Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still a popular smartphone due to its balanced characteristics and support for MIUI. One of the popular features among users is the ability to clone applications to use multiple accounts in messengers, social networks or games at the same time.
In this article, we’ll look at three proven methods for creating clones of applications on Redmi Note 7: through the built-in dual applications in MIUI, using third-party launchers, and using developer tools. Each method has its own nuances, from the limitations on the number of clones to security risks, you will learn which method is right for you, and how to avoid typical cloning errors.
Important: the procedure may vary depending on the version of MIUI. This article provides the latest data for the Redmi Note 7 based on MIUI 12/13/14 (Android 9-11). If your smartphone runs on an older firmware, some menu items may be called differently.
Method 1: Built-in dual applications in MIUI
The most reliable and easy way to use the Dual Apps tool, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 7, and does not require root or third-party rights, the feature creates a full-fledged clone of the application with a separate cache and data, allowing you to use two accounts at the same time.
To activate the duplicate application, follow the following steps:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Dual annexes.
- 🔍 In the list, find the desired application (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook) and switch the switch to the right.
- ⚙️ Confirm the creation of a clone by clicking Activate (on some versions) MIUI may need to reboot).
- 📥 After activation, the second app icon will appear on the home screen marked Double.
Note that not all applications support cloning through this method, for example, banking programs (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) and some games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) can be blocked by developers, and the maximum number of clones is limited to 10-15 applications depending on the version of MIUI.
Check the MIUI version (not lower than 8.0)
Free up at least 500 MB of memory
Disable battery optimization for a cloned application
Backup of important data-->
Method 2: Cloning with Parallel Space Launcher
If the built-in MIUI feature doesn’t support the right application, or if you want to create more clones than the system allows, a third-party Parallel Space launcher will come to the rescue, creating an isolated sandbox where you can run duplicate programs without conflicting with the main system.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔄 Support for unlimited clones (limited to device memory only).
- 🛡️ Data Protection: clones operate in a separate container without affecting the underlying applications.
- 🔧 Additional features: password blocking of clones, speeding up work, hiding notifications.
How to install and configure Parallel Space:
- Download the app from Google Play or AppGallery.
- Launch Parallel Space and add apps to the list for cloning (click + → select the programs you want).
- Configure container settings: in the Settings menu → Space management, you can change the clone name, icon and permissions.
- Launch a clone from the launcher's main interface.
⚠️ Note: When using Parallel Space, some applications (e.g, VK Or Instagram, they may request reauthorization more often than usual, because of the sandbox, and the launcher consumes additional resources, and it's not the same as the other one. 10-15% Battery charge per day with active use.
Built-in Dual Apps feature
Parallel Space or analogues
Manual cloning through ADB
I don't clone apps.-->
Comparison of cloning methods: what to choose?
To determine the optimal way, compare the key parameters of each method in the table:
| Criteria | Dual Apps (MIUI) | Parallel Space | ADB (for experienced) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support for applications | Limited list | Any (except system) | Anybody. |
| Number of clones | 10-15. | Unlimitedly | Unlimitedly |
| Required rights | No. | No. | USB debugging |
| Impact on productivity | Minimum | Medium (up to 10% CPU) | Depends on the app. |
| Security of data | Tall. | Medium (risk of leakage) | High (if properly set up) |
For most Redmi Note 7 users, the best solution is the built-in Dual Apps feature, which requires no additional software installation and minimally loads the system. If you want to clone an application that is not on the MIUI list, or create more than 10 clones, you should try Parallel Space.
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is only suitable for advanced users, as it requires command line skills and can cause failures if used incorrectly, and we will discuss it in more detail in the next section.
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For stable operation of clones on Redmi Note 7, it is recommended to leave at least 1.5 GB of free RAM. With a smaller volume, hanging and forced closure of applications are possible.
Method 3: Cloning through ADB (for advanced users)
If the first two methods don’t work, you can create a clone of an application manually using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool, which requires connecting the smartphone to a computer and executing commands through the terminal, but allows you to clone any applications, including those that are not supported in Dual Apps.
Warning: improper use of ADB can lead to data loss or unstable system operation.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi Note 7: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version until you become a developer!
- Activate USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging Toggle and confirm the action.
ADB Tools
adb devices(Your device should be displayed)
adb shell pm install -r --user 0 /path/to/app.apk(substitute /path/to/app.apk path APK-file)
⚠️ Cloning of system applications (e.g. Google Play Services or Google Play Services) MIUI Security through ADB It can cause a device to reboot cyclically, and some apps (such as Netflix or Disney) can also be used to reboot the device.+) block work on devices with enabled debugging USB.
How to find out the batch name of the application for ADB?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When cloning apps on the Redmi Note 7, users often face preventable problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
- 🚫 The clone does not start after creation: Reason: insufficient memory or conflict with the main application. Solution: clear the cache of both versions of the application in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔄 Notifications are duplicated: Reason: Both apps (original and clone) receive push notifications. Solution: disable notifications for the clone in Parallel Space settings or MIUI.
- 🔒 Clone requires re-entry every time: Reason: Some apps (like Facebook or Instagram) recognize virtual environments.Solution: use Dual Apps instead of third-party launchers.
- 📱 Smartphone overheats or discharges quickly: Reason: Multiple clones work simultaneously, loads the processor.Solution: Limit the number of active clones to 2-3 Or use the battery and performance → Power saving mode for cloned applications.
If the application is unstable after cloning (flying, not updating or synchronizing data), try:
- Remove the clone and recreate it.
- Update the original app via Google Play or MIUI App Store.
- Clear the application data in the settings (Warning: this will delete all stored data!).
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If the cloned app is not updated through Google Play, download it. APK-The latest version file from the official website (e.g. APKMirror) and install it manually on top of the existing clone.
Safety when using clones of applications
Cloning apps is convenient, but it can pose privacy risks, for example, if you use the same password for both accounts on a cloned messenger, an attacker will have access to the second one if one of them is hacked.
- 🔐 Use different passwords for your primary and cloned accounts.
- 🛡️ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- 🚫 Do not clone banking apps and instant messengers with access to payments (such as WeChat Pay or PayPal).
- 🔄 Regularly update cloned apps to avoid vulnerabilities.
Pay particular attention to the permissions of cloned applications, for example, if you created a Telegram clone or Viber, check what rights it requests:
- Access to Contacts – you can disable if you do not need to synchronize the address book.
- Access to Locations – Disable if the application does not require geodata.
- Access to Files and Media – Restrict if the clone is not allowed to see personal photos.
To manage permissions go to Settings → Annexes → Select a cloned application → Permits. It is also recommended to use MIUI Security for scanning clones for viruses - some modified APK-Files may contain malicious code.