Creating a clone of an app on Xiaomi Redmi is a useful feature that allows you to use two accounts of the same service at the same time. For example, you can run a second WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram on one device without having to buy a second phone or log out of the main account. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways of cloning applications on Redmi smartphones running MIUI 12-14, including built-in tools and third-party solutions.
It is important to understand that not all applications support cloning due to developer limitations, for example, some banking or enhanced messengers (like Signal) can block work in cloned mode. Also note that cloned applications consume more RAM and can drain the battery faster, since they actually work as two separate programs.
If you are using Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 or newer models, all of the methods described will work. Older devices (e.g. Redmi 5/6) may need to upgrade to the current version of MIUI.
1. Dual Apps (Parallel Apps) built-in in MIUI
The easiest and safest way to clone an app on Xiaomi Redmi is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature (some versions called Parallel Apps) that is available on all devices with MIUI 8 and later, including the latest versions for the Redmi 13C or POCO X6.
To activate cloning:
- Open the Settings โ Applications.
- Select Dual Apps (or Parallel Apps depending on the firmware version).
- In the list, find the app you want to clone (like Facebook or VK).
- Click on the switch next to the name โ the system will automatically create a copy with the icon in the form of two folded squares.
Now, the app's second icon, marked "Dual," will appear on the home screen, and you can log in under another account, and note that some apps (like Google Pay or SberBank Online) may not support this feature due to security policies.
2.Use Second Space to Separate Profiles Completely
If you don't just want to clone one app, but create a completely separate work profile with different settings, use Second Space, which is the equivalent of Guest Mode in MIUI, but with the ability to install apps and customize the interface regardless of the main space.
How to turn on Second Space:
- ๐ฑ Go to Settings. โ Special facilities โ Second Space.
- ๐ Set a password to log in (required not to accidentally switch between profiles).
- ๐ฒ Click Create Second Space โ the system will copy the basic settings, but you can change them.
- ๐ To switch between profiles, swipe two fingers down the lock screen.
In Second Space, you can install the same apps as your main profile, but they will work independently, like in the main space you have Telegram with a work account, and in Second Space with a personal one, which is convenient if you need to share not only messengers, but also other data (photos, contacts, notes).
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If Second Space doesn't show up in the settings, check the firmware region. On some global versions of MIUI, this feature is hidden. To activate it, change the region to "India" in the Additional โ Region settings (reboot will be required).
Third-party cloning applications (without root)
If the built-in MIUI features are not suitable (for example, the desired application does not support Dual Apps), you can use third-party utilities.
- ๐น Parallel Space supports cloning of most applications, including games.
- ๐น 2Accounts โ lightweight analogue with minimalist interface, does not require root rights.
- ๐น Island (only for unlocked bootloader devices) โ creates isolated sandstone for cloned applications.
How to use Parallel Space:
- Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (if itโs not in your area).
- Open Parallel Space and select the cloning apps from the list.
- Click Add to Parallel Space - the program will create a copy.
- Run cloned applications directly from the Parallel Space interface.
The advantage of third-party utilities is that they often support more apps than the built-in Dual Apps feature. However, be careful: some programs may show ads or request unnecessary permissions. Before installing, check reviews and rankings on Google Play.
Why are some apps not cloned?
4. Cloning through ADB (for power users)
If you need to clone an application that is not supported by either Dual Apps or third-party utilities, you can use the ADB command. This method requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and basic knowledge of working with the command line.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings โ About Phone โ Click 7 times on MIUI Version, then return to Additional โ For Developers โ Activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect Redmi to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
- Download ADB Tools (like Googleโs Platform Tools) and unpack the archive.
- Open the command line in the ADB folder and type:
adb shell pm install -r --user 0 /path/to/apkWhere /path/to/apk โ path APK-The file of the application you want to clone under another user.
This method is more complicated than previous ones, but it circumvents the limitations of MIUI. However, it is only suitable for power users, since incorrect ADB commands can disrupt the system. Also note that some applications (for example, Google Play Services) will not work correctly in a cloned form.
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Cloning through ADB does not create a full copy of the application, but installs it for the second Android user, which means that updates will have to be installed manually, and some functions (such as push notifications) may not work stable.
5. Problems and Solutions in Application Cloning
Even if you successfully clone an application, it can be difficult, and let's look at the most common ones and how to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The cloned application does not start | Conflict with the main version or lack of rights | Restart your phone or reinstall the clone via Parallel Space |
| No notifications in the cloned app | The limitations of MIUI energy saving | Add the app to exceptions: Settings โ Battery โ Battery Optimization |
| The application requires a re-entry at each start-up | Clearing cache or data at closing | Turn off automatic cleaning in the application settings |
| You can't clone a banking app. | Prohibition of a developer from working in sandstone | Use Second Space instead of Dual Apps |
If the cloned app is unstable, try:
- ๐ Update to the latest version on Google Play.
- ๐๏ธ Clear the cache: Settings โ Annexes โ pick out a clone โ Clear the cache.
- ๐ Verify Permits: Sometimes cloned apps lose access to contacts or storage.
Check compatibility with MIUI| Update the phone firmware |Reinstall the clone via Parallel Space | Clear the cache and clone data |Check the permissions in the settings-->
6.Security in the use of cloned applications
Cloning applications is convenient, but can create security vulnerabilities.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never enter credit card details or passwords from important services in cloned applications if you use third-party utilities like Parallel Space. Some versions of these programs may contain vulnerabilities that allow attackers to intercept entered data.
Safety recommendations:
- ๐ Use Second Space instead of third-party apps if you want to clone banking services.
- ๐ก๏ธ Set a password to Parallel Space or Dual Apps.
- ๐ซ Do not clone applications with two-factor authentication (e.g. Google Authenticator) unless you are sure the method is reliable.
- ๐ Regularly check the permissions of cloned applications in Settings โ Annexes โ Permits.
Also remember that some messengers (such as WhatsApp) can block an account if they notice suspicious activity from a cloned app. To avoid problems, do not use both accounts simultaneously to send messages.
Alternative methods: multi-accounting without cloning
If cloning is not suitable (for example, due to application limitations), consider alternative options:
- ๐ Web versions of services: many messengers (for example, Telegram or Telegram) VK) have full-fledged web versions that can be opened in the browser as a separate application through Add to the home screen.
- ๐ฑ Second phone number: some operators (e.g. Tele2 or MTS) offer a multi-number service that allows you to use two numbers on the same device.
- ๐ป Android Emulators: If you want to split your accounts into a PC, use BlueStacks or LDPlayer to run a second instance of the app.
These methods do not require cloning and are often more stable, especially for applications with strict restrictions, for example, if you need two Instagram accounts, it is easier to use the official app for one account and the web version for the second.