How to make a clone of WhatsApp on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways (2026)

Creating a second WhatsApp account on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge faced by users who want to share personal and work correspondence, manage multiple numbers or test new features of the messenger without risking the main profile. Unlike the iPhone, which requires workarounds using third-party applications, the MIUI ecosystem offers built-in tools for cloning applications. However, not everyone knows that there are alternative methods beyond the standard Dual Apps feature, from virtual spaces to specialized launchers.

In this guide, we will discuss 5 working ways to create a WhatsApp clone on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14). Particular attention will be paid to security issues, compatibility with the latest messenger updates (version 2.24.xxx) and possible restrictions, such as banning the use of one number in multiple accounts.

1. Built-in Dual Apps: The easiest way

Dual Apps (also known as App Cloner) is a proprietary solution from Xiaomi, available on most devices with MIUI 8 and later, and allows you to create a full-fledged clone of the app that will work independently, with separate data, notifications and even an icon on the desktop.

To activate Dual Apps:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Dual Apps (on some firmware, the path may be different: Settings) → Special facilities → Dual Apps).
• 🔍 In the list, find WhatsApp and turn on the switch next to it.
• 🔄 Confirm the creation of a clone – the system will automatically install the second instance of the messenger marked Dual in the title.
• 📲 Launch a clone and go through the standard registration with a different phone number.

It is important to note that Dual Apps has limitations:

• 🚫 You can’t use the same phone number for the original and cloned WhatsApp.
• 📱 In some models (for example, POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12) the function can be hidden - in this case, use the search in the settings on the request "Dual".
• 🔄 The clone will receive updates via Google Play, but sometimes manual sync is required.

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If your firmware doesn’t have Dual Apps, check the region of the device. On Chinese versions of MIUI (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), it may be called “Second Space” or not at all.

Second Space Virtual Space: Complete Insulation

The MIUI’s Second Space feature allows you to create a completely isolated environment with individual apps, data, and even an unlock password, a technique that is suitable for those who want to not only clone WhatsApp, but also share all other apps (such as Telegram, Viber, or games), unlike Dual Apps, here the WhatsApp clone will work in a separate “space” with its own system settings.

How to set up Second Space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Follow the instructions for creating the second space (you need to set a separate PIN or pattern lock).
3. After rebooting the device, select Second Space when you log in.
4. In the new space, download WhatsApp from Google Play and sign up with a different number.

Pros of the method:

• 🔒 Complete data isolation – applications from the main space do not see the clone and vice versa.
• 📱 You can use different wallpaper, settings and even firmware versions (if you update them separately).
• 🛡️ Supports WhatsApp Business and other messengers.

Cons:

• 🔄 Requires rebooting to switch between spaces (on the MIUI 14 added a quick change through the notification panel).
• 📱 It takes up extra memory space (about 1-2 GB for the second space).
• 🚫 Some banking apps may block Second Space for security reasons.

3. Third-party launchers: Island and Parallel Space

If you don't like the built-in MIUI features, you can use third-party cloning apps, the most popular ones being Island (based on Work Profile) and Parallel Space, which allow you to create an isolated environment for a WhatsApp clone, but they have their own features.

Island (from developer Oasis Feng) uses the Android Work Profile mechanism, which provides a high degree of security.The app is free, but it requires a purchase (~$5) to unlock all the features. Parallel Space, in turn, offers a simpler interface, but can show ads in the free version.

Instructions for Island:

1. Download Island from Google Play.
2. Open the application and follow the customization wizard (you will need to allow the creation of a working profile).
3. In the app list, find WhatsApp and move it to Island.
4. Launch a clone from the Island interface and register a new account.

Launcher comparison:

4.Rooting and Titanium Backup: for advanced users

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, rooting will open up tools like Titanium Backup or App Cloner that allow you to create full-fledged clones of applications with flexible settings, a method that works for Xiaomi based on MIUI or HyperOS, but has serious drawbacks:

• 🔧 Requires unlocking the loader and installing a custom recavery (for example, TWRP).
• 🛡️ Violates warranty and may lead to security issues (e.g., Google Pay opt-out).
• 📱 Not all Xiaomi models are easily rooted (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T complex defense system).

If you do, follow the algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-14 days).
2. Install TWRP and run Magisk to obtain root rights.
3. Download Titanium Backup or App Cloner from Google Play.
4. In the application interface, select WhatsApp and create a clone with the desired parameters (for example, a changed packet name).

⚠️ Warning: Rooting may lead to inability to use banking applications (due to the SafetyNet trigger) and problems with the use of banking applications OTA-On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), rooting is complicated by new security mechanisms.

5. Alternative methods: WhatsApp Business and multi-account launchers

If your goal is to simply share personal and work correspondence, you can do without cloning using the official WhatsApp Business app, which allows you to register a second account with the same number (but with a different profile) or an additional phone number, which requires no cloning and is completely legal.

For installation:

1. Download WhatsApp Business from Google Play.
2. Sign up with the same number or a different number (if you use the same number, the original WhatsApp will be deactivated).
3. Set up a profile for business purposes (you can specify working hours, automobility responses, etc.).

Another option is multi-account launchers like Shelter (an open source analogue of Island) or 2Accounts, which create isolated user profiles where you can install a second instance of WhatsApp without conflicting with the original.

Backup chats in the original app (Settings → Chat → Backup)

Checking the free space on the device (minimum 500 MB for a clone)

Disable two-factor authentication (if one number is used)

Update WhatsApp to the latest version (to avoid bugs)

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Problem Solving: Notifications, Blocks, and Errors

When using a WhatsApp clone on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems: no notifications, account lock or sync errors.

Problem 1: Notices don’t come in the clone

• 🔔 Check notification settings for the cloned app: Settings → Annexes → Application management → WhatsApp (Dual) → Notifications.
• 📵 Make sure the clone does not have Do Not Disturb mode or battery optimization enabled.
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes it helps to restore notifications.

Problem 2: WhatsApp has blocked the account in the clone

• 📞 Use different phone numbers for the original and cloned app.
• 🔑 If the blockage has already occurred, confirm your identity through the SMS or email (instructions will come in a WhatsApp email).
• ⏳ Wait 24-48 hours – temporary locks are usually removed automatically.

Problem 3: WhatsApp's clone is not updated

• 📥 Remove the clone and recreate it with Dual Apps.
• 🔄 Update the original WhatsApp app – the clone is usually synced to its version.
• 🛠️ If you are using Island or Parallel Space, check the automatic update settings in Google Play for your work profile.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and HyperOS Dual Apps may conflict with Second Space. If you have lags after creating the clone, disable one of the spaces or reset the app settings.

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The most reliable method for most users is Dual Apps, which requires no root rights, is officially supported, and rarely causes problems with notifications or locks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about WhatsApp cloning on Xiaomi