How to set up cloning applications on Redmi smartphones

Owners of modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are often faced with the need to use multiple accounts in the same instant messengers or social networks. The standard Android operating system doesn't natively provide a convenient way to run two copies of the same application on the same device. However, shell manufacturers such as MIUI and HyperOS have solved this problem by introducing native tools for creating virtual clones.

The function application cloning allows you to run two independent copies of the app, each of which can be linked to its own phone number or account. This is especially true for those who separate personal and work correspondence, but do not want to carry two different gadgets with them. In this article, we will look in detail at how to activate this option on Redmi devices, what restrictions exist and what to do if the desired app is not in the list of supported ones.

What is cloning and why do you need it

At its core, cloning is the creation of an isolated software environment inside the main space of your smartphone. When you enable this feature for a specific application, the system creates an exact copy of it with a modified internal ID. To the operating system, these look like two completely different applications, although their icons and names may be identical, with the exception of a small check icon.

The most popular use case is working with instant messengers. Users often want to have access to WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber from two different SIM cards at the same time. Without the cloning function, you would have to constantly log out of one account and log into another, which is extremely inconvenient and disrupts the operation of Push notifications. The technology allows you to receive messages to both numbers in real time without switching profiles.

In addition to instant messengers, this technology is useful for social networks and gaming platforms. For example, you can maintain a personal profile in Instagram or VK and at the same time manage a corporate brand account. In games, this allows you to have two progress: one for a relaxed playthrough, and the second for a competitive mode or leveling up an alternative character.

⚠️ Attention: Cloned applications consume additional processor and RAM resources. If your device has less than 4 GB of RAM, running two heavy apps at the same time can slow down the system.

From a technical point of view, each clone runs in its own sandbox. The data, cache and settings of the original application do not interfere with the data of the clone in any way. Deleting one copy does not in any way affect the safety of the data in the second. This ensures a high level of security and separation of confidential information.

Built-in "App Cloning" function in MIUI

Xiaomi has integrated a duplication mechanism directly into the MIUI shell (and the new HyperOS), calling it "App Cloning". This is the most stable and energy-efficient method, since it works at the system level and does not emulate the environment through third-party software. Access to the settings is usually located in the security section or settings of the device itself.

To activate the function, you need to go to the menu Settings → Applications → Cloning applications. In some firmware versions, the path may be different: Settings → Advanced settings → Cloning applications or through the app Security → Cloning applications. The interface may vary slightly depending on the Android version and regional firmware.

After entering the menu, you will see a list of installed apps that support the creation of a second copies. The system automatically analyzes the type of application and determines whether it can be cloned without breaking functionality. Usually, the list contains all popular instant messengers and social networks.

• 📱 WhatsApp — full support for two accounts with different numbers.
• ✈️ Telegram — the ability to add a second profile regardless of the main one.
• 📸 Instagram — separation of your personal feed and work account.
• 🎮 Game launchers — launching several gaming sessions (depending on games).

Activation occurs by simply switching the toggle switch opposite the desired application. Once enabled, a new icon will appear on your desktop with a small yellow or blue icon in the corner indicating that it is a clone. When you first launch, you will need to log in using the details of the second account.

Second Space feature for complete isolation

If standard cloning is not enough, or you want to create a completely independent environment with a separate set of applications, password and gallery, the Second Space feature is for you. This is not just a duplicate of the app, but a full-fledged second user profile inside one smartphone, similar to the “Guest Mode” function, but with the ability to work continuously.

The second space allows you to hide certain applications from prying eyes. You can configure entry into this mode using a separate fingerprint or a special password. When unlocked, one finger reveals the main space, and the other reveals the hidden space. This is an ideal option for maximum privacy.

To activate, go to Settings → Second space and press the power button. The system will prompt you to configure the login method and transfer some data. Inside the second space, you can install the same applications again and log into them using other Google accounts.

Features	App cloning	Second space
Type isolation	Application data only	Full system (profile)
Memory consumption	Low	High
Speed switching	Instantly (icons on one screen)	Requires changing user
Notifications	Comes to the common notification center	Only when the second space is active

Using the second space has its own nuances. Notifications from apps in your second profile won't appear in Home mode until you switch. This can be both a plus (no one will see the message) and a minus (you can miss an important call).

Using third-party cloning utilities

What to do if the built-in MIUI function does not support the application you need? For example, you want to clone a banking application or a specific corporate messenger that is not on the allowed list. In such cases, third-party parallelizer apps, available in the store, come to the rescue Google Play.

The most popular solutions are Parallel Space, Dual Space and 2Accounts. These applications create a virtual environment that emulates the presence of a second device. You install such a utility, and inside it you already add the necessary apps. The principle of operation is similar to the Android emulator, but launched inside Android itself.

The setup process usually looks like this: download the parallelizer application, give it all the necessary permissions (access to files, phone, camera), then select from the list of installed apps those that need to be duplicated. The utility will create their shortcuts inside its interface.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party cloning applications often contain a lot of advertising and may collect data about your activity. Use them with caution, especially for logging into financial services.

The main disadvantage of such solutions is increased energy consumption. Since it is an add-on to the system, it consumes more battery than the native clone from Xiaomi. In addition, some banking applications may detect the use of a parallelizer as a security threat and refuse to work.

Why do banking applications block clones?

Banking services use complex security systems (SafetyNet, Play Integrity API). They check the integrity of the launch environment. Third-party cloning utilities often modify system calls, which is perceived by the bank as a hacking attempt or work on a rooted device, so access is blocked.

Configuring notifications and optimizing work

One ​​of the common problems when cloning is the unstable operation of notifications on the second account. The system may "kill" the clone's background process to save power, causing messages to arrive with a delay. To avoid this, you need to correctly configure the power saving settings for cloned applications.

Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the clone (it will be marked "2" or a clone icon). Go to the "Activity Control" or "Battery Saver" section. Select option "No restrictions". This will allow the application to remain permanently in memory and receive push notifications instantly.

It is also recommended to pin the application in memory. Open the multitasking menu (swipe up and hold or menu button), find the clone window and pull it down (or press the lock, depending on the MIUI version). This will prevent it from closing when the memory is cleared by the "Trash" button.

• 🔋 Autorun: allow the clone to autorun in the security settings.
• 🔔 Notifications: check whether notifications specifically for the clone are disabled in the system menu.
• 📶 Network: Make sure that background traffic restrictions are not applied to this application.

If you are using a theme, make sure it displays clone icons correctly. Some custom themes may hide the "2" indicator icon, which can cause you to confuse the main application and its copy by sending a message to the wrong chat.

Possible problems and solutions

Despite the well-functioning system, Redmi users may encounter a number of specific errors. A common problem is the inability to receive SMS to a second number within a cloned messenger. This is because SMS reading rights may not be granted to the clone by default.

When setting up for the first time, carefully read the permission requests. If you accidentally denied a clone access to contacts or SMS, go to the application settings and grant them manually. Without rights to read SMS, automatic verification in WhatsApp or Telegram will not work, and you will have to enter the code manually.

Another difficulty arises when updating the system. After a major MIUI update, cloning settings are sometimes reset or applications stop running. In this case, it is recommended to delete the clone and create it again. Data will not be lost if you use a cloud backup inside the messenger itself.

adb shell pm list packages | grep clone

For advanced users, there is a diagnostic option via ADB. The command above allows you to see the system packages associated with cloning, which can help identify conflicts if the application does not start at all. However, in 99% of cases, the problem is solved by standard methods of rebooting or recreating a clone.

⚠️ Attention: The interface and names of menu items may differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14) or HyperOS. If you do not find the described item, use the search in the settings by entering the word “Clone”.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to clone one application more than two times?

Using standard MIUI tools, you can create only one copy (2 copies in total). To create the third and subsequent clones, you need to use third-party applications like Parallel Space, but this will heavily load the system.

Do cloned applications take up a lot of memory space?

Yes, each clone takes up space equal to the size of the application itself plus user data. If the original WhatsApp weighs 200 MB, then the clone will take about the same amount, not counting the shared system libraries.

Will the clone work if the main application is deleted?

No. In most cases, the clone is dependent on the main application package. When you delete the original, the system will prompt you to delete the clone as well, or it will stop running. You need to delete it carefully.

Is it possible to change the icon of a cloned application?

You cannot change the icon directly in the MIUI settings; it is marked with a special icon. However, you can use third-party launchers or themes that allow you to customize the appearance of the shortcuts.

Does cloning affect the speed of the smartphone?

On modern Snapdragon processors in Redmi, the impact is minimal. A noticeable decrease in performance is possible only on budget models with a small amount of RAM (3 GB or less) when both accounts are active at the same time.