How to make a clone of the application on Xiaomi Redmi 9: 5 proven ways

Why to clone applications on Redmi 9 and what risks it carries

Creating a clone of an app on Xiaomi Redmi 9 allows you to use the same program with different accounts at the same time, this is true for instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), social networks (Instagram, TikTok), profile-based games or work tools that require the separation of personal and corporate data. For example, you can keep separate Viber accounts for work and family on the same device without having to constantly log out of your profile.

However, cloning is not always a safe procedure; built-in MIUI tools (Xiaomi firmware) offer limited options, and third-party solutions may violate application security policies; some services (such as banking or payment systems) block clones as potentially dangerous; and incorrect cloning can lead to malfunctions of the original application, loss of data, or even a ban on an account for suspicious activity.

In this article, we will look at 5 ways of cloning, from official MIUI functions to advanced methods using ADB and third-party launchers. Each option is analyzed in terms of complexity, compatibility with Redmi 9 (models M2003J15SC, M2004J19C) and potential risks. If you just need to duplicate the messenger, there are enough standard tools. For complex tasks (for example, cloning save games), additional manipulation will be required.

Method 1: Built-in dual applications in MIUI

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Dual Apps option available in MIUI 11 and later, a feature officially supported by Xiaomi and does not require superuser rights (root), but it does not work with all programs: the list of supported applications is limited and depends on the firmware version.

To activate the "Dual Applications":

1. Open Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Click on “Create a dual app” and select the one you want from the list (like WhatsApp or Facebook).
3. Confirm the creation of a clone – a new icon with an icon will appear on the desktop 👥.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔄 It only works with pre-approved Xiaomi apps (the full list depends on the firmware region).
• 📱 The clone takes up additional memory space (up to the previous one). 50-100 MB for each duplicate).
• 🔒 Some functions (such as notifications) may not work well.

Check out the MIUI version (should be 11+)

Free up at least 200 MB of memory

Disable battery optimization for the target application

Synchronize the data of the original application-->

⚠️ Warning: If the original app starts to give out errors after creating the clone (for example, WhatsApp asks for re-authorization), delete the dual version and restart the phone.

Method 2: Using Parallel Space and its analogues

If the application is not listed as Double Apps, you can use third-party launchers like Parallel Space, 2Accounts or App Cloner, which create an isolated sandbox that runs a copy of the application, and the advantage of the method is that it supports almost any program, including games and banking services (although the latter can block startup in a virtual environment).

Instructions for Parallel Space:

1. Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (if it is blocked in your area).
2. Launch Parallel Space and add the app to the list for cloning.
3. Set up notifications and permissions for the clone (they will be separate from the original).

Comparison of popular launchers for cloning:

Parallel Space may conflict with MIUI’s power-saving features. If the app clone is permanently shut down, add Parallel Space to the battery optimization exception list (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).

WhatsApp

Telegram

Instagram

Game (e.g. Clash of Clans)

Other-->

Method 3: Cloning through ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for advanced users who want to clone applications that are not supported by Dual Apps or Parallel Space, which does not require root, but involves working with the command line.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi 9: 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 your phone to your PC, install ADB drivers, and check the connection with the command: Adb devices
4. Run a cloning command (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the target application): adb shell pm install --user 0 -i "com.android.vending" -r "/path/to/base.apk"

To find out the batch name of the application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

⚠️ Cloning system applications (e.g. Google Play Services) through ADB This can cause a cyclical reboot of your phone.Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings. → System system → Backup.

Method 4: Rooting and Using Titanium Backup

Full control of cloning (including backing up clone data) will require root rights and Titanium Backup installation, a technique that is suitable for backing up clones, transferring them to other devices or recovering from resets, but that violates warranty and increases security risk.

Algorithm of action:

1. Unlock Redmi 9 bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding and wait 7 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) and scrolle Magisk to get root.
3. Download Titanium Backup and back up the original app.
4. Restore the copy under a new name (restore as new app).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Full control over clone data (you can edit files manually).
• 📦 Ability to transfer clones between devices.
• 🛡️ Backups are protected from resetting settings.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Risk of a breeze (turning the phone into a “brick”) with incorrect firmware.
• 🚫 Loss of warranty and inability to update MIUI «airborne».
• 🔒 Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) refuse to work on rooted devices.

💡

Before unlocking the bootloader, check if your Redmi 9 model supports official unlocking.Some versions for the Chinese market (M2003J15SC) may have limitations.

Method 5: Virtual Machines (to run a second instance of Android)

If you don't just clone an app, but run it in a completely isolated environment (like testing or using different versions of Android), you can install a virtual machine. On Redmi 9, this is implemented through applications like VMOS or Bluestacks (for Android), the virtual machine emulates a second Android inside your phone, allowing you to install any application without conflict.

How to set up VMOS:

1. Download VMOS from the official website (the app is removed from Google Play).
2. Run the virtual machine and perform the initial setup (select Android 7.1 or Android 9).
3. Install the application inside the virtual system through Google Play.
4. Set up file sharing between the main system and VMOS through the built-in file manager.

Limitations of virtual machines:

• 🐢 Significant resource consumption (up to 1.5 GB of RAM and 30 GB of RAM% CPU active-use).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge (virtual machine keeps processor active).
• 📱 Not all phone functions (e.g., not all phone functions, NFC or IR-blaster) available within a virtual environment.

💡

Virtual machines are the only way to run applications that require a different version of Android (for example, older games that are not supported on MIUI 12+).

The risks of cloning and how to minimize them

Even official cloning techniques carry potential threats, with the main risks being:

1. Account Ban: Services like WhatsApp or Facebook can block an account for suspicious activity (simultaneous login from one IP).
2. Data Leakage: Third-party launchers (such as Parallel Space) can theoretically intercept logins/passwords.
3. Cache conflicts: Two instances of the same application can interfere with each other, causing crashes.
4. Violation of security policy: Banking applications (Tinkoff, VTB) often block work on devices with clones or root.

How to reduce the risks:

• 🔐 Use different ones. SIM-map or Wi-Fi network for the original application and its clone.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) to scan third-party launchers.
• 🔄 Regularly clear the cache of cloned applications through Settings → Annexes → Warehouse.
• 📵 Turn off notifications for the clone if they duplicate the original (this reduces the system load).

If you clone the messenger for work, tell your colleagues that you are using a second account – this will help avoid confusion with notifications. For social networks (Instagram, TikTok), it is better to use Parallel Space with the option “Hide notifications” enabled, so as not to overload the screen with duplicates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning on Redmi 9