Modern smartphone users often face the need to separate work and personal accounts in instant messengers. Owners of Xiaomi devices are in a favorable position, as the shell MIUI offers a native solution to this problem.
The app cloning feature is built into the system and works consistently on most models, allowing you to run two copies of the same app with different accounts at the same time, for example, you can be online on WhatsApp and Telegram from two different numbers on the same device.
The activation process takes only a few minutes and does not require complex manipulation of system files. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to create a clone, what are the limitations and how to manage the created copies of programs.
What is the Cloning of Applications in MIUI?
Cloning is about creating an isolated copy of the installed software, and the system perceives the clone as a separate program with its own data, cache and settings, which is fundamentally different from simply switching accounts within the same application.
The technology works at the level of the Android operating system with a deep modification from the developers of Xiaomi, the clone receives a unique package ID, which allows the system to distinguish between the original and the copy, while both versions can run in the background and receive notifications.
The use of embedded tools is preferable to third-party counterparts like Parallel Space, a system clone consumes less battery life and does not require additional permissions to access personal data, and it does not overload the interface with banner ads.
⚠️ Attention: Not all apps support cloning, social networks and instant messengers are stable, and banking apps can block clone launches for security reasons.
Step-by-step instructions for creating a copy
To get started, make sure the main application is already installed and configured. You do not need to have an active Internet connection at the time of the clone creation, since all the necessary files are already in the device's memory.
Go to the main settings menu of your smartphone. Find the Apps section and select App Cloning. In some firmware versions, this item may be called Double Apps or be located inside the Advanced Settings menu.
In the list that opens, you'll see all the programs that the cloning system supports. Activate the switch opposite the messenger you want to use. The system automatically creates a label with a yellow square icon on the desktop.
☑️ Pre-cloning testing
Once the switch is activated, launch the clone you have created, you will need to re-sign in using a second phone number or account, and the data from the original application will not be copied automatically.
Set up notifications and access to data
Once you have created the second copy, it is important to set the notifications correctly so that you don’t get confused in the message stream, and the system allows you to flexibly manage the sound and vibration for each instance of the program separately.
Go to the cloned application settings through the App menu → App management. Find a clone in the list (it will be marked with an icon) and go to Notifications, where you can set a unique sound or change the priority of the display.
Special attention should be paid to access to contacts and a gallery. The clone has its own contact list, which is empty by default. To synchronize numbers, you need to allow access to the phone book in the access rights settings.
- 🔔 Set up different notification tones to quickly understand which account the message is coming to.
- 📂 Access to the file system of clones is limited, they do not see each other's files without special settings.
- 🔒 Biometric protection (fingerprint) can only work for one instance of the application.
If you use cloud services for sync, make sure that the clone is synced, which will allow you to save your correspondence and media history separately from the main account.
Comparison of system clone and third-party programs
Users often wonder whether to use built-in tools or better download specialized software from the Google Play store.
The system solution is deeply integrated into the MIUI core, optimized for specific hardware and Android versions, and third-party programs run in emulation mode, which puts additional strain on the processor.
| Parameter | System clone (MIUI) | Third-party annexes | Double Android profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM consumption | Low. | High. | Average. |
| Stability of work | Tall. | Depends on the software. | Tall. |
| Security of data | Guaranteed. | Risk of leakage | Guaranteed. |
| Support for games | Limited. | Wide. | Complete. |
The main advantage of the native method is the lack of advertising and intrusive offers. Third-party utilities often require broad permissions, including access to the location and a list of all installed programs.
Addressing common problems
Despite the stability of the work, users can experience errors when running cloned versions, most often due to a lack of RAM or conflicting versions of the software.
If the clone doesn't start or crashes immediately after opening, try clearing its cache. Go to Settings → Applications, select the clone and click Clear → Clear cache. Don't confuse it with data cleanup, otherwise you'll have to log in again.
⚠️ Note: If the cloning function is missing from the menu after the system update, check for updates for the application itself. Older versions of messengers may not be compatible with new versions. MIUI.
In some cases, reinstallation of the main app helps: Remove the original, restart the phone, install the latest version from the official store, and create a clone again.