How to copy an app on a Xiaomi smartphone: from APK to MIUI cloning

Copying apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from backing up rare APKs to duplicating messengers for multiple accounts. Unlike iOS, where capabilities are limited, MIUI firmware and Android architecture allow you to extract installed programs in several ways. However, not all methods are equally safe: some require root rights, others work only with certain versions of applications, and others may violate license agreements.

In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to copy applications to Xiaomi in 2026, including official tools. MIUI (For example, the function “Duplicate applications”) and third-party solutions such as APK Extractor or App Cloner. We will pay special attention to the nuances: why some of the APK-Files are not installed after copying, how to circumvent restrictions on cloning system applications (like Google Play Services), and what to do if you don’t have a copy. MIUI All instructions are tested on Redmi Note 12 Pro models+, POCO F5 Xiaomi 13 Ultra with the latest firmware updates.

Official Duplication through MIUI (without root)

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature available in MIUI 12-14, which allows you to create a second instance of supported applications (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook) without removing APK. Importantly, the feature does not work with all programs and may not be available on some regional firmware (e.g. MIUI Global vs. MIUI China).

To activate duplication:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Duplicate applications.
2. Select the application from the list of supported (checked).
3. Click on “Duplicate” and confirm the creation of a second account.
4. The new instance will appear on the main screen with an icon in the form of two layers.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔴 It only works with pre-approved Xiaomi apps (list depends on model and region).
• 🔴 Duplicate applications take up additional memory (up to 50–100 MB per instance).
• 🔴 Some functions (such as notifications) may not work well.

2. APK extraction via APK Extractor (no root)

If you need to copy it. APK-file to back up or transfer to another phone, use the app APK Extractor (available on Google Play) extracts installed programs in.apk format without having to obtain root rights. MIUI System Apps) can be protected from retrieval.

Step-by-step:

1. Install APK Extractor from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and select the desired from the list of installed.
3. Click “Extract APK” and specify the folder to save (for example, Downloads).
4. The finished.apk file can be copied to another phone or installed again.

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention: Extracted APK It may not be installed on another device if it has a different processor architecture (e.g., a different processor architecture, arm64 vs. x86). Check compatibility in phone settings (Settings) → The phone. → The kernel version).

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. banking or with) DRM-protection) block the work after extraction APK. In this case, only cloning through App Cloner with root will help.

3. Cloning of applications using App Cloner (advanced method)

App Cloner allows you to create a full copy of the program with separate data and settings. Unlike standard duplication in MIUI, it works with almost all applications, but requires root rights for some functions (for example, cloning system APKs).

How to clone an app:

1. Install App Cloner from Google Play.
2. Select a cloning app and adjust the settings (for example, change the name of the package to avoid conflicts).
3. Click on “Clone” and wait for the process to be completed.
4. Install the APK you created (permission to install from unknown sources may be required).

Advantages of the method:

• 🟢 Works with most apps, including games and social media.
• 🟢 Allows you to configure permissions for the clone (for example, disable access to contacts).
• 🟢 Supports data retention between reinstallations.

4. Manual copying via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can extract APK and app data via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge, with the advantage of being able to copy not only APKs, but also user data (such as saving games).

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm list packages -f | find "name packet"

Replace the packet name with a part of the app name (like whatsapp). APK:

adb pull /data/app/name.packet-1/base.apk C:\path\folder\

To copy application data (e.g., cache or settings):

adb backup -f C:\backup.ab -apk name.packet

💡

If the adb pull command gives the error "Permission denied", try to get root access first or use an alternative path: adb shell su -c "cat /data/app/name.packet-1/base.apk > /sdcard/base.apk", then copy the file from the memory card.

5. copying system applications (requires root)

MIUI system applications (e.g. Security, Themes, Mi Video) are protected from retrieval by standard methods.

1. Root access (for example, via Magisk).
2. A file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Knowing the paths to system APKs (usually /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/).

Step-by-step process:

1. Open Root Explorer and go to /system/priv-app/.
2. Find the folder with the desired application (for example, MiuiGallery).
3. Copy the.apk file to a user folder (e.g. /sdcard/Download/).
4. Install APK manually (you may need to disable signature verification in MIUI).

Risks of the method:

• 🔴 Mistakes with system files can lead to bootloop (cyclical reboot).
• 🔴 Some of them APK It depends on system libraries and will not work on other devices.
• 🔴 Updates MIUI Can overwrite modified files.

💡

Copying system APKs without root is almost impossible due to the limitations of SELinux in MIUI. Even with root, some applications (such as Mi Account) are protected by additional checks and will not work after extraction.

6.Alternative methods: backup and cloud services

If the goal is not duplicate but backup applications, consider the following options:

To automate backup, we recommend using Swift Backup:

• 🔹 Supports MIUI 13/14 without root (via Shizuku).
• 🔹 Allows you to restore applications to a new phone.
• 🔹 Stores game data (e.g., progress in Genshin Impact).

FAQ: Frequent questions about copying apps on Xiaomi