Owning two SIM cards has long been the norm, but it often requires separation of work and personal messages, which requires installing a second messenger. Xiaomi smartphones provide a unique system feature that allows you to run two instances of the same application simultaneously without the need for third-party software. This built-in MIUI solution, known as Application Cloning, works more stable and consumes battery power more economically than external utilities.
The activation process takes only a few minutes and does not require any Root rights or deep technical knowledge, unlike the old methods, when you had to look for modified versions. APK-files, the current HyperOS shell, or MIUI The second account will work independently, receiving its own notifications even when the main application is turned off.
Below we’ll take a look at all the finer points of customization, including hidden options that are often overlooked, how to move chats properly if you need to, and what to do if the standard method for some reason didn’t work on your device model. Get ready to take full control of your communication.
Built-in MIUI and HyperOS capabilities for duplication
Xiaomi shells are famous for their functionality, and app cloning is one of the key things that makes these devices popular among business users. The system creates an isolated environment for the second application, which ensures data security. The data separation takes place at the file system level, so the correspondence from one account does not mix with another.
It's important to understand that the feature is supported by most popular messengers and social networks. However, WhatsApp implementation has its own peculiarities, since this application requires constant background activity to deliver messages. Unlike simple games or browsers, it is critical to properly adjust power consumption.
Users often confuse cloning with Second Space mode, and these are different technologies: the first duplicates only a specific application, and the second creates a virtually separate desktop with its own settings and Google account. For the problem of how to make a watsup clone on a shiomi, we need the first solution.
Step-by-step activating the second WhatsApp account
To start the process, you need to go to the appropriate settings section. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. Open the main settings menu and find the App section.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 📱 Select "Cloning Apps" (or "Dual Apps»).
- 🔍 In the list, find the WhatsApp icon.
- ✅ Activate the switch next to the messenger name.
- 📲 Wait for the shortcut to be created on the desktop.
Once activated, a new icon will appear on the desktop with an orange icon in the corner, indicating that it is a clone, and through this you will register the second number, and when you first start, the system will request permission to access contacts and storage, which must be provided for proper operation.
If you can't find a feature along the specified path, search by settings. Type "Clone" or "Dual" into the search bar, and the system will redirect you to the desired menu, which is especially true for newer versions of HyperOS, where the menu structure has been redesigned.
☑️ Pre-registration checks
Registration of the number and transfer of correspondence history
When you open the cloned app, you'll see a standard welcome screen, and it's important to be careful: you'll need a separate phone number to activate the second account, and you won't be able to use the same number as the main app, because WhatsApp servers won't allow you to register one number in two active sessions at the same device at the same time without using Connected Devices mode.
The registration process is standard: enter a number, get an SMS code, and log in to your account. If you go from an old phone and want to save your correspondence history, you'll need a backup. The regular cloning mechanism doesn't automatically transfer data from the main application to the clone.
To transfer the story, do the following:
- 💾 Back up chats mostly WhatsApp via Google Drive.
- ☁️ Make sure that the copy is created for the Google account that will be used in the clone (if the accounts are separated).
- 🔄 When installing a cloned application, select a recovery from a copy.
⚠️ Note: If you decide to move the main WhatsApp number to a clone, the main account on the same phone will be logged out.
Set up notifications and energy saving
The most common problem users face after creating a clone is the lack of notifications. MIUI aggressively saves energy and can "kill" the background process of a second WhatsApp. To avoid this, you need to manually adjust priorities.
Go to the battery settings or find the app in the installed list. Click on the gear icon or go to Battery Consumption. Make sure the cloned app has a "No Limits" mode, which is a critical parameter for stable operation.
Also check the notification settings:
- 🔔 Allow pop-up notifications on a locked screen.
- 🔊 Make sure that sound and vibration are not turned off in the system settings.
- 📢 Include a priority display for important contacts.
Why are notifications in the background missing?
In some cases, re-authorizing your Google Play account inside the cloned app itself helps, although it is rarely required, and the key is to make it clear that this process must live on all the time.
Hiding icons and protecting privacy
For many users, it is important that the second WhatsApp does not catch the eye of everyone who picks up the phone. Xiaomi has a convenient feature of hiding icons, which works for cloned applications, which allows you to keep the work chat secret from outsiders.
To hide the icon, go to Settings → Apps → Hidden Apps. In the list that appears, find a WhatsApp clone (it will be marked with an orange icon) and activate the switch.
A special gesture is used to access the hidden application:
- Open the standard application "Phone" (caller).
- Enter the access code you have set (e.g. #1234#).
- Press the call button.
The system will automatically open the folder with hidden applications, where your secret WhatsApp will be located, and the access code can be changed in the settings of hidden applications by selecting any convenient digital combination.
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Hiding the icon does not remove the app, but only hides the label, the data remains secure and accessible through a special code in the dialer.
Solving Frequent Problems and Errors
Despite the system's fine-tuning, there may be some failures, such as a clone not being created or being taken out immediately after launch, most often due to a lack of space or conflicting versions.
Let’s look at the main problems and ways to solve them in the table below:
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No "Cloning" item. | An outdated version of MIUI | Update the system or download the plugin “Dual apps” from GetApps |
| No texting to enter. | Blocking a spam filter | Check the Spam folder or request a repeat code by voice |
| The clone flies off at launch | Cache error | Clear the clone data through the application settings |
| The microphone in the clone is not working. | No permits. | Manually grant rights in the privacy settings |
If standard cloning doesn't work (as it does on global firmware versions for some regions), you can use an alternative: WhatsApp Business allows you to legally use the second number on one device without creating a clone, and it's even more stable, because the application is optimized for such tasks.
⚠️ Note: Do not install modified versions of WhatsApp (e.g. GBWhatsApp) on your primary number.This may result in temporary or blocked account by the messenger's security service.
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If you travel frequently, adjust different notification sounds for the main and cloned WhatsApp to help you instantly know which chat message you are in without looking at the screen.