Many device users Xiaomi are faced with the need to use two accounts in one application, for example, to separate work and personal chats in instant messengers or to manage multiple game profiles.
Unlike standard versions Android, firmware MIUI (and new HyperOS) offers built-in, deeply integrated tools for solving this task without the need for superuser rights or complex flashing.
Functional cloning applications allows you to run two independent copies of the same app, each of which has its own settings, cache and authorization data, which is critical important for modern digital hygiene.
Built-in capabilities of MIUI and HyperOS
The manufacturer Xiaomi implemented the function of duplicating apps at the system level, which ensures better stability compared to third-party analogues.
To activate this options, you must go to the settings menu of your device. Typically the path looks like this: Settings → Applications → Cloning applications.
In the list that opens, the system will automatically display those apps that support the creation of doubles. Most often these are social networks and instant messengers, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber or Facebook.
After turning on the switch, a new icon with a small icon in the form of two circles will appear on the desktop in front of the desired application, indicating that this is a cloned version.
⚠️ Attention: Not all installed apps support the standard one cloning. Games or specialized software may not be in the list available for duplication.
Using the built-in mechanism is the most energy-efficient way, since it does not require running additional background virtualization processes.
If you do not find the application you need in the list of built-in cloning, try updating it to the latest version via Google Play or Mi GetApps - support is often added in new ones releases.
Second Space function for complete isolation
When standard cloning is not enough, for example, you need to completely hide the presence of certain apps or use different system settings, the function comes to the rescue Second Space.
This technology essentially creates a second virtual user profile inside one smartphone, protected by a separate password or fingerprint.
You can activate the mode through the path Settings → Second space or by adding the corresponding widget to the desktop.
After setting, you can switch between the main and second space by simply touching a special icon or using another fingerprint on the lock screen.
- 🔒 Complete data isolation: files and photos from the main space are not visible in the second.
- 📱 Independent installation: you can install any app again, even if it is already in the first profile.
- 🎮 Various settings: you can set excellent brightness, sound and wallpaper for every space.
It is worth considering that working in two spaces at the same time increases the load on the device's RAM, which can affect autonomy.
Use of third-party utilities for cloning
If the built-in tools MIUI do not support a specific application, users often turn to specialized software from store Google Play.
The most popular solutions are Parallel Space, Dual Space and Multiple Accounts. These apps create a virtual environment within which a copy of the required software is launched.
The principle of operation of such utilities is to emulate system libraries, which allows you to deceive the application into thinking that it is installed on a separate device.
However, the use of third-party “sandboxes” has its drawbacks: increased power consumption, the presence of advertising in free versions and potential risks data confidentiality.
⚠️ Attention: Banking applications and highly secure apps (for example, Google Pay or corporate clients) often refuse to work inside third-party cloning environments for security reasons.
Before installing such software, carefully review the requested permissions. Often virtualizers require access to contacts and storage, which may be overkill for simple tasks.
Technical limitations and performance impact
Running multiple copies of heavy applications inevitably affects the smartphone's resources, especially on devices with a small amount of RAM.
Each clone consumes its own volume RAM and takes up space in the internal storage, duplicating the cache and libraries.
On budget models of the series Redmi with 3-4 GB of RAM, the simultaneous operation of two instances of resource-intensive games can lead to noticeable drawdowns FPS and heating of the case.
The system Android can forcefully terminate background processes of clones in order to free up resources for the active application, which leads to a disconnection in messengers.
| Cloning method | Battery consumption | Operation stability | Data security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular MIUI cloning | Low | High | High |
| Second space | Medium | High | Maximum |
| Parallel Space (third-party) | High | Medium | Medium |
For maximum performance and saving battery power, it is always a priority to use built-in system functions, and not third-party virtualizer applications.
Data transfer and synchronization between clones
It is important to understand that the cloned application and its original are completely isolated from each other in terms of data storage.
You cannot just transfer the correspondence history from the main one WhatsApp to the cloned one via standard file sharing within the application.
To transfer data, you need to create a backup copy in cloud storage (Google Drive or iCloud) in the main application, and then restore it to the clone during the first setup.
Files downloaded in the cloned messenger are saved by default to a hidden folder of the virtual environment and are not displayed in the shared gallery.
To make media files from the clone visible in the shared gallery, in the settings of some virtualizers there is an option Synchronize with the main space.
Where are the clone files stored?
Files of third-party clone applications are often located in folders like /Android/data/com.parallel.space/files/, access to which may be limited in new versions of Android.
Solving common problems and errors when cloning
Users may encounter a situation where the cloned application crashes immediately after launch or does not receive notifications.
Most often, the problem lies in the aggressive energy saving system MIUI, which “kills” the background process of the second instance.
To correct the situation, go to the battery settings, find the cloned application and set the operating mode No restrictions.
Also check the notification settings: for the clone they must be enabled separately, regardless of the main application.
- 🔄 Clear the cache of both applications if messages are out of sync.
- 🔋 Disable energy saving for a specific clone in the battery settings.
- 📶 Check network access rights, making sure that the clone is allowed mobile data and Wi-Fi.
If the application requires verification via SMS, make sure that the SIM card to which the code will be sent is active and has a network signal at the time moment.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or HyperOS). If you do not find the menu item, use the search in settings.
☑️ Diagnose problems with the clone
Is it possible to clone banking applications on Xiaomi?
Banking applications cannot be cloned using standard MIUI tools for security reasons. Third-party utilities are also often blocked by banks, as they detect the presence of a virtual environment and consider the device to be compromised.
Does a clone of an application take up memory space?
Yes, a cloned application takes up almost the same amount of space as the original, since it installs its own set of files and libraries, although some system resources may be shared.
Will notifications be sent to the second space?
Notifications only come when you are active in the second space. In lock mode or when in the first space, notifications from the second profile are usually not displayed on the lock screen.
What will happen to the clone when you reset the phone?
When performing a full factory reset (Hard Reset), all cloned applications, second space data and settings will be permanently deleted.