Cloning apps on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide with MIUI secrets

Creating an app clone on Xiaomi Redmi isn’t just a handy feature for separating work and personal accounts. It’s a powerful tool that lets you test beta versions of programs, bypass regional restrictions, or even run multiple copies of instant messengers on a single device. But unlike standard duplication through Settings → Apps → Dual applications, which only work with a limited list of programs, there are more flexible methods.

In this article, we will examine not only the official possibilities. MIUI, But also alternative cloning methods, from the use of specialized launchers to advanced tools like Island or Shelter. 12/13, Redmi 10/11 And the K series flagships, where performance and the Android version can affect the outcome, and you'll also learn how to get around the common "failed to create a clone" error that haunts users after upgrading to the top of the box. MIUI 15.

1.Official method: Dual Applications function in MIUI

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 9 and later, but only works with a pre-approved list of programs (usually messengers, social networks and some games).

To activate it:

1. Open Settings → Applications
2. Select Double Apps (on some firmware it is hidden in Special permissions)
3. Click Add App and select the right one from the list
4. Confirm the creation of a clone – the system will automatically install a second copy with an icon in the form of two layers

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with Android 13+ (MIUI 14/15) The list of supported applications is shortened, for example, Telegram or WhatsApp are cloned without problems, but here's the list. VK Or TikTok may not be on the menu. It's a firmware-level restriction, and it's officially impossible to get around it.

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If the application you want isn’t on the list, try updating your MIUI to the latest version or using alternative methods from the following sections.

2.Cloning through launchers: Parallel Space and analogues

When the built-in feature doesn’t work, third-party launchers like Parallel Space, 2Accounts or Multi Parallel come to the rescue, creating an isolated sandbox where you can run clones of any program — even those that are not supported by MIUI.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 Works with any applications, including banking and games
• 🔹 Doesn't require root rights
• 🔹 You can create multiple clones of one app (e.g., 3 Instagram accounts)
• 🔹 Supports notifications and data synchronization

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 Increased battery consumption (up to) 15-20% post 8 busy-hour)
• 🚫 Possible lags on weak smartphones (Redmi) 9A/10A)
• 🚫 Some apps (like Google Pay) block sandstone work

Instructions for setting up Parallel Space:

1. Download the app from Google Play (or APK from the official website if your region is blocked)
2. Run and provide all permissions requested (including Overlay on top of other apps)
3. Click Add App and select the right one from the list
4. To create a second clone of the same application, use the Multi-account option in the launcher menu.

3. Advanced method: Island (Work Profile) for complete isolation

If you need to not just duplicate an app, but create a completely isolated environment (for example, to test beta versions or work with sensitive data), use Island or Shelter. These tools are based on Android Work Profile, a technology originally designed for enterprise devices.

The advantages of Parallel Space:

• 🛡️ Complete data isolation (clone does not have access to the main profile)
• 🔋 Lower battery consumption (by 10-12% cost-effectively)
• 🔒 Support for Encryption of Work Profile
• 📱 Compatibility with MIUI 12-15 glut-free

How to set up Island:

1. Install the app from Google Play or F-Droid
2. When you first start, click Set up Island and follow the setup wizard.
3. Select Apps → Add apps to Island
4. Select cloning applications (they will be installed in the working profile)
5. Launch clones through the Island icon on the home screen

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with Android 12 and below may lose sound in cloned apps after installing Island.Solution: go to Settings → Sound. → Additionally. → Separate sound and disable the option for the work profile.

4.Cloning without launchers: manual APK installation

For experienced users, there is a method of manual cloning through the installation of modified APK-This is a way that takes longer, but gives you complete control over the process, and it's suitable for applications that don't want to run in sandstones (like some banking software).

What you need:

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi smartphone with unlocked bootloader (not necessarily root)
• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Java
• 🔧 App Cloner tool (not to be confused with the same app from the Play Market!)

Step-by-step:

1. Download the original APK of the desired application (for example, with APKCombo)
2. Install App Cloner on PC (Java 8+ required)
3. Launch the program and drag the downloaded APK into it.
4. In the cloning settings, select: New packet name (e.g. add.clone1) New signature (to avoid conflicts) Allow backup option (important for MIUI)

adb install name file.apk

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14/15 mounting a clone through ADB There may be an error INSTALL_FAILED_DUPLICATE_PERMISSION. Solution: execute a command before installation:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 original.name.packet

This will remove the original app for the current user, but save their data. Once the clone is installed, the original can be restored through the Play Market.

5. Features of cloning on different models of Redmi

Performance and firmware version directly affect the stability of clones, and the table below compares the key models:

On Redmi with Snapdragon 7xx/8xx processors (Note 11 Pro+, K50), all methods work steadily, but on budget models (Redmi 10A, 9C) with Helio G35/G80 chips, it is better to avoid Parallel Space - it can cause overheating and forced reboots.

6. Solving common errors

Even with the right setup, Xiaomi Redmi users face typical problems. Here's how to fix them:

Error 1: “Failed to create a clone” in the Double Apps

• 🔧 Reason: Not enough space in the section /data or conflict with the update MIUI.
• 🔧 Solution: Cleanse Others → App cache in storage settings and restart the device. If it doesn't help, reset the com.miui.dualapp app settings via Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Reset the settings.

Mistake 2: Clones in Parallel Space Are Constantly Flying Out

• 🔧 Cause: Conflict with function MIUI Optimization (optimization) MIUI).
• 🔧 Solution: Turn it off through ADB: adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1 After that, restart your smartphone.

Error 3: Notifications don’t come to cloned apps

• 🔧 Reason: Limitations of background activity in MIUI.
• 🔧 Solution: For Parallel Space: Open Launcher Settings → Notifications → Turn on Show notifications from sandstone. For Island: check your work profile settings in Android system settings.

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If the cloned application does not start, first check if it is blocked. MIUI Security (Settings) → Memory. → Auto-start).

7 Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them

App cloning is not only a convenience, it is also a potential security threat, and here are the key risks and ways to minimize them:

1. Data leakage between clones

• 🔒 In Parallel Space, data is only isolated at the user interface level. Technically, applications can access the same files in the same file. /sdcard.
• 🔒 Solution: Use Island for complete isolation or encrypt sensitive data.

2. Account blocking

• 🔒 Some services (such as WhatsApp or banking apps) block accounts when clones are detected.
• 🔒 Solution: For instant messengers, use the official Double Apps MIUI. For banking programs, only manual cloning with modified certificates.

3. Increased traffic consumption

• 🔒 Clones sync data separately from the original apps, which can increase mobile internet usage. 30-50%.
• 🔒 Solution: Limit background activity of clones in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Transfer of data.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI Global some cloning techniques (e.g. manual installation of modified cloning techniques) APK) This may result in blocking Google Play Protect services. To avoid this, temporarily disable protection in the Play Market settings before installing the clone.

Frequently asked questions