Cloning applications on Xiaomi: how to create a duplicate of the messenger, social network or game

Why you need to clone applications on Xiaomi and what risks it carries

Duplicate an app on Xiaomi smartphones (or “cloning”) is a feature that allows you to run two accounts on the same service at the same time, such as using two WhatsApp accounts, two Instagram profiles, or even two games with different progress on the same device, a feature that is particularly sought after among users who share work and personal accounts, test multi-account strategies in games, or manage multiple business profiles on social networks.

Not all applications officially support this feature, however: MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) has system-level cloning but with some limitations, such as some banking applications and services with two-factor authentication can block clones because of suspected fraud, and it is worth considering that duplicate applications take up additional memory and can increase battery consumption.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods of cloning (including hidden MIUI functions), explain how to bypass typical errors, and give a list of applications that can not be duplicated without the risk of blocking an account.

Method 1: Built-in "Duplicate Applications" function in MIUI

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Xiaomi tool.It is available on most devices with MIUI 12 and later (including Redmi Note 11/12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13/14).The feature does not require root rights and works stable, but does not support all applications.

To activate the duplicate:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Duplicate applications.
2. Click Add Duplicate and select the desired application from the list.
3. Confirm the creation of a copy - a second icon with the label "Duplicate" will appear on the desktop.

Please note that in some regional versions of MIUI (e.g. Europe), this section may be called App Twin or Dual Apps. If the item is not on the menu, update the firmware to the latest version or use alternative methods from the following sections.

Check out the MIUI version (should be 12+)

Free up at least 500 MB of memory

Disable battery optimization for the target application

Reboot the device before creating a duplicate-->

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Telegram or Telegram) VK) They can automatically detect the clone and block it. In this case, use the parallel space method (see Method 2).

Method 2: Parallel Space (Second Space)

Parallel space is an isolated copy of the entire MIUI system, which allows you to install and use applications separately from the main profile. Unlike the duplicate, here you get a full second desktop with its own settings, contacts and files.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Parallel Space.
2. Follow the setup wizard: specify the password (required!) and wait for the creation of a copy of the system.
3. After rebooting, a switch button will appear on the lock screen between the main and parallel space.
4. In parallel space, install the desired application through Google Play or Mi App Store.

The advantage of this method is complete isolation: applications in parallel space do not see the main profile data.

• 🔋 Increases battery consumption (system works in the background).
• 📱 It takes up to 2-3 GB of additional memory.
• 🔄 Parallel applications are not automatically updated.

Method 3: Third-party cloning applications (without root)

If the built-in MIUI features don't fit (for example, you want to clone TikTok or Facebook, which blocks duplicates), you can use third-party utilities.

• 📱 Parallel Space (not to be confused with the function) MIUI!) — Supports cloning of games and social networks, but shows advertising.
• 🛡️ 2Accounts — Plugin for Xposed, but it also works without root on some devices.
• 🎮 Island (requires activation through the ADB) — Creates an isolated environment for clones.

Instructions for Parallel Space:

1. Download the app from Google Play or APK-file (if it is blocked in your area).
2. Open Parallel Space and add the app to the list for cloning.
3. Run a duplicate from the utility interface.

Important: Third-party cloning applications can slow down the system and display intrusive advertising, and some banking services (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block access when such utilities are detected.

Built-in function "Duplicate of applications"

Parallel Space (Second Space)

Third-party utilities (Parallel Space, 2Accounts)

I don’t clone, I use my main account.-->

⚠️ Note: When using Island or 2Accounts Without root rights, some features may not work well, such as cloned games that can crash when connected to the Internet due to a conflict with Google Play Services.

What applications cannot be cloned (risks of blocking)

Not all services allow duplicates, some of which are actively fighting multi-accounting and can block your profile if a clone is detected, and here is a list of apps that are not recommended for cloning:

If you still need to use a duplicate of a prohibited application (for example, for testing), create it in parallel space and do not link to the main data (phone number, email or bank card).

💡

To clone Telegram or VK, use the official versions of these multi-account apps. Telegram can add up to 3 accounts in one client (click on the arrow next to your name on the menu).

How to remove the app clone and clean up the data

If the duplicate is no longer needed or takes up too much space, it can be removed, depending on how you created the copy:

For the built-in duplicate (MIUI):

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Duplicate applications.
2. Click on the basket icon next to the unnecessary duplicate.
3. Confirm the deletion – all copies will be erased.

For parallel space:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Parallel Space.
2. Choose Remove Space (this will remove all apps installed in it!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the cleaning.

For third-party utilities (Parallel Space, etc.):

1. Open a utility application (for example, Parallel Space).
2. Find the desired clone in the list and click Delete.
3. Clean the cache of utilities in Settings → Applications → [Utility Name] → Memory → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: When you remove the parallel space, all the data inside it (photos, messages, game progress) will be permanently lost. → Memory. → Backup.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

When cloning applications on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🚫 "Failed to create a duplicate" Error Reason: insufficient memory or application is not supported. Solution: free 1-2 GB of memory and restart the device. If it does not help, use parallel space.
• 🔄 The clone is not updated Reason: duplicates do not receive updates through Google Play.Solution: update manually through APK or reinstall the clone.
• 📵 The app in the clone does not connect to the Internet Reason: conflict with the Internet VPN or MIUI. Solution: Turn it off VPN and check permissions for duplicate in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
• 🔒 The banking application blocks the clone Reason: detection of non-standard environment (for example, Parallel Space). MIUI or refuse cloning.

1. Clear the duplicate cache in the settings.

2. disable battery optimization for it.

3. Reinstall the original app and then create the clone again.-->

FAQ: Answers to popular questions