How to install two identical apps on a Xiaomi smartphone: 3 proven methods

Installing two copies of the same app on Xiaomi is a challenge faced by users who need to separate work and personal accounts, test beta versions or use multiple profiles in instant messengers at the same time. Unlike iOS, where this feature is only available through third-party utilities, MIUI offers built-in tools for cloning applications. However, not everyone knows that there are alternative methods besides the standard Parallel Apps, from manual cloning APK to using ADB for advanced users.

In this article, we will discuss three working ways to install duplicate applications on Xiaomi Redmi, POCO and Mi, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14). Special attention will be paid to system limitations, data security and how to avoid conflicts between clones. If you tried to create a second copy of WhatsApp, Telegram or games through Settings → Apps, but the feature was not available, here you will find solutions.

1. Built-in Parallel Apps: fast and rootless

The easiest way to duplicate an app on Xiaomi is to use the built-in Parallel Apps feature (aka “Dual Apps”), which does not require superuser rights and works on most devices with MIUI 9 and later. However, there are nuances: not all applications are supported out of the box, and some functions (such as notifications) can work unstable.

To activate Parallel Apps:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select Double Apps (or Parallel Apps in Global Firmware).
3. Click on the + icon in the upper right corner.
4. In the list, tick the apps you want to duplicate (for example, VK, Instagram or Gmail).
5. Confirm the creation of the clone with the Create button.

Ready! The second icon of the selected app will appear on the home screen marked Parallel or Double.

• 🔄 The clone data is stored separately – you can log in to another account.
• 🔔 Duplicate notifications may be delayed or duplicated.
• 📱 Some apps (e.g. banking) block Parallel Apps for security reasons.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (versions) RU) Parallel Apps can be hidden. To enable it, go to Settings. → Special facilities → Functions Lab and activate the option to Show hidden settings.

2. APK cloning through third-party launchers: Island and Shelter

If the built-in Parallel Apps feature doesn’t support the right app or is unstable, you can use third-party solutions based on Work Profile, an isolated Android environment.

• Island (from developer Oasis Feng) creates an island for cloning applications with complete data isolation.
• Shelter – an open-source version of Island with support FOSS-repositories.

Advantages of the method:

• 🛡️ Complete isolation of clones from the main system (suitable for testing beta versions).
• 🔧 It works with apps that are blocked in Parallel Apps.
• 📲 Supports notifications and background synchronization.

Instructions for setting up Island:

1. Install Island from Google Play.
2. When you first start, click Setup and allow you to create a Work Profile.
3. In the main menu of Island, select Clone Apps.
4. Tick the desired apps (such as WhatsApp or Facebook) and click Clone.
5. Wait for the installation – clones will appear in a separate section of the launcher.

Install Island from Google Play

Allow the creation of a Work Profile in Android settings

Turn off battery optimization for Island

Check the vacant space (clones occupy) ~2× volume)-->

Important: Applications in Work Profile do not have access to the phone’s basic data (photos, contacts) without explicit permission. To provide access to, for example, a gallery, go to Settings → Apps → Island → Permissions.

Advanced method: ADB cloning (without root)

If the first two methods are not suitable (for example, due to manufacturer restrictions or lack of application support), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a connection to a computer, but does not need super-user rights. It is suitable for advanced users and allows you to clone any application, including system ones.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
2. Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear serial number of the device.
3. Run a cloning command (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the application, for example, com.whatsapp): adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 0 com.example.app
4. Reboot the device. The clone will appear in the app menu marked User 0.

To find the batch name of the application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

For example, for Telegram, it will be org.telegram.messenger.

⚠️ Note: Clones created through the ADB, The following can conflict with the original applications when updating the system. Before updating the system, it is recommended to remove the clone by the command: adb uninstall --user 0 com.example.app and recreate it after the update.

4. Limitations and problems in the cloning of applications

Even the most reliable methods of duplicating applications on Xiaomi have limitations, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

• 🚫 Blocking banking applications: SberBank Online, Tinkoff and other financial services often prohibit work in Parallel Apps or Work Profile. ADB-method or second physical telephone.
• 🔔 Missing notifications: In Parallel Apps, notifications may come with a delay. Check the battery settings: go to Settings → Battery → Optimize the battery and disable optimization for the clone.
• 📱 Conflicts with the original app: For example, two WhatsApps can simultaneously try to sync contacts. The solution is to manually disable sync for one of the clones.
• 🔄 Resets on renewal MIUI: After major updates, clones created through ADB, Always back up your data before updating.

Another common problem is memory deficiency: Clones take up as much space as the original apps, like two Call of Duty: Mobile will eat up to 3-4 GB of storage. Before cloning, check the space available in Settings → Storage.

5. Alternative methods: virtual machines and second account

If none of the above methods are suitable, consider alternatives:

• 🖥️ Virtual Machines: Applications like VMOS Parallel Space or Parallel Space create virtual Android inside your smartphone, which allows you to install any number of copies of applications, but requires a powerful processor (recommended for Snapdragon). 8xx).
• 👥 Second user profile: B MIUI You can create an additional profile through Settings → System system → Multiplayer mode. Minus — you have to switch completely between profiles.
• 📱 Two phones: For critical tasks (such as separating work and personal data), it is easier to use a second smartphone or tablet.

Comparison of methods:

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If you need to duplicate the Google Play Store to install apps under another account, use the ADB-The method is batch-named com.android.vending. After cloning, log in to the second Google account in the clone settings.

6.Security and privacy when using clones

App cloning can pose security risks, especially if you use duplicates for banking services or corporate accounts.

• 🔒 Do not store passwords in clones: Use password managers (such as Bitwarden or KeePassDX) instead of saving logins in your browser or app.
• 🛡️ Turn off autocomplete: In clone settings (Settings) → Annexes → [The clone's name] → Permissions) disable access to Autocomplete and Contacts.
• 🔄 Regularly update clones: Outdated versions of apps are vulnerable to exploits. check manual updates on Google Play for each clone.
• 📵 Limit background activity: In Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization Turn on Optimization for Clones to Avoid Consuming Resources in the Background.

Pay special attention to Work Profile (in Island or Shelter), which is isolated from the main system, but some applications (such as Facebook or TikTok) can collect data about your device even in clones, to minimize the risks:

1. Stop the clones from accessing the Location and Microphone.
2. Use a VPN (like ProtonVPN) for traffic from Work Profile.
3. Periodically clean the clone cache in Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.

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Never use clones for two-factor authentication (2FA).If you lose access to the original app (like Google Authenticator), it will be impossible to restore accounts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app duplication on Xiaomi