How to make a clone of an application on Xiaomi: a complete guide to debunking errors

Creating a clone of an app on Xiaomi smartphones is a popular feature that allows you to use multiple accounts on the same service at the same time. For example, you can have two accounts on WhatsApp, Telegram or social networks without having to buy a second phone or log out of the main profile. However, in recent versions of MIUI (especially 14 and 15), standard cloning methods are often blocked or work with errors.

In this article, we will discuss three working ways to create a clone of an application on Xiaomi, including hidden system settings, third-party utilities and bypassing restrictions for models with HyperOS. You will also learn which applications can not be duplicated, how to avoid account bans and what to do if the clone suddenly stopped working.

Why Xiaomi is restricting app cloning?

In recent updates to MIUI and HyperOS, Dual Apps has become less available, and the manufacturer has several reasons for this:

• 🔒 Data security: cloning can be used to bypass two-factor authentication or fraud.
• 📱 Performance optimization: multiple copies of a single application increase the workload on the processor and RAM.
• 🚫 Service policies: Some platforms (such as WhatsApp or TikTok) actively fight multi-accounts and block clones.

For example, in MIUI 15 for Xiaomi 13/14 series and Redmi Note 12 models, the Dual Apps feature is hidden in deep settings or not at all in the menu, but it can be activated through a developer or third-party tools, more details will be provided in the following sections.

⚠️ Cloning of banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may result in account blocking on suspicion of fraud.

Method 1: Built-in Dual Apps (official method)

If your Xiaomi smartphone supports Dual Apps, this is the safest way, and the feature is available on most devices with MIUI 12-14, but can be hidden in new firmware.

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Slip on Dual Apps (if there is no item, see Method 2).
3. Select the app from the list and click Create a clone.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the installation (reboot may be required).

The clone will appear on the home screen with a two-layer icon (such as WhatsApp with the “2” icon). Note that not all apps are supported – for example, Google Play Services or Mi Account cannot be duplicated.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra), Dual Apps may not be available even in the developer settings. In this case, use Method 3 (Island or Parallel Space).

Method 2: Activate Dual Apps through Developer Settings

If the menu doesn’t have Dual Apps, it can be manually enabled via developer mode, which works on most devices with MIUI 14, but caution is needed – incorrect actions can lead to system failures.

Enable Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone)

Allow debugging over USB (Settings → Additional → Developers)

Make sure the battery is more than 50% charged.

Make a backup copy of the data-->

Instructions:

1. Activate the developer mode (if not already enabled).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find Dual Apps (can be called App Cloning) and turn it on.
4. Go back to the basic settings and check for the presence of Dual Apps in the Apps section.

If the item is not even activated, try to enter the command via ADB:

adb shell settings put global dual_app_enabled 1

Once you have completed the command, restart the device. If Dual Apps never came, then your Xiaomi model doesn’t support this feature at the software level – go to Method 3.

Method 3: Third-party cloning applications (Parallel Space, Island)

If the built-in methods don't work, use specialized utilities.

• 🔄 Parallel Space – creates an isolated environment for clones, supports most applications, but can slow down on weak devices.
• 🏝️ Island (from Oasis Feng) - uses Android's built-in Work Profile feature to create a "sandbox." More secure, but requires root for full functionality.
• 📱 2Accounts — Lightweight analogue with minimalist interface, suitable for older Redmi models.

Instructions for Parallel Space:

1. Download the app from Google Play or APKPure (if it is blocked in your area).
2. Open Parallel Space and add the app to the list for cloning.
3. Click Create a clone and wait for installation (registration permission may be required).
4. Launch a clone from the Parallel Space interface and log in to the second account.

The advantages of Parallel Space:

• ✅ It works on all Xiaomi models, including HyperOS.
• ✅ Supports cloning of games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Clash of Clans).
• ✅ You can hide notifications from the clone.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Brakes on devices with 4GB of RAM or less.
• ❌ Some apps (like Snapchat) block the entrance from clones.
• ❌ Advertising in the free version.

💡

If the clone in Parallel Space doesn't start, clear the cache of the main application and restart the smartphone, and check if the antivirus (such as Mi Security) is blocking access.

Cloning Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even after you've successfully cloned, you might run into problems.

If the clone stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

1. Remove the clone and recreate it.
2. Clear the cache and data of the main application.
3. Reverse the firmware to the previous version (if the update caused a crash).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), clones can be automatically deleted after rebooting. To avoid this, disable automatic optimization in Settings → Memory. → Autocleaning.

Security: How to avoid data loss in cloning

Cloning of applications is associated with risks:

• 🔓 Data Leakage: Clones can save logins / passwords in an unprotected form.
• 🚨 Blocking accounts: some services (e.g. Telegram or Instagram) prohibit multi-accounts.
• 📉 Performance: Multiple copies of one application increase battery consumption.

Safety recommendations:

• 🔐 Use different passwords for your main account and clone.
• 🛡️ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) profile-wise.
• 📵 Do not clone banking apps or instant messengers with access to payments (e.g. PayPal).
• 🔄 Regularly update clones through Google Play or Mi App Store.

If you are using Parallel Space or Island, set up additional protection:

1. Install. PIN-code or fingerprint to enter an isolated environment.
2. Turn off backup of clone data to the cloud.
3. Periodically clean the clone cache in the application settings.

💡

Never use clones to bypass bans in games or social networks – this violates the user agreement and can lead to the blocking of the account.

Alternative methods: virtual machines and the second user

If cloning is not possible, consider alternatives:

• 🖥️ Virtual machine (e.g. virtual machine, VMOS Bluestacks, or Bluestacks, allows you to run a second Android inside the main system.
• 👥 Multiplayer mode – create a second user in Android settings (Settings) → System system → Multiplayer mode: Not all applications will be available.
• 📱 Second Smartphone – If cloning is critical (for example, for work), consider buying a budget Redmi or a new one. POCO.

The advantages of a virtual machine:

• ✅ Complete isolation from the main system.
• ✅ The ability to use different versions of Android.

Cons:

• ❌ Requires a powerful processor (e.g. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).
• ❌ Difficulty setting up for beginners.

To create a second user:

1. Go to Settings → System → Multiplayer mode.
2. Click Add User and follow the instructions.
3. Switch between profiles through the notification panel.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning apps on Xiaomi