Have you ever wondered how to use two WhatsApp accounts on a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone without buying a second phone? This is a challenge for business owners, freelancers, or those who share personal and work correspondence. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several legal ways to clone the messenger, from built-in MIUI features to workarounds using virtual spaces.
In this article, we will discuss 3 proven methods that work on Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and other devices running MIUI 14/15. Importantly, none of the methods requires root access or violation of WhatsApp rules – all solutions are based on official Xiaomi tools or certified services, and we will analyze the risks of blocking an account and give recommendations on security.
Before you start, make sure your Redmi has the latest firmware installed. Check this in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. If updates are available, install them to avoid conflicts with duplicate apps.
1.Official method: Dual Applications function in MIUI
The most reliable method is to use the built-in Dual Apps option, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 8 and later, including the latest versions for Redmi.
To activate it:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Dual annexes.
- 🔍 In the list, find WhatsApp and move the slider to the right.
- 🔄 Wait 10–30 seconds for the system to create a copy (the second icon with the icon “2” will appear on the screen»).
- 📲 Launch a cloned WhatsApp and log in with a different phone number.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Does not require third-party programs or root.
- ✅ Full synchronization of notifications and contacts.
- ✅ Support for updates through Google Play.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models with Android 13 may have the dual app feature hidden. To find it, search the settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner) and type in the Dual Apps query.
Backup chats in your main account|Check the vacant space (required) ~300MB)|Disable battery optimization for WhatsApp|Make sure that SIM-Number two card active-->
2. Alternative method: virtual space "Second Space"
If Dual Apps is not available or is not working properly, use the Second Space tool, an isolated environment in MIUI that allows you to install a separate copy of any application, including WhatsApp, with unique settings and data.
Algorithm of action:
- Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
- Click Create a second space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password).
- After creation, switch to Second Space via the notification bar (two-circle icon).
- In the second space, download WhatsApp from Google Play and log in with a different number.
Features of the method:
| Parameter | Dual annexes | Second Space |
|---|---|---|
| Is a separate SIM required? | ❌ No (you can use a virtual number) | ✅ Yeah (must be physical) SIM eSIM) |
| Support for notifications | ✅ Yeah, for both accounts. | ✅ Yes, but only in active space. |
| Battery consumption | 🔋 Minimum (+5–10%) | 🔋 Medium (+15–20%) |
| Compatibility with MIUI | ✅ All versions. | ✅ Starting with MIUI 9 |
⚠️ Note: With Second Space, the cloned WhatsApp data will only be available in an isolated space, and to switch between accounts, you will have to log in/out of Second Space each time through the notification panel.
Dual Apps | Second Space | Third-party launchers (e.g. Parallel Space) | No cloning-->
Third-party solutions: Parallel Space and analogues
If the built-in MIUI tools don’t fit, you can use third-party virtualization apps like Parallel Space, 2Accounts or Island, which create an isolated sandbox where you can run a second instance of WhatsApp.
Instructions for Parallel Space:
- 📥 Install the app from Google Play (link: com.lbe.parallel.intl).
- 🔓 Provide all necessary permissions (access to contacts, storage, notifications).
- 📦 Add WhatsApp to the list of cloned apps.
- 🔄 Open a copy and log in with another number.
The advantages and disadvantages of third-party solutions:
- ✅ It works on all versions of Android and MIUI.
- ✅ Supports cloning of other messengers (Telegram, Viber).
- ❌ The risk of blocking your WhatsApp account when you switch between copies frequently.
- ❌ Increased battery consumption and RAM.
Why can WhatsApp block a cloned account?
4.How to avoid blocking your WhatsApp account
WhatsApp is actively fighting cloning accounts through third-party tools, but official MIUI methods (Dual Apps and Second Space) remain in the grey zone - blocking is extremely rare.
Main recommendations:
- 🔐 Use different phone numbers for each account (virtual numbers like Google Voice may cause suspicion).
- 📵 Do not log in to both accounts at the same time on the same device (close the main WhatsApp before using a copy).
- 🔄 Update the app only through Google Play (don’t download it) APK third-party).
- 📊 Limit activity in a cloned account (avoid mass mailings).
If the account is blocked:
- Send an appeal via the WhatsApp feedback form (Settings section → Help → Contact us).
- Please indicate that you use official MIUI tools to separate your work and personal correspondence.
- Attach screenshots of Dual Apps or Second Space settings as proof.
💡
If you switch between accounts frequently, disable automatic backup of chats in Google Drive for cloned WhatsApp, which will reduce the risk of data conflict and blocking.
5. Methods comparison: which one to choose for your Redmi
The choice of cloning method depends on the Redmi model, the MIUI version and your tasks.
| Criteria | Dual annexes | Second Space | Parallel Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty setting up | ⭐ (2 minutes) | ⭐⭐ (5-10 minutes) | ⭐⭐⭐ (permit-holder) |
| Support for notifications | ✅ Both accounts. | ✅ Only in active space. | ✅ Both accounts. |
| Resource expenditure | 🔋 +5-10% battery | 🔋 +15-20% battery | 🔋 +20–30% battery |
| The risk of blocking | 🟢 Minimum | 🟢 Minimum | 🟡 Medium. |
| Recommended models | Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 | Redmi K50, Redmi Note 13 Pro | Any, but with 4+ GB of RAM |
For most users, Dual Apps is the best solution, which is simple, secure and requires no additional actions. Second Space is suitable for those who want complete data isolation (for example, for work purposes). Third-party launchers should be considered only if the first two methods are not available.
💡
On Redmi models with a Snapdragon processor (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), virtualization is more stable than on devices with MediaTek, which is due to the optimization of MIUI for Qualcomm chipsets.
6. Frequent errors and their solutions
When you clone WhatsApp on Redmi, users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
Error 1: “You can’t create a double app.”
- 🔹 Make sure there is enough memory on the device (required) ~300 MB of free space).
- 🔹 Update. MIUI last-minute.
- 🔹 Restart your phone and try again.
Mistake 2: Notifications don’t come in the second account
- 🔹 Check the notification settings: Settings → Notifications → WhatsApp (2).
- 🔹 Turn off battery optimization for cloned app.
- 🔹 In Second Space, notifications only work when the space is active.
Error 3: WhatsApp asks for re-authorization after reboot
- 🔹 It's normal behavior for Parallel Space to have to re-enter.
- 🔹 Dual Apps and Second Space sessions are saved.
Error 4: It is impossible to update the cloned WhatsApp
- 🔹 For Dual Apps: Update the main app, the copy will update automatically.
- 🔹 Parallel Space has blocked updates – delete a copy and recreate it.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI for the global region (e.g, MIUI Global) Second Space can be disabled. To activate it, change the region to India or China via Settings → Additionally. → Region (resetting will be required).