How to Form an Application on Xiaomi: 3 Proven Ways (2026)

Xiaomi’s bifurcation of apps is the ability to run two copies of a single messenger, social network, or game on the same device, for example, you can use two WhatsApp, Telegram, or Instagram accounts simultaneously without having to log out of your primary profile, a feature that is particularly useful for owners of Redmi, Poco, and Mi smartphones, where the manufacturer originally provided built-in tools for cloning apps.

But not everyone knows that MIUI (the Xiaomi brand shell) has multiple ways of splitting, from standard to hidden. In this article, we will discuss 3 working methods (including those without root and with it), compare their pros and cons, and tell you how to get around typical errors. Importantly, the procedure may differ depending on the version of MIUI (14, 13 or 12) and the phone model (for example, Redmi Note 12 vs Poco X5 Pro).

If you’re looking for a way to run a second VK, TikTok, or even a Banking app (like SberBank Online and Tinkoff at the same time), this guide will help. But remember, some apps (especially financial ones) may block the cloned version due to security policies.

1. Built-in "Duplicate Applications" function in MIUI

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the standard MIUI tool that is available on most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi 10, Poco F4, Mi 11 and later), which does not require root rights and works at the system level, but has limitations on the list of supported applications.

To activate the duplicate:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the App Clone (Duplicate Apps).
3. Turn on the slider at the top of the screen.
4. In the list, tick the apps you want to split (for example, WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram).
5. Click Create and wait for the process to be completed.

After that, the second icon of the selected application will appear on the home screen, marked Duplicate. Importantly, some applications (such as Google Play Store or YouTube) may not be listed due to developer restrictions.

Up-to-date version of MIUI (update to Settings → About Phone)

Free space on the device (duplicate takes ~50-100 MB additionally)

Absence of ad blockers (they may interfere with the work of the clone)

Application support function (list limited)

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The list of applications that can be duplicated depends on the regional firmware. For example, in the global version of MIUI 14, WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Snapchat is available, and in Chinese, WeChat and QQ are also available. If the desired application is not on the list, try alternative methods from the following sections.

⚠️ Note: Duplicate applications may not receive notifications at the same time as the main version. → Notifications and manually enable alerts for the cloned app.

2.Use Parallel Space or Island (without root)

If the built-in MIUI function does not support the desired application (for example, VK, Avito or Yandex.Navigator), you can use third-party applications to create a sandbox.

• 🔹 Parallel Space – supports most apps, but displays ads in the free version.
• 🔹 Island (from Oasis Feng) is a more advanced tool, but requires activation through the ADB.
• 🔹 2Accounts — Simple interface but limited functionality.

Let’s look at the example of Parallel Space:

1. Download the app from Google Play or APKPure (if it is blocked in your area).
2. Open Parallel Space and add the desired application to the virtual space (click + → select from the list).
3. Launch a clone and log in to the second account.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 Works with any application (even those that are not supported by the built-in duplicate). MIUI).
• 🔹 You can create multiple virtual spaces (for example, one for work, another for personal accounts).

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 Increased battery consumption (virtual space consumes additional resources).
• 🔸 Some applications can define virtual environments and block work (for example, banking applications or games with cheat protection).

WhatsApp

Telegram

VK/OK

Instagram

Other-->

For Island, you will need additional configuration via ADB:

adb shell pm grant com.oasisfeng.island android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

This command gives the app the right to create an isolated space, and then restart the phone and add the apps to Island.

⚠️ Note: When using Parallel Space or similar applications, avoid entering bank card details or passwords from cryptocurrency wallets. Virtual spaces do not guarantee 100% protection against data leaks.

3. ADB bifurcation (for power users)

If the first two methods are not suitable (for example, due to application limitations or lack of memory), you can use the system. ADB — It's a more complex tool, but it allows you to fork out any application, even the system one, USB-cable and on-debugging USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version until you become a developer notification appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

ADB Tools

adb.exe

adb devices

(The serial number of your device should be displayed).

com.example.app

com.whatsapp

adb shell cmd appclone clone com.example.app

Reboot the phone. The duplicate will appear on the home screen.

To find out the batch name of the application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

For example, for Telegram, it will be org.telegram.messenger.

Critical feature: once the MIUI is updated, duplicates created through ADB may disappear. To restore them, repeat the cloning command.

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Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. In rare cases, incorrect commands can cause applications to crash.

4. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each of these methods has its pros and cons, and below is a comparison table that will help you decide on the choice:

The choice of method depends on your goals:

• 🔹 Do you need to split WhatsApp or Instagram? MIUI.
• 🔹 Second one required. VK Or Avito? Use Parallel Space.
• 🔹 Do you need to clone a system application (such as Contacts or Messages)? ADB.

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For banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB), it is better not to use duplicates - there is a high risk of blocking an account for suspicious activity.

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When applications are split, users often face problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

1. The duplicate doesn't appear on the home screen Check the folder All apps -- sometimes the duplicate is hidden there. Reboot your phone. If you've used ADB, repeat the cloning command.
2. Update the main app through Google Play, then restart the duplicate. For Parallel Space, update the sandbox app itself.
3. No notifications are coming in the clone Go to Settings → Notifications and turn on duplicate alerts manually. For MIUI 14, check the Special Permits → Notifications section.
4. The application defines the virtual environment and blocks Try another method (for example, instead of Parallel Space use ADB). For games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact), duplication can lead to a ban of the account.

Special situation: if after splitting through ADB, the application gives an error "Application not installed", do:

adb shell pm install-existing --user 0 packet name

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ s MIUI 13) after resetting the settings duplicates created through ADB, To avoid data loss, export the clone list with the command: adb shell cmd appclone list

6. Alternative methods: second user and work profiles

If bifurcation is not suitable (for example, due to application limitations), you can use the built-in Android feature – multiplayer mode or work profiles. These methods do not create a copy of the application, but allow you to use two accounts at the same time.

Method 1: Second user

1. Open Settings → System → Multiplayer mode.
2. Click Add User.
3. Set up a second user (you will need a separate password and Google account).
4. Switch between profiles through the notification panel.

Method 2: The work profile (Android for Work)

1. Download the Island or Shelter app from F-Droid.
2. Create a working profile through the application.
3. Install the desired applications in profile (they will be isolated from the main system).

Advantages of these methods:

• 🔹 Complete data isolation (suitable for handling confidential information).
• 🔹 No restrictions on the list of applications.

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 Switch between profiles (not as convenient as duplicates).
• 🔸 Some apps (such as WhatsApp) require a separate registration on each profile.

7.Security: risks and recommendations

Application bifurcation is a convenient feature, but it is not without risks.

• 🔹 Data Leakage: Virtual spaces (like Parallel Space) can collect information about your activity. avoid entering passwords from banks or cryptocurrency wallets in cloned apps.
• 🔹 Account Blocking: Some Services (e.g, VK, Facebook, banking apps can block an account for suspicious activity (simultaneous login from one device).
• 🔹 Update issues: Duplicates may stop working after updating the main application.
• 🔹 Resource consumption: Virtual spaces increase the workload on the processor and battery. 9A) It could lead to brakes.

Safety recommendations:

• 🔹 Use the built-in duplicate MIUI For social media and messaging, this is the safest way.
• 🔹 For banking apps and cheat-protected games, avoid splitting.
• 🔹 Update regularly MIUI and sandbox applications (e.g. Parallel Space).
• 🔹 Don't install it. APK-Duplicator files from unverified sources – the risk of catching a virus.

If you use Xiaomi for work, consider alternatives:

• 🔹 Two phones (e.g. Redmi Note 12 for personal and Poco) F5 work).
• 🔹 Android tablet (e.g. Xiaomi Pad 6) for the second account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about splitting apps on Xiaomi