How to clone an app on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Cloning apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that allows you to run multiple accounts of the same service at the same time. For example, you can use two WhatsApp, two Telegram or two social media profiles on the same device, this feature is especially popular among users who want to separate work and personal accounts, test different versions of applications or just save time switching between profiles.

Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14 or the new HyperOS) and the smartphone model (Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi 13/14, etc.), the methods of cloning may differ. In some cases, the function is available out of the box, in others, requires the installation of additional tools. In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including hidden settings and circumventing restrictions for older devices.

1. Built-in dual applications function in MIUI/HyperOS

The easiest way to clone an app on Xiaomi is to use the standard Dual Apps feature, which is available on most devices with MIUI 8 and later firmware, as well as HyperOS, which allows you to create a full copy of the application with a separate data store, notifications and account.

To activate it:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes.
• 🔍 Find the Double Apps section (in some versions – App Cloning or Parallel Apps).
• ⚙️ Turn on the slider at the top of the screen if the function is disabled.
• 📋 Select applications from the list and click Create.

After that, a shortcut marked Double (or double-layer icon) will appear on the home screen, and note that not all apps support cloning, such as system utilities (Settings, Phone) or some banking programs may not be listed.

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If the settings do not have a “Dual Apps” section, try updating your firmware to the latest version or using alternative methods from the following sections.

2. Cloning through "Second Space Mode"

If your Xiaomi model (like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) doesn’t support dual apps, you can use Second Space, a separate user profile with its own apps, settings and data, essentially getting a smartphone with quick switching.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Create a new space by following the system’s prompts (you’ll need to come up with a password or a pattern lock).
3. Once created, navigate to the second space via the notification bar or the main menu.
4. Install the desired applications again (they will be isolated from the main profile).

The advantage of this method is complete data isolation, the disadvantage is that you have to duplicate the installation of all the necessary programs, and some functions (such as Google Pay) may not work properly in the second space due to security limitations.

3. Use of third-party launchers (Island, Shelter)

For users who need more flexible application isolation settings, specialised launchers such as Island or Shelter will be suitable, creating a work profile based on standard Android features, allowing for the clone of apps without root rights.

Instructions for Island:

• 📥 Install Island from Google Play.
• 🔧 When you first start, allow the creation of a working profile (confirmation is required in the Android settings).
• 📋 On the Island main menu, select cloning apps and move them to an isolated profile.
• 🔄 Restart your device if apps don’t show up on Island.

Shelter works similarly, but it's open source. Both tools support data encryption and block access to your main profile contacts/files, which is useful if you want to separate your work messengers from your personal ones, for example.

4.Cloning with Root Rights and Magisk

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, you can use modules for advanced cloning, such as the App Cloner module or Parallel Space module (requires a root), which is suitable for advanced users, since it involves the risk of a security breach.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Magisk and check for root rights.
2. Download the App Cloner module (available in the Magisk repository).
3. Install the module through Magisk → Modules → Install from storage.
4. Restart the device and find a new section for cloning in the application menu.

⚠️ Note: Root rights may lead to loss of warranty, as well as problems with the operation of banking applications (due to the SafetyNet trigger). → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Check the device model for compatibility with Magisk|Create a backup of data |Make sure the bootloader is unlocked |Disable antivirus programs |Charge your phone at least 50%-->

5. Alternative methods: Parallel Space and multi-accounting

If none of the above methods are suitable, you can use third-party cloning applications, such as Parallel Space or 2Accounts.

• 🔒 Some applications (for example, banking) block work in the sandbox".
• 📴 Possible delays in notifications or synchronization problems.
• 🛡️ Risk of data leakage (especially in unofficial versions of applications).

To minimize risks, download these programs only from Google Play or official sources. Parallel Space, for example, has a version of Parallel Space Lite that is optimized for weak devices.

Important: Some manufacturers (including Xiaomi) are blocking Parallel Space on new firmware due to security policies. If the app doesn't start, try disabling MIUI Optimization in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times to unlock the developer menu).

Comparison of cloning methods: which to choose?

To determine the best way, compare the key parameters of each method:

For most Xiaomi users, the best solution is the built-in dual apps or Island feature, and if you want maximum isolation (for example, for work accounts), you should use Second Space or Shelter.

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On HyperOS devices, the dual apps feature may be called Parallel Apps and may be located in the Settings → Applications → Parallel Apps section.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When cloning applications on Xiaomi, users often encounter common mistakes, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 No Double Apps section in the Solution: Update your firmware to the latest version. On older devices (Redmi) 4/5) This feature may not be available, but use Island or Parallel Space.
• 🔄 Cloned app not updated Solution: Remove the clone and recreate it. If the problem persists, update the original app on Google Play, then repeat the cloning.
• 🔔 No notifications arrive in the cloned app Solution: Check notification settings for the clone in Settings → Notifications. Island may need to enable the option to Show notifications in profile settings.
• 🔒 Banking app blocks second space Solution: Use Double Apps instead of Island or refuse cloning - many banks ban work in isolated environments.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or POCO F5) After upgrading to HyperOS, cloned applications may lose data when restarting. To avoid this, make a backup of clones through Settings before updating your firmware. → Annexes → Dual annexes → Backup.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions