Why Xiaomi is cloned apps and how it is dangerous
The dual app cloning feature in MIUI was originally conceived as a convenient tool for users who need to manage multiple accounts on a single service, such as two WhatsApp or Telegram profiles, but many people face a situation where the system automatically creates duplicate programs without a request, filling up memory and reducing device performance.
The main causes of uncontrolled cloning:
- 🔄 Mistakes in work MIUI — especially after major firmware updates (e.g., switching from MIUI 13 on MIUI 14).
- 📱 Transfer data between devices via Mi Mover or backup.
- 🤖 Google services malfunctions that conflict with Xiaomi features.
- 📦 Installation APK from third-party sources with identical batch names.
Consequences of ignoring the problem:
- ⚠️ Busy memory: each clone takes from 50 to 300 MB, and together with the cache - up to 1 GB for 3-4 duplicates.
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption: background activity of clones eats up to 15% of the charge per day.
- 🚀 Slowing down the system: MIUI Spending resources synchronizing notifications and data between the original and the clone.
Method 1: Remove clones through standard MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use built-in firmware tools, which is suitable for users whose cloning was due to a failure, not by intentional action.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
- In the list, look for an app marked (Clone) or an icon of two phones (such as WhatsApp (Clone)).
- Click on the clone, then select Delete → OK.
Check the free space on the device (minimum 1 GB)
Close all background applications
Disable synchronization of accounts in Google
Backup of important data-->
If the Remove button is inactive:
- 🔓 First, disable the device administrator for this clone in Settings → Passwords and security → Device administrators.
- 📛 Remove all notifications from the cloned app through the notification panel.
- 🔄 Restart the device and try again.
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If the clone appears again after removal, check for updates to the app on Google Play – sometimes the crash happens due to an outdated version.
Method 2: Disable Dual Apps in Settings
If cloning occurs systemically (for example, after each update), you need to deactivate the function of Dual Apps. MIUI 12-14 and newer.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Dual Apps (on some devices, the path may be different: Settings → Special features → Dual Apps).
- In the list, find applications that have cloning enabled (they will be marked with a green switch).
- Slip on the app and select Disable.
- Confirm the action by clicking Delete clone data (this will clear all associated files).
| Xiaomi model | The Way to Dual Apps | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | Settings → Annexes → Dual Apps | Reboot required after disconnection |
| POCO X3/X4 | Settings → Special features → Dual Apps | The function may not be present in the global firmware |
| Mi 11/12 | Settings → Applications → Application Management → Dual Apps | Supports up to 5 clones at the same time |
| Redmi 9/9A | Settings → System system → Dual Apps | 2 clone limit |
⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F3 s MIUI 13) after disabling Dual Apps, the second space may be lost. If you need this feature, use alternative methods (see Method 4).
Method 3: Removing clones via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and basic command line knowledge.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 USB Type C C Cable (original or certified).
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
- Enter the command for a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages Find cloned applications in the output - they will have the suffix.clone or.dual (for example, com.whatsapp.clone1).
- Remove the clone by command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.whatsapp.clone1 (replace com.whatsapp.clone1 in the name of your package).
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages named com.miui.dualapp or com.miui.dualappsupport – these are system components. MIUI, Removal of these will lead to a critical failure and the need for reflashing.
Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (without root)
If previous methods didn't work, you can use specialized applications, and we tested 3 reliable tools that don't require root rights:
| Annex | Reference | Functions | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Cloner | Google Play | Removal of clones, management of duplicates | It doesn’t work on MIUI 14+ without ADB. |
| Island (Sandbox) | Google Play | Isolation of clones in the sandbox | Requires settings through ADB |
| Parallel Space | Google Play | Managing Multiple Spaces | It can be a conflict with Dual Apps. |
Recommendations for use:
- 📌 Before installing, disable Dual Apps in the settings MIUI (see method 2).
- 🔍 After installing the utility, scan the system for clones.
- 🗑️ Remove found duplicates through the application interface (usually there is a Delete Clone or Remove Dual App button).
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The utility side does not guarantee 100% Delete clones because some of the data may remain in the system folders /data/data. Complete cleaning requires root or reset settings.
Method 5: Resetting settings (last resort)
If app cloning has become a systemic problem (for example, after a failed update or firmware failure), a hard reset may be required, which will remove all data from the device, so use it only as a last resort.
How to perform the reset:
- Back up important data via Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi Cloud.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Delete all data.
- Enter the password from the Mi Account (if linked) and confirm the action.
- After the reboot, configure the device as new without restoring data from the backup (this can bring back clones).
⚠️ Attention:
- On devices with MIUI 13+, you may need to re-assign your Xiaomi account after resetting.
- If the smartphone was bought with hands, make sure that the previous owner untied his account - otherwise the device will be blocked.
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Once reset, install the apps from Google Play again, rather than restoring them from backup, which will prevent re-cloning.
How to Prevent Recloning
To prevent the problem from returning, follow these recommendations:
Preventive measures:
- 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, fix the bugs with Dual Apps.
- 📥 Install apps only from Google Play (avoid) APK source).
- 🔒 Turn off automatic synchronization in Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of the account.
- 📦 Periodically clean the cache through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
Additional settings for MIUI 14:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three-points → Special Access → Dual Apps.
- Turn off the Automatic Cloning option for new applications (if any).
- In Settings → Battery and Performance → Memory Management, select Balanced Mode (aggressive cleaning can cause failures).
If you frequently use multiple accounts in the same app (for example, for work), consider alternatives:
- 🌐 Omnipresent web versions (such as WhatsApp Web or Telegram Web).
- 📱 Second space in the MIUI (Settings → Special facilities → Second space).
- 🔄 Multi-account applications (e.g. Parallel Space Lite).