Launch two accounts Viber on one Androidsmartphone is a task faced by users who want to separate personal and work correspondence, manage several numbers or test the functionality of the messenger. Despite the fact that officially Viber does not support multi-account (unlike Telegram or WhatsApp Business), you can get around this limitation in several ways - from built-in firmware functions to third-party tools.
In this article we will look at 5 working methodsincluding using the Dual Apps mode (dual applications), creating a second user on Android, installing a parallel version via APK, as well as alternative solutions like virtual spaces. Each method is illustrated with screenshots (for popular firmware MIUI, ColorOS, One UI) and is accompanied by warnings about possible risks - from account blocking to data loss.
Important: some methods require root access or installing unofficial modifications, which may violate the device warranty. We will indicate where such manipulations are required, and where you can do without them.
1. Method: Dual Apps - built-in firmware function The simplest and safest method is to use the built-in function, available on most modern firmware from other brands. It allows you to create
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in function application cloning, available on most modern firmware from Xiaomi, Oppo, Samsung and other brands. It allows you to create a full copy of Viber with a separate cache and datawithout requiring root or third-party apps.
How it works:
- ๐ฑ MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco):
Settings โ Applications โ Dual apps. Select Viber from the list and activate the clone. - ๐ค ColorOS (Oppo/Realme/OnePlus):
Settings โ Privacy โ Cloning applications. - ๐ One UI (Samsung): The function is called
Dual Messenger(find through search in settings). - โ๏ธ EMUI (Huawei/Honor):
Settings โ Applications โ Dual application.
After activation, a second icon will appear on the main screen Viber marked "Dual" (for example, an orange label). When you first start you will need enter another phone number โthis will be a separate account. Both messengers will work in parallel, but notifications may be duplicated.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On some firmware (for example, Flyme from Meizu) the cloning function may not be available. Also note that Viber may block your account if you frequently switch between clones - use the method only for permanent separation of numbers.
2. Method: Second Android user (multi-profile)
Android supports multi-user mode, originally intended for tablets, but available on smartphones. This method allows you to create isolated profile with its own applications, including a separate one Viber. The advantage is complete data isolation, the disadvantage is the need to switch between users.
Instructions:
- Open
Settings โ System โ Advanced โ Multi-user mode(item name can differ). - Click
Add user(orGuestif the first option is not available). - Switch to the new user through the notification panel (person icon).
- In the new profile, download Viber from Google Play and log in with a different number.
Method limitations:
- ๐ It is impossible to quickly switch between accounts - you need to exit the current profile.
- ๐ฑ Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung) hide this function on smartphones.
- ๐ Applications in guest mode can have limited access to files.
Make sure that there is enough memory on the device (at least 1 GB free)
Remember the password/pattern for the new profile
Turn off contact synchronization if you do not want duplication
Check whether your firmware supports multi-user mode-->
3. Method: Parallel Space or Island (virtual space)
If the firmware does not have the function Dual Apps, you can use third-party applications to create isolated environment. The most popular:
- ๐ก๏ธ Parallel Space - clones applications in a sandbox with separate storage.
- ๐๏ธ Island (requires root) - creates a full-fledged working profile with encryption.
- ๐ 2Accounts - an alternative with notification support.
Step-by-step guide for Parallel Space:
- Download the application from Google Play and open it.
- Add Viber to the list of cloned applications ("+" icon).
- Launch the clone and log in with a different number.
- Set up notifications in the menu
Parallel Space โ Settings โ Notifications.
Warnings:
โ ๏ธ Attention: Applications like Parallel Space can slow down the phone due to the simultaneous operation of two copies Viber. Also, some banking applications block access when a virtual environment is detected.
| Application | Requires root | Notification support | Advertising |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parallel Space | โ No | โ Yes | โ Yes (can be disabled in the Pro version) |
| Island | โ Yes | โ Yes | โ No |
| 2Accounts | โ No | โ ๏ธ Partially | โ Yes |
| Shelter | โ Yes (FOSS) | โ Yes | โ No |
4. Method: Installing the second version of Viber via APK
Officially Viber does not allow installation of multiple copies, but you can bypass this limitation by downloading modified APK or the old version of the application. This method is suitable for experienced users, as it requires manual installation and may violate the policy Viber.
How to install:
- Download APKfile of the second version Viber from a reliable source (for example, APKMirror). Look for versions marked
cloneormod. - Before installation, allow installation from unknown sources:
Settings โ Security โ Unknown sources. - Install APK and log in using a different number.
Risks of the method:
- ๐จ Modified APK may contain viruses or spyware.
- ๐ Viber may block account for using unofficial versions.
- ๐ฑ Auto-update will not work - you will have to manually monitor the versions.
How to check APK for viruses before installation?
Use online services like VirusTotal or MetaDefender. Upload APKthe file to the site and wait for the scanning results. Also check the file hash (SHA-1) for compliance with official sources.
5. Method: Root + App Cloner (for advanced users)
If your device has root access, you can use applications like App Cloner or Titanium Backup to create a full copy Viber with a separate UID and data. This method provides maximum flexibility, but is only suitable for experienced users.
Instructions for App Cloner:
- Install App Cloner from Google Play and provide root access.
- Select Viber in the list of applications and click
Clone. - In the clone settings, specify a new package name (for example,
com.viber.clone). - Install the clone and log in with a different number.
Features:
- โก The clone will work as a separate application with its own notifications.
- ๐ง You can configure permissions for the clone (for example, disable access to contacts).
- โ ๏ธ When updating the original Viber the clone may stop working.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Use root voids the warranty device and increases the risk of malware installation. Also, some banking applications refuse to work on rooted devices.
Before cloning Viber via App Cloner make a backup copy of chats in the original application: Settings โ Account โ Backup.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of method depends on your goals and the technical capabilities of the device. Below is a comparative table with the pros and cons of each method.
| Method | Complexity | Requires root | Data isolation | Risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Apps (built-in) | โญโญโโโ | โ No | โ High | โ ๏ธ Medium |
| Second user | โญโญโโโ | โ No | โ Full | โ Low |
| Parallel Space | โญโญโโโ | โ No | โ Average | โ ๏ธ Average |
| APK clone | โญโญโญโโ | โ No | โ Low | โ High |
| App Cloner (root) | โญโญโญโญโ | โ Yes | โ Full | โ ๏ธ Average |
For most users, the optimal solution would be built-in cloning (if supported by firmware) or Parallel Space. If you need complete isolation, use second Android user. Methods with APK and root are suitable only in extreme cases.
On devices with firmware MIUI (Xiaomi) and ColorOS (Oppo) built-in cloning works more stable than third-party applications and does not require additional settings.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When using two copies Viber errors may occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:
- ๐ Notifications in the clone are not coming: Check the notification settings in the dual application menu (for example, in Parallel Space or
Dual Apps). Also make sure that auto-start is allowed for the clone in the battery settings. - ๐ต Viber asks for an SMS code, but the message does not arrive: Disable the SMS blocker or try requesting a code through a call. Also check if the antivirus is blocking the clone.
- ๐ The application crashes on startup clone: Clear the cloned cache Viber in the application settings or reinstall the clone.
- ๐ซ Account blocked for "suspicious activity": This can happen if you frequently switch between clones. Try to restore access through the official website Viber or use another method of separating accounts.
If none of the methods works, check:
- ๐ถ The stability of the Internet connection (especially for SMS codes).
- ๐ฑ Free space on the device (minimum 500 MB for the second account).
- ๐ง Energy saving settings - some firmware aggressively close background processes of clones.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Can I use one number for two Viber accounts?
No, Viber links the account to a unique phone number. If you try to log in with the same number in two copies, the first session will be terminated. For the second account you need a separate number (you can use a virtual one, for example, from Google Voice or TextNow).
Will the second Viber consume more battery?
Yes, two copies Viber will increase battery consumption by 10โ20% (depends on chat activity). To reduce consumption, disable background activity for one of the accounts: Settings โ Applications โ Viber โ Battery โ Optimization.
Can I transfer chats between two accounts?
Officially - no. To save the correspondence, make a backup copy in the first account (Settings โ Account โ Backup) and restore it manually in the second (via a file viber.db in the folder /sdcard/ViberMediaFor this you will need root or a file manager with access to). system folders.
Does this method work on iPhone?
No, iOS does not support cloning applications without jailbreaking. An alternative is to use. web version Viber in the browser Safari (for the second account) or a virtual machine on the computer.
Can Viber ban an account for using clones?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice, blocking occurs rarely. Main reasons for ban: frequent. changing devices, using modified ones APK or suspicious activity (mass mailing). To minimize risks, do not use clones for spam and do not log in from one number in several copies.