How to Make Many Clones of a Single App on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide

Why would you need multiple copies of a single app on Xiaomi? Imagine: you need to manage two accounts in a messenger, test different versions of the game, or share work and personal notifications in one service. Standard MIUI offers dual applications, but it does not work with all programs and is limited to 2-3 clones. In this article, 5 ways to get around the restrictions, including hidden firmware settings and third-party tools.

Many users have a problem when Xiaomi’s system cloner refuses to duplicate the application or creates a copy with errors, and the reasons range from developer limitations to conflicts with Google Play Services. We tested all methods on MIUI 12-14 devices (including HyperOS) and selected only working solutions, from official to advanced ones requiring ADB.

⚠️ Cloning of certain applications (e.g. banking or c) DRM-protection) may violate the terms of use of the service. Before creating copies, check the rules of the platform - some services block accounts for multi-accounting.

1. Built-in dual applications function in MIUI

The easiest way to do this is to use Xiaomi’s regular tool, which is available on all MIUI devices (except the oldest versions) and does not require super-user rights, but it has some limitations:

• 🔹 It only works with pre-approved apps (the list is formed by Xiaomi).
• 🔹 Maximum 2-3 copies per application (depending on the model).
• 🔹 Clones take up extra memory space and may conflict with the original.
• 🔹 Some functions (such as push notifications) are not stable.

To activate the function:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Find the desired app in the list and switch the slider to the right.
3. Confirm the creation of a copy (the process will take 10–30 seconds).
4. The finished clone will appear on the main screen with an icon in the form of two layers.

If the app is not listed, try updating MIUI to the latest version or using alternative methods from the following sections.

2.Cloning through ADB (without root)

For advanced users willing to work with ADB, there is a way to bypass MIUI restrictions and clone any application.The method works on all Xiaomi devices with an unlocked bootloader (does not require root!).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Platform Tools installed.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap; then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the connection check command: adb devices (the serial number of the device should be displayed).
2. Find out the batch name of the application (for example, for Telegram it is org.telegram.messenger). ADB: adb shell pm list packages | grep "name of annex"
3. Create a clone with the command: adb shell pm install --user 0 -i "com.miui.dualapp" --install-location 0 -r -d --force-sdk /data/app/~~packet-name~~/base.apk (substitute ~~packet-name~~ real name package).

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Google Pay) block clones because of signature verification, and only Island isolation (Section 4) will help).

3.Use of launchers with clone support

If ADB seems too complex, try third-party launchers. Some of them are good at creating "sandboxes" for applications, actually emulating copies of them.

Example of Parallel Space configuration:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play or the official website.
2. Open the app and select Add the app.
3. Check the boxes you want to clone.
4. Click Create – copies will appear in a separate workspace.

Important: Parallel Space launchers create virtual environments, not real clones, which means that some features (such as geolocation or payment via NFC) may not work properly.

4.Isolation of applications via Island/Shelter (for experienced)

If you need fully isolated copies of applications (for example, to separate work and personal data), use Island or Shelter. these tools create a “work profile” based on the built-in Android Work Profile feature, which guarantees:

• 🔒 Complete data isolation (files, cache, accounts do not overlap).
• 🛡️ Protection against surveillance (apps in the profile do not see the main user data).
• 📱 Support for notifications and background work.

Instructions for Shelter (without root):

1. Install Shelter from F-Droid.
2. Activate Work Profile via ADB: adb shell pm install-create -r -t -i net.typeblog.shelter --user 0
3. In Shelter settings, select Freeze original apps (this will disable the originals and leave only clones).
4. Move the desired apps to an isolated profile through the Add Apps menu.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Google Maps or Youtube) may require authorization for each profile separately, and Work Profile does not support cloning of system applications (e.g. Calls or Messages).

5. Cloning through modified firmware

If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu), you have access to advanced cloning features.For example, Xiaomi.eu unlocks the list of applications for Dual Apps, and some builds have an integrated App Cloner.

How to activate on Xiaomi.eu:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Dual Applications.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ in the upper right corner and select Show all applications.
3. Now the list will display all installed programs, including those that were previously hidden.
4. Choose the desired and create clones (limit - up to 5 copies per application).

For AOSP-based firmware (e.g. LineageOS), you can use the App Cloner module for Magisk:

• 📌 Install Magisk and App Cloner Module.
• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🎯 In the module settings, select the cloning applications and configure the settings (e.g., changing the packet name).

💡

If notifications in clones are missing after installing custom firmware, check the battery settings: go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization and turn off optimization for cloned applications.

6. bypassing restrictions for banking and secure applications

Banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff), encrypted messengers (Signal, WhatsApp) and secure games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile) often block work in clones.

• 🔐 SafetyNet (Google checks system integrity).
• 🔐 Root/Unlock (Detect applications are unlocked loader).
• 🔐 Signed APK (The clones have a different signature than the original).

Decisions:

1. For banking applications: Use Island with Hide Island enabled in the settings, which will hide the fact of isolation from the application.
2. For games: Install a clone through Parallel Space and disable root notifications (in the launcher settings).
3. For instant messengers: Create a clone through ADB (section 2) and remove the original – some apps (such as Telegram) work more stable without a “neighbor”.

💡

The only reliable way to run a cloned banking app is to use Island to hide the profile. Other methods (including ADB) can result in an account being blocked due to the SafetyNet trigger.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning apps on Xiaomi