How to clone applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Creating copies of apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that allows you to use multiple accounts in the same messenger, play games from different profiles or test settings without risk for the main account. In 2026, the manufacturer offers several built-in and third-party solutions for cloning, but not all of them work equally effectively on new versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from the standard Dual Apps feature to advanced tools like Island or Parallel Space.

It is important to understand that app cloning can affect device performance, especially when it comes to resource-intensive games or software with background processes. In addition, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights (root), which automatically deprives of warranties. We will note all the risks and offer alternatives for users who do not want to sacrifice security.

1. Built-in Dual Apps: How to enable on Xiaomi

The easiest way to clone applications on Xiaomi is to use the proprietary Dual Apps feature (aka Dual Apps in Russian firmware), which is available on most devices with MIUI 8 and newer, including models on HyperOS. The feature does not require root rights and works stable, but does not support all programs.

To activate Dual Apps:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Dual annexes.
• 🔍 In the list, find the desired application (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram) and tap the switch.
• 🔄 Wait a few seconds – on the desktop will appear a copy with an icon in the form of two layers.
• 📌 Launch a cloned application and log in to another account.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all applications are supported (for example, VK TikTok may not be on the list).
• ❌ The cloned versions take up additional memory (up to the previous one). 50-100 MB for every).
• ❌ On some firmware, the function is hidden - you need to enable it through Settings → Special facilities → Hidden features (relevant to Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5).

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If the application is not listed in Dual Apps, try updating MIUI to the latest version or using alternative methods from the following sections.

2 Parallel Space and analogues: third-party launchers for cloning

If the built-in feature doesn't work, you can use third-party launcher apps that create an isolated environment for copies of programs.

• 🔹 Parallel Space supports up to 32 clones, there is a password lock feature.
• 🔹 2Accounts — lightweight analogue with minimalist interface.
• 🔹 Island (requires root) – creates a full-fledged “sandbox” for applications.
• 🔹 Shelter is open source, works through Work Profile (without root).

Instructions for Parallel Space:

1. Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (if it is blocked in your area).
2. Launch Parallel Space and add the right programs to the list for cloning.
3. Click Create – copies will appear inside an isolated desktop.
4. Sign in to cloned apps under other accounts.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• ✅ Support for almost any application, including games).
• ✅ Ability to hide clones from prying eyes.
• ✅ Additional features (e.g., Parallel Space game acceleration).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Increased battery consumption and RAM.
• ⚠️ The risk of blocking accounts in some services (for example, WhatsApp can ban a “suspicious” clone).
• ⚠️ Advertising in free versions (in Parallel Space it can be disabled by purchasing Pro).

3. ADB Cloning: For Power Users

If you need to clone an app that is not supported by Dual Apps and third-party launchers are not suitable, you can use it. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires a computer connection, but does not need root rights. POCO any version MIUI/HyperOS.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB drivers (you can download from the Android Developers website).
3. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb shell pm install --user 0 -i "com.android.vending" -r "path to apk_file"

Replace the path k_apk_file on the real path to APK-clone (e.g., clone, C:\Users\YourName\Downloads\telegram_clone.apk).

To create a clone of an existing application, use the command:

adb shell pm install --user 0 --install-location 0 --r --d --force-sdk --i "com.example.original" --n "com.example.clone" "path k apk"

Important: Some applications (e.g. banking) block work on devices with USB debugging enabled. After cloning, turn off ADB in the settings.

4. Cloning through Work Profile (without root)

The Work Profile method allows you to create an isolated environment for cloned applications without the need to obtain root rights. This method is officially supported by Android and does not violate Xiaomi's security policy. MIUI 12+ HyperOS.

How to set up:

1. Download the Shelter or Island app (free versions available in F-Droid).
2. Launch the application and follow the instructions for creating a Work Profile.
3. In the profile settings, select the cloning applications (they will be set as separate copies).
4. Run cloned versions from the notification panel or through a shortcut on your desktop.

Pros of the method:

• ✅ Complete isolation of clones from the main system.
• ✅ There is no risk of account blocking (unlike Parallel Space).
• ✅ It works on all Xiaomi devices without restrictions.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Not all applications work properly in Work Profile (for example, Fortnite or Genshin Impact may not run properly).
• ⚠️ Requires manual notification settings for clones.

Download Shelter or Island| Enable installation from unknown sources | Backup data | Check application compatibility-->

5. Cloning with root: Island and LSPosed

If you're willing to sacrifice the warranty and unlock the bootloader, root can clone any application, including system applications, a technique that's suitable for advanced users who want full control of the device.

Tools required:

• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (instructions for Xiaomi: official website).
• 🔧 Installed Magisk (to obtain root).
• 🔧 LSPosed or Island (to create an isolated environment).

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 7 days to wait).
2. Install Magisk and activate root access.
3. Download Island from Magisk Repo and set up isolation for the right apps.
4. Reboot the device and check the clones.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device.In addition, some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may refuse to work on rooted devices.

Advantages of root method:

• ✅ Cloning of any application, including system.
• ✅ Possibility of fine-tuning the insulation (for example, a separate VPN clone).
• ✅ There is no limit on the number of copies.

Risks:

• ❌ Loss of guarantee.
• ❌ Possible problems with OTA-update.
• ❌ Risk of "brick" device with incorrect firmware.

6. Alternative methods: multiple accounts and web versions

If cloning is not available for some reason, alternative methods can be used:

• 🌐 Web versions of messengers: Telegram, WhatsApp and VK have full-fledged web clients that can be opened in the browser as separate "applications" (via Add to the home screen in Chrome).
• 🔄 Change accounts: Some apps (such as Instagram or Twitter) can quickly switch between profiles without cloning.
• 📱 Second phone: For critical tasks (e.g., a separate account for work), it’s easier to use a second cheap Xiaomi smartphone (e.g., Redmi). A2 or POCO C50).

The advantage of these methods is that there are no risks to the main device and accounts, but the functionality of web versions is often cut down (for example, there are no real-time notifications), and buying a second phone requires additional costs.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When cloning applications on Xiaomi, users face typical errors, and consider the most common and ways to eliminate them:

Problem 1: The app doesn’t appear in the Dual Apps list.

• 🔹 Update. MIUI last-minute.
• 🔹 Check if the application is system-based (e.g., Camera or Calls are not cloned).
• 🔹 Try using Parallel Space or ADB.

Problem 2: The cloned application does not start.

• 🔹 Clear the cache and data copies in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔹 Make sure there is enough free memory on the device.
• 🔹 If you are using Island or Shelter, check the insulation settings.

Problem 3: Notifications don’t come to cloned apps.

• 🔹 Enable notifications for copy in the application settings.
• 🔹 For Parallel Space: Go to the launcher settings and activate the option to Show notifications.
• 🔹 For Work Profile: Check your sync settings in your Google account.

Problem 4: The account is blocked after cloning.

• 🔹 Use official versions of apps (e.g. WhatsApp Business for a second account).
• 🔹 Do not log in to clones through VPN proxy.
• 🔹 Contact the support service and confirm the account ownership.

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. Revolut or PayPal) block access when a cloned version is detected).

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If a cloned application is unstable, try rolling it back to the previous version via APK or clearing the data. Often the problem is solved by reinstalling the copy.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions