Xiaomi’s current smartphones, with MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users incredible flexibility in managing software. One of the most sought-after features for active instant messenger users is the ability to run two accounts in one app without installing additional programs, especially for those who share personal and workspaces or own multiple phone numbers.
The process of making a copy (cloning) is built into the system at the kernel level, which ensures stable operation and minimal consumption of battery resources. APK-Files or use complex scripts to run a second WhatsApp or Telegram, however, depending on the version of the Android operating system and the specific device model, the algorithm of actions may differ slightly.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the standard cloning methods available in the settings menu, and look at alternative ways to respond to cases where a standard function is unavailable or not working properly, and learn how to properly configure notifications for clones and what limitations the technology has at this point in time.
Built-in app cloning function in MIUI
The most reliable way to run a duplicate program is to use the standard application cloning tool, which is built into the MIUI shell since version 9 and is present in the current HyperOS. This method ensures that the copy will work as stable as the main application, receiving all the necessary system permissions.
To activate the function, you need to go to the smartphone settings menu. Find the section related to program management and select the appropriate item. The interface may be called differently depending on the location, but the essence remains unchanged. The system will offer a list of supported programs for which you can create a copy.
Attention: Not all apps support cloning, usually social media, messengers, and some gaming platforms, and if the right program isn't on the list, you can't actually clone it.
- 📱 Open the settings of your Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone.
- 📂 Go to the Applications (or Applications) section → Cloning of applications).
- 🔍 Find the program you want (like Viber or Instagram) and activate the switch.
Once the switch is turned on, a new icon will appear on the desktop with a characteristic symbol (usually a yellow icon with two arrows or an orange label) indicating that it is a copy, and you can log in using a second phone number and receive notifications regardless of your main account.
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If you don’t see a switch for a particular app, check if it’s updated to the latest version via Google Play or Mi GetApps. Older versions of the software may not be supported by the cloning system.
Use of the Second Space Mode
The alternative to simple cloning is Second Space, which is a more radical method that actually creates a second profile inside your phone, as if you had two different smartphones in your hands: one app and one photo, the other completely different.
This approach is ideal for those who need not just two accounts in the messenger, but complete data isolation, for example, you can install in the Second space of the game, social networks or banking applications, access to which will be closed with an additional password or fingerprint, different from the main one.
Activation occurs through the section Additional settings or Special features. The system will create a separate environment, which is entered by swiping on the lock screen or entering a special PIN-All the data in this space is encrypted separately.
- 🔐 Go to Settings. → Additional settings → Second space.
- ➕ Click the Enable Second Space button and follow the instructions of the setup wizard.
- 🔄 Switch between spaces through a notification curtain or a special widget on your desktop.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the Second Space, all data, applications and files created inside it will be permanently lost. Always back up important information before resetting.
The main advantage of this method is that in the Second Space, you can clone even applications that are not supported by the standard application cloning function.
Cloning through third-party utilities
In situations where Xiaomi’s built-in tools are not up to the task or need to run more than two copies of a single application (for example, three WhatsApp accounts), you have to resort to third-party software, such programs create a virtual environment inside themselves, running the target application in an isolated container.
The most popular solutions are Parallel Space, 2Accounts or Multiple Accounts, and they work in a similar way: you install a shell, and you add the necessary programs inside it, which allows you to bypass the system's limitations on the number of clones.
However, it is worth considering that such utilities consume more RAM and battery power, as they emulate the operation of the system, and they often require extensive permissions to access your data, which can raise security questions.
- 📥 Download the selected cloner app from Google Play.
- ⚙️ Provide all the requested permissions (contacts, storage, notifications) for proper operation.
- ➕ Click the Add App button and select the program to be cloned.
Using third-party solutions is especially important for gamers who need multiple accounts in a single game, or for marketing professionals who have multiple social media profiles.
Why do some banking apps not work in cloners?
Set up notifications and work with data
Once you have created a copy of the app, it is critical to properly configure notifications to avoid missing an important message.The Android system allows you to flexibly manage the behavior of cloned applications, separating their sounds, vibrations and visual indicators.
Go to the notification settings for the clone. They are usually in the Settings path → Apps → All apps → Application name (Clone) → Notifications. Here you can set a unique call sound to know from the melody which number the message came to.
It's also important to consider the traffic and power consumption, because cloned applications run in the background, constantly synchronizing data, and if you don't optimize their performance, the battery can run out faster than usual.
| Parameter | Main annex | Appendix clone | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| The sound of the notification | Standard. | Unique. | Use different tunes for instantaneous |
| Access to contacts | Complete. | Selective | Separate contacts into groups for convenience |
| Background activity | No restrictions. | Limited. | Turn off battery savings for important clones |
| Use of data | Common counter | Common counter | Keep an eye on overall traffic consumption |
To properly work the background synchronization of messages in the clone, you need to remove the power saving restrictions. Find the application in the installed list, go to the Saving Charge section and select the No Limits mode.
☑️ Checking the clone settings
Solving problems with cloned applications
Despite the stability of the MIUI system, users can experience errors when working with cloned applications, most often problems are the lack of notifications, inability to log in or crash the program immediately after launch.
One common reason is aggressive battery optimization, which can kill a clone process by thinking it's inactive if you haven't opened the second app in a long time, and the solution lies in manually setting up auto-start and permissions.
It is also worth considering that some services (such as Google Pay or bank customers) may block work in a cloned environment for security reasons.
- 🚫 If the clone does not receive notifications, check the AutoRun settings in the Security app.
- 🔄 Try clearing the clone cache through Settings → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔒 Make sure the clone does not have Do Not Disturb or Sleep Mode enabled".
In rare cases, removing the clone completely and re-creating it helps, and before doing so, make sure that important chats or data are stored in the cloud or exported manually.
⚠️ Note: When you delete a cloned application, all the data inside it (correspondence, media files, settings) will be destroyed.
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90% of cloned applications problems are solved by setting up autorun permissions and turning off energy savings for a specific process.