How to make a clone of an app on Xiaomi: all the ways from Dual Apps to ADB

Creating a clone of an app on Xiaomi smartphones is a standard feature that helps you split accounts on instant messengers, social networks or games without buying a second phone. For example, you can use two WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram accounts on the same device at the same time. But not everyone knows that MIUI has several ways of cloning at once, from the built-in Dual Apps feature to third-party applications like Parallel Space.

In this article, we'll look at all the current methods, including hidden settings for advanced users, how to clone root-free applications using ADB, and what the limitations of each method are, and focus on the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, and Mi 13 models, where the algorithm may differ from older versions of MIUI. If you need to not just duplicate the application, but completely isolate data (for example, for testing or security), there's a solution here, too.

1. Built-in Dual Apps: The easiest way

Dual Apps (or “Dual Apps” in Russian) is a proprietary solution Xiaomi, which does not require the installation of third-party programs. It is available on all devices with MIUI 8 and newer, including HyperOS. The main advantage is that you do not need root and do not need a connection to a PC.

To activate cloning:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Dual annexes.
• 🔍 Find the right application in the list (for example, VK or TikTok) and turn on the switch next to it.
• 🔄 Wait a few seconds – a second icon will appear on the desktop marked “Double".
• 📌 Launch a clone and log in to another account.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all applications are supported (for example, some banking or system utilities).
• ❌ The clone takes up extra memory space (about the same as the original app).
• ❌ In some models (for example, POCO F4) The function can be hidden – see the section about ADB.

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If there is no application in the Dual Apps list, try updating MIUI to the latest version or using the method with Parallel Space (Section 2).

2 Parallel Space and analogues: third-party launchers for cloning

If the built-in Dual Apps feature doesn’t work (e.g., the app isn’t supported or more than two clones are needed), third-party solutions come to the rescue, most popularly Parallel Space (available on Google Play and Mi App Store), which creates an isolated sandbox where you can run clones of any application, including games.

Instructions for setting:

1. Download Parallel Space from the official store.
2. Launch the app and provide all the permissions you request (including access to notifications and window overlays).
3. Click "+" and select the cloning applications (you can choose several at once).
4. The clones will appear inside Parallel Space and will operate independently of the originals.

Pros of the method:

• ✅ It supports unlimited clones (unlike Dual Apps).
• ✅ It works even on older versions. MIUI (For example, Redmi 5 Plus).
• ✅ You can hide notifications from clones in the main interface.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Increased battery consumption (due to background sandbox operation").
• ⚠️ Some applications (such as Google Pay) can block virtual space.

3.Cloning through ADB: for advanced users

If Dual Apps is hidden in your firmware (relevant to some regions or custom MIUI builds), it can be unlocked via ADB. This method requires a PC connection, but does not need root rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to become a developer), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Dual Apps: Adb shell settings put global multi_app_clone_enabled 1
5. Reboot your phone. Now, the option "Dual Apps" will appear in Settings → Applications.

Important: On some models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra with MIUI 14), this method may not work due to manufacturer limitations, in which case use Parallel Space or alternative launchers.

4.Cloning with Island (for root users)

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and root rights, you can use the Island app (from developer Oasis Feng), which creates an isolated environment based on Android’s Work Profile, which allows you not only to clone applications, but also to fully control their access to data.

The benefits of Island:

• 🔒 Complete isolation of clones (e.g., contact or geolocation restrictions).
• 📱 Support for multiple profiles (e.g., separately for work and personal use).
• 🛡️ Surveillance protection (useful for messengers like Signal or Session).

How to set up:

1. Install Island from Google Play or F-Droid.
2. Provide root access (the app will request it when you first start).
3. Go to settings and activate Work Profile.
4. Select the cloning applications in the Apps section.

⚠️ Note: Use of Island on devices with MIUI It may conflict with built-in security features (e.g. Mi Security).If the phone starts to brake after setting up, turn off Optimization. MIUI developer-setting.

5. Alternative methods: Shelter, 2Accounts and others

In addition to these methods, there are less well-known but effective tools for cloning:

If you choose between these options, focus on:

• 🔧 Root rights (without them only work) 2Accounts App Cloner).
• 📱 Version MIUI (on MIUI 14+ Parallel Space and Island are better).
• 🔒 Insulation level (Sherter or Island is suitable for data security).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When cloning applications on Xiaomi, users encounter common mistakes. Here's how to fix them:

Problem 1: Dual Apps doesn’t have the right app.

• 🔄 Update. MIUI last-minute.
• 🔧 Use it. ADB-section 3.
• 📱 Check if the feature is hidden in your area (e.g. some Redmis for India).

Problem 2: The clone is not updated through Google Play.

• 🔄 Remove the clone and create it again.
• 📌 In Parallel Space, update the app inside the virtual space.
• 🔧 For Dual Apps, check your Google account settings in the clone.

Problem 3: The app in the clone crashes or doesn't start.

• 📱 Clean the clone cache in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• ⚠️ If you are using Island or Shelter, check the Work Profile permissions.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), some cloning methods may conflict with the new Mi Turbo optimization system. If the phone starts to warm up or discharge quickly after the clone is created, turn off the Mi Turbo in the battery settings.

7 Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them

Cloning applications is convenient, but not always safe.

• 🔓 Data Leakage: Clones may have access to the same permissions as the originals (e.g., contacts or other data breaches). SMS).
• 📲 Phishing: In virtual space (for example, in Parallel Space), it is easier to replace the application interface.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: Clones work in the background, even if you don’t use them.

How to minimize the risks:

• 🔒 Use Island or Shelter to isolate clones (root required).
• 📱 Regularly check the clone permissions in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
• 🔄 Do not clone banking apps or messengers with important data (for example, SberBank Online or WhatsApp Business).
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Mi Security) and scan clones for malware.

If you clone messengers, enable two-factor authentication for both accounts, which will protect your data even if the clone is compromised.

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For maximum security, use separate SIM-Maps or virtual numbers (e.g., via Google Voice) for clones of messengers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions