Clones of applications on Xiaomi: what it is, why you need and how to use them

Introduction: Why Xiaomi allows you to clone apps

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you've probably encountered a "Duplicate App" (or "Clone App") feature, which is available in MIUI firmware and allows you to create full copies of instant messengers, social networks and other programs. But why do you need it? And how to use clones to avoid problems?

Cloning has a reason for not just coming along, it solves a number of problems, from separating personal and work emails to being able to use multiple accounts in one app, like you can access WhatsApp under two numbers at once, or keep separate Instagram profiles for different purposes, but there are pitfalls, from increased battery consumption to the risk of getting tangled in notifications.

In this article, we will take a look at how Xiaomi app clones work, what programs can be duplicated, and give you practical tips for setting up, and what mistakes users often make and how to avoid them.

What are Xiaomi app clones and how do they work?

An app clone is a full copy of the original program that is installed in parallel and runs independently, and it has its own cache, data, and settings that allow you to use it under another account.

• 📱 Have two Telegrams with different numbers on the same phone.
• 🎮 To run two accounts in games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Clash of Clans).
• 📧 Separate work and personal correspondence in Viber or Skype.

Technically, the clone is created through the function Duplicate application in the MIUI settings. The system installs the second version of the program with the prefix "Duplicate" in the title (for example, "WhatsApp Duplicate").

• 🔄 Both versions are updated independently via Google Play or App Gallery.
• 📁 Clone data is stored separately (photos, chats, settings).
• 🔔 Notifications come from both versions (you can disable them separately).

It’s important to understand that cloning is not the same as multidisciplinary (like Chrome or Facebook), but rather full-fledged individual installations that take up additional memory space and can affect performance.

What apps can be cloned on Xiaomi

Not all programs support cloning. Xiaomi restricts the list for security and stability reasons. Here are the main categories of applications that can be duplicated:

Here's what you can't clone:

• 🔒 System applications (Settings, Phone, Camera).
• 💳 Banking programs (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff).
• 🛡️ Antiviruses and security applications.

If the app is not on the list, you can try to circumvent the restriction with Parallel Space or 2Accounts, which are third-party cloning programs, but they may work less stable and consume more resources.

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Before cloning the messenger, check if it officially supports several accounts, for example, Telegram can add up to 3 accounts without duplication, and WhatsApp only one.

How to create a clone of the application on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The process of cloning is simple, but there are a few nuances.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Duplicate applications.
2. In the list, select the desired application and activate the switch next to it.
3. Confirm the creation of a duplicate (the system may request permissions).
4. Wait for the installation - an icon with the inscription "Dublicate" will appear on the desktop.

If the item "Duplicate annexes" is not:

• 🔍 Check the version. MIUI (function MIUI 8 and newer).
• 📱 Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🌍 Make sure that the region is not in the settings of China (in Chinese firmware, the function may not be available).

After the clone was created:

• 📥 Open a duplicate and log in to another account.
• 🔔 Set up notifications separately for the original and clone in Settings → Notifications.
• 🗑️ Clean the duplicate cache regularly through Settings → Annexes → [Name of the duplicate] → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as WhatsApp) may block an account if you notice suspicious activity from one device.

Application clone problems and how to solve them

Cloning is a convenient function, but it's not without its disadvantages, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

Another common problem is data conflict, for example, if you delete a WhatsApp clone and then recreate it, the chats may not recover.

• 📲 Make backups regularly through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 🔄 Before removing the clone, export important data (chats, media files).

Critical error: some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) may block access if a clone is detected due to suspicion of fraud.

Alternatives to cloning: when to use other methods

App clones are not the only way to manage multiple accounts, but in some cases, alternative solutions are more convenient:

• 🔄 Built-in multi-profile: many messengers (for example, Telegram, Slack) support changing accounts without cloning.
• 📱 Second user: Android can create a separate user through Settings → System system → Multiplayer mode.
• 🌐 Web versions: some services (for example, Instagram or Facebook) are more convenient to use in the browser through the "Desktop" mode".
• 🔧 Third-party launchers: programs like Nova Launcher allow you to create shortcuts for different accounts of the same application.

Advantages of alternatives:

• ⚡ Less system load (no need to install a duplicate).
• 🛡️ No risk of blocking the account.
• 🔄 It is easier to switch between profiles.

But there are downsides:

• 🔔 No separate notifications (in the case of web versions or multi-profiles).
• 📱 It is impossible to use two accounts at the same time (for example, for streaming games).

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If you just need to separate your work and personal accounts, you might want to use the built-in multi-skilled apps or a second Android user. Clones are only convenient for multiple checks at the same time.

Safety Tips for Using App Clones

Cloning applications can create security risks if you use the feature thoughtlessly.

• 🔐 Do not clone banking and payment applications – this can lead to the blocking of the account.
• 🛡️ Use Application Blocking (in Settings) → Confidentiality) to protect duplicates with password.
• 📡 Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi when working with clones of messengers or social networks.
• 🔄 Regularly update both the original app and its clone to avoid vulnerabilities.

Clones inherit all the rights of the original app, but sometimes they can ask for additional permissions.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Duplicate Name] → Permissions.
2. Disable unnecessary permissions (such as accessing contacts or location if they are not critical).

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as TikTok or Facebook) may recognize clones as suspicious activity and temporarily block your account. If you use duplicates for business or important tasks, check the rules of the service in advance.

If you notice suspicious activity (e.g., a clone starts consuming too much traffic or sending SMS), immediately:

• Remove the duplicate through Settings → Apps.
• Check your phone for viruses using Google Play Protect or Dr.Web.
• Change the passwords from the accounts that were used in the clone.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about Xiaomi app clones