Cloning apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature for those who want to use multiple accounts in the same messenger, social network or game without buying a second device. The manufacturer offers built-in tools for duplication of programs, but they do not work with all applications and have limitations. In this article, we will analyze the official and alternative methods of cloning, their pros and cons, and the nuances for different versions of the firmware — from MIUI 12 to HyperOS.
It is important to understand that not all applications support duplication due to security policies (e.g., banking services or some cheat-protected games).In addition, cloned versions can consume more resources and drain the battery faster. We tested all of the methods described on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F5 models - the results are shown in the comparative table below.
1. Built-in "Duplicate Applications" function in MIUI/HyperOS
The easiest way is to use the standard App Cloning tool available on most Xiaomi devices, which does not require superuser rights and works stable, but supports a limited list of programs. The function is hidden in the settings and can be called differently depending on the firmware version.
To activate duplication:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Duplicate applications (or Settings) → Special facilities → Duplicate applications in HyperOS).
- 🔍 In the list, find the desired application (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook) and turn on the switch next to it.
- 📥 After activation, a second icon will appear on the home screen marked “Dublicate” (or “Clone»).
- 🔄 Launch a cloned app and sign in under another account.
Check the firmware version (MIUI 12+ or HyperOS)
Free up at least 500 MB of memory
Disable battery optimization for a cloned application
Reboot the device after activating the duplicate-->
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ Not all apps are available for duplication (for example, Viber or Signal are often missing from the list).
- ❌ Clone versions may not receive push notifications or update with a delay.
- ❌ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) The function is disabled for European firmware (EEA).
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If the desired application is not in the duplicate list, try to update MIUI to the latest version or change the firmware region to India (Global) via Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to the version to unlock additional options).
2.The use of the "Second Space"
The “second space” is an isolated environment on a Xiaomi device that creates a separate desktop, settings, and even IMEI (on some models), essentially a “smartphone in a smartphone” where you can install the same apps as in the main space but with different accounts, a method suitable for cloning Instagram, TikTok or Genshin Impact when regular duplication is not available.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
- Click on “Create a Second Space” and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password or fingerprint).
- After creation, switch between swipe spaces down the notification panel (image icon «👤»).
- In the second space, download the apps you need from Google Play or Mi App Store and log in under another account.
| Parameter | Duplicate applications | Second space |
|---|---|---|
| Support for all applications | ❌ Limited list | ✅ Any applications |
| Memory expenditure | Low (appendix data only) | High (full copy of the system) |
| Notifications | ⚠️ It may not work. | ✅ They're stable. |
| Difficulty setting up | ⭐⭐ (2 steps) | ⭐⭐⭐ (password-demand) |
| Support for HyperOS | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (with limitations) |
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) «The second space may not be in the European firmware version. To activate it, you will need to change the region to China via Settings. → Additionally. → Region (possible loss of warranty!).
3. Cloning through Parallel Apps (for Android Go-based firmware)
On Xiaomi budget models (e.g. Redmi) A2 or POCO C50) And with Android Go, instead of standard duplication, you have Parallel Apps, which works in a similar way, but it has a simplified interface and supports even fewer applications «👥» and may conflict with the main.
Instructions:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Parallel Apps.
- 📋 Select the app from the list (usually no more) 10-15 position).
- 🔄 Activate the duplicate and wait for the shortcut to be created on the main screen.
Features of the method:
- ✅ Minimum resource consumption (optimized for weak devices).
- ❌ No support for Google Play Services in cloned apps (authorization issues).
- ❌ Does not work on devices with 2 GB of RAM or less.
Built-in duplication|Second space|Parallel Apps|Party of annex|I don't use it.-->
Third-party cloning applications (without root)
If built-in methods don’t work, you can use third-party utilities like App Cloner, 2Accounts or Parallel Space, which allow you to duplicate almost any application, but have their own nuances:
- 🛡️ App Cloner – Creates full-fledged copies APK-Supports WhatsApp, Snapchat and even banking apps (but requires caution!).
- 🔄 Parallel Space – runs applications in isolated sandstone, but can brake on weak devices.
- 📱 2Accounts — Specializes in messaging and social networks, but contains advertising.
How to use App Cloner:
- Download the app from Google Play or from the official website.
- Select the target app from the list and click “Clone”.
- Set up settings (for example, turn off notifications for a clone or change the name of a packet).
- Install the created APK-File and log in to another account.
⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Fortnite or Pokémon GO) Block accounts when cloning is detected through third-party utilities, and avoid entering bank card data in cloned versions, this may violate the security conditions of the services.
What if the cloned application does not start?
5. Cloning with ADB (for power users)
For advanced users, there is a method of cloning via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to duplicate any applications, including those that are not supported by built-in features, but require a PC connection and basic command-line knowledge. This method works even on devices with a locked bootloader, but can lead to failures if executed incorrectly.
Step-by-step:
- Enable Developer Mode on Xiaomi: Go to Settings → About the phone and tap 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI».
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the terminal (or PowerShell on Windows).
- Enter the commands in turn: adb devices adb shell pm list packages | grep 'name packet' adb shell pm install -r --user 0 /path/to/cloned.apk
Example of Telegram cloning:
adb shell pm install -r --user 0 -i "org.telegram.messenger" /sdcard/Telegram_Clone.apk⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data to be deleted or system crash.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → System system → Backup. Some of the devices with HyperOS have backups. ADB-Teams may be blocked by Xiaomi's security policy.
6.Alternative methods: virtual machines and emulators
If none of the above methods are suitable, you can use virtual machines or Android emulators (for example, BlueStacks or Genymotion), which allows you to run a second copy of the application in an isolated environment, but requires a powerful processor and a large amount of memory.
Pros and cons:
- ✅ Support for any applications, including games with high demands.
- ✅ Complete isolation from the main system (data security).
- ❌ High battery consumption and heating of the device.
- ❌ Not all emulators are compatible with HyperOS.
To set up:
- Install an emulator (such as BlueStacks) on a PC or laptop.
- Sign in to Google Play under another account.
- Download and run the desired application in the emulator.
- For remote management, use TeamViewer or Scrcpy.
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Emulators are suitable for cloning resource-intensive applications (for example, Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile), but will not replace full-fledged duplication on a smartphone due to the inconvenience of management.
Comparison of cloning methods: what to choose?
The choice of method depends on your tasks and the model of the device.
- 📲 For instant messengers and social networks: use built-in duplication or "Second Space».
- 🎮 App Cloner or emulator (if the game does not block clones).
- 🔒 For banking applications: Avoid cloning or use the official Second Space».
- 🛠️ For experienced users: ADB or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
On HyperOS devices, prioritize built-in features, as third-party utilities may conflict with Xiaomi’s new security system. If cloning is needed to work (like two Zoom accounts), consider buying a second phone or tablet – it’s safer and more secure.