Why you need a second Viber on Xiaomi and what are the restrictions
Using two Viber accounts on a single Xiaomi smartphone (whether itβs a Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomiβs flagship 14) is a challenge faced by users who want to share personal and work correspondence, manage multiple business profiles, or simply test new features of the messenger without risking the main account. However, the standard installation of the application from Google Play or MIUI App Store does not provide such an opportunity: when you try to add a second account, the system suggests either to leave the current or use the web version.
Complicating the problem is Viberβs policy: the messenger actively blocks cloned versions, recognizes virtual environments, and can even ban an account for suspicious activity (for example, frequent changes of devices or IP- addresses). On Xiaomi, the situation is exacerbated by the MIUI firmware, which limits the operation of third-party tools for duplicate applications. However, you can circumvent these restrictions β and we will tell you how to do this without root rights and without risking access to the main account.
In this article you will find:
- πΉ Official methods from Xiaomi (including hidden features MIUI).
- πΉ Informal methods using virtual machines and cloning.
- πΉ Alternative solutions for users who are not eligible for standard options.
- πΉ Risks and precautions to avoid losing access to accounts.
Method 1: Parallel Apps (Dual Applications) β built-in MIUI
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Parallel Apps feature (aka Double Apps), available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 9 firmware and later. This tool allows you to create a full copy of the application that works independently of the original, with a separate cache, data and notifications.
To activate Parallel Apps:
- Open Settings β Applications β Double Apps.
- In the list, find Viber and switch the slider to the "Incl." position.
- Confirm the creation of a dual application (on the desktop will appear an icon with a yellow icon in the lower right corner).
- Run a copy of Viber and log in under number two.
Advantages of the method:
- πΈ Does not require root rights or third-party programs.
- πΈ Full synchronization of notifications and background work.
- πΈ Supports all messenger functions (calls, stickers, group chats).
β οΈ Warning: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), Parallel Apps may be hidden. To enable it, go to Settings β About Phone and 5 times click on the MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Then in Settings β Additional β For developers, find the "Show Dual Apps" option and turn it on.
βοΈ Preparation for the creation of a dual Viber
Method 2: Second Space β a separate user profile
If Parallel Apps doesnβt fit (for example, because of restrictions on the number of cloned apps), use Second Space, a full-fledged second user profile with its own settings, applications and data. Unlike dual applications, here you get an isolated environment where you can install Viber as usual, without the risk of conflict.
Instructions for setting:
- Go to Settings β Second Space (on some models, path: Settings β Special features β Second Space).
- Click "Create Second Space" and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password or a pattern lock).
- After creation, switch to Second Space (the icon in the notification curtain or lock menu).
- Download Viber from Google Play or MIUI App Store and log in with number two.
Features of Second Space:
| Parameter | Parallel Apps | Second Space |
|---|---|---|
| Root is required. | β No. | β No. |
| Data isolation | β οΈ Partial (total cache) | β Complete (separate profile) |
| Support for notifications | β Yes. | β Yeah (tuning in) |
| Restriction on annexes | β Up to 32 copies | β Unlimited. |
| Difficulty setting up | ββ (simple) | βββ (requires switching) |
Important: Second Space can install not only Viber, but also other messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), social networks and even banking applications, making this method universal for separating personal and work data.
Method 3: Cloning via Island or Shelter (for advanced users)
If you don't like the built-in MIUI, look for profile isolation apps like Island or Shelter, which create a work profile where you can install a second Viber with complete isolation from the main system, a method that takes a little more effort but gives you more control over the data.
Step-by-step instructions for Island:
- Download Island from Google Play.
- Launch the application and click βActivate Islandβ (permission to create a working profile is required).
- Inside Island, open Google Play and install Viber.
- Sign in under the second number - now the messenger will work only in an isolated profile.
The benefits of Island/Shelter:
- πΉ Complete data isolation (even from the device administrator)
- πΉ Ability to freeze unnecessary applications in your profile.
- πΉ Supports automatic switching on schedule.
β οΈ Warning: Some banking apps and messengers (including Viber) may block work in a work profile, recognizing it as a virtual environment. If after authorization you see an error "Device is not supported", try Shelter - it masks the profile as a normal installation.
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If Island doesnβt see Google Play inside your profile, go to Settings β Apps β Google Play and enable the βShow in your work profileβ option.
Method 4: Virtual Machine (VMOS or MultiParalleL)
For users who need maximum isolation (for example, to test beta versions of Viber or work with several SIM- cards), a virtual machine is suitable. Apps like VMOS or MultiParalleL emulate a full Android inside your Xiaomi, allowing you to install a second (and even a third) Viber without risk to the main system.
How to set up VMOS:
- Download VMOS from the official website (not from Google Play!).
- Install and launch the app, select the Android version (Android 9 is recommended for stability).
- After downloading the virtual machine, open Google Play inside it and install Viber.
- Sign in with number two β now the messenger will work in an isolated environment.
The advantages and disadvantages of a virtual machine:
- β Complete isolation (even from viruses in the host system)
- β The ability to use different versions of Android.
- β οΈ High battery and memory consumption.
- β οΈ Risk of blocking a Viber account when switching between virtual and primary environments frequently.
How to speed up VMOS on Xiaomi?
Method 5: Hand-cloned APK (for power users)
If you're not afraid of experimentation, you can manually clone Viber using tools like App Cloner or Parallel Space Lite, a technique that requires more action but allows you to fine-tune the copy (for example, change the name of the package to fool the Viber system).
Instructions for App Cloner:
- Install App Cloner from Google Play.
- Select Viber from the list of applications and click "Clone".
- In the clone settings, specify: - New packet name (for example, com.viber.clone), - Disable "Shared cache", - Enable "Isolated notifications".
- After creating a clone, install it and log in to the second number.
Risks of manual cloning:
- πΈ Viber can block an account if it detects a modified package.
- πΈ Some functions (calls, stickers) may not work smoothly.
- πΈ The clone must be updated manually regularly.
β οΈ Warning: When manually cloning, never use the original packet name (com.viber.voip). Viber actively scans devices for duplicates and can ban both accounts. Also avoid running the original and clone simultaneously - this is a surefire way to get blocked.
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Manual cloning is only suitable for temporary use (e.g. testing), and for permanent work, you should choose Parallel Apps or Second Space.
Alternative solutions: web version and multi-account via PC
If none of the above methods are right for you, consider alternatives:
- π Viber Web: Run the web version of the messenger on PC (web.viber.com) and log in at number two. Minus - requires a constant connection to the Internet.
- π₯οΈ Viber for Windows/macOS: Install the desktop version and link it to another number, suitable for those who often work at the computer.
- π± Second phone on one SIM: Use the "Dual SIM" feature on Xiaomi (if supported) and register the second Viber to the second number.
The advantage of alternative methods is zero risk of blocking, since you do not violate Viber rules, but the convenience is lower: for example, there are no notifications on the Viber Web if the browser is closed, and the desktop version requires synchronization with the phone.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you set up a second Viber on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Device not supported" | Viber recognizes a virtual environment or clone | Use Second Space or the official Parallel Apps |
| No notifications in the clone | Battery optimization blocks background work | Disable optimization for clone in Settings β Battery |
| You can't log in to the account. | Too frequent device changes | Wait 24 hours or use a different number. |
| Clone flies off on calls | Conflict with the original Viber | Close the original app before using the clone |
If you see a message saying, "This device is already being used by another account," Viber has recognized the duplication attempt.
- Remove both apps (Settings β Apps β Viber β Delete).
- Clear the cache and data in Settings β Storage β Clean.
- Restart your phone and install Viber again, starting with Parallel Apps.
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Never use the original Viber and its clone at the same time, as this will result in the blocking of one of the accounts.