Many Xiaomi smartphone users face the need to use two accounts simultaneously on the same messenger or social network. This is especially true for those who share personal communication and work tasks, but do not want to carry two devices. Owners of MIUI and the new HyperOS have the built-in ability to run a second copy of the program, which makes the process as convenient as possible.
Unlike third-party solutions that require additional utilities, the system cloner is more stable and uses less battery power. App duplication is available on most modern models, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi series. However, many gadget owners do not know exactly where this feature is hiding or how to properly configure notifications for the second copy.
In this guide, we will take a look at how the system cloner works, how to activate mode for popular services, what limitations are there, and how to solve typical notification problems. We will look not only at the standard functionality, but also at the advanced methods available in various versions of the shell.
The principle of cloning function in MIUI and HyperOS
A copy-of-program system utility is built deep into Xiaomi's shell. It creates an isolated space where the second copy of the app works independently of the main one. This means you can log into WhatsApp or Telegram from a different phone number and the data won't overlap. Each app has its own dataset, cache and authorization settings.
It's important to understand that not all programs support cloning. It automatically identifies compatible applications and adds them to the list of duplicates available. Usually these are social networks, messengers and some gaming platforms. If you don't see the desired program in the list, then the shell developer has not added it to the supported database, or the application architecture itself does not allow you to run multiple instances at the same time.
Technical details of the work of the cloner
It is worth noting that the working clone consumes additional RAM resources. If your device has less than 4 GB of RAM, the system can automatically unload the second copy from memory when resources are scarce, which will lead to a delay in receiving notifications. For stable operation of both accounts, it is recommended to leave at least 6 GB of free memory in the background.
Step-by-step: creating a double through settings
The process of activating the second copy of the program in Xiaomi smartphones is as simple as possible and does not require obtaining superuser rights. All actions are performed through the standard system settings menu. Before starting the procedure, make sure that the main application is already installed and, preferably, authorized, although this is not strictly a condition for the cloning process itself.
☑️ Readiness for cloning
To start, go to your device's Settings menu. Scroll down to the section that may be called Apps or Settings in different versions of firmware. Find App Cloning (in some translations, "Dual Apps"). Click on it to open the list of compatible programs.
In the window that opens, you'll see a list of apps that you can duplicate. Activate a switch in front of a program you want, like Viber or Facebook. The system will alert you that a new icon with an orange icon in the corner will appear on your desktop. Click OK to confirm your actions.
⚠️ Note: After you create a duplicate, data from the main application is NOT automatically transferred to the second copy.
Set up notifications and manage the second copy
One of the most common problems with taking takes is the lack of timely notifications. Because the second copy runs in the background, the aggressive MIUI energy saving system can limit its activity to save battery power. To receive messages instantly, you need to properly configure permissions.
Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find a cloned application (usually marked with an orange icon or an aftersignment (2)) and go to the Energy Saving menu and select No Limits mode. This will prevent the system from "killing" the process in the background.
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To ensure that you receive notifications, run the cloned app at least once manually once you create it, which will wake up the background services and register them in the notification system.
Also worth checking is the notification settings. In the same app management menu, select Notifications and make sure the sliders are on. If you're using Do Not Disturb or Sleep mode, add a clone to the exception list so important work messages aren't lost at night.
| Setup parameter | Main annex | Clone app |
|---|---|---|
| Badge on the screen | Standard. | With an orange tag. |
| Data storage | Separate folder | Separate folder (isolated) |
| Battery consumption | Standard. | Increased (two processes are working) |
| Removal | Removes the original | Only removes the clone. |
Alternative methods: Second Space and third-party utilities
If the built-in cloning functionality doesn't support the app you want, there's a more powerful tool called Second Space, which creates a completely isolated environment inside the smartphone, effectively emulating the second device, and you can install any program, even if it's not on the list of supported for conventional cloning.
To activate, go to Settings → Special Features → Second Space. Once you create the space, you can switch between the main and second profiles through a notification curtain or a special icon on your desktop. Each profile will have its own apps, gallery and Google or Xiaomi accounts.
- 📱 Complete isolation: Applications in the second space do not see the data of the first space.
- 🔒 Separate password: You can set a unique pin or fingerprint to log into the second profile.
- ⚙️ Flexibility: The ability to install any version APK-files regardless of the main system.
There are third-party solutions, such as Parallel Space or 2Accounts, available on Google Play, which operate as a virtual machine, running applications inside their container. However, such methods often lead to increased battery consumption and may contain advertising, so the use of native Xiaomi tools is preferable.
Solving Typical Problems and Errors
Despite the system's fine-tuning, users can encounter bugs. There are often situations where a clone is created but not launched, leaving immediately after opening. This may be due to incompatibility between Android versions and the application itself.
Another problem is that you can't remove the clone. If standard deletion by long-pressing the icon doesn't work, go back to the Settings menu → Apps → App cloning and turn off the switch. If that doesn't work, you may have damaged the shell system files. In rare cases, cleaning the MIUI Daemon cache through the developer menu helps.
⚠️ Note: When you delete a cloned application, all the data inside it (correspondence, photos, files) will be permanently lost.
If notifications are late, check to see if Flight mode or traffic saving for a particular app is enabled, and make sure that the phone doesn’t have aggressive memory cleaners from third-party developers that may conflict with Xiaomi’s system processes.
Effects of cloning on productivity and battery
Running two instances of heavy apps like Instagram or TikTok increases the workload on the processor. If you actively use both accounts at the same time, the heating of the case can become more noticeable. This is a normal physical reaction, but when the system is overheated, it can begin to trottl (reduce the processor frequency), which will lead to a slowdown of the interface.
In terms of autonomy, having a second active messenger reduces the smartphone’s lifetime from a single charge by about 10-15% per day, which is due to the constant maintenance of a connection to the server and the processing of push notifications for the second account. To minimize the impact on the battery, it is recommended to turn off the background activity of the second number at night.
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The use of a system cloner is preferable to third-party analogues, since it is optimized by the shell developer and guarantees better stability in conjunction with MIUI.
Owners of older models with a small battery capacity should consider the feasibility of using the double constantly. If the second number is only needed for rare calls, it is easier to use the redirect function or transfer the double. SIM-maps than to keep running the second instance of an energy-intensive application.