How to run a second Viber on one Xiaomi phone: all the ways of 2026

Launching a second Viber account on a single Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge faced by users who need to separate personal and work correspondence, manage multiple business profiles or support accounts for different countries. Unlike WhatsApp or Telegram, where multi-accounting is implemented at the application level, Viber does not officially support simultaneous work with two profiles on the same device. However, Xiaomi owners have a unique advantage: the proprietary shell of MIUI offers built-in tools for cloning applications that bypass this limitation.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the current ways to run a second Viber on Xiaomi (including models on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS), their pros and cons, and the nuances of customization that are not written in the standard instructions. From the classic Parallel Apps to little-known workarounds, you’ll learn how to organize work with two accounts without buying a second phone or using risky system modifications.

Why not just install Viber twice?

Before we get to the solutions, it’s important to understand why Viber blocks the installation of a second instance of the app through Google Play or Google Play. APK-file:

• 🔒 One-account policy: Viber links profile to unique device identifier (IMEI Android ID). When you try to run a second instance, the system recognizes the duplicate and blocks authorization.
• 📱 Android Restrictions: Starting with Android 10, the system prohibits the installation of two identical applications without using cloning mechanisms (for example, Work Profile or Parallel Apps).
• 🔄 Notifications conflict: Two Viber instances will compete for access to Google Play Services, causing both accounts to crash.

Without special tools, trying to install a second Viber will end up with an “Application not installed” error or endless download when logging in, but Xiaomi has integrated a solution to this problem into MIUI – Parallel Apps (also known as Dual Apps), which creates an isolated copy of the application with a separate data store.

Method 1: Parallel Apps (Dual Apps) - built-in MIUI solution

The most reliable and official method is to use the Parallel Apps feature, available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 8 and later, which creates a full-fledged copy of the application with a separate cache, data and notifications, allowing you to log in under a different phone number.

Instructions for setting:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Parallel Apps (on some firmware, the path may differ: Settings → Special features → Parallel Apps).
2. In the application list, find Viber and activate the switch next to it, and the system will start creating a copy (this can take 1-2 minutes).
3. After completion, the second Viber icon with a double diamond icon will appear on the home screen (🔶🔷) — This is a cloned app.
4. Run it and go through the standard sign-up procedure with a new phone number.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require root rights or third-party programs.
• ✅ Complete data isolation: messages, contacts and files do not overlap between accounts.
• ✅ Support for notifications for both profiles.

Limitations:

• ⚠️ On some models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3) Parallel Apps can be hidden. To find it, search for parallel settings".
• ⚠️ The cloned application takes up additional memory space (about 300-500 MB for Viber).

⚠️ Note: If the second Viber does not send after cloning SMS-Confirmation code, check if Antispam blocks it in the security settings (Settings) → Passwords & security → Add the Viber number to the anti-spam number (+447797800097) except in exceptions.

Method 2: Use the Work Profile (for Android 9+)

If Parallel Apps is not available for some reason (e.g. on custom firmware), the alternative is Work Profile, a standard Android mechanism for separating work and personal data, which allows you to install a second instance of Viber in an isolated profile.

How to set up:

1. Download the Island app (from developer Oasis Feng) from Google Play. This is a free manager for Work Profile.
2. Start Island and follow the customization wizard. If you request, allow you to create a Work Profile.
3. On the main Island menu, click Add Apps and select Viber. Confirm cloning.
4. After installation, open Viber from Work Profile (the icon will be marked with a briefcase logo) 💼) and log in under a new number.

Pros of the method:

• 🔄 It works on any Android 9 and newer smartphones, including Xiaomi on custom firmware.
• 🛡️ More reliable data isolation than Parallel Apps.

Cons:

• ❌ Notifications from the Work Profile may be delayed.
• ❌ Some features (such as access to contacts) require additional permissions.

Method 3: Install a second Viber via APK (for power users)

If the first two methods do not work, you can try to install the second Viber manually through the APK-This method requires caution, as it can lead to conflicts with the main application.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK-Viber file from a trusted source (e.g. APKCombo or APKMirror) Make sure the version matches the one installed on the phone.
2. Rename the downloaded file by adding a suffix "_2" (for example, viber_2.apk).
3. Install the file through any file manager (e.g. Files by Google or Mi File Manager). If requested, allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications).
4. Once installed, launch a second Viber and log in. If you see an "Application already installed" error, use the App Cloner app (available on the Play Market) to create a modified copy.

⚠️ Note: Installation of Viber through APK For example, notifications will only arrive in one of the applications, and the chat history may not sync correctly.

Alternatively, use App Cloner:

• 📱 Install App Cloner from Google Play.
• 🔧 Select Viber from the app list and set up cloning (check the options "Change Packet Name" and "Disable Google Play Services").
• 🚀 Launch a cloned application and log in.

💡

If the second Viber does not send SMS-try temporarily disabling the main application (Settings) → Annexes → Viber → After logging in to the second account, turn it back on.

Comparison of methods: which to choose

To determine the best way, compare all three methods on key criteria:

For most Xiaomi users, Parallel Apps is the easiest and most reliable way to go. Work Profile is suitable for those who have the MIUI cloning feature disabled, and manual installation via APK is a last resort for experienced users.

💡

If you want 100% stability, choose Parallel Apps. Work Profile for flexibility (like custom firmware).

The solution to the problem: why the second Viber does not work

Even after successful cloning, the second Viber may not behave properly, and consider the typical problems and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Not coming. SMS-Code: Check if it is blocking SMS antispam (Settings) → Passwords & security → Also try to request the code via the call (Call me option in the authorization window).
• 📵 No notifications: For Parallel Apps: Go to Settings → Notifications → Parallel Apps → Viber and enable all permissions. For Work Profile, check the settings in Island.
• 🔒 Flys at launch: Clear the cache of both Viber instances (Settings) → Annexes → Viber → If the problem persists, reinstall the cloned application.
• 📞 No phone number: Make sure the phone is installed SIM-card linked to a new account. If you use eSIM, reboot your device.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings (Settings). → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network resetting. This often solves authorization problems.

Alternative methods: when nothing helps

If the standard methods do not work, consider the following options:

• 📱 Using a second device: The most reliable but costly way is to use an old smartphone or tablet as a second device for Viber. Connect it to the same Wi-Fi network so that notifications come in synchronously.
• 🌐 Viber Web: Run your main account on your phone, and the second one via the web version of Viber in your browser.
• 🤖 Android Emulator: Install the emulator (BlueStacks, NoxPlayer) on your PC and log in to the second account through it.

For business users, there is also Viber Business, an official solution for managing multiple accounts, but it requires company registration and a paid subscription.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second Viber on Xiaomi