and their solution

When you clone Mi A2, you often have problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

• 🚫 Error "Application not installed": Reason: conflict of signatures APK. Solution: Download the original APK with APKPure and install via adb install.
• 🚫 Clone doesn't open after Android update: Reason: Reset Work Profile permissions.Solution: Reset Island or reinstall Parallel Space.
• 🚫 Notifications do not arrive in the cloned app: Reason: background limitations. Solution: disable battery optimization for Parallel Space or Island in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Optimizing the battery.

If the app crashes after cloning, check:

1. Android version (on Mi A2 cloning works stably until Android 11).
2. Free space (at least 1 GB is required for virtual space).
3. No conflicts with antiviruses (for example, Avast can block clones).

💡

Before cloning banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff), back up your data through Settings → System → Backup.

Security: Cloning Risks and How to Minimize Them

Cloning applications on Mi A2 is associated with several risks:

1. Data Leakage: Virtual spaces (like Parallel Space) can be vulnerable to a man-in-the-middle attack.
2. Account Ban: Some services (such as WhatsApp Business or VK) block accounts when clones are detected.
3. Slowing down the phone: The constant operation of the virtual machine increases the load on the processor.

To reduce the risks:

• 🔒 Use Island instead of Parallel Space – it isolates clones at the Android level.
• 🔒 Do not clone applications with payment data (it is better to use official multi-account solutions, such as Google Workspace).
• 🔒 Update Parallel Space or Island regularly – new versions will close vulnerabilities.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi A2 Unlocked bootloader (Cloning through the ADB This could lead to a Widevine reset. L1 (Downgrades in streaming on Netflix or Disney+). Before the procedure, check the status of Widevine through the application. DRM Info.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi A2 cloning