What is the cloning of applications on Xiaomi and why it is necessary
The app cloning feature (or Dual Apps) on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to create full copies of installed programs, from instant messengers to social networks, which means that you can use two WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram accounts on the same device at the same time without having to buy a second phone or constantly log out of the same profile.
The technology works at the MIUI operating system level and is available on most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models. The cloned application functions independently of the original: it has its own notifications, cache and login data. For example, you can keep a working Viber in the main version, and a personal one in the cloned one.
But why has this feature become so popular?First, it solves the multitasking problem for users with multiple users. SIM-Second, cloning is useful for testing new versions of applications without losing data in the main copy.
How does Dual Apps technology work on Xiaomi?
Dual Apps is based on the Android Work Profile engine, but with advanced capabilities from Xiaomi. When you clone an app, the system creates a second sandbox with a unique identifier.
- 🔄 Use two accounts on the same social network at the same time (for example, personal and work Facebook).
- 📱 Receive notifications from both copies independently of each other.
- 🔒 Store data (photos, chats, files) separately for each clone.
- 🔄 Update the original and clone separately (e.g., test the beta version in a cloned application).
It's important to understand that a cloned app is not just a shortcut, it's a full-fledged second install, it takes up extra memory space and can consume more RAM, for example, if the original Telegram weighs 100MB, then its clone will take up another similar amount.
Technically, the feature is supported at the MIUI core level, so it can’t be added to other brands’ smartphones through firmware, but some vendors (such as Samsung or Huawei) offer similar solutions under different names: Dual Messenger or App Twin.
On which devices Xiaomi is available to clone applications
Dual Apps feature appeared in MIUI 8 and has since become standard on most Xiaomi devices.
| Series of devices | Support for Dual Apps | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 | ✅ Yes. | Full support, including cloning of system applications (e.g. Contacts). |
| Redmi 10, POCO X3, Mi 11 Lite | ✅ Yes. | Limit the number of clones (usually up to 5 at a time). |
| Redmi 9, POCO M3 | ⚠️ Partially. | Not all apps are supported (for example, TikTok or Snapchat may not be available). |
| Android Go devices (e.g. Redmi A1) | ❌ No. | The function is disabled due to memory limitations. |
To check if your device supports cloning, go to Settings → Applications → Dual Apps. If it does not, then the function is not available. Also, consider that on some models, the path for POCO may be different: Settings → Special features → Dual Apps.
⚠️ Note: On custom firmware devices (such as LineageOS), Dual Apps may not work properly or at all. Check compatibility before installing unofficial software.
Step-by-step: how to clone an application on Xiaomi
The cloning process takes no more than a minute.
- Open the settings on your smartphone.
- Go to the Applications section (on some models – All Apps).
- Select the item "Dual Apps" (Cloning applications).
- In the list, find the app you want to clone and activate the switch next to it.
- Confirm the creation of the clone by clicking Clone in the window that appears.
After that, a second shortcut marked “Dublicate” (or “Clone”) will appear on the home screen, for example, if you cloned WhatsApp, you’ll see two icons: the original and WhatsApp (2).
Check the vacant space (minimum 200 MB per clone)
Update the application to the latest version
Close the original version before cloning
Make sure you have a backup of the data.-->
If the desired application is not on the list, this can mean:
- 🚫 The app does not support cloning (e.g., some banking software).
- 🔒 Your version. MIUI outdated (update firmware).
- 📱 The device does not support the function (see table above).
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If the app does not open after cloning, try clearing its cache in the settings or restarting your smartphone.
What applications can be cloned and which can not
In theory, any app can be cloned, but in practice there are limitations. Xiaomi blocks cloning to:
- 🏦 Banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online, Tinkoff).
- 🔐 High security applications (e.g. Google Authenticator).
- 🎮 Some games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
- 📱 System utilities (for example, Settings or Phone).
On the other hand, without any problems cloned:
- 💬 Messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Signal.
- 📷 Social networks: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter.
- 📧 Email clients: Gmail, Yandex Mail.
- 🎵 Music services: Spotify, Yandex Music.
Important: Some applications (like VK or OK) can block simultaneous sign-in from two copies on the same device, in which case you will have to use different phone numbers or accounts.
⚠️ Cloning applications to circumvent restrictions (e.g., creating multiple accounts in games) may violate the service rules and result in blocking.
Problems with cloning and how to solve them
While Dual Apps is usually stable, users sometimes encounter bugs, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The clone doesn't appear on the main screen. | Launcher cache error | Restart the device or update the MIUI launcher. |
| The clone app flies out when opened | Conflict with the original version | Close the original application in the multitasking menu. |
| No notifications from the clone | Permits disabled | Check the notification settings for the cloned application. |
| You can't clone the right app. | Developer's Limitation | Use alternative methods (e.g. Parallel Space). |
If the app is unstable after cloning, try:
- Clear the cache and clone data in Settings → Apps → [Clone Name].
- Update the original application to the latest version.
- Remove the clone and recreate it.
What if Dual Apps disappeared from the settings?
Dual Apps Alternatives: What to Do When a Function Is Unavailable
If your device does not support Dual Apps, or the desired application cannot be cloned, you can use third-party solutions:
- 🔄 Parallel Space creates a virtual space to run copies of applications.
- 📱 2Accounts — Parallel Space, but with less resource consumption.
- 🔒 Island (Sandbox) - isolates clones in a separate profile, suitable for protecting sensitive data.
- 💻 BlueStacks (for PC) – if you need to run a second copy of the messenger on your computer.
Warning: Third-party cloning apps may request increased permissions (such as notification access or SMS), install them only from official sources (Google Play or Mi App Store) and check reviews.
Another option is to use a second user profile on Android.
- Open Settings → System → Additional → Multiple users.
- Create a new user and enter under it.
- Install the desired application in this profile.
⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as WhatsApp) block use on devices with root rights or uncertified firmware.If you get a "Device Not Supported" error, check the certification status in Settings → Google → Certification of the device.
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Cloning through Dual Apps is safer than third-party applications, as it does not require root rights and works at the system level.