Think about the second WhatsApp account on your Xiaomi Redmi 10? You're not alone: according to statistics, one in three users of Xiaomi smartphones in Russia and the CIS is looking for a solution to separate work and personal chats. But here lies the catch: the standard installation of the messenger through Google Play blocks re-registration on the same device.
In this article, 5 proven ways to install a second WhatsApp on Redmi 10 (including Redmi 10 2022, Redmi 10C, Redmi 10A models), taking into account the features of the MIUI 12/13/14 firmware. We will examine legal methods (such as embedded cloning of applications) and advanced ones (installation via ADB or custom firmware), and also warn about the risks that are not written on forums. For example, did you know that using modified versions of WhatsApp (such as GBWhatsApp) can lead to loss of access to the main account without the possibility of recovery?
Spoiler: The safest way is Parallel Spaces MIUI, But it doesn't work on all versions of the firmware, and the most versatile version is the installation through the APK-file with a modified package, but you need to be careful. Read on to choose the best option for your tasks.
Method: Parallel MIUI spaces (official method)
Parallel Spaces (or Dual Apps) is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution that allows you to clone apps without root rights. On Redmi 10, it is available in MIUI 12 firmware and later, but there are nuances: not all versions support WhatsApp cloning due to Meta restrictions.
To check for the presence of the function:
- Open Settings → Applications → Parallel Spaces.
- If the option is active, tap on WhatsApp and select Clone.
- After creating a copy, go to it through the application menu (the icon will be marked with an icon). 👥).
⚠️ Note: Some versions of Redmi 10 (especially those with global firmware) may have the option of Parallel Space hidden, in which case you can try activating it via Settings. → Special facilities → Useful functions → Parallel spaces.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔒 Safe: Does not violate WhatsApp rules, the risk of ban is minimal.
- 📱 Convenient: Both accounts operate independently, with separate notifications.
- 🔄 Synchronization: the data of the application copy is updated with the original.
Disadvantages:
- 🚫 It doesn't work on all versions. MIUI (especially on Chinese firmware).
- 📵 It takes up extra memory (the cloned app weighs as much as the original).
- 🔄 When you delete the original WhatsApp, the copy disappears.
💡
If the option "Parallel spaces" is missing, try to update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI through Settings → About phone → System update.
2. Method: Install WhatsApp Business as a second account
The official WhatsApp Business app can be used as a second messenger on a single device, designed for business, but there is no stopping it from registering a personal number, the main advantage is 100% legal: both apps (WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business) are allowed by Meta policy.
Instructions:
- Download WhatsApp Business from Google Play.
- Register with another phone number (required) SMS-confirmation).
- You now have two independent accounts.
Limitations of the method:
- 📵 It is not possible to use the same number in both applications.
- 📊 WhatsApp Business is a little different (for example, there are tags for customers).
- 🔔 Notifications from both apps will come separately, which can be confusing.
⚠️ Note: If you use WhatsApp Business for personal purposes, avoid features like Quick Answers or Product Catalog – these may cause suspicions among Meta moderators and lead to temporary account blocking.
Make sure that the main WhatsApp updates to the latest version
Have a second phone number to register (virtual will not work)
Free up at least 200 MB of memory on your device
Disable battery optimization for both applications-->
Method: Installation via APK with modified package (for advanced)
This method involves manual installation of modified APK-WhatsApp file where the packet ID is changed (e.g. from com.whatsapp to com.whatsapp2). So the system treats it as a separate application, and it's important that it's a very careful way to do this, because using unofficial versions can lead to a ban.
Step-by-step:
- Download. APK-WhatsApp file with a modified package (for example, from APKMirror, look for versions marked clone or dual).
- Before installation, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Access → Installation of unknown applications.
- Set up an APK and sign up with a different number.
Warnings:
- 🛡️ Ban risk: Meta may block account for using modified customers.
- 🔄 No updates: You will need to manually monitor new versions.
- 📵 No guarantee of stability: errors in work are possible.
💡 Tip: Before installing, back up your main WhatsApp chats via Settings → chat → Backup. In the case of a ban, you can restore the correspondence on another device.
How to check APK pre-installing viruses?
4. Method: Use of clone applications (Island, Parallel Space)
If the built-in MIUI Parallel Spaces are not available, you can use third-party cloning apps like Island (requires root) or Parallel Space (opts without superuser rights), which create an isolated environment for the second instance of WhatsApp.
Comparison of popular cloners:
| Annex | Root is required. | Support for WhatsApp | Risk of bana | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Island | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Complete. | 🟡 Medium. | 🔴 Tall. |
| Parallel Space | ❌ No. | ✅ Partial | 🟢 Low. | 🟢 Low. |
| 2Accounts | ❌ No. | ✅ Complete. | 🟡 Medium. | 🟡 Medium |
| Shelter | ✅ Yes (FOSS) | ✅ Complete. | 🟡 Medium. | 🔴 Tall. |
🔹 Parallel Space is the easiest option for beginners:
- 📱 Install the app from Google Play.
- 🔄 Add WhatsApp to the list of cloned apps.
- 🔑 Register with another number in the cloned version.
⚠️ Note: When using Parallel Space, avoid the Battery Savings feature in the app settings – it may cause notifications from a second WhatsApp to be missed.
💡
Rootless cloning applications (such as Parallel Space) are less reliable than embedded MIUI solutions, but are suitable for temporary use of a second account.
5. Method: Root access and installation via ADB (for power users)
If you’re willing to take drastic measures, you can install a second WhatsApp using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or via Custom Recovery (TWRP) – a method that requires root rights and is only suitable for power users, as improper actions can lead to data loss or a device “brick”.
Instructions for installation via ADB:
- Activate USB Debugging in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers.
- Connect Redmi 10 to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm install -r --user 0 com.whatsapp (replace com.whatsapp by the path to the modified APK if you install it).
- Reset the device.
🔧 Alternative: Installation through TWRP:
- 📱 Install custom restoration TWRP for Redmi 10.
- 🔄 Download the Zip archive with a modified WhatsApp (for example, WA Dual).
- 🔧 File the archive through TWRP Install section.
⚠️ Note: After obtaining root rights, you lose your warranty on Redmi 10, and you also risk problems in your work. MIUI (In addition, Meta can block an account if root is detected.
💡
Before obtaining root rights, make a full data backup via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?
To make the choice easier, we will summarize the pros and cons of each method in one table:
| Method | Difficulty | Risk of bana | Root is required. | Stability | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parallel spaces of MIUI | 🟢 Low. | 🟢 Low. | ❌ No. | ✅ Tall. | Continuous use |
| WhatsApp Business | 🟢 Low. | 🟢 Low. | ❌ No. | ✅ Tall. | Separation of work and personal |
| Modified APK | 🟡 Medium | 🔴 High-pitched | ❌ No. | 🟡 Medium | Provisional decision |
| The Cloners (Parallel Space) | 🟢 Low. | 🟡 Medium. | ❌ No. | 🟡 Medium | Experiments |
| Root + ADB/TWRP | 🔴 Tall. | 🔴 High-pitched | ✅ Yes. | 🟡 Medium | Advanced users |
🔹 Recommendations for selection:
- 🏆 For most users: Parallel spaces MIUI or WhatsApp Business.
- 🛠️ Temporary use: Parallel Space or modified APK.
- 🔧 For experiments: Root + TWRP (Only if you are prepared for the risks).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you install a second WhatsApp on Redmi 10, users often face typical problems.
🔸 Error: “Annex not installed"
- 📌 Cause: Conflict with or damaged an existing version of WhatsApp APK.
- 🔧 Solution: Remove both versions of the app, restart the phone and re-install.
🔸 No notifications from the second WhatsApp
- 📌 Reason: Battery optimization or background limitations for cloned app.
- 🔧 Solution: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → WhatsApp (clone) → Battery and turn off optimization.
🔸 Account blocked after installation of modified WhatsApp
- 📌 Reason: Use of the unofficial version (GBWhatsApp, YoWhatsApp, etc.).
- 🔧 Solution: Delete the modified client and set up an official one. If your account is already blocked, contact Meta via the form on the site.
⚠️ Note: If you use a virtual number to register a second WhatsApp, please note that Meta can block your account in 1-2 weeks. SIM-number.