Modern smartphone users often face the need to use multiple accounts at the same time in popular messengers or social networks. Separating work and personal life requires two numbers, and therefore two copies of Viber, Telegram or WhatsApp on the same device. Owners of gadgets of the Chinese brand Xiaomi are in a favorable position, since the shell MIUI and its successor HyperOS have built-in mechanisms to solve this problem without installing third-party software.
But standard features aren't always the case, sometimes you need to clone an application that isn't supported by the built-in tool, or you need to create a completely isolated environment for sensitive data, and in this article, we'll look at all the ways you can do that, from customization to virtual spaces, so you can choose the best option for your model.
The effectiveness of methods may depend on the version of the Android operating system and the firmware modification (Global, CN, EEA). Some older models may not support advanced isolation features, while new flagships offer advanced process control capabilities. It is important to understand the difference between simple cloning and full division of profiles.
Use of the built-in Dual Apps feature
The easiest and safest way to run a second copy of the program is to use the native MIUI shell function called Dual Apps (or Application Cloning). This tool is built into the system at the kernel level, so it consumes minimal resources and ensures that notifications work smoothly. To activate, go to the Settings menu → Applications → Application Cloning.
In the list that opens, the system automatically displays only those programs that support creating duplicates, usually popular social networks and instant messengers. Once you switch the switch to the desired application, a copy of the toggle will appear on the desktop with a distinctive yellow icon in the corner of the icon, which is ideal for most users, since it does not require additional actions.
It is important to note that cloned applications work as separate processes, but have access to a shared file system within their sandboxes, meaning that you can easily transfer files between the main and cloned applications through a standard file manager. However, some banking applications or corporate customers may block work in the clone for security reasons.
💡
If the cloned app icon is gone after the system update, try re-activating the function in the settings – display permissions are often lost.
Consider that having two active copies of a heavy app, such as Facebook or Instagram, can increase RAM consumption. On devices with less than 4 GB of RAM, this can lead to more frequent unloading of background processes. If you notice that notifications come with a delay, check the power saving settings for both instances of the program.
Creating a Second Space Space
When standard cloning isn't enough, Second Space comes to the rescue, and it's not just a copy of an app, it's a fully-fledged, isolated environment, in fact, a second virtual smartphone inside your physical device, and you can install the same apps as you would in the main space, but they'll have completely independent settings, Google accounts, and files.
To enable this feature, go to Settings → Second Space and follow the instructions of the setup wizard. The system will suggest creating a separate password or fingerprint for quick switching between spaces. This is a great way not only to separate work and personal chats, but also to limit children’s access to certain content or hide private data from prying eyes.
⚠️ Note: Creating a second space takes up an additional amount of internal memory, approximately equal to 3-5 GB, even without heavy applications. 64 GB this could become critical.
Notifications from the Second Space will not appear on the main profile lock screen unless special exceptions are configured.This ensures a high level of privacy.Switching between spaces occurs instantly through the notification curtain or a special widget on the desktop, making using two accounts in any programs that are not even supported by Dual Apps as comfortable as possible.
Cloning through user modes and profiles
Starting with certain versions of Android and MIUI 13/14, the system has a more flexible profile management system that partially overlaps the functionality of the Second Space. Unlike the rigid isolation of Second Space, you can create guest modes or profiles with limited rights, where you can also install duplicate applications.
This method is especially useful if you need to temporarily transfer the phone to someone or use the device in “work-only” mode.In each profile, you can customize your set of widgets, wallpapers and, of course, install a second copy of any application from Google Play. Switching between profiles takes longer than between spaces, since the system actually reboots the user interface.
The main advantage of this approach is that it can fine-tune access rights for each profile, so you can deny the profile access to contacts, microphone or geolocation, which is impossible to do with a single user account, making it relevant for corporate use of Xiaomi devices.
Technical limitations of profiles
Use of third-party clone applications
If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t support the specific application you need to clone, you’ll have to turn to third-party solutions. There are many wrappers on the market that create a virtual environment within a single application, the most popular being Parallel Space, 2Accounts and Multiple Accounts.
The way they work is to run a virtual Android container, where you install one clone app and install any other software inside, and it bypasses the system's copy limits, but it has some major drawbacks: high battery consumption, free ads, and potential leakage risks, so all traffic flows through the cloner's servers.
When using such programs, be sure to check the permissions requested. Often they require access to all files and contacts, which may be excessive. To improve security, it is recommended not to use banking applications inside third-party cloners, limited to only social networks.
☑️ Checking before installing a cloner
It is worth noting that newer versions of MIUI with enhanced privacy protections can run unstable or require permanent confirmation of access rights. The system can force the cloner process out of memory if it consumes too many resources in the background, which will lead to the loss of messages in the cloned messenger.
Comparison of application cloning methods
To choose the best way to suit your needs, you need to clearly understand the differences between the methods described, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses, depending on the purpose of use and the specifications of your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone.
Below is a comparison table that will help you navigate the functionality of each method, and look at performance and isolation.
| Method | Level of isolation | Impact on the battery | Support for all applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Apps | Low (shared files) | Minimum | Only the elect. |
| Second Space | Full (separate OS) | Average. | All applications |
| Third-party cloners | Medium (virtual container) | High-pitched | All applications |
| User profiles | Complete. | Medium/High | All applications |
As you can see from the table, the Dual Apps tool is the best tool for everyday use, it is the most energy efficient and stable. If you want maximum security or cloning of unsupported applications, Second Space is the middle ground between convenience and functionality.
Set up notifications and energy saving
Once two identical applications are installed, it is critical to properly configure the notification system, and it is often the case that a cloned application works, but the messages arrive late or not at all, due to MIUI’s aggressive energy-saving policies, which seek to “sleep” the background processes.
To correct the situation, you need to go to the battery settings, find the cloned application (it will be marked with a special icon) and set the energy saving mode in the position No restrictions. It is also recommended to fix the application in the list of running processes by pulling the application card down in the multitasking menu to appear the lock icon.
⚠️ Warning: Setting up “No Limits” for a large number of apps can reduce the battery life of a smartphone 15-20%. Use this option only for really important messengers.
Also, check the notification settings inside the app itself. In cloned versions, the paths to the settings may be slightly different or hidden. Make sure the system allows notifications to be displayed on the lock screen and in the curtain for both instances of the program. Sometimes resetting application permissions through the App menu → Application Management → [Your App] → Permissions helps.
💡
Proper power saving settings are more important than installing the app itself – without them, you risk losing important messages in your cloned account.