How to make a copy of the application on Xiaomi: The complete guide

The modern rhythm of life often dictates its conditions, forcing Xiaomi users to separate personal and workspace. Previously, this required carrying two smartphones, but today the built-in functionality of the MIUI and HyperOS shells allows you to solve this problem software. Cloning applications has become a standard feature available even in budget models, providing instant access to two accounts of the same social network or messenger.

Owners of Chinese brand devices have the unique ability to run duplicate programs without installing third-party software, which not only saves battery power, but also keeps the operating system stable. Unlike third-party launchers, system cloning works at the kernel level, which ensures correct display of notifications and background synchronization of data.

However, the process of copy creation may vary depending on the firmware version and model of your gadget. Some users face limitations when the standard menu does not offer to create a duplicate for a particular program. In this article, we will discuss all available methods, including hidden system functions and alternative methods for advanced users who want to gain full control over their digital space.

Built-in MIUI and HyperOS capabilities for cloning

The main tool for separating accounts is Application Cloning, which is built deep into the system and optimized to work with popular services, and to activate it, you need to go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Cloning, and here you will see a list of supported programs for which you can create a second copy.

Once the switch is activated next to the app, a new icon will appear on the desktop, usually marked with a small orange or blue icon to make it look different from the original. The system automatically syncs the data, allowing you to log into a second account using a different phone number or email, ideal for those who need to share customer and personal communications.

  • πŸ“± Dual Access: The ability to use two WhatsApp or Telegram numbers at the same time.
  • πŸ”’ Data isolation: cache and files of the cloned application are stored separately from the main one.
  • πŸ”” Independent Notifications: You will always know which account the message is sent to.

⚠️ Note: Not all installed programs are available with cloning, and the list is limited to the most popular social networks and messengers, as they require frequent switching between accounts.

It’s important to understand that cloned apps consume additional RAM resources. If your smartphone has less than 4 GB of RAM, activating a large number of clones can lead to more frequent unloading of background processes. This is not critical for everyday use, but with active multitasking, it is worth considering this nuance.

Second Space: Complete Insulation

If standard cloning isn't enough, or you want to create a copy of an application that isn't supported by the system list, Second Space comes to the rescue, which is a fully-fledged, isolated environment that works as a separate user profile within a single device, and in fact, you get two in one: two desktops, two galleries, and two sets of applications.

To activate, go to Settings β†’ Advanced Settings β†’ Second Space, and the system will prompt you to create a new fingerprint or pin code for quick switching between profiles, which provides a high level of privacy, since access to the second space is protected by a separate security key.

Inside the Second Space, you can install any apps from Google Play or GetApps again, and this allows you to bypass the limitations of a standard cloner, for example, you can install the game in the second profile to use cheats or mods without touching the game.οΏ½Switching between spaces takes only a few seconds and is done by swiping or through the notification curtain.

πŸ“Š What account separation method do you use more often?
Regular cloning of applications
Second space
Third-party applications (Parallel Space, etc.)
Two different phones.

It’s worth noting that notifications from Second Space can come in the background, but to get them, the app must be launched at least once after switching.This is a feature of isolated profiles in Android that helps save battery power when you’re in the main profile.

How to clone apps that are not on the supported list

Often, users are faced with a situation where the desired application is not on the list of approved for cloning, this is typical for banking applications, some gaming launchers or regional versions of social networks, in which case the standard method will not work, and the system will give a message that no supported programs are available.

However, there is a workaround through the developer settings or using special modes, if they are available in your version of MIUI. Sometimes it helps to install the application from different sources, for example, the original from Google Play, and a clone from the built-in GetApps store or APKPure. After that, the system can β€œsee” different signatures of the applications and allow them to work in parallel.

If the software methods don't work, the only reliable option is to use the Second Space that I mentioned earlier, which has no restrictions on the type of software you install, you just install the app in the second profile as new, and it works independently of the first one, with its own permissions and settings.

Why can’t some apps be cloned?
Many developers of banking applications and corporate messengers specifically block the possibility of code-level cloning, this is done for security reasons to prevent data theft or malicious copies from being launched in an isolated environment, bypassing these restrictions can disrupt the application or lead to the blocking of an account by the bank’s security service.

Also, it is worth considering that some applications may require Google Play Services with certain settings that may conflict when trying to run two copies. In such cases, the stability of the second copy is not guaranteed, and it can fly out when you try to log in.

Set up notifications and performance for clones

Once you have created a copy of an application, it is critical to set up notifications correctly, otherwise you risk missing important messages. By default, the system can aggressively save battery and "kill" the background process of the cloned application. To avoid this, you need to go to the battery settings and find the corresponding application in the list.

For each cloned application, you need to set the battery mode to No Limits, this will prevent the system from forcibly stopping the process, and it is also recommended to enable auto-start, so that the application starts immediately after the smartphone is turned on and is ready to receive incoming calls or messages.

  • πŸ”‹ Power saving mode: select "No restrictions" for stable operation.
  • πŸš€ Autostart: Activate the application to work in the background immediately after turning on.
  • πŸ”” Important Notifications: Check the β€œImportant” box in the notification settings so that messages are not hidden.

⚠️ Note: Setting β€œNo Limits” mode for a large number of applications can significantly reduce the battery life of your Xiaomi. Use this setting only for programs where instant messaging is important.

MIUI optimization can sometimes hide cloned app icons after a system update. If you miss the second copy icon, check the theme settings or try to reinstall the clone through the app cloning menu. Often this returns the shortcut to the desktop.

Comparison of Account Separation Methods for Xiaomi

The choice of cloning method depends on your specific needs: whether you need complete data isolation or just a second messenger. Below is a table that will help determine the best way to solve your situation.

CharacteristicsCloning of applicationsSecond spaceThird-party annexes
Support for all applicationsOnly from the list.Any applicationsDepends on the program.
Data isolationPartialComplete.Medium
Impact on the batteryLow.Average.High.
SecurityTall.Very high.Medium

As you can see from the table, Second Space is the most versatile, but also more resource-intensive solution, and regular cloning is better suited for everyday tasks like WhatsApp or Telegram, where speed and minimal energy consumption are important.

Third-party solutions such as Parallel Space or 2Accounts are recommended only in extreme cases, often containing advertising, requiring extra permissions and can share your data with third parties.

Removal and management of cloned applications

The copies you create are managed through the same menu where they were created, and if you no longer need a second account, you can easily remove the clone, while keeping your data in the main application intact, ensuring that your personal information is safe.

To delete, go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Cloning applications and disable the switch in front of the program. The system will warn that all data of the cloned application will be deleted. This is an important point: correspondence and files in the second copy will be irretrievably lost, so it is recommended to back up important chats before deleting, if this function is supported by the messenger itself.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before removing the clone

Done: 0 / 4

If you have used Second Space, then to remove applications, you need to switch to this profile and delete them in a standard way, as on a regular desktop. To completely remove Second Space, you will need to reset it through the settings, which will also clean all the data inside this profile.

πŸ’‘

Tip: Before removing the cloned application, take screenshots of important settings or QR-Entry codes to quickly restore access if necessary.

Regularly cleaning up unused clones helps keep your smartphone running fast. The accumulated cache of two copies of a single app can take up a significant amount of internal memory, especially if you actively share photos and videos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I clone banking apps on Xiaomi?
Officially, most banking applications block cloning for security reasons, but in the Second Space they often work correctly, because the system perceives this as a separate device. Be careful: some banks may detect root rights or emulators, which is theoretically possible with deep cloning.
Why do notifications from cloned WhatsApp come with a delay?
This is because of aggressive battery optimization, so make sure that the cloned application is in the battery settings with "No Limits" and auto-start enabled, and check if the smartphone is in "Do Not Disturb" or "Sleep" mode.
Does the cloned app take up extra memory space?
Yes, a clone creates a separate copy of the installation file and, more importantly, a separate database. If the main application weighs 100 MB, then the clone will take about the same amount, plus the amount of data you have accumulated (photo, correspondence history).
Can I change the cloned app icon?
With standard MIUI, you can't change the clone icon, it's always going to be marked with a special icon, but using third-party launchers or themes, you can visually change the appearance of the label, although functionally it will remain a clone.
Are cloning settings reset when the system is updated?
However, after a major Android or MIUI update (e.g., a HyperOS upgrade), it is recommended to check the clones' performance, and sometimes the system may request a re-activation of the cloning function.