How to run two applications on Xiaomi: All ways

Many users face the need to use multiple profiles in messengers or social networks at the same time. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones are in a better position, since the MIUI and HyperOS shell offer built-in tools to solve this problem without installing third-party software, which allows you to keep separate work and personal accounts on the same device.

Xiaomi’s systematic approach to multitasking gives you an edge over competitors: you can clone apps by creating exact copies of them with independent notification and authorization settings, especially for those who do business or just want to delineate the flow of communication without buying a second phone.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from standard cloning to creating a full-fledged second operating system inside a smartphone. We will look at the nuances of each method and help you choose the best option for your device model. Understanding these features will turn your gadget into a powerful tool for managing multiple digital personalities.

Built-in function of cloning applications

The easiest and most popular way to do this is to use the standard App Cloning (or Dual Apps) feature, which is built directly into the MIUI/HyperOS shell and does not require superuser rights or complex ADB manipulations. It is ideal for social networks, banking clients and instant messengers that do not officially support two accounts at the same time.

To activate, you need to go to Settings → Applications → Cloning of applications. In the list that opens, the system will suggest selecting programs for which you need to create a duplicate. After switching the toggle, a copy of the icon with a characteristic icon will appear on the desktop, which allows you to instantly distinguish the main profile from the secondary one.

It's worth noting that the cloned application works as an independent process, which means you can turn off notifications for a copy, change the theme of the registration, or even set a separate password to run through Application Protection, but not all programs support this technology because of the specific architecture of the application.

There are a number of limitations to be aware of before using the feature: Some banking applications can block work on devices with enabled cloning for security reasons, and cloned programs can consume more RAM, which is critical for budget models with 4 GB of RAM or less.

Second Space Mode for Total Isolation

If you want deeper isolation than just a copy of an app, use Second Space mode, which creates a virtual second operating system inside your smartphone with its own settings, Google account, gallery and contact list, and switches between spaces via a password, fingerprint or special shortcut.

The main advantage of this method is complete data privacy, applications in the second space do not see files, contacts or browser history from the main profile, which is ideal for transferring the phone to children, using the device in working mode or hiding personal information from prying eyes.

⚠️ Note: When you delete the second space, all the data stored inside it (photos, documents, correspondence) will be irretrievably lost.

To enable the function, go to Settings → Second Space → Enable Second Space. The system will suggest setting up a login method that will differ from the main one. For example, if you unlock your phone with your right thumbprint, your personal profile will open and your left one will open.

Not all apps correctly display widgets or work with notifications in the second space. Some Google services may require re-authorization or not support certain geolocation features in an isolated environment, due to Android security limitations.

Set up notifications and permissions for copies

Proper notification settings are critical to making two versions of the same application comfortable. By default, the cloned application may not display an icon or emit audio signals. To fix this, go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification Management and find the cloned program.

You can adjust your behavior flexibly: allow pop-ups, sounds, vibrations, or, conversely, completely hide the presence of the application. Particular attention should be paid to the “Show notification icon” option, since without it it it is easy to miss an important message in the second account.

• 🔔 Open the settings of a specific cloned application through the Application Manager.
• 🔒 Make sure that the Battery section selects the No Limits mode so that the system does not kill the process in the background.
• 🔇 Configure notification categories: you can leave only messages by disabling advertising mailings.
• 📱 Use different design themes for the main and cloned application to visually distinguish them.

It is also important to check the permissions. The cloned application does not have automatic access to the microphone, camera or geo-position, even if they are allowed in the main version. When the copy is first run, the system will request the necessary rights again. Ignoring this step will lead to the failure of functions that depend on the hardware.

Comparison of Profile Separation Methods

The choice between app cloning and second space depends on your goals, and cloning is good for working quickly with two accounts in the same interface, while the second space creates a complete, isolated environment, and understanding the differences will help avoid confusion and data loss.

As the table shows, app cloning is available on all modern Xiaomi smartphones, while the second space may be missing from some global firmware or hidden in the developer menu.The guest mode, in turn, is designed for the temporary use of the device by other people and does not store data after the release.

For business purposes, the second space is most often recommended, since it allows you to completely separate corporate correspondence from personal ones. In the case of a phone sale or return, it is enough to simply delete the second space without affecting the personal files of the owner of the main profile.

Solving and conflicting work

There may be conflicts when two instances of an application are running simultaneously, especially if the programs are trying to access the same system resources. GPS-coordinates if the main profile already uses geolocation with high accuracy.

A common problem is that some applications cannot be authorized, and security services may view cloning as an attempt to hack or emulator, in which case cleaning or reinstalling the cache of the cloned application helps.

⚠️ Note: Do not try to clone system applications or programs responsible for security (antiviruses, bank keys), this can lead to unstable operation of the entire system.

If the cloned application crashes all the time, try changing your power saving settings. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Monitor application activity and find the desired program. Set a "No Limits" value so that the system does not forcefully terminate the process in the background.

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Use the Game Acceleration feature to run cloned applications, which will isolate their work and allocate additional CPU resources, which is especially useful for multi-account games.

Alternative methods and third-party solutions

In the rare cases where Xiaomi's built-in features don't support a particular application, users turn to third-party solutions, applications like Parallel Space or 2Accounts create a virtual environment to run programs, but they require broad permissions and may contain ads.

These programs are less secure than native cloning from Xiaomi, which can intercept data entered into cloned applications, so it is better to limit the built-in tools to working with bank clients or confidential correspondence.

For advanced users, there is a method for creating completely isolated Android profiles through the use of the Internet. ADB-It requires a lot of knowledge and can lead to a loss of warranty. MIUI 99% of multi-account tasks.

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The built-in MIUI and HyperOS tools provide the best optimization and security compared to third-party counterparts, so always start with them.