How to create a clone of the application on Android Xiaomi: all the ways of 2026

Creating a clone of an app on Xiaomi smartphones is a popular feature that allows you to use two accounts of the same service at the same time. For example, you can have a second account on WhatsApp, Telegram or social networks without buying a second phone. In MIUI, this feature is implemented at the system level, but not all users know how to use it correctly — especially given the limitations of recent versions of Android.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to clone applications on Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco and Black Shark devices, including official MIUI tools and workaround solutions for applications that do not support duplication, and learn about the hidden risks of using clones (for example, blocking accounts in messengers) and alternative methods if the standard functionality does not work.

Why you might need a clone of an app on Xiaomi

The main reason is that you need to use multiple accounts of the same service on the same device.

• 📱 Messengers: the second WhatsApp to work with, Telegram with different numbers.
• 🎮 Games: Multiple accounts on Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, or Clash of Clans.
• 📘 Social media: separating personal and work profiles on Instagram, Facebook.
• 💼 Working Tools: Two accounts on Slack, Zoom, or enterprise apps.

Another scenario is application testing, where developers often create clones to check the program on different accounts without login/logout, and use duplicates to bypass regional restrictions (for example, access to TikTok or Google Play from different geolocations).

However, not all apps officially support cloning, such as Viber and Signal can block an account if a duplicate is detected, and some banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) refuse to work in cloned mode due to security policies.

Official method: the function "Dual applications" in MIUI

The most reliable method is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature available in MIUI 9 and later, which creates a full clone of the selected application with a separate data store, cache and notifications, and both run independently of each other.

To activate the function:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Turn on the slider in the upper right corner (if the function is disabled).
3. Select the app from the list of supported apps (e.g. WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger).
4. Click Create and wait for the process to be completed.

Make sure that the device has enough free memory (minimum 500 MB)

Update MIUI to the latest version (check in Settings → About phone)

Close the original app before cloning

Turn off battery optimization for cloned app (Settings) → Battery)-->

After creating a clone, a new icon with the “2” icon in the lower right corner will appear on the desktop, and notifications from the duplicate will come separately, and the data (photos, chats, settings) will not overlap with the original application.

Important: In some regions (e.g. European MIUI firmware), the Dual Applications feature may be disabled by default, in which case it can be activated via Settings → Special Features → Hidden Features (an unlocked bootloader is required).

Alternative ways to clone applications

If the application you want is not supported by Dual Apps, or you use custom firmware (like LineageOS), you can use third-party solutions.

1. Parallel Space application (or analogues)

Parallel Space is a versatile tool for creating a sandbox with app clones. It works on all Xiaomi devices, including models with MIUI and Android One (for example, Xiaomi Mi A3).

How to use:

• 📥 Install Parallel Space from Google Play.
• 🔧 Open the app and add the service you want to use to the sandbox (click + → Select apps).
• 🔄 Launch a clone from the Parallel Space interface.

Disadvantages of the method:

Increased battery consumption (the app works like a shell).

Advertising in the free version (you can disable through the purchase of Pro).

Security restrictions: Some banking applications block work in the sandbox.

2.Use of “Island” (for advanced users)

Island is an application for creating an isolated user profile (Work Profile) based on the Android for Work function. It is suitable for cloning applications that are not supported by Dual Apps, but require root access or unlocked bootloader on some devices.

Instructions:

1. Install Island from Google Play.
2. Create a new Work Profile (follow the in-app hints).
3. In Island settings, add the desired application to an isolated profile.
4. Launch a clone from the Island menu.

adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gms/.mdm.services.AppRestrictionsEnforcer

Island will then be able to create a Work Profile without root access (not working on all devices).-->

The benefits of Island:

Complete isolation of the clone from the main system (suitable for testing beta versions of applications).

Support for applications that are blocked in Parallel Space (for example, some banking services).

- No commercials.

Cons:

- Difficulty setting up for beginners.

Some Xiaomi devices require MIUI Optimization to be disabled (via adb shell settings put global miui_optimization 0).

3. Manual cloning via ADB (for power users)

If you're familiar with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can create a clone of an app manually by copying its data to a new user profile, which works even on devices without MIUI, but requires technical skills.

Steps:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm create-user --profileOf 0 --managed CloneUser
3. Install the app in a new profile: adb install --user 10 com.example.app.apk (replace com.example.app with the desired application package).

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Manual cloning via ADB is the most flexible method, but it is only suitable for power users. Mistakes in commands can lead to application or even system failure.

This method allows you to clone any applications, including those that are blocked in Parallel Space or Dual Apps. However, it requires a constant connection to a PC to manage clones and can conflict with MIUI updates.

Comparison of cloning methods: what to choose

To determine the method, compare their key characteristics:

For most Xiaomi users, the best solution will remain the built-in Dual Apps function. If you need to clone a non-standard application (for example, a corporate messenger), it is better to use Island or Parallel Space. Manual cloning through ADB is recommended only in extreme cases.

Risks and Limitations in App Cloning

Despite the convenience, the use of clones of applications carries a number of risks:

⚠️ Warning: Some messengers (such as WhatsApp and Viber) may block an account if a duplicate is detected, due to anti-fraud policies. To avoid being blocked, do not use the same phone number in the original and cloned app.

Other potential problems:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: clones work as separate processes, which increases the system load.
• 📱 Notification conflicts: On some devices, notifications from the clone may or may not be duplicated.
• 🔒 Security restrictions: Banking applications and some enterprise services block the work in cloned mode.
• 🔄 Update issues: After the MIUI update, clones may stop working (especially for manual methods).

Also, some detect apps are clones and limit functionality, such as Pokémon GO or Genshin Impact, which can result in a fake account being banned for cheating.

If you are experiencing an account lockdown due to a clone, try:

1. Delete the cloned application and clean its data.
2. Contact the service with an explanation (for example, “used a second account to work”).
3. Restore access via a backup email or phone number.

How to remove the clone of the application on Xiaomi

If the cloned application is no longer needed, it can be removed without any consequences for the original.

1. Removal of the clone from Dual Apps (MIUI)

To remove duplicates created through the built-in function:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Find the desired application in the list and click on it.
3. Choose Delete and confirm the action.

2. Removal of the clone from Parallel Space

At Parallel Space:

1. Open the application and go to the Management section.
2. Select the cloned app and click Delete.
3. Confirm the deletion (clone data will be erased).

3. Removal of the clone from Island

On Island:

1. Open Island and go to Settings → Apps.
2. Find the cloned app and click Delete.
3. If necessary, delete the Work Profile itself in the Android settings (Settings → Accounts → Delete profile).

4. Hand clone removal (ADB)

If the clone was created through ADB, remove it by command:

adb shell pm remove-user 10

(Replace 10 with the user ID if it is different)

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After removing the clone, it is recommended to restart the device to clear the cache and avoid conflicts with the original application.

If the original application is not working properly after removing the clone (for example, no notifications come), clear its cache in Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Storage → Clear the cache.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)