Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face multiple accounts on the same messenger or social network. The standard Android operating system does not always allow two instances of the same application to run simultaneously without using third-party software. However, in the shell of MIUI and the new HyperOS, this problem is solved at the system level, providing users with a powerful tool to manage the digital space.
The cloning feature creates a fully independent copy of the program that runs parallel to the main one, which means that you can be online on two different WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber accounts at the same time, receiving notifications from both profiles in real time, which eliminates the need to constantly log in and log in to accounts or hold a second phone.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how exactly the process isolation mechanism in Xiaomi system works, what restrictions exist and how to properly configure the second profile so that it does not drain the battery faster than usual.
What is the cloning of applications in the MIUI and HyperOS system
Application cloning is a virtualization technology built directly into the MIUI shell. Unlike third-party launchers or emulator programs, the system clone works at a deeper level, providing stability and better integration with notifications. When you create a clone, the system allocates a separate space in memory for it, where its data, cache and authorization tokens are stored.
Technically, this is done by changing the Package ID for a copy of the program. To the operating system, the cloned version looks like a completely new, independent application. That's why the original and the copy have the same icons on the desktop, but the second one is marked with a special icon, usually in two circles or the number "2".
⚠️ Note: Clone apps take up extra space in internal memory. If you clone heavy programs like Instagram or TikTok, the free space will shrink faster, as the cache is stored separately for both versions.
It is important to understand that not all programs support this feature: Xiaomi developers implement cloning support at the shell code level for the most popular social networks and instant messengers. For other applications, the feature may not be available if the manufacturer has not added them to the list of compatible.
The main scenarios of using double accounts
The most obvious and popular scenario is the separation of work and personal communication, with many users having to use two phone numbers: one to communicate with clients and colleagues, the other for friends and family, and the cloning feature allows both channels to be combined into one device without confusing the contexts of communication.
The second important scenario is testing functions or managing multiple projects, SMM-Sales professionals or managers often have multiple accounts on the same social network for different brands or customers, and the ability to quickly switch between them or see all incoming messages at once significantly increases productivity.
Cloning is also good for gamers, and some mobile games allow multiple profiles, but require re-authorization at each login, and once you have a clone of the game, you can keep two profiles open at the same time, which is especially important for strategies and strategies. MMO-projects where permanent presence is required.
- 📱 Messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Signal – full access to notifications.
- 📸 Social networks: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), TikTok - the ability to flip the feed from different accounts.
- 🛒 Services and stores: AliExpress, Ozon, Uber – use of different discount cards and delivery addresses.
Step-by-step: how to turn on the clone of the application
The process of activating a second account in Xiaomi is as simple as possible and takes only a few seconds. You do not need to download additional files or obtain superuser rights. All the necessary tools are already built into the settings menu of your smartphone Redmi or Poco.
To start, open the standard device settings menu. Depending on the shell version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), the location of the item may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the partition responsible for managing programs.
After you go to the Apps → Cloning Apps (or Dual Apps), you will see a list of supported programs installed on the phone. Just click on the switch opposite the desired application, such as WhatsApp. The system will automatically create a copy, and a second icon with a characteristic icon will appear on the desktop.
If you use the new HyperOS shell, the path may look like Settings → Applications → Dual Apps. In some regions or firmware versions, this section may be called App Cloning. Once activated, you will need to log in to the second account by entering your phone number and confirmation code, as in the first install.
Comparison of System Cloning and Third-Party Solutions
Users often wonder why they should use the built-in feature when the Play Market is full of clone apps? The answer lies in the stability of operation and resource consumption. System cloning is optimized by Xiaomi engineers specifically for their iron and shell, which guarantees lower battery consumption.
Third-party applications like Parallel Space or Dual Space are emulating, and they create a virtual container that already runs copies of programs inside, and this creates a double overhead layer, where the emulator runs first, then the app itself, and this leads to heat and delays.
| Characteristics | Systemic cloning (MIUI/HyperOS) | Third-party applications (Parallel Space, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Stability of work | High (Native Integration) | Medium (departures possible) |
| Battery consumption | Optimized | Elevated. |
| Access to notifications | Full, no delay. | background work is often required |
| Security of data | High (data in the system) | Depends on the software developer. |
Also, when you use third-party software, you often encounter intrusive advertising inside the clone app itself. Xiaomi's system solution lacks this drawback. The only downside to the built-in method is the limited list of supported applications that cannot be expanded manually without complex system modifications.
Problems with notifications and their resolution
One of the most common problems users face is the lack of notifications from a cloned app. you may not get a WhatsApp message or a call to Viber until you manually open the app, due to MIUI's aggressive energy saving policy, which "kills" background processes to save charge.
To fix this, you need to manually configure permissions for the cloned version. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the clone (it will be marked with a cloning icon) and go to Battery or Energy Saving. Select No Limits mode.
⚠️ Warning: If notifications still don't come, check autorun" → "Permits" → "Autorun make sure the switch for the cloned application is active. Without this, the system can block the start of the process after the restart.
It’s also worth checking the notification settings in the Notifications menu itself for the cloned app. Make sure that lock screen displays and pop-up notifications are allowed. Sometimes the system defaults to hiding notifications from clones, considering them less of a priority.
Advanced settings and data management
Managing two accounts requires care, especially when it comes to files and media. When sending a photo or document through a cloned messenger, the system may suggest choosing a gallery. It is important to understand that files received in a clone are often saved to separate folders or marked as clone files.
To remove the cloned application, you don't have to delete the main one. Just go back to the Apps menu → Cloning the applications and turn off the switch. The system will suggest that you delete the clone data, freeing up space in memory. Your data in the main application will remain completely safe.
Some firmware versions have an app switch that allows you to quickly change an active account from a notification curtain or through a floating window, which is convenient but can be disoriented if you're used to the classic look of two separate icons.