Have you ever thought about using two WhatsApp accounts on a Xiaomi smartphone? This is true for people who share business and personal contacts, manage multiple business profiles, or just want to keep privacy. Fortunately, MIUI-based devices offer several ways to clone the messenger, from built-in features to third-party solutions.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including the use of the dual application function in MIUI, Installation of parallel version through Google Play, as well as alternative solutions like GBWhatsApp or WhatsApp Business. 12, Poco X5 and other popular devices 2023-2026 Important: Some methods may require unlocking the bootloader or installing it. APK-Files from unreliable sources – we will warn you of the risks in advance.
1.Official method: Dual Applications function in MIUI
The safest and most recommended method is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 9 and later.This option creates a full copy of the application with separate data storage, notifications and account, all models from Redmi 9A to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra are supported.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔒 Complete isolation of data between clones
- 🔔 Separate notifications for each account
- 📱 Does not require root rights or unlock the bootloader
- 🔄 Automatic updates via Google Play
How to turn on:
- Open Settings → Applications → Dual applications
- Find WhatsApp in the list and activate the switch
- Confirm the creation of the clone (an icon with a yellow icon will appear in the application menu)
- Launch a cloned app and go through a standard registration with a different phone number
Backup chats mostly WhatsApp|
Make sure there is enough memory on the phone (clone takes up) ~200 MB)|
Use the second. SIM-card or virtual number for registration|
Update MIUI Up to the latest version (check in Settings) → The phone)-->
Method limitations: Not all apps are available (the list depends on the region and version of MIUI), and some versions of WhatsApp can block the clone, in which case reinstall the messenger will help.
What if WhatsApp is not listed in the Dual Apps list?
2.Install WhatsApp Business as a second account
If you don’t need all the features of a standard WhatsApp, and only need a second account for business, the official solution is to install WhatsApp Business, which is developed by Meta and fully compatible with the regular version, the main difference is the additional tools for entrepreneurs (autoresponders, product catalogs, metrics).
Step-by-step:
- 📥 Download WhatsApp Business from Google Play
- 📞 Register with another phone number (you can use a virtual number)
- 🔄 Set up a business account profile (name, avatar, description)
- 🔗 Sync chats with your main account (optional)
An important nuance: WhatsApp Business and regular WhatsApp can only work on the same device at the same time if they are registered to different numbers, and trying to use the same number will lead to the blocking of the account.
| Criteria | Dual Apps (MIUI) | WhatsApp Business |
|---|---|---|
| Root is required. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Two-room support | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Separate notifications | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Access to one chat room | ❌ No (different accounts) | ❌ No. |
| Business functions | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (catalogues, metrics) |
Dual Apps in MIUI|
WhatsApp Business|
Third-party launchers (e.g. Island)|
Modified versions (GBWhatsApp)|
Another option-->
3. Use of parallel spaces (Second Space)
The MIUI’s Second Space feature allows you to create a completely isolated user profile with your own apps, data, and settings, a more powerful tool than Dual Apps, since it allows you not only to clone WhatsApp, but also to share other services (e.g. Telegram, Instagram).
How to set up:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
- Create a new space by following the instructions (you will need to set a password)
- After rebooting, select the Second Space in the Lock Menu.
- Install WhatsApp and sign up with a different number
Warning: The second space may conflict with some banking applications due to security policies (e.g. SberBank or Tinkoff may block the login).
💡
To quickly switch between spaces, add the Second Space widget to the home screen or use a gesture: swipe down with two fingers on the lock screen (configured in Settings → Lock screen).
4. Third-party solutions: GBWhatsApp and analogues
If the built-in MIUI features don’t suit you, consider modified versions of WhatsApp, such as GBWhatsApp, YoWhatsApp or FMWhatsApp. These apps offer advanced features:
- 🎨 Complete customization of the interface (themes, fonts, icons)
- 🔒 Additional privacy settings (hiding online status")
- 📁 The ability to send files up to 100 MB
- 👥 Simultaneous operation of several accounts in one application
Risks of use:
- ⚠️ Meta may block an account for using unofficial clients
- ⚠️ Data Leakage (Modified versions often contain malicious code)
- ⚠️ No security updates (vulnerabilities not patched)
If you still decide to take a chance, the installation instructions:
- Download. APK-file from the official GBWhatsApp website (check the hash file for viruses)
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Installation of unknown applications
- Install APK and register with another number
- Set up a second account in the GB Settings menu → Dual Accounts
💡
Using modified versions of WhatsApp violates the terms of use of the service, we recommend using this method only if other methods are not possible, and you are aware of the risks of blocking your account.
5. Alternative methods: Island and virtual machines
For advanced users, ready for experiments, solutions based on application isolation are suitable:
Method 1: Island (Work Profile)
Island creates an isolated work profile where you can install a second WhatsApp without conflicts with the main account, the advantage is high security (data is encrypted), and the disadvantage is that you need root access or an unlocked bootloader on some devices.
Method 2: Virtual Machine (UserLAnd)
UserLAnd allows you to run a full-fledged virtual machine with Ubuntu or Debian inside Android, which you can install WhatsApp via WhatsApp Web or Anbox emulator. The method is complex, but it gives 100% isolation. Suitable for a Poco F5 or Redmi K60 with a powerful processor.
⚠️ Warning: Virtual machines put a lot of CPU load and can overheat the device.On weak smartphones (e.g. Redmi) 10A) This method is not recommended.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When cloning WhatsApp on Xiaomi, users face typical errors.
Problem 1: WhatsApp is not installed in cloned space
Decision:
- Clear the cache of Google Play Services in the application settings
- Remove updates for Google Play Store (in app settings)
- Restart the device and re-install
Problem 2: Notifications don’t come in the second account
Decision:
- Check notification settings for the cloned application in Settings → Notifications
- Turn off battery optimization for WhatsApp in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization
- For Second Space: Enable notification synchronization in profile settings
Problem 3: WhatsApp asks for number confirmation, but SMS doesn't come
Decision:
- Use an alternative confirmation method (call instead of SMS)
- Check if the number is blocked by the operator for Meta services
- For virtual numbers: Some services (such as TextNow) may not work with WhatsApp