Creating a clone of the app on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a useful feature that allows you to use multiple accounts in the same messenger, social networks or games without having to buy a second phone. For example, you can manage your personal and work account on WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram at the same time without leaving your main profile. But how do you do it correctly so as not to face errors or loss of data?
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to clone applications on Redmi (including models on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS), compare their pros and cons, and provide solutions for typical problems β from the lack of options in settings to failures when installing a duplicate. If you have not encountered this feature before, do not worry: our instructions will be suitable even for beginners.
Importantly, the methods vary depending on the firmware version and the smartphone model. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with HyperOS, the algorithm will be one, and on the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12, the other, we took these nuances into account and put together universal solutions.
1. Built-in dual applications function in MIUI/HyperOS
The easiest and safest way to do this is to use Xiaomiβs standard tool, which is available on most Redmi devices (except for low-end models with lightweight firmware) and does not require super-user rights (root).
How does it work? The system creates a second instance of the app with a separate cache and data, allowing you to log in under a different account, and both apps will be updated automatically via Google Play or App Gallery.
Make sure your phone has enough memory (at least 1GB free)
Update your firmware to the latest version (check in Settings β About Phone β System Update)
Close the original app (swipe up in the multitasking menu)
Connect to Wi-Fi (downloading a duplicate can take up to 500 MB-->
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings β Applications β Double Apps.
- In the list, find the desired application (such as VK or TikTok) and activate the switch next to it.
- Confirm the creation of a clone β the system will automatically set a duplicate with the icon in the form of two layers (π±β).
- Launch the cloned application and log in under the second account.
β οΈ Note: On some models (Redmi) 10A, Redmi 9C) The option "Dual applications" may not be available, in which case use the methods in the following sections.
What applications can't be cloned?
2.Cloning through "Second Space Mode"
If you need to not just duplicate one application, but create a completely isolated environment with separate settings, contacts and files, use Second Space. This feature is available on all Redmis with MIUI 12 and later.
Advantages of the method:
β Complete data isolation (like on the second phone)
β The ability to clone any application, even those that are not supported in the βDual AppsΒ»
β Separate wallpaper, sounds and system settings
How to turn on:
- π§ Go to Settings. β Special facilities β Second space.
- π± Click on βCreate a Second Spaceβ and follow the instructions (you will need to come up with a separate password or pattern lock).
- π After creating, switch between swipe spaces down the lock screen (user icon in the upper right corner).
- π² Install the apps in the second space via Google Play or Mi App Store.
| Parameter | βDual annexesβ | "Second Space" |
|---|---|---|
| Root is required. | β No. | β No. |
| Support for banking applications | β No. | β Yes. |
| Size of memory occupied | ~300β500 MB per application | ~2-4 GB (full copy of the system) |
| Synchronization of notifications | β Yes. | β Only in active space. |
β οΈ Note: When using the Second Space, some applications (e.g. Google Pay or SberBank Online) may block access, recognizing the virtual environment as a potential security threat.
Built-in "Double Appendices"
Second Space at MIUI
Third-party applications (Parallel Space, Island)
Manual cloning through ADB
I haven't tried it yet.-->
Third-party cloning applications (Parallel Space, Island)
If your firmware doesn't have built-in tools or they don't support the right application, specialized utilities will come to the rescue.
- π‘οΈ Parallel Space β supports up to 32 clones, there is a function of blocking applications with a password.
- ποΈ Island (requires root) β creates an isolated βsandboxβ for applications.
- π 2Accounts β Parallel Space without advertising.
- π€ Shelter (FOSS) β Open source cloning software with Work Profile support.
Letβs look at the example of Parallel Space:
- Download the app from Google Play or from the official website (parallelspace.com).
- Run Parallel Space and select cloning apps (check boxes).
- Click "Add to Parallel Space" and the system will create duplicates with separate data.
- Sign in to the second account in the cloned app.
β οΈ Note: Some antiviruses (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) may identify Parallel Space as potentially dangerous software due to its ability to mask application activity.
π‘
If the cloned app is not updated via Google Play, remove it from Parallel Space, update the original, and then add it to the utility again.
4. Manual cloning via ADB (for advanced users)
This method is suitable for power users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB).It allows you to clone any applications, even those that are not supported by other methods, but requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.
Advantages:
β It works on all versions. MIUI HyperOS
β Doesn't require root rights
β Full control of the process
Tools required:
π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
π USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi)
π¦ ADB and Fastboot Tools by Google
Step-by-step:
1. Enable Developer Mode on Redmi:
- Go to Settings β About the phone
- 7 times press "Version MIUI"
- Return to Settings β Additional β For Developers
- Activate "Debugging by USB"
2 Connect the phone to the PC and confirm trust in the computer.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devices
(Your device should be displayed)
4. Create a clone of the application (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the desired application):
adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 0 com.example.app
5.Reboot the phone - the cloned app will appear on the menu.π How to find out the batch name of the application? Install the App Inspector utility from Google Play or use the command:
adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"π‘
Manual cloning via ADB is the only way to duplicate system applications (e.g. com.android.contacts for contacts) that are not available in the Double Apps.
5. Solving Common Errors in Cloning
Even if you follow the instructions, you may encounter problems, and we've compiled solutions for the most common mistakes.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The option βDual applicationsβ is not in the settings | Lightweight firmware (for example, on Redmi Go or Redmi 9A) | Use Parallel Space or hand cloning through ADB |
| The cloned application is not updated | APK signature conflict | Remove the clone, update the original, then create a duplicate again. |
| The error "failed to create a clone" | Insufficient memory or damaged application data | Clean the cache in Settings β Apps β [name] β Storage and try again |
| Notifications do not come in a cloned app | Limitations on energy conservation | Add the app to battery exceptions: Settings β Battery β Battery optimization |
If you see a message saying, "The app failed to install due to a signature conflict," it means that the cloned version has the same signature as the original.
- Remove both apps (original and clone).
- Download the original APK application from the APKPure website.
- Set it manually, then repeat the cloning.
6. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of cloning method depends on your tasks and the Redmi model.
- πΉ Β«Dual apps are the best option for most users: fast, secure, no extra software required. Suitable for WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook.
- πΉ Β«Second space is ideal if you want to separate data completely (for work and personal use, for example.
- πΉ Parallel Space is a universal solution for old models or custom applications.
- πΉ ADB β Advanced users who want to clone system or secure applications.
π Recommendation: If you need to duplicate 1-2 apps (e.g. Instagram and Instagram) VK), Use the built-in Double Apps. For complete isolation (e.g., banking applications or software testing), Second Space is betterΒ».
7 Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them
App cloning is a useful feature, but it can create vulnerabilities if used incorrectly.
- π Data Leak: If you log in to a cloned app on public Wi-Fi, attackers can intercept traffic.
- π± Account Conflicts: Some services (e.g. Google or Apple) ID) Block multiple sessions from a single device.
- π‘οΈ Viruses in third-party utilities: Download Parallel Space or analogues only from official sources.
How to minimize the risks:
- Use a VPN (such as ProtonVPN or Warp) when working with cloned messengers on public networks.
- Donβt clone banking apps unless absolutely necessary, use Second Space with a separate password if necessary.
- Update MIUI/HyperOS regularly β new versions will cover vulnerabilities related to data isolation.
- Check the permissions of cloned applications in Settings β Apps β Permissions.
β οΈ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) K50 Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) When using the Second Space, Google Play Protect may work, blocking access to certain applications. To fix this, temporarily disable Play Protect in the Google Play settings.