Duplication of apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that allows you to use two accounts of the same service at the same time. For example, you can have a personal and working WhatsApp, two Telegram accounts or multiple profiles in games. The feature is available thanks to the branded shell MIUI, but not all users know how to use it correctly.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to duplicate applications on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark devices, from standard tools to advanced methods for power users. We will focus on the limitations of MIUI, data security and the nuances of working with popular messengers. If you have ever encountered cloning errors or want to learn how to circumvent system limitations, this guide is for you.
⚠️ Important: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which can lead to loss of warranty.We recommend first trying out standard methods through Dual Apps.
1. Standard Method: Dual Apps in MIUI
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature (also known as App Cloning) which is available on all modern Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 shell and later, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13 models.
To activate duplication:
- Open the Settings → Applications.
- Select Dual Apps (or “Cloning Apps” in Russified versions).
- In the list, find the desired application (such as WhatsApp or VK) and turn on the switch.
- Confirm the creation of a clone - a second icon with the mark "Dublicate" will appear on the desktop.
✅ Pros of the method:
- 🔹 No need for root rights or additional programs.
- 🔹 The duplicate data is stored separately from the original.
- 🔹 Supports notifications for both accounts.
❌ Cons:
- 🚫 Not all applications are supported (for example, some banking or system utilities).
- 🚫 Limitation on the number of clones (usually up to the 5-10 applications).
Check out the MIUI version (should be 12+)
Free up at least 500 MB of memory
Disable battery optimization for the target application
Reboot your smartphone before creating a clone-->
2.Use of Parallel Space and similar applications
If the application is not listed as Dual Apps, you can use third-party virtualization utilities such as Parallel Space, 2Accounts or Island, which create an isolated sandbox in which you can run a second instance of any application.
Instructions for Parallel Space:
- Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (if it is blocked in your area).
- Launch Parallel Space and add the application to the virtual space.
- Sign in to the second account – the data will be stored separately.
🔍 Comparison of popular applications for duplication:
| Annex | Support for MIUI | Root rights | Advertising | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parallel Space | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Available (in the free version) | Simple interface, support for games |
| 2Accounts | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Lightweight, without unnecessary functions |
| Island | ⚠️ Partially. | ✅ Requires root. | ❌ No. | Complete isolation, for experienced users |
⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Parallel Space) may conflict with Dual Apps in the MIUI. If after installation the duplicate stopped working - remove the third-party utility and restart the device.
Telegram
VK/OK
Games (Clash of Clans, PUBG, etc.)
Banking applications
Other-->
Duplicate through ADB (without root)
For advanced users who don’t want to install third-party programs, there is a duplicating method through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on most Xiaomi devices and does not require superuser rights, but requires a connection to a computer.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
- Activate Debugging by USB in the Developer Menu.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute a command in the terminal (or Command Prompt):
adb shell pm install --user 0 -i "com.android.vending" -r "path to apk_file"Replace the path k_apk_file on the real path to APK For example, for WhatsApp, the command will look like this:
adb shell pm install --user 0 -i "com.android.vending" -r "/sdcard/Download/whatsapp.apk"💡 Tip: If the command doesn’t work, try first to remove the original application (not system!) and install it again with the option. --user 0.
⚠️ Note: This method may not work on new versions MIUI (14+) If the application does not appear after completing the command, check the logs through adb logcat.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
4. Cloning through root rights
If you’re willing to take drastic measures, root rights will give you full control of the system, including duplicate applications, a method that’s suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and a Magisk or SuperSU installed.
The most popular tools for cloning with root:
- 🔧 App Cloner – allows you to customize the permissions and appearance of the clone.
- 🔧 Island – creates an isolated space for the second instance.
- 🔧 Titanium Backup – Clones applications with data (requires experience).
📌 Instructions for App Cloner:
- Install App Cloner from Google Play or F-Droid.
- Provide root access when requested.
- Select a cloning app and adjust the settings (for example, change the name of the package to avoid conflicts).
- Press Clone and wait for the process to be completed.
Critical: Cloning system applications (e.g. com.android.contacts) may disrupt the work MIUI. We recommend you to create a backup copy through TWRP before experimentation.
💡
If the app doesn’t start after cloning, check the modules that are enabled in Magisk – some of them (for example, Riru) can block duplicates.
5.Duplicate through multiple users (MIUI Multi-User)
A little-known feature of MIUI is to support multiple users on a single device. It's not exactly duplication, but allows you to have separate profiles with unique settings and applications. The method works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 11 and later.
How to set up:
- Open Settings → System and device → Additional → Multiplayer mode.
- Click Add User and follow the instructions.
- Switch to the second user via the notification panel (user icon next to Wi-Fi).
- Install and log in to the appropriate apps under another account.
⚠️ Limitations:
- 🔄 When you switch the user, all applications of the first profile are closed.
- 📱 Some system features (such as Google Pay) may not work properly.
- 🔋 Battery consumption increases by 10-15% due to background activity of two profiles.
💡
Multiplayer is the only official way to use two Google accounts on a single Xiaomi device without root rights.
Solving problems in duplication
Even after successful cloning, Xiaomi users often face mistakes, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
🔥 Typical errors and decisions:
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The clone doesn't appear on the desktop | Limitation of MIUI on the number of duplicates | Remove unnecessary clones through Settings → Dual Apps |
| The app dyes when it starts | Conflict with the original version | Clear the cache of both applications in Settings → Apps |
| No notifications coming. | Optimizing the battery for the clone | Turn off optimization in Settings → Battery → Optimization |
| Google Play doesn’t work in a clone | Restrictions of Google Mobile Services | Use Parallel Space or root methods |
🛠 If nothing helps:
- 🔄 Reboot the device – it solves 70% of problems with duplicates.
- 📱 Check the vacant space (requires a minimum of 1 GB for stable operation of clones).
- 🔧 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version – new builds fix bugs with Dual Apps.
📢 Tip for games: If you duplicate games (such as Clash of Clans or Clash of Clans) PUBG Mobile, note that some titles block clones through device verification, in which case only Parallel Space with the option "Hide root" enabled will help".