Cloning apps on Xiaomi: 3 ways to create a duplicate messenger or game

On Xiaomi smartphones, app cloning has become an integral part of the MIUI branded shell. It allows you to create full copies of instant messengers, social networks or games with separate accounts, notifications and data. But how does this work in practice? In this article, we will analyze all the available methods, from the standard tool Dual applications to hidden features for advanced users.

It takes you just 5-10 minutes to set up a duplicate of WhatsApp, Telegram or TikTok without the risk of blocking the main account, we will also reveal the nuances of the function on different models – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14, and explain why some applications can not be cloned through standard means.

1. Standard method: Dual Applications function in MIUI

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tool, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones since the MIUI 8 shell version, which creates a full copy of the application with a separate cache, data and notifications, the main advantage is that root access or third-party programs are not required.

To activate the duplicate:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. In the list, find the desired application (for example, VK or Instagram) and switch the switch to the “On” position.
3. Confirm the creation of a copy - a second icon with the mark Double will appear on the desktop.

Importantly, not all applications are supported by this feature, for example, banking programs (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) or some games (PUBG Mobile) may not be included in the list due to security restrictions.

Free space on the device (minimum 500 MB)|Updates MIUI last-minute|No application in the manufacturer's blacklist|Availability of backup copy of the main account data-->

2. Alternative method: Parallel Space and similar launchers

If the application is not on the list of Dual Applications, third-party utilities like Parallel Space or 2Accounts come to the rescue. These programs create an isolated sandbox where you can run any applications with individual data, the advantage is support for even those programs that are blocked in MIUI.

How to use Parallel Space:

• 📥 Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (if it’s not available in your area).
• 🔧 Launch the utility and add the desired application to the “sandbox” through the Add App button.
• 🔄 Create a short shortcut on your desktop for quick access.
• 🔒 Set up a password or fingerprint lock to protect the duplicate from outsiders.

Note that some apps (such as WhatsApp Business) can detect a launch in sandstone and block an account for suspicious activity, and Parallel Space consumes additional resources – on weak smartphones (Redmi 9A, Poco C31) there are possible slowdowns.

WhatsApp|Telegram|Instagram|VK|Other-->

3.For the Advanced: Cloning through ADB (without root)

If you want to clone an application that is not supported by MIUI or Parallel Space, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require superuser rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to a PC.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap it 7 times.
2. Activate Debugging by USB in the Developer Menu.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command in the terminal: adb shell pm install -r --user 0 /path/to/apk (substitute /path/to/apk path APK-file).
4. To create a second user (if necessary) use: adb shell pm create-user --profileOf 0 CloneUser

This way bypasses the limitations of MIUI, but it requires caution: incorrect ADB commands can disrupt the system, and some applications (such as Google Pay) block work on cloned profiles due to security policies.

4. Limitations and risks of cloning applications

While convenient, app duplication has a number of pitfalls: First, some services prohibit multi-accounting – for example, WhatsApp can block a second number if both accounts use the same account. IP-Second, cloned applications take up extra memory space and can increase battery consumption. 10-15%.

It is also worth considering:

⚠️ Note: When you clone banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, Alpha-Click), you risk violating the terms of the user agreement. Most financial services prohibit the use of duplicates due to security threats. In the case of blocking, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to the account.

5. How to Remove a Clone Application

If the duplicate is no longer needed, it can be removed without consequences for the main application.

• 🗑️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Dual annexes.
• 🔍 Find the cloned app in the list and tap it.
• 🚫 Click Remove or turn off the switchboard.
• 🧹 Clear cache and data through the Warehouse → Clear the data if you want to erase the traces completely.

For applications cloned through Parallel Space, just remove them from the sandstone in the utility menu. If you used ADB, you'll have to manually uninstall the second profile with the command:

adb shell pm remove-user [ID_ of the user]

(You can find the ID through adb shell pm list users).

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Before removing the clone, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup.This will help restore chats or settings if you accidentally delete the main application.

Comparison of cloning methods: which to choose?

Which method is right for you depends on the purpose and model of the smartphone. Below is a comparison table with the pros and cons of each option:

For most Xiaomi users, the best solution will be the built-in dual apps feature, which is stable, requires no additional knowledge and is guaranteed to work on all models from the Redmi Note 12 to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. If you need to clone something exotic (for example, OnlyFans or corporate messenger), you will have to use Parallel Space or ADB.

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On smartphones with pure Android (such as Xiaomi A3 or Poco F1 under Android One), dual apps may not be available, in which case the only option is third-party launchers like Parallel Space or Island.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning apps on Xiaomi