The current pace of life often requires multiple instant messenger accounts to be used at the same time, whether it’s because of the separation of work and personal contacts, the need to do business, or simply the desire to have a backup number. Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone users are in a good position, as the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS offer built-in tools to solve this problem without installing additional software.
Unlike many other manufacturers, the Chinese brand has built a cloning feature right into the core of the system, meaning you won’t have to risk data security by installing dubious applications from third-party sources. The process of creating a copy of WhatsApp takes only a few minutes and does not require superuser rights or complex manipulation of the user. ADB-team.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of duplication of the messenger. You will learn about the standard tools of the system that work most stable, and also consider alternative options in case the standard functionality for some reason will be unavailable. The “Double Applications” function in MIUI It does not require a permanent internet connection to activate, unlike some emulators.
Benefits of Embedded Cloning in MIUI and HyperOS
Using Xiaomi’s shell system capabilities is the preferred option, and the main reason is power optimization: When you use third-party clone programs, they often create a virtual environment that consumes significantly more CPU and RAM than the native solution.
In addition, the built-in mechanism ensures full compatibility with notifications. Third-party apps often fall asleep in the background due to Android's aggressive energy saving policy, and you may miss an important message from customers or friends.The system clone works as a full-fledged second application, getting all the necessary permissions directly from the OS.
Data security is also important: cloned applications created through system settings are isolated from each other, but protected by MIUI security mechanisms. You do not need to transfer usernames and passwords from accounts to developers of unknown utilities, which minimizes the risk of personal information leakage.
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The use of the built-in function “Dual applications” provides better autonomy and stability of work compared to external cloners.
Activation of the function "Dual applications"
The process of creating a copy of the messenger is as simple as possible and accessible even to inexperienced users. First, you need to get into the appropriate settings menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic remains the same for all devices of the brand.
Open your smartphone’s settings menu and find a section that may be called “Apps,” “Apps and Notifications,” or simply “Dual Apps.” In some firmware versions, this item is placed in a separate category “Special Features.” If the settings search fails, use the search bar at the top of the screen and type in the “clone” query.
Once you go to the menu, you'll see a list of supported programs. Find the WhatsApp logo in the list and activate the switch next to it. The system automatically creates an orange icon shortcut on your desktop. This is your copy, ready to install the second number.
☑️ Pre-cloning testing
It is important to note that a separate account is required for the second account. SIM-You cannot use the same number simultaneously on two different devices or in two copies on the same phone without losing access to one of them.
⚠️ Warning: When cloning is activated, the system may request additional permissions. Don't worry, this is standard procedure for creating an isolated data space.
Set up a second WhatsApp account
Once the second icon appears on the desktop, you need to make an initial setup. Launch the application with an orange tag. The interface will be completely identical to the main messenger, but the data will be stored in a separate container.
Accept the terms of the user agreement and go to the phone number input screen. Here it is important to enter the number that is physically in your phone (in the second one). SIM) or available for admission SMS/You can call right now. Click the next button and wait for the confirmation code to arrive.
Backup recovery is an important step for those who are switching from another device. If you have previously backup chats in Google Drive, the system will suggest that you restore them. For a second account, it is better to use a separate Google account or clear the current one so that there is no conflict of versions and dates of messages.
The privacy settings of the cloned app recommend setting your settings right away, for example, you can hide your visit time or online status only for the second SIM card, leaving the primary number open to all contacts.
What if the code doesn't come?
Alternative methods of cloning
In the rare cases where a device has a global version of the firmware with stripped-down functionality or a specific HyperOS build, a standard feature may not be available, and in this situation, third-party solutions come to the rescue that emulate the environment for running the second instance.
One popular option is to use Parallel Space, a powerful tool that creates a virtual space within which you can run any program, but it's worth considering that these utilities consume more battery power and can display ads.
Another method is to install modified versions of messengers such as WhatsApp Plus or GBWhatsApp. These versions have advanced functionality, but their use violates the terms of the Meta service. The risk of blocking the number when using unofficial software remains high, so we recommend using them only on temporary SIM cards.
| Method | Security | Battery consumption | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in MIUI function | Tall. | Low. | Maximum |
| Parallel Space | Medium | High-pitched | Medium |
| Mods (GBWhatsApp) | Low. | Medium. | Unstable. |
If you still decide to use third-party software, be sure to download installation files only from official developers' sites. APK-Files from unverified forums can lead to malware infection of the device.
Problems with notifications and their resolution
A common problem that users face when cloning apps is the lack of audible notifications on the second account, which is related to how Android manages background processes. The system can “sleep” a clone, considering it inactive if you have not opened chats in a long time.
To fix this, you need to manually set up autostart. Go to the battery settings and find the charge consumption or battery and performance section. In the app list, find the WhatsApp clone (usually marked with an orange icon) and select No Limits mode.
Also, check notification settings. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification Management. Find a cloned app and make sure the Allow Notifications switch is activated. Pay special attention to the importance of notifications – prioritize High so messages don’t get lost in the overall mass.
Sometimes cleaning the cache of a cloned app helps. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the right messenger, select Memory and click Clear Cache. This won’t delete your correspondence, but can update push notification services.
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To ensure notifications are received, add important contacts to your second WhatsApp account in Favorites and prioritize the chat as Important.
Deletion and management of cloned data
If the second number is no longer needed, the clone can be easily removed without affecting the main account, just press your finger on the cloned app icon on the desktop and select Delete.
It is important to understand the difference between deleting an application and disabling the cloning function. If you just turn off the switchboard in the Double Application settings, the second account data can be stored in a hidden partition, taking up space.
Before deleting, make sure to back up important correspondence. Go to the cloned WhatsApp settings, select Chats → Chat Backup, and click Save. Make sure the copy is downloaded to the correct Google drive.
The access rights are managed separately for the clone, and you can deny the clone access to the geolocation or microphone, leaving these rights for the main application, and this is done through the Application Permissions menu in the general settings of the system.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the cloned application, all local media files (photos, videos) received in the second account will be irretrievably deleted if they are not stored separately in the gallery.