Cloning applications on Xiaomi: how to create a duplicate of WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers

The app cloning feature on Xiaomi smartphones (known as Dual Apps or Parallel Space in newer versions of MIUI) allows you to create full copies of instant messengers and social networks, which is indispensable when you need to separate work and personal accounts on one device – for example, have two WhatsApp, two Telegram or two Instagram profiles without having to buy a second phone or use informal launchers.

Unlike analogues like Parallel Space from third-party developers, the built-in solution from Xiaomi does not require any additional resources. ROOT-It does not overload the system and is integrated at the level of MIUI. However, not all users know where to look for this feature – especially after rebranding in the Internet. MIUI 12/13/14, When the settings menu has changed, in this article we will discuss how to activate cloning on different versions of the shell, what applications are supported, and what to do if the option is not displayed.

What is Dual Apps and Why You Need It

Dual Apps (or Parallel Space in new firmware) creates an isolated copy of the application with a separate cache, data, and notifications. It's not just a shortcut, it actually installs a second instance. APK-A file that runs parallel to the original:

• 🔹 Splitting accounts: One phone for work and personal use (e.g. WhatsApp Business) + WhatsApp).
• 🔹 Testing: You can test new features in a cloned application without risking the main profile.
• 🔹 Privacy: isolated data does not overlap (e.g., the history of chats in a clone is not visible in the original).
• 🔹 Save space: no need to install third-party launchers like Island or Shelter.

It is important to understand that cloned applications consume additional resources: each duplicate takes up space in memory and can increase battery consumption. For example, two simultaneously running Telegram will consume RAM as two separate processes.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support cloning; the system blocks duplication of banking applications (e.g., SberBank Online), games with cheat protection (e.g., cheating, PUBG Mobile) and some services with two-factor authentication.

What Xiaomi models support cloning

Dual Apps is available on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI 8 and later.

• 📱 On Xiaomi Mi. A1/A2/A3 (With pure Android One, there is no function – only on devices with MIUI.
• 📱 V MIUI 12/13/14 The option was renamed Parallel Space and moved to another menu.
• 📱 On some budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) It may be missing due to memory limitations.

To check for support, open Settings → Apps → Dual Apps (or Parallel Space). If not, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware or use alternative methods (discussed below).

Step-by-step: how to turn on cloning

The activation process depends on the version of MIUI. Below is a universal instruction for most devices:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Dual Apps (or Parallel Space) MIUI 12+).
3. Click Add App and select from the list (such as WhatsApp or VK).
4. Confirm the creation of a clone - the system will automatically set a duplicate.
5. The new label will appear on the desktop with the mark Dual or Parallel.

If the Dual Apps item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Features → Parallel Space

Make a backup copy of the data of the main application

Check the vacant space (minimum 500 MB)

Update MIUI to the latest version

Close the original application before cloning-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European region) option can be hidden, in which case, resetting to factory settings or installing it will help. MIUI China via Fastboot.

List of applications that can be cloned

Dual Apps supports most popular instant messengers and social networks, but there are limitations. Here is the current list of proven applications (based on MIUI 14):

• 💬 WhatsApp (including WhatsApp Business)
• 📧 Telegram (can be cloned multiple times via Parallel Space)
• 📸 Instagram and Facebook (separate feeds and notifications)
• 🎵 Spotify (for family accounts)
• 📱 VK, OK.ru, TikTok
• 📧 Gmail and Outlook (to separate mailboxes)

Not supported:

• 🏦 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB)
• 🎮 Anticheat games (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire)
• 🔒 Applications with hardware binding (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator)

💡

If the desired application is not in the list, try installing it. APK-You can manually download the file through Parallel Space. APK From the official website (for example, APKPure), then open Parallel Space. → Settings → Install APK

What to do if Dual Apps don’t work

If the function is not activated or the cloned application crashes, check the following points:

1. Update MIUI: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Clear the cache: for a cloned application through Settings → Apps → [Application Name] → Clear the cache.
3. Check the firmware region: MIUI Global can disable the option. Install MIUI China or MIUI Europe.
4. Free up memory: cloned applications require additional resources. Close the background.

If the problem persists, try alternative methods:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Parallel Space 14 and HyperOS may conflict with Second Space. If you use both options simultaneously, cloned apps may not sync notifications.

Dual Apps and Parallel Space

In MIUI 12 and later, the traditional Dual Apps are replaced by Parallel Space, a more advanced version with additional features.

Parallel Space also has the ability to freeze clones (stop them without deleting them) and configure automatic updates of duplicates through Google Play.

💡

Parallel Space in MIUI 14 supports cloning of system applications (e.g. Camera or Gallery) which was not the case with older versions of Dual Apps.

Security and confidentiality

Cloned applications in MIUI are isolated at the system level, but there are nuances:

• 🔐 Data is not encrypted: if the phone is stolen, the attacker will gain access to both accounts.
• 📡 Cache Leaks: Some Applications (e.g, VK) can store data in a shared storage.
• 🛡️ Password protection: Parallel Space can be installed PIN-clone-in.

For maximum safety:

1. Use different passwords for the original and clone.
2. Enable two-factor authentication in both accounts.
3. Clean the cache of cloned applications regularly.

⚠️ Note: Some banks block accounts when they detect cloned applications (e.g., SberBank Online may request proof of identity.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cloning on Xiaomi