How to Form an Application on Xiaomi: 3 Proven Ways with Step-by-Step Instructions

For example, you can log into WhatsApp under a personal and work account, manage multiple Instagram or Telegram profiles, and test different versions of a single messenger without risking data loss. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to create a duplicate application on devices with a MIUI shell (including Redmi, POCO and Mi series), as well as their pros, cons and possible errors.

It's important to understand that not all applications support bifurcation due to developer restrictions. For example, Viber and some banking applications can block duplicate work for security reasons. Also, on new versions of MIUI 14/15, the algorithm for creating a second instance has changed — we have taken these nuances into account in the instructions below. If you are using an Android 13+ device, check the compatibility of the method before starting.

Before you start, make sure that your smartphone has enough free memory – the duplicate of the application takes up as much space as the original. Also consider that some methods require developer rights or a PC connection. If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with the simplest method – through the built-in MIUI settings.

Blending through the built-in MIUI function (no root)

The safest and most official way is to use the App Duplicate (or Dual Apps) tool, which is preinstalled in the MIUI shell. It works on most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 Lite and later. The main advantage of the method is that you do not need to install third-party programs or obtain root rights.

To activate the function, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open the settings on your smartphone.
• 🔍 Scroll down and select the Apps (or Apps) section).
• 🔄 Find the Duplicate Apps item (in some versions) MIUI It is called Cloning Apps or Dual Apps).
• ⚙️ Turn on the function by moving the slider to the position On..
• ➕ Press the badge. + Next to the app you want to split (e.g. Telegram or Facebook).
• 🔄 Confirm the creation of a duplicate - a second icon will appear on the desktop marked Duplicate.

Note that MIUI 14+ may have different supported apps, for example, WhatsApp Business sometimes doesn’t appear in the list for cloning, although technically it’s possible. If you don’t have the right app, try updating MIUI to the latest version or using alternative methods from the following sections.

Make a backup copy of the application data|Check the vacant space (minimum 500 MB)|Update MIUI last-minute|Make sure the app supports duplication-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 With global firmware, Dual Apps can be hidden. To unlock it, go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. After that, the menu will additionally appear item For developers, where you can activate hidden options.

2.Using Parallel Space and other launchers

If the built-in MIUI function is not suitable (for example, the desired application is not on the list), you can use third-party launchers such as Parallel Space, 2Accounts or Island. These programs create an isolated environment (sandbox) in which you can run duplicate applications without conflict with the originals.

Advantages of the method:

• 🌐 It works on any Xiaomi smartphone, including Android Go models.
• 🔓 Supports applications that are not available for cloning through MIUI (For example, TikTok or Snapchat).
• 🛡️ No root rights (except for Island, which needs them for full-time work).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Duplicate delays due to virtualization.
• 📱 Some applications (such as banking) can block startup in the sandbox.
• 🔋 Increased battery and memory consumption.

Instructions for setting up Parallel Space:

1. Download the app from Google Play or AppGallery.
2. Open Parallel Space and add the desired app to the list for cloning (click + and select from the list).
3. Run a duplicate from the Parallel Space interface – a separate icon will appear on the desktop.
4. Sign in with your second account.

Important: Apps in Parallel Space don't sync with the originals. For example, if you delete a duplicate WhatsApp in the sandbox, messages in the main app will remain intact.

Built-in function MIUI|Parallel Space|ADB-team|Island (from root)|I don't split.-->

3. ADB bifurcation (for power users)

If the first two methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a tool for debugging Android devices, which allows you to fork out any application, even if it's not supported by MIUI or Parallel Space, but it requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.

Before you start, make sure that:

• 🖥️ Drivers are installed on the PC ADB and platform-tool utilities.
• 📱 On the smartphone included debugging on USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times) → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Used by the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

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

1. Enter the command to create a duplicate (replace com.example.app with your application’s batch name, such as com.whatsapp):

adb shell pm install-existing --user 0 com.example.app

1. Reboot your smartphone. A second app icon will appear on your desktop.

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

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, for Telegram, enter:

adb shell pm list packages | grep telegram

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI duplicate created through ADB, It can disappear. To restore it, repeat the procedure. Also, don't delete the original application, it will cause the duplicate to fail.

4. Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

To make it easier, we've compiled a table comparing all three bifurcations, so focus on your tasks and your level of training.

If you need to fork out a popular app (like Instagram or VK) and you don’t want to mess with settings, use the built-in MIUI function. Parallel Space is suitable for rare apps or games. The ADB method is relevant for power users who need to fork out a system application or one that is not supported in other ways.

💡

ADB is the only way to bifurcate applications that are not supported in MIUI and Parallel Space, but require a PC connection and command knowledge.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

When splitting applications on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🚫 Error: "Failed to create a duplicate" Reason: Not enough memory or the application is not supported. Solution: Free 1-2 GB of memory and try again. If the error persists, use Parallel Space.
• 🔄 Duplicate disappeared after the update MIUI Reason: Resetting when you update. Solution: Repeat the bifurcation process (via MIUI or ADB).
• 📵 No notifications are received in duplicate Reason: Energy saving restrictions Solution: Go to Settings → Battery → Optimize the battery and disable optimization for duplicate.
• 🔒 The banking application does not run in Parallel Space Reason: Sandbox Launch Protection Solution: Use the built-in feature MIUI or ADB (if maintained).

If you encounter an error that is not on the list, check the logs through ADB Logcat or contact the Xiaomi EU forum, specifying the device model and MIUI version.

💡

Before bifurcation of banking applications or messengers with two-factor authentication (for example, Google Authenticator), back up the codes.

6.Security: risks and recommendations

Bifurcation is convenient, but it can pose security risks, and here are the key risks and ways to minimize them:

• 🛡️ Data Leakage: Duplicate applications (especially in Parallel Space) may be vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. Recommendation: Do not use duplicates to log into bank accounts or corporate emails.
• 🔄 Account conflicts: Simultaneously logging into the same account in the original and duplicate can lead to blocking (for example, on WhatsApp or Facebook.
• 📱 Failures: Duplicates created through ADB, Recommendation: Before updating, delete the duplicate, update the original, and then create the duplicate again.

If you are bifurcating messengers, consider that some services (such as Signal or Slack) actively fight multi-accounting and can block both instances. For work purposes, it is better to use official solutions such as WhatsApp Business or Telegram with multiple accounts in the same application.

7. Alternative solutions for multi-accounting

If the split doesn’t fit or causes a crash, consider alternative ways to manage multiple accounts:

• 🌐 Browser versions: Many services (e.g. Instagram, Twitter) have web versions where you can log in under another account without duplicating the application.
• 📱 User profiles (Android 12)+): On the new versions MIUI You can create a separate profile with another set of applications (Settings) → System system → Several users).
• 🔄 Login/logout: Some apps (such as Gmail or Outlook) support fast account change without splitting.

For WhatsApp and Telegram, there are official solutions:

• WhatsApp Business is a separate app for the second number.
• Telegram – supports up to 3 accounts in one app (click on the arrow next to the name in the side menu).

If you need to separate work and personal data, consider using Samsung Knox (on Samsung devices) or Shelter (for Xiaomi with root).These tools create isolated work environments similar to Parallel Space, but with better protection.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions