Duplicating apps on Xiaomi is a useful feature for those who want to use multiple accounts in the same messenger, social network or game without permanent authorization. For example, you can simultaneously manage a personal and work profile on WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram on one device. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of cloning applications, including built-in MIUI tools and third-party solutions.
It is important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. The official Dual Apps feature (aka "Dual Apps") is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, but has limitations on the number of clones and programs supported. Alternative methods, such as using Parallel Space or Island, require additional settings and can affect performance. We will take a detailed look at each option so that you choose the best one.
If you plan to duplicate applications with banking data or two-factor authorization, consider that some services block work in cloned environments due to security risks. For example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff may request reauthorization or completely prohibit login through duplicates.
1.Official method: Dual Apps in MIUI
The most reliable and simple method is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature (in Russian firmware can be called "Dual Apps"), which is available on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 9 and higher, including the latest versions of MIUI 14.
To activate the function:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Dual annexes.
- 🔍 Find the right application in the list (for example, VK Facebook or Facebook and switch on the switch next to it.
- 🔄 Wait a few seconds – the system will create a copy with an icon in the form of two folded squares (🟨🟨).
- 🔐 When you first start a clone, you will need to log in to another account.
Limitations of the method:
- ⚠️ Not all applications are supported (for example, some banking or system utilities may not be listed).
- 📵 The number of clones is limited – usually no more than 2-3 applications at the same time.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI clones can be reset (it is recommended to make a backup copy of the data).
Check the MIUI version (must be at least 9)
Free up at least 500 MB of memory
Disable battery optimization for a cloned application
Backup of the main account data-->
On devices with MIUI Global, Dual Apps may be hidden. To unlock it, go to Settings → Special Options → Function Lab and activate the "Show Hidden Settings" option.
2. Third-party launchers: Parallel Space and Island
If the built-in Dual Apps feature doesn't fit (for example, the app you want isn't listed), you can use third-party launchers, the most popular ones being Parallel Space and Island (from Oasis Feng), which create an isolated sandbox where you can run copies of the apps.
Instructions for Parallel Space:
- Download the app from Google Play or AppGallery.
- Launch Parallel Space and add the desired app to the list for cloning (click "+" and select from the menu).
- Sign in to the clone under another account.
Advantages of the method:
- 🌍 Supports almost any application, including those that are not available in Dual Apps.
- 🔄 You can create multiple clones of one app (for example, 3 Telegram accounts).
- 🛡️ There is a function of blocking access by fingerprint or password.
Disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Increased battery and RAM consumption (cloned applications run in the background).
- 📱 On weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 5A or POCO C3) possible lag.
- 🔒 Some apps (like Google Pay) block sandstone work due to security policies.
Telegram
VK
Other-->
Island is a more advanced analogue, but requires root rights or activation through ADB. It creates a full-fledged isolated user profile, which improves security. However, for most Xiaomi users without root, it is better to stop at Parallel Space.
3. Cloning through ADB (for power users)
If you are ready to work with the command line, you can create a clone of the application through Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method does not require root, but requires basic skills to work with ADB.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to unlock the developer menu), then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB.
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
- Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute the command to create a clone (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the application): adb shell pm install --user 999 com.example.app
- Reboot the device. The clone will appear in the app menu.
How to find out the package name of the application?
- 📱 Install App Inspector from Google Play.
- 🔍 Find the desired application in the list and copy the value of the Package Name field.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
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Note: Some applications (e.g. Google Play Services) when cloning through ADB may cause system failures.
4. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make the choice easier, we have compiled a comparative table of all ways to clone applications on Xiaomi:
| Method | Root is required. | Supported applications | Resource expenditure | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Apps (MIUI) | ❌ No. | Limited list | Low. | ⭐ |
| Parallel Space | ❌ No. | Any (except protected) | Medium/High | ⭐⭐ |
| Island | ✅ Yes. ADB) | Anybody. | Low. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| ADB | ❌ No. | Any (failure risk) | Low. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
For most users, Dual Apps is the best solution, which is safe, fast, and doesn't require any additional software. If you want to clone an application that isn't on the list, use Parallel Space. The ADB method is suitable for advanced users who want to avoid third-party launchers.
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For banking applications and messengers with high security requirements (for example, WhatsApp Business), it is better to use the official Dual Apps method - this minimizes the risk of blocking an account.
Possible problems and solutions
There are some errors that can occur when cloning applications, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: There is no application in the Dual Apps list.
- 🔄 Check if your Xiaomi model supports cloning this app (e.g., on the same page). POCO F1 This list may be different from the Xiaomi 13 Pro).
- 📋 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version – sometimes support is added to new builds.
- 🛠️ Use Parallel Space as an alternative.
Problem 2: The app’s clone is not updated through Google Play.
- 🔄 Update applications manually by downloading APK from the official website (for example, for Telegram – from telegram.org).
- 📦 Remove the clone and create it again after updating the main application.
Problem 3: The app in the clone is unstable (flying out, not sending notifications).
- 🔧 In Dual Apps settings, turn off battery optimization for clone.
- 📵 Reboot the device – sometimes it helps to restore work.
- 🚫 If the problem persists, remove the clone and use another method (e.g. Island).
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Note: On devices with MIUI China, Dual Apps may not work, or it may not work, in which case it is recommended to reflash the device to the global version or use Parallel Space.
6.Safety in the use of clones
Duplicate applications is convenient but risky, and here are the key points to avoid problems:
1. Data protection:
- 🔐 Do not store confidential information (passwords, bank cards) in application clones if you use third-party launchers such as Parallel Space.
- 🛡️ Enable screen lock for cloned apps (Dual Apps does this through security settings) MIUI).
Performance:
- 📉 Clean the clone cache regularly in Settings → Annexes → [The clone's name] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 🔋 Turn off background activity for clones if they are not in constant use (this will save battery power).
Compatibility:
- 📱 Before cloning, check if the app supports running in an isolated environment. For example, Google Authenticator may not correctly generate codes in the clone.
- 🔄 Update clones manually – Automatic updates via Google Play may not work.
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If you use clones to work with multiple social media accounts, set up notifications to be different from the main app, for example, in Telegram you can change the color of the theme or the sound of alerts for the clone.