How to make a clone of the application on Xiaomi: all working methods

Creating app clones on Xiaomi is not just a convenient feature for splitting accounts, but also a way to test new versions of programs without risking the main profile. For example, you can have two WhatsApp on the same phone: one for work, one for private messages. Or run two versions of Telegram with different numbers. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to clone applications on devices with MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14 – from embedded tools to third-party solutions.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally secure. The built-in dual applications feature in MIUI works consistently, but supports a limited list of programs. Third-party launchers and utilities like Parallel Space or 2Accounts expand the capabilities, but can affect performance or conflict with system services. We tested each method on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Poco F5 and Xiaomi 13T devices, the results are summarized in the comparison table below.

1. Built-in dual applications function in MIUI

The most reliable and easy way to use the regular MIUI tool, which does not require super-user rights (root) and is integrated into the system, which minimizes security risks, is available on all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices running MIUI 12 and later.

To activate cloning:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select Double Applications (in some versions – Application Cloning).
3. In the list, find the app you want (like WhatsApp or Facebook) and turn on the switch next to it.
4. Confirm the creation of a clone – a new icon with an icon will appear on the desktop ⧉.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔄 Not all applications are supported (the list is formed by Xiaomi and depends on the region).
• 📱 Clones take up extra memory (each duplicate weighs as much as the original).
• 🔒 Some features (such as notifications) may not work smoothly in a cloned version.

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If the app isn’t on the Doubles list, try upgrading MIUI to the latest version – Xiaomi is expanding support regularly.

2.Use of Parallel Space (for unsupported applications)

Parallel Space is one of the most popular third-party applications cloning solutions, creating an isolated sandbox where you can run duplicate programs, including those that are not supported by the built-in MIUI. The application is free but contains ads (there is a paid version of Parallel Space Pro without restrictions).

Instructions for setting:

1. Download Parallel Space from Google Play or AppGallery.
2. Launch the application and provide all the permissions you request (access to memory, notifications, etc.).
3. In the main menu, click Add App and select the programs you want to clone.
4. After adding, launch Parallel Space – a virtual desktop with clones will appear on the screen.

The advantages of Parallel Space:

• 🌐 Supports cloning of almost any application, including games and banking services.
• 🔐 Allows you to block access to clones with a password or fingerprint.
• 📲 You can run multiple copies of a single app at the same time (e.g., 3 Instagram accounts).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Increased battery consumption (virtual environment consumes additional resources).
• 🛑 Some applications (such as Google Pay or SberBank Online) may block work in the sandbox for security reasons.
• 📡 Requires a stable Internet connection for the correct operation of clones.

3. Cloning through Island (for advanced users)

Island is a utility for creating isolated user profiles based on the Android Work Profile function. Unlike Parallel Space, it does not emulate a virtual machine, but uses regular Android mechanisms, which has a positive effect on performance. However, it requires root access or an unlocked bootloader to work fully.

How to set up Island:

1. Install Island from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select Work Profile mode (if you don’t have root).
3. In Island settings, activate the Enable Island option and add the apps you want to clone.
4. Once added, the applications will be duplicated in a separate profile (available through the notification panel).

Important nuances:

• 🔧 Without root, some functions (such as cloning system applications) will not be available.
• 📵 Clones on Island don't get push notifications by default - they need to be set up manually.
• 🔒 The application is ideal for creating a clean profile with a minimum set of programs (for example, for testing beta versions).

Backup data |Allow installation from unknown sources |Give Island all permissions requested |Disable battery optimization for Island |Reboot phone after setting-->

4. Manual cloning through ADB (for experienced)

If the built-in methods don’t work and the third-party utilities seem unreliable, you can create a clone of the application manually using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires command-line skills and unlocked bootloader, but gives you complete control over the process.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Enable USB Debugging in the Settings menu → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect the phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm install -r --user 999 /path/to/app.apk where 999 is the ID of the second user (you can find the adb shell pm list users command).
4. Restart the device – the clone will appear in the application menu.

Critical: This method can cause system failures if the user ID is incorrectly specified or if the application versions conflict.

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ADB-Cloning is suitable for system applications that cannot be duplicated in other ways (e.g. Google Play Services or Mi Account).

5. Alternative launchers with cloning support

Some third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) offer plug-in duplicating features, which are less reliable than specialized utilities, but can be useful if you need to quickly create a shortcut for a second account without full cloning.

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher and the TeslaUnread plugin (for notifications).
2. Long click on the desktop → Widgets → Actions Nova → Duplicate the application.
3. Select an app for duplication – a shortcut will appear on the desktop, opening it in a new window (without creating a full clone).

Limitations:

• 🔗 Shortcuts don’t create separate data – they’re just a second instance of an app with the same settings.
• 🔔 Notifications can only be sent to one of the clones».
• 📌 Suitable for simple tasks (e.g., switching between Twitter accounts quickly).

Comparison of cloning techniques

The choice of method depends on your tasks:

• 📱 For everyday use (social networks, instant messengers) will be enough built-in dual applications.
• 🔧 If you want to clone non-standard programs, use Parallel Space.
• 🛠️ For system applications or testing beta versions, Island or ADB.

💡

Before cloning banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.) check their security policies – many block work in virtual environments.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and consider common mistakes and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Warning: If after cloning the application crashes at launch, clear the cache and clone data in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → [The clone's name] → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

Problem 1: The clone does not receive notification.

• Check the permissions for the cloned application in Settings → Notifications.
• In Parallel Space or Island, enable the option to Show Notifications.
• For MIUI, update the firmware – there was a bug in older versions with push notifications in clones.

Problem 2: The clone takes up too much memory.

• Use the Light Mode feature in Parallel Space (saving up to 30% of resources).
• Clean the clone cache once a week.
• For Island, turn off synchronization of unnecessary data (such as media files).

⚠️ Note: Do not clone applications for two-factor authentication (e.g. Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) this may result in loss of access to accounts due to duplication of tokens.

Problem 3: The clone is not updated through Google Play.

• For Parallel Space, update the container app itself.
• In Island, update the app in the main profile – the changes will apply to the clone.
• If you are using ADB, install the update manually: adb install -r --user 999 update.apk

FAQ: Answers to popular questions