Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face a situation where a familiar feature suddenly disappears from the menu, which is puzzling, especially when it comes to basic features, such as running two accounts in the same messenger, users wonder where the cloning of applications has gone and whether it is possible to return this option to the device.
In fact, the system settings were not lost, they were only relocated or renamed in new versions of the shell. Xiaomi regularly updates the interface MIUI and now HyperOS, which leads to the reallocation of menu items. Understanding the logic of developers will help you quickly find the right tool.
In this article, we will explore all possible scenarios for why cloning might have gone missing, and provide current ways to activate it, and learn about the hidden capabilities of the system and alternative methods for solving the problem.
Changes in the logic of the MIUI and HyperOS menus
The main reason for the function's "disappearance" is because of a deep redesign of the configuration structure. In the early versions of MIUI, duplicate management was in the "Applications" section, but with the release of global updates, the grouping algorithms have changed, and now the system seeks to combine everything related to accounts and security into a single control center.
The new HyperOS shell continues this trend, hiding advanced features deeper so as not to overload the interface for beginners, but for power users, this creates additional complexity. It is important to understand that the absence of a visible switch does not mean the removal of the function itself from the kernel of the system.
Often, users search the old ways, forgetting to check the updated categories. If you switched from Android 12 to Android 13 or 14, the menu structure could have changed dramatically.
⚠️ Note: After a major firmware update, always check the "Additional Settings" section, as there are often transferred functions that did not fall into the main menu.
Why is Xiaomi changing the menu?
Where to look for cloning function in new versions
The first place to go is the classic way through application settings. Despite the changes, the basic algorithm often stays working. You need to go to Settings → Apps → App cloning. This shows you a list of supported programs that you can copy.
If the standard path didn't work, try searching by settings, type "clone" or "duplicate" into the search box, and the system will tell you the right path for your version of MIUI or HyperOS, and it's the fastest way to find the hidden menu item.
In some regions and on certain models, the feature may be called "Dual Applications" or "Second Space." Check Settings → Advanced Settings. There are often tools hidden for advanced system management, including creating isolated spaces.
- 📱 Check the "Applications" section in the main smartphone settings.
- 🔍 Use the built-in Settings Search for a quick transition.
- 🛡️ Please see the "Security" or "Privacy Protection" section".
- ⚙️ Check out the "Advanced Settings" tab for older versions MIUI.
Compatibility issues and lack of support
Not all apps support official cloning by the system, Xiaomi developers have a whitelist of programs that guarantee stable duplicates, and if the messenger you want isn't on the list, the switch won't show up.
Often the problem lies in the version of the app itself. If you're using a modified build or a very old version of the software, the system may block copy creation for security reasons. Update the app through the official Google Play store or GetApps.
On low-memory budget models, the cloning function can be software-disabled by the manufacturer to ensure the stability of the device, in which case the system will not offer the creation of resource-intensive duplicates.
| Status of the annex | Support for cloning | Probability of success | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official (WhatsApp, Telegram) | Complete. | Tall. | Use the staff function |
| Banking appendix | Partial/Block | Medium | Check the security settings |
| Modified client | Absent. | Low. | Install the original version |
| Games | Depends on the game. | Medium | Use of gaming accelerators |
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If the app doesn’t appear on the supported cloning list, try installing the official version from Google Play, not from third-party sources.
Alternative methods: The second space
When standard cloning is unavailable or not working properly, Second Space comes to the rescue, which is a fully isolated environment inside your smartphone that acts as a separate user profile, and you can install any application again.
To activate, go to Settings → Second Space → Enable. Once you create a profile, you can switch between the main and second spaces through a special shortcut on the lock screen or in the notification curtain, which is the perfect solution for separating work and personal life.
The main advantage of this method is complete data independence, applications in the second space do not see files and contacts from the main profile, but it is worth remembering that programs running in the background in the second space can consume additional RAM.
☑️ Configuring the second space
Use of third-party solutions and clones
If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't meet your needs, you can always turn to third-party software. There are many cloners that create a virtual environment to run duplicates. Popular options are Parallel Space, Dual Space or 2Accounts.
These programs create a container that runs a copy of the desired application, which allows you to bypass system constraints and clone even those programs that are not officially supported, but using such solutions requires careful attention to permissions.
Third-party clones can consume more CPU power and resources than native system functions, and some services, especially banking, can block virtual environments for security reasons.
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party cloners, carefully review the permissions requested. Do not give access to contacts and files to unverified applications.
Resetting and extreme measures
In rare cases, the cloning function may disappear due to a software failure or an error in the system settings cache. If you are sure that your device supports this option but it is gone, reset the application settings. Go to Settings → Applications → All Apps → Settings and click “Clean” and “Reset”.
This action will return the settings menu to its original state, but will not delete your personal data, photos or contacts. After rebooting your smartphone, check if a missing item appears. This often helps if the problem is caused by a system update that has gone through with errors.
If nothing helps, perhaps a particular firmware build for your region has a stripped-down functionality, in which case users often resort to flashing to a global or Chinese version, where the functionality may differ, but this is a complex procedure that requires unlocking the bootloader.
💡
Resetting the system application "Settings" is a safe way to return missing menu items without losing personal data.