How to Run 2 WhatsApp on a Xiaomi Phone: Step-by-step instructions for all models

Why You Need Two WhatsApp Accounts on One Xiaomi

Using two WhatsApp accounts on a single Xiaomi smartphone has become a necessity for many users, and it’s important for those who share work and personal contacts, do business through a messenger or just want to separate correspondence from different social circles. Unlike iPhones, which require workarounds, devices on MIUI offer several built-in and third-party solutions.

Modern Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13T or POCO X5 Pro) support system-level app duplication. However, not everyone knows that there are alternative methods beyond the standard method, from using Parallel Space to creating a second user on Android, each with its pros and cons, which we will discuss below.

It’s important to understand that WhatsApp doesn’t officially support multi-accounting on a single device without using the business version.All of the methods described are workarounds that may require updates when changing the messenger policy.However, as of now (2026) they work consistently on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14.

Method 1: Built-in dual applications in MIUI

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Dual Apps option available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI, which creates a clone of the selected application, allowing you to log in under another account, the main advantage is that you do not need to install third-party software, which minimizes security risks.

To activate Dual Apps, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Dual annexes.
• 🔍 In the list, find WhatsApp and turn on the switch next to it.
• 🔄 Wait for the clone to be created (the second icon with the Double mark will appear on the desktop).
• 📲 Launch the cloned app and log in under the second phone number.

Note that the cloned app will work independently of the original, but both will consume the device’s resources.

Check the MIUI version (must be at least 10)

Free up at least 500MB of memory

Make sure your device has the original WhatsApp (not modified) installed.

Create a backup of chats in your main account-->

Method 2: Parallel Space is an alternative to older Xiaomi models

If your device does not support Dual Apps (for example, on Redmi 4X or Mi A1 with pure Android One), you can use the Parallel Space application. This third-party solution creates an isolated environment ("sandbox") in which you can run a second instance of WhatsApp or other messengers.

Instructions for setting:

1. Download Parallel Space from Google Play or Mi App Store.
2. Open the app and add WhatsApp to the clone list.
3. Launch the messenger inside Parallel Space and enter the second number.
4. (Optional) Set up notifications and access to contacts in Parallel Space settings.

Advantages of the method: works on any device, including those without Dual Apps. Disadvantages: there may be delays due to virtualization, as well as the risk of blocking the account when switching between environments often (WhatsApp may consider this as suspicious activity).

Built-in Dual Apps (Dual Apps)

Parallel Space or analogues

Second Android user

Modified versions of WhatsApp (GBWhatsApp, etc.)

I haven't tried it yet.-->

⚠️ Note: When using Parallel Space, avoid signing in to both WhatsApp accounts at the same time. IP-This may cause a temporary account lock for suspected fraud.It is recommended to use mobile Internet for one of the accounts.

Method 3: Second Android user (for advanced)

A lesser-known but effective method is to create a second user on Android, a feature that is available on all Xiaomi Android 5.0+ devices and allows you to completely isolate two profiles, including apps, contacts and files, for those who want not only two WhatsApps, but also a complete separation of the work environment and personal environment.

How to set up:

• 👤 Go to Settings. → System system → Additionally. → Multiple users.
• 🆕 Click Add User and Follow the Instructions.
• 🔄 Switch to a new user (you will need to reconfigure the device).
• 📥 Install WhatsApp and log in with the second number.

This is the most secure way to do this, because the profiles are completely isolated, but it takes longer to set up and takes up more space in the device’s memory, and notifications from the second profile may not be displayed correctly on some Xiaomi models.

Method 4: Modified versions of WhatsApp (GBWhatsApp, YoWhatsApp)

For users willing to take risks, there are modified versions of WhatsApp, such as GBWhatsApp or YoWhatsApp. These apps allow you to use multiple accounts at once, and also offer additional features (hiding online status, changing topics, etc.).

How to determine:

1. Download. APK-GBWhatsApp file from official website (not from third-party sources!).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
3. Install APK and launch the application by logging in with the second number.

⚠️ Note: Using modified versions of WhatsApp violates the terms of service of the messenger. In 2023, Meta tightened its policy on such applications, and accounts of users of GBWhatsApp can be blocked without the possibility of recovery. It is recommended to use this method only for temporary purposes.

Method 5: Root access and apps like Island

For advanced users who are ready to get root rights, the most flexible way is to use applications like Island (based on Work Profile), which allows you to create a completely isolated environment for the second WhatsApp with separate storage and settings.

Step-by-step:

• 🔧 Get root access on your Xiaomi (for example, through Magisk).
• 📱 Install Island from Google Play or F-Droid.
• 🔄 Create a new Work Profile and clone WhatsApp into it.
• 📲 Launch the messenger from an isolated profile and log in under the second number.

Advantages: maximum isolation of accounts, no risk of blocking (since the official WhatsApp is used), the ability to configure access rights. Disadvantages: requires root rights, which deprives the device of warranty and can cause security problems (for example, when using banking applications).

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If you decide to get root access, be sure to back up your data via Mi Cloud or TWRP. On some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi K50), unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the device.

Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your Xiaomi model, MIUI version and willingness to compromise. Below is a comparison table that will help you determine:

For most Xiaomi owners, Dual Apps will be the best solution – it’s fast, secure and requires no additional manipulation. If your model does not support this feature, try Parallel Space or a second user. Modified versions of WhatsApp and root methods should be considered only in extreme cases.

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On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14 and later, Dual Apps is more stable than third-party solutions, but before using it, check if your model supports this option – on some budget smartphones (for example, the Redmi A1) it can be disabled.

FAQ: Frequent questions about two WhatsApps on Xiaomi