How to clone applications on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: from Dual Apps to APK-installer

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones among users who value balance of price and functionality, but even owners of this device face limitations: the inability to use two accounts in the same messenger, test beta versions of applications in parallel with stable ones, or share work and personal profiles on social networks. The solution is cloning applications, and the Redmi Note 9 Pro has both built-in tools and hidden capabilities for this.

In this article, we will analyze three working methods of cloning: the official Dual Apps function from Xiaomi, manual duplication through the use of the cloning system. APK-Files and third-party utilities like Parallel Space or Island, each method has nuances, from the limitation of the number of clones to the risk of blocking accounts (especially in banking applications). We will also explain how to get around common bugs, such as when a cloned application fails to start or loses access to notifications.

Important: The cloning procedure does not require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, but some methods may conflict with the security policies of individual services (such as WhatsApp or Google Pay).

Method 1: Built-in Dual Apps (official method)

The MIUI-based Redmi Note 9 Pro has a built-in Dual Apps tool that allows you to create a clone of supported applications without additional software. The feature works at the system level, so cloned versions receive separate data, cache and notifications.

• 📌 Not all applications are supported (list depends on version) MIUI).
• 🔢 Maximum 2-4 clones at the same time (depending on the model and the region of the firmware).
• 🔒 Some applications (such as banking) can block the work of the clone.

To activate Dual Apps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
2. In the list, select the app you want to clone (such as Telegram or Facebook).
3. Click Create and Confirm Action. A new icon with an icon will appear on the desktop. ⧉.

The cloned app will work regardless of the original, but note that some services (such as Google Authenticator) may prohibit duplication for security reasons.

💡

If the app doesn't start after cloning, restart your smartphone and check the permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions. Sometimes clones require additional confirmation of access to contacts or storage.

Method 2: Cloning through APK-files (manual method)

If Dual Apps does not support the desired application, you can create its clone manually by installing the second instance through the APK-This is a little bit more effort, but it works for almost any program. You'll need to use it:

• 📱 Redmi Note 9 Pro with Unknown Installation Option.
• 💻 Computer (optional, for retrieval) APK).
• 🔗 Removal utility APK (for example, APK Extractor from Google Play).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the APK Extractor app on your smartphone and extract the original app’s APK (e.g., VK).
2. Connect the Redmi Note 9 Pro to your PC and copy it APK-file in the download folder.
3. Rename the file by adding the suffix clone (e.g, com.vk.android_clone.apk).
4. Install the renamed APK on your smartphone through any file manager.

Warning: Some apps (like Instagram or TikTok) can detect duplicates and block them, and changing the package name with tools like App Cloner (the following method will help).

Download APK Extractor|Extract APK original|Rename the file with suffix clone|Installation from unknown sources|Install a clone through a file manager-->

Method 3: Third-party utilities (Parallel Space, Island, App Cloner)

If the first two methods don't work, there are specialized cloning applications, and they fall into two types:

1. Containers (such as Parallel Space or 2Accounts) create an isolated environment where clones can be launched.
2. APK modifiers (such as App Cloner) modify the application code to make it feel like new.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each approach:

For the Redmi Note 9 Pro without root, Parallel Space or App Cloner is the best choice. Install a utility from Google Play, add the app to it, and follow the instructions on the screen. Note that some clones may not receive push notifications, a MIUI limitation that is solved only by manual permissions setting.

Built-in Dual Apps| Manual cloning via APK| Third-party utilities (Parallel Space, etc.)| Never cloned-->

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after successful cloning, Redmi Note 9 Pro users are faced with common errors, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 The clone does not start: check if it is blocking MIUI installation from unknown sources. Go to Settings → Annexes → Special permits → Install unknown applications and allow installation for your file manager.
• 🔔 No notifications: Go to Settings → Notifications → Manage notifications and manually enable alerts for the cloned app.
• 🔄 Clone resets after update: This is a feature MIUI. Before upgrading the system, back up the clone data via Settings → Annexes → Backup.

A critical feature for the Redmi Note 9 Pro is that if you use cloned banking applications (like SberBank or Tinkoff), some of them may block access due to the detection of a “non-standard runtime environment,” in which case the only solution is to refuse cloning or use a separate device for work tasks.

Security and limitations

Cloning applications is a convenient tool, but it carries risks:

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as WhatsApp Business or Google Pay) are actively fighting cloning. Using duplicates can result in account locking without the possibility of recovery.

Additional precautions:

• 🔐 Do not clone applications with access to payment data (risk of information leakage).
• 📡 Avoid signing in to the same account on the original and clone (multi-account protection may work).
• 🛡️ Regularly update clones – outdated versions may contain vulnerabilities.

If you use clones to work, consider alternatives:

• 💼 Work profiles in MIUI (settings → Accounts. → Working profile).
• 📱 Second device (e.g. Redmi) A1 as a work phone).

💡

Cloning of banking applications or messengers with two-factor authentication is fraught with blocking. Always check the service policy before duplication.

Alternatives to cloning

If cloning is not appropriate, consider other ways to split accounts:

• 🌐 Web versions of services: many social networks and instant messengers have full-fledged web interfaces that can be opened in the Chrome browser in the "Desktop" mode".
• 📱 Second user: in MIUI There is a function of several users (Settings) → System system → Multiplayer mode: This is complete data isolation, but requires rebooting to change profiles.
• 🔄 Login/logout: Some apps (e.g. Twitter) support fast account changes without cloning.

The Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 12+ also has a Private Mode feature (Settings → Privacy → Private Mode) that allows you to hide individual apps behind a password, but does not create full clones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning on Redmi Note 9 Pro