Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphone owners often face the need to duplicate apps — whether it’s to create a second instant messenger account, test betas, or back up before reset. However, standard MIUI doesn’t provide built-in cloning functionality like some other shells (like Huawei with App Twin) — and you have to use workarounds, from built-in tools to third-party utilities.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to copy the application on Xiaomi devices, including methods for models with unlocked bootloader and without root rights. MIUI 14/15, where the manufacturer has tightened restrictions on the APK-You will learn how to get around the “Installation locked” error, why some applications can not be duplicated, and what alternatives exist for popular services like WhatsApp or Telegram.
⚠️ Attention: Cloning of banking applications, messengers with reference to SIM-A card or two-factor authentication service can result in an account being blocked, such as Sberbank Online and Tinkoff, which recognize duplicates as an attempt at fraud.
1. Built-in dual applications function in MIUI
Starting with MIUI 8, Xiaomi has added an official option for cloning supported applications, which runs rootless and does not require third-party software installation, but has serious limitations:
✅ Pluses:
- 🔹 No need to root or unlock the bootloader
- 🔹 Stable work (less errors occur than in analogues)
- 🔹 Support for notifications for both copies
❌ Cons:
- 🚫 It only works with a pre-approved list of applications (about 30 pieces)
- 🚫 There is no way to add a user-generated APK
- 🚫 In some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) The function is hidden in regional firmware
How to turn on:
- Open Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
- Activate the slider opposite the desired messenger or social network.
- Confirm the creation of a copy - an icon with an icon will appear on the desktop ⧉.
List of supported applications (MIUI 15)
Telegram
Messenger
Snapchat
VK
Skype
Line
TikTok
YouTube
Gmail
⚠️ Note: If the list does not contain the desired application (for example, Viber or Signal), try to manually copy it. APK and installing the second copy will result in the error "Application not installed" due to a conflict of signatures.
2.Cloning through Developer Mode and ADB
For advanced users willing to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to duplicate any application, even if it is not supported by the dual apps feature.The method requires a PC connection, but does not need root rights.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect the phone to your PC, install ADB-tools, and execute the command: adb shell pm install --user 0 -r -t /path/to/app.apk Replace /path/to/app.apk with the real path to the file.
🔹 Key parameters of the team:
- --user 0 — installation
- -r – reinstallation over an existing APK
- -t - permission to install the test package (for duplication)
☑️ Preparation for ADB-cloning
0
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Download the original APK (e.g., with APKMirror)| Check that USB debugging is enabled | Disable MIUI Optimization in the developer settings
⚠️ Note: Some applications (for example, Google Pay or SberBank Online) block work on devices with debugging enabled USB. After cloning, it may be necessary to disable ADB and reboot the phone.
3. Use of third-party launchers with cloning support
If the built-in MIUI tools don’t fit and ADB is difficult to work with, alternative launchers come to the rescue, such as Parallel Space or 2Accounts creating an isolated sandstone where you can run copies of applications without conflict with the original.
📌 Top.-3 Launcher for cloning on Xiaomi:
| Annex | Support for MIUI | Need a Root? | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parallel Space | ✅ (including MIUI 15) | ❌ | Advertising, paid features for more than 2 clones |
| 2Accounts | ✅ | ❌ | Not all games are supported |
| Island (by Oasis) | ⚠️ (root) | ✅ | The most stable, but difficult to set up |
How to set up Parallel Space:
⚠️ Note: Parallel Space launchers can slow down your smartphone by 15 to 30 percent due to virtual environments. 9A, POCO M3) It is recommended to limit yourself to 1-2 clones.
4. manual copying of APK and modification for duplication
For users willing to dive into technical details, there is a way to manually copy an application.apk file, change its signature and install it as a second instance.The method requires root rights or access to the file system via TWRP.
Instructions:
- Download APK Extractor from Google Play and extract the APK of the desired application.
- Connect the phone to your PC and rename the file by adding a suffix (for example, telegram_2.apk).
- Open the file in APK Editor (such as APKTool) and change the android:sharedUserId setting in AndroidManifest.xml to a unique value.
- Reassemble the APK and install it via adb install or root-enabled file manager.
🔹 Example of a change in AndroidManifest.xml:
<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
package="com.example.app clone"
android:sharedUserId="com.example.app.clone">💡
If the APK is not installed after the modification, check that the signature verification is disabled in the build.prop file: add the string ro.debuggable=1 (requires root).
⚠️ Attention: Change AndroidManifest.xml It can break the app if it uses Google Play Services or other system components, for example, a modified Google Maps won’t show maps without the original signature.
5.Cloning through backup and recovery
A little-known way of duplicating is to back up an application with data and restore it under a different packet name, which works without root, but requires TWRP or other custom recovery.
Step-by-step process:
- Install Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup (works on some firmware without root).
- Create a backup of the target application (such as WhatsApp).
- In the file manager, go to the backup folder (usually /sdcard/TitaniumBackup) and rename the file by adding clone to the packet name.
- Restore the backup under a new name, and a second icon will appear on the desktop.
📌 Supported backup formats:
- 📦 .tar (TWRP)
- 📦 .tb (Titanium Backup)
- 📦 .ab (Swift Backup)
💡
Backup via TWRP is the only way to copy the application along with the data (for example, correspondence in messengers) without loss.
6. Alternative solutions for popular applications
Not all applications can be copied successfully, for example, banking services (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) and some messengers (Viber) block duplicates, in which case one of the alternative solutions will help:
🔹 For messengers:
- 💬 WhatsApp Business – the official second version of WhatsApp for Business (works in parallel with the main one).
- 💬 Telegram X is an alternative client with a different package (org.thunderbird.x), you can install next to the main one.
🔹 For social media:
- 📱 Facebook Lite + Main Facebook (different packages).
- 📱 Instagram via the web version in the browser with the mode "Add to the main screen".
🔹 For games:
- 🎮 Use Google Play Games with Multiple Accounts (switching through profile icon).
- 🎮 BlueStacks (LDPlayer) to run a second copy on PC.
⚠️ Attention: Annexes linked to IMEI or Google Advertising ID (for example, Pokémon GO VTB Bank will not work in clones, even if the installation is successful.