Cloning apps on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a convenient feature for separating work and personal accounts, but also a powerful tool for testing, circumventing restrictions or using multiple profiles in messengers at the same time. In 2026, the manufacturer offers both built-in solutions in MIUI and supports third-party utilities, but not all users are aware of the hidden capabilities of the system. For example, few people realize that on some models you can activate Dual Apps even for those applications that do not officially support duplication.
In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from basic settings in the MIUI 14/15 interface to advanced tricks with ADB and alternative launchers. We will focus on the nuances for Redmi, POCO and the flagship Xiaomi 13/14 series, where cloning algorithms may differ, and you will learn how to get around common errors like “insufficient memory for duplicate” or why some applications (for example, banking) block work in a cloned environment.
Dual Apps in MIUI: Dual Apps in MIUI
The easiest and safest way to clone an app on Xiaomi is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature (aka “Dual Apps”). It is available on all devices with MIUI 8 and newer, but there are important limitations: not all programs support duplication, and some (such as WhatsApp Business) can conflict with the main version.
To activate Dual Apps:
- Open Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
- Find the application you want (if it is not supported officially) in the list.
- Click on the switch and confirm the creation of a copy.
- After cloning, a second icon with an icon will appear on the desktop ⧉.
The cloned app will work independently of the original: it has its own cache, data and notifications, but note that some messengers (for example, Telegram) can block an account while simultaneously logging into the main and cloned application from the same IP.
Check the MIUI version (must be at least 8.0)
Free up at least 500 MB of memory
Disable battery optimization for the target application
Make a backup copy of the data of the main application-->
Hidden Opportunities: How to Clone Unaccompanied Applications
If the desired application is not in the list of Dual Apps, it does not mean that it can not be duplicated. MIUI has a hidden feature that allows you to manually add cloning support for any program – but it will require access to ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Note: This method requires USB debugging and does not work on all models. POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra was tested successfully, but on some Redmi Note can cause crashes.
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause you to reset or lock your device. Create a backup copy through Settings before you execute commands. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and activate USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
- Download ADB Tools and open the command line in the folder with utilities.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should display the serial number of your device).
- Use this command to add cloning support for the desired package (replace com.example.app with a real application ID): adb shell settings put global. multi_app_clone_profile 1 adb shell pm install-existing --user 0 com.example.app
- Restart your phone and check for the app in the list of Dual Apps.
How to find out the application package ID?
Third-party launchers: Parallel Space and Island
If the built-in methods don't work, you can use third-party solutions.
- 🔹 Parallel Space creates an isolated sandstone for cloned applications, supports multiple copies simultaneously, but can slow down on weak devices (Redmi). 9A, POCO C31).
- 🔹 Island (from Oasis Feng) uses Android's Work Profile engine to create an island with duplicates, more reliable but requires root rights for full functionality.
- 🔹 2Accounts — specializes in cloning messengers and social networks, has a built-in VPN block-by-lock.
Third-party launchers have the advantage of being flexible, allowing even apps that block Dual Apps to be cloned.
- 🚫 Increased battery consumption (up to) 15-20% post 1 high-fly).
- 🚫 Data leakage risk when using unofficial versions (download only from Google Play or APKMirror).
- 🚫 Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) Detect cloned environment and block entry.
Dual Apps (Integrated Function)
Parallel Space
Island
Other third-party software
I don't clone apps.-->
Features of cloning on different models Xiaomi
The cloning algorithms may vary depending on the device series and the MIUI version. The table below shows the key differences:
| Model/Series | Support for Dual Apps | Limitations | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14, Mix 4 | Complete (including system applications) | You can't clone Mi Pay and Mi Home. | Use ADB to unlock hidden options |
| POCO F5/X5, Redmi K60 | Partial (no support for some games) | Clone games can be lagged due to FPS restriction | For games, use Parallel Space with the "Game Mode" setting |
| Redmi Note 12/11 | Basic (only messengers and social networks) | Restriction on 3 cloned applications | Remove unnecessary duplicates through Settings → Storage |
| POCO M5/M4 | Cut-down (no Dual Apps interface) | Manual activation via ADB is required | Use the settings put global command hidden_api_policy 1 preclonation |
On devices with MIUI for POCO (e.g., POCO X3 Pro), the path to cloning settings may be different: instead of Settings → Apps, look for Settings → Special Features → Dual Apps. If the partition is missing, upgrade the firmware to the latest stable version.
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On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Mix Fold 3 after the cloning of the application can be transferred to the SD-card (if installed) to save space in internal memory. → Warehouse → Data portability.
Solving the problems of cloning
Even if you follow instructions correctly, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🔄 "Not enough memory to create duplicate: Clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clean up or remove unused apps.Redmi with 64GB of storage may need to free up to 1.5GB.
- 🚫 "App does not support cloning: Try using ADB-For TikTok and Instagram, it often helps to install an older version. APK.
- ⚠️ "The cloned app immediately closes: Disable MIUI Optimization through ADB: adb shell settings put global miui_optimization 0 Then restart the device.
- 🔒 "Banking app blocks clone entry: Use Island with Hide Root Access setting or create a clone via Samsung Secure Folder (if supported).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Stable after upgrading to Android 14, the ability to clone some applications may be lost, due to the tightening of Google's security policy. MIUI 13 or use custom firmware like Xiaomi.eu.
Alternative methods: virtual machines and multi-profiles
If cloning is not suitable for technical reasons, consider alternative approaches:
- 🖥️ Virtual Machines: Applications like VMOS or X8 Sandbox builds a full-fledged virtual Android system inside your phone, allowing you to install any application without restrictions, but requires a powerful processor (recommended for Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and later).
- 👥 Android Multi-Profiles: Starting with Android 12, in MIUI 14+ Support for multiple user profiles has been added. → System system → Multiple users and create an additional profile. The disadvantage is that you have to manually switch between accounts.
- 🔄 Backup and Recovery: With Titanium Backup (requires root) or adb backup, you can backup an application and then restore it under a different package name.
For devices with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader) is available another option - installing a custom kernel with MultiROM support. This allows you to run two full-fledged OS on one phone, but the process requires deep technical knowledge and voids the warranty.
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Nana POCO F4 GT and Black Shark 5 Virtual machines are working on 30-40% It's slower because of the manufacturer's limitations on virtualization. For gaming smartphones, it's better to use physical cloning through ADB.
Security and privacy in cloning
Cloned applications can become a vulnerability to your data if you don't take precautions.
- 🔐 Do not use the same passwords in the main and cloned application. For instant messengers (for example, Viber), configure two-factor authentication.
- 🛡️ Turn off autocomplete in cloned browsers or payment systems. go to Settings → Additionally. → Autocomplete and delete stored data.
- 📡 Use it. VPN For cloned social networks, if you plan to bypass regional restrictions, you can activate the built-in Xiaomi VPN In Settings → Connections → Private DNS.
- 🚨 Check the permissions of third-party launchers (such as Parallel Space) through Settings → Annexes → Permits. Disable access to contacts and SMS, if he doesn't need it.
Pay particular attention to banking applications and wallets (Google Pay, Mi Pay), many of which are detect virtual environments and block access. If you need to duplicate a payment application, use:
- 💳 Island with the option "Hide root" enabled"
- 💳 Shelter (open source fork of Island)
- 💳 Physical second phone (the most secure option)
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China ROM Clone apps can send analytics data to Xiaomi Cloud without your knowledge.To disable this, go to Settings → Memory. → Usage statistics → Disable data collection.