How to clone apps on Xiaomi phone: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi’s app cloning feature is one of the most popular features among MIUI users, allowing users to create duplicate messaging, social networks or games for different accounts without having to buy a second phone or use virtual machines, especially for owners of Redmi, Poco and Mi, where the manufacturer has integrated this feature at the firmware level.

However, not everyone knows that cloning does not work with all applications, and on some models the function can be hidden or disabled. In this article, we will discuss the official method through MIUI, workarounds for older versions of firmware, as well as alternative solutions using third-party utilities.

If you want to use two WhatsApp accounts (working and personal) at the same time, or run two copies of Telegram with different numbers, this is the guide for you. And if your Xiaomi model does not support built-in cloning, we will show you how to circumvent the restriction with minimal risks.

Official cloning through MIUI: step-by-step instruction

The most reliable and safe way to use the built-in Dual Apps feature (aka "Dual Apps"), available in MIUI since version 8. However, its availability depends on the phone model and the firmware region. For example, the Xiaomi Mi 11 for the global version has a feature, but the same device with Chinese firmware may not.

To check for support:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. If there is no option, try the Settings path → Special Options → Dual Applications (on some versions of MIUI).
3. On older smartphones (like the Redmi Note 5), the feature may be called App Cloning.

If you find a menu, follow the algorithm:

1. Slip on the "+" or "Add App" icon.
2. In the list, select the program you want to duplicate (for example, Viber or Facebook).
3. Confirm the creation of a clone - a second icon with the mark "Double" will appear on the desktop.
4. Launch a clone and log in to another account.

Check the MIUI version (must be at least 8)

Free up 1-2 GB of memory (the clone takes up as much as the original)

Make sure the app supports multiple authorization

Turn it off. VPN (Can block the creation of a clone)-->

Important: Not all apps support cloning, such as Google Pay or banking programs are often blocked for security reasons, and the full list of compatible apps depends on the developer's policies.

2.What apps can be cloned on Xiaomi

Technically, MIUI allows you to duplicate any installed application, but only those that allow multiple authorization will work correctly. Here is the list of programs tested for 2026:

• 💬 Messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Signal, Skype
• 📱 Social networks: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, VK
• 🎮 Games: Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars, PUBG Mobile (requires Google Play Games)
• 📧 Email clients: Gmail (for additional accounts only), Outlook
• 🛒 Marketplaces: AliExpress, Wildberries, Ozon (for different shopping profiles)

Here's what you can't clone:

• 🏦 Banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB)
• 💳 Payment systems (Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay)
• 🔒 Two-factor authentication applications (e.g. Authy, Microsoft Authenticator)
• 📡 VPN-Customers (may conflict with the original copy)

WhatsApp

Telegram

Instagram

Game (specify which one in the comments)

Other-->

Critical information: Cloning of banking applications can lead to the blocking of an account on suspicion of fraud. Even if MIUI allows you to create a duplicate, the bank will recognize two devices with the same IMEI and block access.

3.Why there is no cloning feature on your Xiaomi

If the “Dual Apps” section is missing from the settings, the reasons may be as follows:

On some models (such as the Poco X3 Pro or Redmi Note 10), the feature is hidden, but it can be activated via the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and 7 times tap on the MIUI version.
2. Go back to the basic settings, open Additional → for developers.
3. Find the option Double Apps and enable it.

4. Alternative cloning methods (if MIUI does not support)

If you don't have a built-in feature, you can use third-party solutions, and let's look at three proven methods, from the safest to the most risky.

Method 1: Parallel Space (Virtual Space)

• 🔹 Pros: works on all Xiaomi models, does not require root rights.
• 🔸 Cons: takes up a lot of memory, can slow down.

Instructions:

1. Download Parallel Space from Google Play or APKMirror.
2. Add the application to the virtual space through the main menu of the program.
3. Sign in under another account.

Method 2: Island (for root users)

• 🔹 Pros: complete isolation of the clone, high performance.
• 🔸 Cons: requires root, difficult to configure.

Instructions:

1. Install Island from Google Play.
2. In the settings, turn on the Work Profile mode.
3. Move the desired application to an isolated environment.

Method 3: Cloning through ADB (for experienced)

• 🔹 Pros: Does not require third-party programs.
• 🔸 Cons: difficult for beginners, risk of errors.

Instructions:

adb shell pm install -r -d --user 0 /path/to/apk


adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 0 package.applications

Replace the package with a real name (e.g. com.whatsapp).

💡

Before using Parallel Space, disable battery optimization for this application in the MIUI settings. Otherwise, virtual space may close in the background.

5 Risks and problems in the cloning of applications

Even official MIUI cloning doesn't always go smoothly, but here are the typical problems and ways to solve them:

• ⚠️ The application does not start after cloning Reason: data conflict or memory deficiency Solution: clear the clone cache in Settings → Annexes → Dual annexes → Clear the data.
• ⚠️ Notifications do not arrive in the clone Reason: limitations MIUI Solution: In the battery settings, turn off optimization for the clone.
• ⚠️ Account blocked for "suspicious login" Reason: service recognized two identical devices Solution: use different networks (Wi-Fi/mobile data) for the original and clone.
• ⚠️ Clone disappears after update MIUI Reason: reset the dual app settings. Solution: Recreate the clone again.

⚠️ Note: Cloning WhatsApp or Telegram from one number to two accounts (original) + This is a clone that will lead to a ban. These messengers prohibit multiple authorization from a single device. SIM-map!

How to avoid blocking accounts:

• Use different phone numbers for the original and clone.
• Do not log in to the clone via the same Wi-Fi network as the original.
• For Instagram or Facebook, create a clone only if the original is not authorized.
• Clean the cache of cloned applications regularly.

6. cloning on older Xiaomi models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1, etc.)

On devices older than 2018 (e.g. Redmi 4X, Mi A1, Mi 5), the built-in Dual Apps feature is often missing or unstable, in which case manual activation via ADB or custom firmware installation will help.

Method 1: Activation through ADB

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 taps → For developers).
2. Open the command line on PC and type: adb shell settings put global multi_app_clone_enabled 1
3. Restart the phone – the item “Dual applications” should appear.

Method 2: Installation of custom firmware

• 🔹 Suitable firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS.
• 🔸 Important: Requires unlocking the bootloader and may deprive you of warranty.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 (With pure Android, there's no cloning function at the system level, and the only way out is to use Parallel Space or analogues.

💡

On older Xiaomi, make a backup copy of the data before cloning via ADB. The wrong command can reset the application settings.

7. How to remove a cloned application

If the clone is no longer needed, you can remove it in two ways:

Method 1: Through the MIUI settings

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Slip on the basket icon next to the unwanted clone.
3. Confirm removal.

Method 2: Manual (if MIUI does not delete)

1. Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find a clone and it will be marked as "Double: [name]."
3. Press Delete.

If after removal on the desktop there is an icon:

• Reboot the phone.
• Use a launcher (like Nova Launcher) to clear the icon cache.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning on Xiaomi