Using two WhatsApp accounts on a single smartphone is a challenge for many Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO users. You may need to separate work and personal chats, get a second number for business, or just test new features of the messenger without risking to the main profile. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several formal and informal ways to solve this problem, from built-in parallel space to using third-party launchers.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of installing a second Watsap on Xiaomi in 2026, including their pros, cons and potential risks. Importantly, some methods may require additional settings or even unlocking the bootloader, so read the instructions carefully. Let’s start with the simplest and most secure option – built-in function. MIUI.
1.Official method: Parallel space in MIUI
The most reliable and recommended method is to use the Dual Apps feature, which is available on most Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, which allows you to create a full copy of the application with a separate data store, notifications and even an icon on the desktop.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔹 Does not require root rights or third-party programs
- 🔹 Complete isolation of data between accounts
- 🔹 Support for notifications for both profiles
- 🔹 Retained after system updates
How to turn on Parallel Space:
- Open Settings → Applications → Parallel Space
- Click "Add App" and select WhatsApp from the list
- Confirm the creation of a copy (reboot may be required)
- After the second Watsap icon appears on your desktop, log in with another number
Update. MIUI last-minute|Free up at least 1 GB of memory|Turn off battery optimization for WhatsApp|Check for backup copies of chats-->
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) Parallel space may be hidden, in which case try to search for settings to search for "dual apps" or use alternative methods in this article.
2. Cloning of applications through Security Settings
If Parallel Space is not available for some reason, try an alternative official method, which is to clone applications through the security menu, which works on devices with MIUI 11 and later, but may not be available on some regional firmware.
Instructions for cloning:
- Go to Settings → Password and Security → App Cloning
- Enable the function if it is disabled (you will need to install a pattern lock or PIN)
- Find WhatsApp in the list and activate the switch next to it.
- After creating a copy, log in to the second account.
Differences from Parallel Space:
- 🔸 The cloned application does not have a separate desktop
- 🔸 Less system load (suitable for budget models)
- 🔸 No way to synchronize data between copies
| Parameter | parallel space | Cloning of applications |
|---|---|---|
| Root is required. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Separate desktop | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Support for notifications | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Compatible with MIUI 14 | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially. |
Parallel space |Cloning applications |Third-party launchers |Never tried-->
3. Use of third-party launchers (without root)
If the built-in MIUI features don't work or work, you can use third-party multi-skill launchers, the most popular ones being Parallel Space, 2Accounts and Island (the latter requires root), which create an isolated sandstone for the second WhatsApp account.
Installation through Parallel Space:
- Download Parallel Space from Google Play
- Open the app and add WhatsApp to the clone list
- Sign in to the second account (may be required) SMS-confirmation)
- Set up notifications in the launcher menu
Warnings when using third-party launchers:
- 🛑 Possible delays in the delivery of notifications
- 🛑 Some WhatsApp features (such as calls) may not work well.
- 🛑 Risk of blocking an account with frequent switching between profiles
💡
Before installing Parallel Space, check out reviews from the past month - some versions contain aggressive advertising. Alternative: Shelter (requires root but no ads).
4.Install WhatsApp Business as a second account
If you don’t need two full copies of the standard Watsap, you can install the official WhatsApp Business app in parallel with the main one, which requires no additional manipulation and is supported by Meta itself.
The benefits of WhatsApp Business:
- 📌 Official decision without the risk of blocking
- 📌 Additional functions for business (autoresponder, product catalogue)
- 📌 Separate notifications and icon
Limitations:
- 🚫 You can’t use both accounts as personal accounts.
- 🚫 Business profile visible to all contacts
- 🚫 No synchronization of chats between versions
Instructions:
- Download WhatsApp Business from the official store
- Register with another phone number
- Set up a profile (you can specify personal information instead of business information)
How to hide your business status on WhatsApp Business?
5. Rooting and Installation via Titanium Backup (for Advanced)
For users with unlocked bootloader and root rights, the most flexible method is to create a full copy of WhatsApp via Titanium Backup or similar tools.
- 🔧 Keeping both accounts independently
- 🔧 Set up automatic backups
- 🔧 Use modified versions of WhatsApp (e.g. GBWhatsApp)
⚠️ Note: Using modified versions of WhatsApp (GBWhatsApp, YoWhatsApp) violates the terms of use of the service and may result in permanent account blocking.We recommend this method only for testing or if you fully understand the risks.
Instructions for Titanium Backup:
- Install Titanium Backup and provide root access
- Find WhatsApp in the list of apps
- Select "Create a copy for the user"
- After you have created a copy, log in with another number.
adb shell pm install -r -d /path/to/cloned/whatsapp.apkTo automate the process, you can use a script:
Script for automatic cloning
6. Alternative messengers with support for multi-accounts
If none of these methods are suitable, consider using alternative messengers that initially support multiple accounts:
| messenger | Multi-account support | Compatibility with Xiaomi |
|---|---|---|
| Telegram | ✅ Up to 3 accounts | ✅ Complete. |
| Viber | ✅ 1 additional account | ✅ Complete. |
| Signal | ❌ No. | ✅ Complete. |
| Skype | ✅ Unlimited (web version) | ⚠️ Limited. |
To switch from WhatsApp to Telegram while preserving chat history:
- Export chats to WhatsApp (Settings → Chat → Chat Export)
- Import a file to Telegram via Settings → Import from WhatsApp
- Set up notifications for both accounts
💡
Telegram is the only popular messaging app that officially supports multiple accounts without any additional manipulation, and it’s the most reliable solution if you need two fully independent accounts.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Problem 1: The second WhatsApp does not receive notifications.
Decision:
- Check battery settings: Settings → Applications → Battery Management → Select WhatsApp → Without restrictions
- Disable MIUI Optimization: Settings → Special Features → MIUI Optimization → Disable
- For Parallel Space: Enable notifications in the launcher settings
Problem 2: When logging in to the second account, an SMS arrives at the main number.
Decision:
- Use the physical. SIM-Card for the second number (not virtual)
- Try calling authorization instead of SMS.
- Make sure that the phone settings with the main number for SMS set the right slot
⚠️ Note: If you use Google Voice or other virtual numbers for a second WhatsApp account, please note that Meta regularly blocks such accounts. SIM-maps from local operators.
Problem 3: After the MIUI update, the second WhatsApp was missing.
Decision:
- Check if the settings of the Parallel space have reset
- Reinstall a copy of WhatsApp via Settings → Apps → Parallel Space
- For third-party launchers (Parallel Space) update the application-container