Many Xiaomi smartphone owners face the need to have multiple accounts in one app. Especially the question of when to separate personal and work subscriptions, or when a parent wants to control the content of children without losing access to their settings. The official feature of cloning apps in the shell of MIUI and HyperOS works wonders with instant messengers, but YouTube is often left out due to system limitations.
However, there are several proven ways to get around these limitations: you can use the system’s built-in tools to create a copy, or you can resort to more advanced methods, such as user-level cloning or installing modified versions. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to implement the plan without losing the security and security of data.
It’s worth noting that the standard Dual Apps method doesn’t always show YouTube in the list of supported programs, because Google doesn’t provide standard APIs to clone its services as readily as instant messenger developers do. However, there are workarounds and they work steadily on most modern models, from Redmi Note to the flagship Mi series.
Built-in MIUI and HyperOS capabilities
The first thing to check is the standard functionality of your shell. Xiaomi is famous for its customization, and in some versions of the software, the list of cloned applications is wider than in stock Android. To check if this is possible, you need to go to Settings and find the Application section.
If YouTube isn't on the list, don't get upset. In recent HyperOS updates, the filtering algorithms have changed. Sometimes it helps to clear the cache of the settings menu itself or update the system components of Google Play Services. It's important to understand that even if you don't see the option right now, it doesn't mean that the system can't run a second instance.
⚠️ Warning: Forced inclusion of hidden functions through the engineering menu can lead to unstable operation of the system.
In some firmware regions (like China's version of CN), the list of supported applications is wider. If you have a Global version, the functionality can be cut down to please Google's politicians. Check if your system has recently updated - sometimes new features come with security patches.
Using Multiple User Mode
The most reliable and “clean” way from a system point of view is to create an additional user. Android, the basis of MIUI, supports multiplayer. This allows you to create a full second space with your apps, Google accounts and settings. To activate, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Second Space (if available) or Users.
Unlike simple cloning, you get a completely isolated environment here, you can download YouTube from Play Market again and log in to another account, switch between profiles takes a few seconds, and it takes you through a notification curtain or lock screen, which is ideal for those who want to fully share digital life.
However, this method has its nuances: notifications from the second profile may not arrive while you are mostly in the background, and some banking applications may require re-association of the device when you log in from a new profile.
Third-party cloning applications
If systems don't work, specialized container applications come to the rescue, creating a virtual environment inside the main space, allowing you to run a YouTube clone. The most popular solutions are Parallel Space, 2Accounts, and Multiple Accounts, which emulate the Android environment within themselves.
The installation process is simple: download the clone app from Mi GetApps or Play Market, select YouTube from a list and create a copy. Inside the created shortcut, you can log in to a second account. This works on almost all Xiaomi models, including the budget Redmi series.
☑️ Check before installing the cloner
Consider that these applications consume more battery and RAM, as they essentially run another virtual machine, and it is critical to give the necessary permissions, otherwise the clone can fly out when trying to play video in high resolution.
Alternative clients and fashions
For advanced users who want to not only clone, but also expand the functionality, there are modified versions of YouTube, the most famous project is YouTube ReVanced. It is not just a clone, but an improved version of the application without ads, with support for background playback and return of dislikes.
Because ReVanced is a separate application (APK-You can install it in parallel with the official YouTube, so you have two apps: one for normal tasks, one with advanced features and another account.
This method requires caution. APK-It's a good idea to use official GitHub repositories or trusted community channels to ensure that there are no malicious inserts in the code.
Where to download Safe ReVanced?
Mod installation may require disabling Play Protect protection in Google settings, as the system will consider the app signed with a third-party key suspicious.This is a normal security reaction, but the user should be aware of the risks.
Comparison of cloning techniques
To choose the best option, you need to compare the main characteristics of each method, each has its pros and cons depending on what is more important to you: autonomy, functionality or ease of use.
| Method | Stability | Impact on the battery | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Apps (System Apps) | Tall. | Low. | Low. |
| Second user | Very high. | Average. | Medium |
| Parallel Space | Medium | High. | Low. |
| YouTube ReVanced | Tall. | Low. | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, system methods are always preferred for everyday use; third-party containers are better used temporarily or if other options are not available; mods are the choice of enthusiasts.
Solving problems and mistakes
When cloning YouTube to Xiaomi, users often face authorization issues; Google can block the login as suspicious, especially if an emulator or virtual environment is used, in which case two-factor authentication and confirmation of login via a trusted device helps.
Another common problem is that there is no sound or black screen when playing in a clone. This is solved by setting permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → find a YouTube clone → Permissions. Make sure that access to the microphone (for voice search) and storage is allowed.
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If a YouTube clone crashes immediately after launch, try setting the "No Limits" mode for the app in the battery settings. MIUI's aggressive energy saving often kills the clones' background processes.
It's also worth checking out the version of Google Play Services. If it's outdated, Google services may not work properly in the second instance of the app. Update all Google components through the Play Market.
⚠️ Note: Do not use the same Google account at the same time in the original app and in a clone if they work through the same app. IP-Address network with suspicious activity, which may cause a temporary blocking of the account by Google security.
Optimizing the work of the second YouTube
Once the second instance is successfully installed, you should make sure that it's optimized. If you use a clone infrequently, limit its background activity so that it doesn't use up a charge. If you need it all the time, add it to the power saving exceptions.
For convenience, you can change the cloned app icon to avoid confusion, and many launchers and cloners allow you to change the icon to any image from the gallery, which will help you visually separate personal and workspace on the smartphone screen.
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The perfect bundle for Xiaomi: Using the system’s “Second Space” for complete isolation or installing YouTube ReVanced as an independent application for advanced functionality.