How to make a duplicate application on Android Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to use two accounts in the same messenger, which may involve separating work and personal life or managing multiple projects at the same time. Fortunately, the MIUI shell provides powerful built-in tools to solve this problem without having to download dubious software.

Creating a copy of the program allows you to have two independent spaces: one for the main number, one for an additional one. Notifications from both accounts will come in real time, which greatly simplifies communication. Unlike many other manufacturers, Xiaomi has implemented this feature at the system level, which guarantees stability of work.

In this article, we will discuss how to activate a standard app cloner, as well as alternative methods for programs that are not supported by the default system. You will learn about the intricacies of setting up notifications and understand how to avoid conflicts between the main and cloned versions of software.

Built-in Application Cloning in MIUI

The most reliable and energy-efficient way to run the second version of the messenger is to use the native shell function, which is available on most modern models, including the Redmi series and POCO. To activate, you need to go to the smartphone settings and find the section responsible for managing programs.

The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the modification of MIUI, but the logic of the action remains the same: the system itself will offer a list of supported programs, among which are usually WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, Instagram and Facebook.

It's important to understand that a cloned application works as a separate process, which means you can log in from a different phone number and the data won't mix with your main account, but it's worth considering that active background processes can consume additional battery power.

⚠️ Note: When you delete the main application, its clone will also be automatically uninstalled by the system. First delete the copy, then the main version if you plan to completely reset.

To access the settings, follow the following steps:

  • πŸ“± Open the β€œSettings” menu of your device.
  • πŸ“² Find and go to the "Applications" sectionΒ».
  • πŸ” Select the item "Cloning applicationsΒ».
  • βœ… Activate the switchboard in front of the desired program.
πŸ“Š What messenger do you most often clone?
WhatsApp
Telegram
Viber
Instagram
Other

Once activated, a label will appear on the desktop with a characteristic tag, and now you can launch it and register using the second number. SIM-The system will automatically separate the data streams, ensuring that both instances work correctly.

Use of the Second Space Mode

If the built-in cloner doesn't support the program you want, Second Space comes to the rescue, a more radical method that creates a complete, isolated environment inside your smartphone, and in fact, your phone turns into two independent devices with different desktops, galleries and application sets.

This is ideal for situations where you want complete privacy or testing programs in a clean environment, and you can install any game or utility in the second space, and it won't see the data from the first space, and you can switch between spaces through a label or a fingerprint.

To set up Second Space, go to Settings β†’ Special Options β†’ Second Space, and the system will suggest creating a separate password or using biometrics to log in, which is a powerful tool, but it requires more RAM resources.

What is the difference between Cloning and Second Space?
Cloning creates a copy of just one app in the same environment, and the second space creates a completely isolated system with its own settings, Google accounts, and files, as if you had two different phones.

The main advantages of using the Second Space:

  • πŸ”’ Complete isolation of data and files between profiles.
  • πŸ“± Ability to install incompatible versions of applications.
  • πŸ‘€ Different Google Play Accounts for each Space.

It’s worth noting that working in two spaces at the same time can be loading the processor. If you use a budget model of a smartphone, the device can run slower when you actively use both profiles.

Third-party cloning applications

When there is insufficient system tools or a specific application needs to be cloned, users turn to third-party solutions. The Google Play store offers many utilities that create a virtual environment for running programs. The most popular are Parallel Space, Multiple Accounts and 2Accounts.

They work in a similar way: they create a container that runs a copy of the target application, which bypasses system limitations but has its drawbacks: Third-party programs often contain advertising, require additional permissions, and can drain the battery more than native Xiaomi tools.

When installing such software, carefully examine the permissions requested. Some cloners try to access contacts and SMS without an urgent need, which may not be safe for your personal data.

AnnexAdvertising supportRAM consumptionSecurity
Parallel SpaceTall.Average.Medium
Multiple AccountsMediumLow.Tall.
IslandAbsent.Low.Very high.
ShelterAbsent.Low.Very high.

It is recommended to use time-tested solutions such as Island or Shelter, which use the built-in Android Profile for isolation, a safer and more efficient method compared to creating heavy virtual environments.

Set up notifications and energy saving

One of the common problems with using duplicate applications on Xiaomi is the lack of notifications from the cloned version. The aggressive MIUI energy saving system can β€œkill” the background processes of the copy, considering them as an extra load.

First, find the cloned app shortcut (usually marked with an orange icon) and press it and go to About. Here, you need to find Autostart and allow it to run with the system and receive messages on time.

It's also important to stick the app in memory, so open a list of running apps, find the clone, and pull it down so that the lock icon appears, and that prevents it from unloading when you clear the memory.

β˜‘οΈ Set up notifications for the clone

Done: 0 / 1

Additionally, check the notification settings in Settings β†’ Notifications and status bar. Make sure that the cloned application does not prohibit pop-ups or audio. Ignoring these steps will cause delays in receiving messages.

Typical Problems and Conflicts

There can be conflicts when using two copies of the same program, especially if both versions are trying to access the same resource, such as a camera or microphone, at the same time. Usually the system itself regulates the access, but in rare cases, a clone may emit a launch error.

If a cloned application crashes right after launch, try clearing its cache. Go to the app's settings and select Memory, then click Clear. Sometimes reinstalling the clone helps: delete it and recreate it through system settings.

Another common problem is that it is impossible to clone banking or heavily protected applications, which can detect the presence of virtual environments or root rights (if any) and block work.

πŸ’‘

If a WhatsApp clone cannot receive a confirmation code, make sure the main WhatsApp does not block receiving SMS, or use the confirmation method by call.

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications may not work in the Second Space or through third-party cloners for security reasons.

To solve network access problems, check if a clone has a mobile data ban, which often happens when installing third-party cloners that require manual network access configuration.

Comparison of cloning techniques

The choice of method depends on your goals. If you just need to have two WhatsApps, you better use a built-in cloner. If you want complete isolation of the work and personal β€” Second space. Third-party utilities will be suitable for one-time tasks or tests.

Xiaomi’s built-in tools are always a priority, as they are optimized for hardware devices and do not require additional software installation, they consume less resources and are integrated into the notification system.

Third-party solutions offer greater flexibility to clone virtually anything, but the price is autonomy and potential security risks. Always weigh the need for untested applications.

πŸ’‘

The built-in MIUI cloner is the best choice for popular instant messengers; the second space is for complete data isolation; third-party applications are only available if the first two methods do not work.

The final decision should be based on a balance between convenience, security and performance of your smartphone. Remember to check the system updates periodically, as Xiaomi is constantly improving the mechanisms for working with multiple accounts.

Can I clone the app more than twice?
With standard MIUI tools, you can only create one copy (total 2 copies). Third-party applications such as Parallel Space, which allow you to create multiple copies, will be required to create a third-party clone.
Will the clone work if the main phone is turned off?
Yes, the cloned app works independently, but if you use the Second Space feature, then when you turn off the phone, neither the main nor the cloned apps will work, since the device is turned off completely.
Does the clone take up extra space in memory?
Yes, every cloned application takes up space on an internal drive, and the amount of memory it takes up is about the size of the main application, plus the data you accumulate in it (photos, correspondence, cache).
Can I hide a cloned app?
Yes, there's a Hidden Apps feature in MIUI settings, so you can add a clone to it and it disappears from the desktop, and you can only access it through a special gesture or code in the dialer if you have your version of the shell.