How to clone applications on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 proven ways

Cloning apps on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is not just a convenient feature for separating work and personal accounts, but also a way to test different versions of the same service without the risk of losing data. In 2026, the manufacturer offers several built-in tools for duplication of programs, but not all users are aware of the hidden capabilities of MIUI and third-party solutions that work even on budget models of the Redmi Note series or POCO.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working cloning methods – from the standard function “Dual applications” to the use of the ADB-You'll learn which applications can be duplicated without root rights, how to get around restrictions. MIUI 14/15, And what to do if the cloned app doesn't open, and we'll focus on the hidden Parallel World mode in the new firmware, which allows you to create a full second copy of the system with separate Google and Xiaomi accounts.

1.Official method: Dual Applications function in MIUI

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature, which is available on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones starting with MIUI 8. This option allows you to create a second instance of supported applications without the need to root or install third-party software.

To activate it:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Dual annexes
• 🔍 In the list, find the desired app (such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Facebook) and turn on the switch next to it.
• 🔄 Wait a few seconds – the desktop will appear the second icon with an icon in the form of two folded squares
• 🔐 When you first start a cloned application, you will need to log in to the account again (the data of the main application are not copied!)

Make a backup copy of the data of the main application

Check the vacant space (clone takes ~50-100 MB)

Make sure the application is supported by the function (full list below)

Disable battery optimization for cloned app-->

Importantly, not all apps are supported by this feature, such as Google Play Store, Xiaomi Cloud and some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) cannot be cloned due to security restrictions. The full list of compatible programs depends on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Some regionally restricted Redmi firmware (e.g., Indian or European version) may have the dual application feature hidden. To unlock it, change the region in the India settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Region) and restart the device.

2. Parallel World: Hidden feature to create second MIUI copy

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi added an experimental Parallel World feature that allows you to create a full-fledged second copy of the operating system with separate apps, settings, and even Google accounts. Unlike Dual Apps, it clones not one application, but the entire system.

How to turn on Parallel World:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Parallel World (on some models, the path may be different: Settings) → Accounts. → Parallel World)
• 🔑 When you first start, you will need to set a password for the second copy of the system.
• 📱 After activation, the folder Parallel World will appear on the desktop with duplicates of all system applications.
• 🔄 To switch between the main and cloned system, use a swipe gesture down two fingers from the top edge of the screen.

The benefits of Parallel World:

• 🌐 Complete data isolation: files, photos and messages do not overlap between systems
• 🔒 The ability to use two Google accounts at the same time (for example, personal and work)
• 📱 Support for cloning system applications (e.g. Camera, Gallery)

⚠️ Note: Parallel World consumes additional resources – expect an increase in battery consumption by 10-15% and memory occupancy by 1-2 GB. On smartphones with 4 GB of RAM (for example, Redmi Note 10) you can slow down while working simultaneously in both systems.

3.Cloning through ADB: for advanced users

If your application is not supported by the dual application function, and Parallel World is not available, you can use the application. ADB-This technique requires connecting a smartphone to a computer, but allows you to clone almost any application, including those that are normally blocked.

Step-by-step:

1. 🖥️ Install. ADB-Tools on PC and enable Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers)
2. 🔌 Connect Redmi to your computer via USB-cable (select "File Transfer" mode")
3. 📝 Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) enter:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'name packet'

For WhatsApp, the team would be:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'whatsapp'

Once you find the name of the packet (e.g. com.whatsapp), follow the cloning command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 0 com.whatsapp

If the command is successful, a second app icon will appear on the desktop, which works even for system applications, but has limitations:

• ❌ Not all apps support multiplayer (e.g. Google Play Services)
• ❌ Cloned apps may not receive push notifications
• ❌ After updating MIUI Clones may disappear

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If the command fails, try adding the --user 999 flag (for the second user) or check if USB debugging is blocked in the security settings (Settings → Passwords & Security → Privileges → USB Rights Management).

Third-party cloning applications: Island and Shelter

If built-in methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities that create isolated sandboxes to clone applications. The two most popular solutions, Island and Shelter, are based on Work Profile technology and do not require root rights.

Utilities comparison:

Instructions for Shelter (free option):

1. 📥 Install Shelter from F-Droid (Not on Google Play)
2. 🔧 Launch the application and follow the customization wizard (you will need to create a working profile)
3. 📱 After creating a profile, go to Settings → Annexes → Shelter and select cloning applications
4. 🔄 Cloned apps will appear in a separate menu (available through the Shelter icon on the desktop)

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14/15 When using Shelter, you may experience conflicts with the dual application function. If cloned applications do not open, disable built-in duplication in the Xiaomi settings.

Built-in function "Dual applications"

Parallel World (second copy of MIUI)

Through ADB-team

Third-party utilities (Island, Shelter)

I don’t clone, I use one account.-->

5.Cloning through Second Space: Parallel World Alternative

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with MIUI 11-13 (before Parallel World) had a "Second Space" feature, the analogue of "Parallel World", but with different features. Unlike Parallel World, Second Space creates a completely independent environment with separate:

• 📁 Files and folders
• 🔑 Passwords and fingerprints
• 📱 Installed annexes

How to activate Second Space:

1. 🔧 Go to Settings. → Second Space (if no item, update) MIUI Change the region to "China" in the settings)
2. 🔑 Set a password for the second space (it should be different from the main one)
3. 📱 A new icon called “Second Space” will appear on your desktop – tap it to switch.
4. 🔄 Inside the second space, you can install the same apps as you do in the main, but with different accounts.

Second Space is different from Parallel World.

• ✅ More stable work on older models (Redmi Note) 8/9)
• ✅ Support for cloning system applications (e.g. Calls, Messages)
• ❌ No synchronization of notifications between spaces
• ❌ It takes up more memory (up to 3 GB)

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Second Space is the best choice for Redmi owners on MIUI 11–13, while Parallel World is optimized for newer firmware versions (14+).

6.Problem Solving: The cloned application is not working

Even after successful cloning, there can be errors, from no notifications to no launch, and let's look at typical problems and solutions.

Problem 1: The app does not open after cloning

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes a simple reboot helps
• 🔧 Check the permissions: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → [name of the clone and include all permissions
• 📥 Reinstall the clone: Remove it and recreate it through Double Apps"

Problem 2: Notices are not coming.

• 🔔 Enable notifications manually: Settings → Notifications → [clone]
• 🔋 Turn off battery optimization: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → [clone] → No restrictions.
• 📵 Check your account sync settings (for example, for Telegram or for your account). VK)

Problem 3: The clone disappeared after the MIUI update

This is a common bug when updating the firmware.

1. 🔧 Back to Settings → Double applications and turn on the switch again
2. 📥 If the app doesn't appear, clear the cache MIUI System Launcher (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Clear the cache)
3. 🔄 In extreme cases, reset the launcher settings: pinch the empty space on the desktop → Desktop settings → Reset

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning on Xiaomi Redmi