How to permanently ban the cloning of the Xiaomi Family Link app: 7 working ways

Xiaomi Family Link is the official parental control app that allows you to limit the time of use of a smartphone by children, block unwanted applications and track location. However, some users face the problem of cloning this application – when a duplicate of it appears on the device, often created through the functions of Dual Applications in the app. MIUI It's not only disrupting parental control, it's also creating security holes.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to ban cloning - from standard settings. MIUI before using hidden functions ADB We will focus on methods that work even on devices with unlocked bootloader or root rights, and we will also consider how to prevent duplicates from appearing again after resetting settings.

Important: Some methods require technical knowledge. If you are not sure about your actions, skip the sections with the following: ADB root – they are designed for experienced users.

Why Xiaomi Family Link is cloned and why it is dangerous

Cloning of an application can occur for several reasons:

• 🔄 The function “Dual annexes” in MIUI — User (usually child) creates a copy through Settings → Annexes → Dual applications to get around restrictions.
• 📱 Third-party launchers or utilities (e.g. Parallel Space, 2Accounts), which allow you to run several instances of one application.
• 🔧 Changes in system files – on devices with root or custom firmware, you can manually duplicate APK-file.
• 🤖 Automatic scripts (rarely) – some malware creates copies of system applications to collect data.

Consequences of cloning:

• ⚠️ Bypassing parental controls – the child accesses blocked functions through a copy of the app.
• 🔓 Data Leakage – A duplicate can send location or activity information to third-party servers.
• 📉 System load – two instances of Family Link simultaneously consume additional battery and RAM resources.

⚠️ Note: If a copy of Xiaomi Family Link appears on your device without your knowledge, first check it for viruses using Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes.

Method 1: Disable the function "Dual applications" in MIUI

The easiest method is to block the possibility of creating duplicates through standard settings. MIUI. This method works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO firmware MIUI 12 and above.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select Double Apps (in some versions, App Cloning).
3. Find the Xiaomi Family Link in the list and turn off the switch next to it.
4. If a copy has already been created, click on it and select Delete.

The system then blocks the ability to clone Family Link through standard means, but this method does not protect against third-party utilities (such as Parallel Space) or manual duplication. APK.

Make sure that the dual apps feature is turned off for Family Link|

Check the list of installed applications for duplicates|

Reset the device to apply changes|

Set a password for settings MIUI (optionally)-->

Method 2: Blocking the installation of third-party launchers and utilities

If a child uses apps like Parallel Space or Island to make copies, they need to be blocked.

• 🔒 Parental controls on Google Play – limit the installation of apps by age rating.
• 📱 Settings MIUI — disable the installation option APK from unknown sources (Settings) → Privacy → Special permits → Installation of unknown applications).
• 🛡️ Third-party antiviruses (such as Kaspersky or Bitdefender) – they can block the installation of suspicious utilities.

How to block installation APK:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Special permissions.
2. Select Install Unknown Applications.
3. For each browser and file manager (e.g. Chrome, Files) disable the installation permission APK.

⚠️ Note: If Parallel Space or a similar utility is already installed on the device, manually delete it first through Settings. → Applications: Some of these programs are disguised as system services (e.g. com.lbe.parallel).

Parallel Space|

2Accounts|

Island (Work Profile)|

Dual annexes MIUI|

Other/I don't know-->

Method 3: Use ADB Blocking cloning (for experienced cloning)

If standard methods do not help, you can use debugging on the ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires connecting the device to a computer and executing commands via Terminal or PowerShell.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 It works even if the child knows the password from the device.
• 🔒 Blocks cloning at the system level.
• 📱 Doesn't require root rights.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect the device to the PC, install drivers ADB (For example, through Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
4. Open the command line and do:

adb devices

(Your device should show up. If not, check the drivers or cable.)

adb shell pm hide com.miui.dualapp

This command hides the module of dual applications in MIUI. After the reboot, the cloning function will disappear from the settings menu.

To get it all back, do this:

adb shell pm unhide com.miui.dualapp

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14+ The pm hide command may not work. In this case, use an alternative method through the ADB:

adb shell settings put global dual_app_enabled 0

💡

If the dual apps function is still available after the commands are executed, try to delete all existing clones first through Settings. → Appendices and then repeat the procedure.

Method 4: Prohibit cloning through root access (for advanced)

If a device has root rights (e.g., through Magisk), you can completely remove or freeze the system components responsible for cloning, a method that is most reliable, but requires caution - wrong actions can lead to a system failure.

What can be done:

• 🧊 Freeze the dual application module via Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher.
• 🗑️ Delete APK-manual clone files (e.g., via Root Explorer).
• 🔧 Change the permissions to access system files to prevent them from being modified.

Step-by-step instructions for Magisk:

1. Install Magisk Manager and check for root.
2. Download the App Systemizer module to Magisk and activate it.
3. Through Termux or ADB execute:

su


pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.dualapp

This will remove the dual application module for the current user. To return it, reinstall it through ADB:

cmd package install-existing com.miui.dualapp

To completely remove the system APK (Not recommended without a backup):

su


mount -o rw,remount /system




rm /system/priv-app/DualApp/DualApp.apk




mount -o ro,remount /system

⚠️ Attention: Removal of system APK This can lead to bootloop. Before experimenting, back up through TWRP Or OrangeFox.

Method 5: Set up Google Family Link for Duplicate Protection

If you're using not only Xiaomi Family Link, but also Google Family Link, you can set up additional restrictions that will duplicate the protection, which is especially useful if a child is trying to circumvent control through cloning.

How to set up:

1. Install Google Family Link on your device and your child’s.
2. In the child profile settings, select Application Management.
3. Find Xiaomi Family Link and block its installation (if you already have a copy, delete it).
4. Activate the option Only allowed applications – this will prevent the installation of any new programs without your confirmation.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔒 Double protection – even if the child is out MIUI, Google Family Link will block the installation of copies.
• 📊 Remote management – you can control your device through the Google Families web interface.
• 🔔 Notifications – You will receive alerts about attempts to install new applications.

Method 6: Resetting and preventing re-cloning

If all the methods didn't work, or you suspect that the device has hidden cloning utilities, the most radical way is to completely reset the settings, but then you need to configure the system correctly to prevent duplicates from reappearing.

How to Reset Your Settings Safely:

1. Back up your important data (photos, contacts) via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, do not restore the settings from the backup – configure the device as new.

How to prevent cloning after resetting:

• 🔐 Set a password for settings MIUI (Settings → Password and security → Blocking settings).
• 📱 Disable Dual Applications immediately after setting up (see Method 1).
• 🔧 Set up Google Family Link and set up the restrictions (see Method 5).
• 🛡️ Activate Google’s Find My Device to remotely lock your device when suspicious activity occurs.

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone was purchased used or previously used by another person, before reset, be sure to untie it from the previous Mi Account. Otherwise, after reset, the device will require the entry of an old password (Mi Account protection).

Method 7: Alternative Parental Control Applications

If Xiaomi Family Link is constantly cloned and you can’t prevent it, consider using alternative parental control apps, which often have more robust bypass protection.

Best analogues:

• 🛡️ Google Family Link – free, integrated with Google account, allows you to block the installation of new applications.
• 🔒 Kaspersky Safe Kids – a paid solution with geolocation and website blocking.
• 📱 Norton Family – monitors social media activity and limits screen time.
• 🔍 Qustodio – supports cross-platform control (Android, iOS, Windows).

Advantages of alternative solutions:

• 🔄 Fewer cloning vulnerabilities (many work through Device Admin or Work Profile).
• 📊 More flexible settings (e.g., schedule locks).
• 🔔 Notifications of attempts to circumvent restrictions.

How to switch to another application:

1. Remove the Xiaomi Family Link and all copies of it.
2. Install the selected application from Google Play.
3. Set up your child’s profile and activate all necessary restrictions.
4. Block the ability to uninstall the application via Device Admin (in Android security settings).

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If you decide to use an alternative, first check it for compatibility with your version of Android. Some apps (such as Kaspersky Safe Kids) may not work on custom firmware or devices with an unlocked bootloader.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Family Link cloning