Owners of modern smartphones, such as Xiaomi Redmi 8, are often faced with the need to use several accounts in the same messenger or social network. This is especially true for those who separate personal and work lives or simply want to manage two profiles simultaneously. Fortunately, the shell WhatsApp simultaneously. Luckily the shell MIUIinstalled on this device offers built-in tools to solve this task without the need to install third-party software. The process of creating a copy of an application, or cloning, is a standard function of the system that works stably and does not require superuser rights.
However, before starting the procedure, it is important to understand that cloning creates a full-fledged second application with independent settings and data storage. This means you can log into your second account without logging out of your first and receive notifications from both profiles. In this article we will look in detail at how to activate the function Cloning applications, which apps are supported by default and what to do if the required service is not in the list. We will also touch on issues of device performance, since launching duplicates requires additional RAM resources.
It is worth noting that the menu interface may differ slightly depending on the firmware version MIUIinstalled on your Redmi 8. Developers periodically update the settings structure, adding new features or changing the location of items. However, the basic principle of the function has remained the same over the years. If you do not find the item exactly where it is indicated in the instructions, try using a search in the phone settings by entering the keyword “clone.”
Preparing the device and checking compatibility
Before you start setting up, make sure that your smartphone is completely ready to work with additional processes. Although Redmi 8 has enough power for basic tasks, running heavy applications in duplicate can put a strain on the system. It is recommended to check the available space in the internal memory, as the clone will take up the same amount of space as the original. It is also advisable to update the firmware to the latest available version through the menu Settings → About phone → System update.
The cloning function MIUI supports a limited list of apps, mainly popular instant messengers and social networks. The system automatically detects installed applications and offers to create a copy of them if they are compatible with this operating mode. Trying to clone banking applications or games is often impossible using standard means due to security limitations or the architecture of the software itself. In such cases, the system simply will not display the required icon in the list of those available for duplication.
⚠️ Attention: Cloning banking applications may lead to blocking access to the account by the bank's security service. Use this function only for instant messengers and social networks if you are not sure of the consequences.
To get started, open the settings of your device and find the section responsible for managing apps. This item may be called differently in different versions of the shell, but most often it is hidden inside the Applications menu. Here you can see a complete list of installed software and available actions for each of them. Make sure that the main application you plan to clone is already installed and configured, as the copy will be created based on it.
☑️ Ready to clone
Activating the function through the MIUI settings
The main way to enable the duplication mode is through the standard smartphone settings menu. Navigation Xiaomi is thought out logically, but due to the abundance of items, it can be difficult for beginners to find the right section the first time. You need to go to section Settings → Applications → Cloning applications. It is here that the switch is hidden, which activates the ability to create second instances of apps. After turning on this toggle switch, the system will scan the memory and generate a list of services available for cloning.
As soon as you activate the function, a new icon will appear on the desktop with a small yellow icon in the corner - this is the cloned application. It works completely independently of the original: you can change its theme, notification settings, or even move it to another screen. Logging into your account in a clone is carried out separately, so you will need the details of a second SIM card or an alternative phone number for registration or authorization. This is an ideal way to separate work chats and personal correspondence.
If you are using an older version of the shell, the path may be slightly different. In some builds MIUI this feature is moved to a separate application called “Second Space”, which creates an isolated environment on the phone. However, for simple duplication of messengers, it is better to use the built-in cloning tool, since it consumes fewer resources and is more convenient to use. Do not confuse these two modes, since Second Space actually creates a second user profile with its own files and system settings.
After creating a clone, the application icon will be marked with a special marker. Do not delete the original, thinking that it is a copy, otherwise you will lose your main account data.
Just go back to the menu Cloning applications and disable the switch opposite the desired app. The system will warn you that all data inside the cloned version will be permanently deleted. This applies to the history of correspondence, media files and settings saved in the second copy, so before deleting it is recommended to make a backup copy of important information.
Using the Second Space application
For those users for whom simple duplication of the icon is not enough, the company Xiaomi implemented a more advanced tool - Second Space. This feature creates an isolated environment on the phone that runs as a separate user on the Android system. Switching between the main and second space occurs using a fingerprint or a special password. This allows you to completely hide the presence of certain applications from prying eyes, since they may simply not exist in one space.
Activation of the Second Space requires a little more time for the initial setup. You will have to choose an unlocking method for the new profile and configure its initial settings. After entering this space, you will see an empty desktop on which you need to reinstall all the necessary applications from Google Play or GetApps. The advantage of this approach is complete data isolation: files, photos and contacts in one space are not visible in another without special transfer.
⚠️ Attention: Switching between spaces takes a few seconds and requires entering a password or tapping your finger. Make sure that you remember the login details for the second space, otherwise access to it will be lost.
Using this mode is advisable if you need not just two WhatsApps, but a complete separation of your digital life. For example, in the main space you store personal photos and games, and in the second space you store work documents and corporate messengers. In this case, both profiles work on the same device Redmi 8, using a common contact database (with the ability to hide) and general network settings. This is a powerful tool for increasing privacy and organizing your workflow.
How to transfer files between spaces?
To transfer photos or documents between the Primary and Secondary space, use the built-in Data Transfer feature. It is located in the Second Space settings and allows you to select files to copy to another profile without connecting to a computer.
Third-party solutions for unsupported applications
The standard functionality MIUI covers the needs of most users, but what if you want to clone an application that is not on the list of supported ones? For example, some games or specific business utilities do not appear in the cloning menu. In such cases, third-party applications from the store come to the rescue, emulating a virtual environment to launch duplicates. Popular solutions include Google Play, which emulate a virtual environment to run duplicates. Popular solutions include Parallel Space, 2Accounts or Multiple Accounts.
The principle of operation of such apps is to create a container inside which a copy of the target application is launched. You install the cloner utility, add the desired app to it and log into your account. This is a universal method that works with almost any software, but has its drawbacks. The main disadvantage is the increased consumption of RAM and battery, since in essence you are running an “application within an application,” which creates additional load on the processor. Redmi 8.
When choosing a third-party tool, pay attention to the permissions it requests. Many cloners require access to contacts, storage, and even location to work correctly. It is recommended to provide only the necessary rights and download apps only from official sources. It is also worth considering that some highly secure banking applications and services may recognize the cloning environment and refuse to run in it for security reasons.
| Cloning method | Operation stability | Battery consumption | Complexity of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native MIUI cloning | High | Low | Minimum |
| Second space | Very high | Average | Average |
| Parallel Space | Average | High | Low |
| Multiple Accounts | Average | High | Low |
Optimizing the operation of cloned applications
Running multiple instances of heavy applications, such as Telegram with a huge cache of media files or Instagramcan lead to to slow down your smartphone. To avoid interface sluggishness and rapid battery drain, you need to properly configure power saving for clones. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the cloned version and go to the “Battery Saver” section. Here it is recommended to select the “No restrictions” mode so that the system does not terminate the process in the background and you receive notifications on time.
However, setting the unlimited mode has a downside: the application will actively consume resources even in the background. If you notice that your phone is draining quickly, try limiting background activity to less important clones. It is also useful to regularly clear the cache of cloned applications through the data storage menu. Over time, gigabytes of temporary files accumulate there, which not only take up space, but can also slow down the launch of the app.
For owners Redmi 8 with 3 or 4 GB of RAM, it is critical to monitor the number of apps running simultaneously. If you use multiple clones, close unnecessary browser tabs and heavy games when not in use. The Android system automatically manages memory, but under heavy load it can begin to aggressively close background processes, which will lead to notifications from cloned messengers disappearing until they are reopened.
For stable operation of clones, configure the power saving mode “No restrictions” and regularly clear the application cache to avoid memory overflow.
Solving common problems and errors
Despite the well-functioning system, users sometimes encounter situations where the clone does not start, crashes, or does not send notifications. One of the common reasons is a conflict between application versions. If the main application is updated to a new version, but the clone remains on the old version (or vice versa), this may cause an initialization error. In this case, try updating both instances through the app store or deleting the clone and creating it again.
Problems with notifications are often associated with aggressive power saving policies MIUI. If you are not receiving messages from the second account, check whether the application is blocked from startup. Go to the Security app → Permissions → AutoPlay and make sure the switch next to clone is active. It is also worth fixing the application in memory: open the menu of running apps, hold down the clone icon and click on the lock icon. This will prevent the system from unloading it from RAM when cleaning it.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and names of menu items may change with firmware updates. If you cannot find the settings described, use the search bar at the top of the settings screen by entering the name of the function.
Another problem is the inability to log into your account due to a network error or security check. Some services, for example WhatsApp or Instagram, may regard logging in from one device under two accounts as suspicious activity. In this case, identification confirmation via SMS or email may be required. Make sure that you have access to the phone number or email of the second account before starting the cloning procedure so as not to be blocked outside the system.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to clone the same application more than twice on Redmi 8?
Using standard means MIUI you can create only one copy of the application, that is, have a maximum of two copies (original + clone). To create the third and subsequent accounts, you need to use third-party multi-window apps, such as Parallel Space, which allow you to run an unlimited number of copies, but require more resources.
Will the correspondence in the main WhatsApp be deleted if I delete its clone?
No, deleting a cloned application does not affect the original in any way. These are two independent processes with different data stores. By deleting a clone, you erase only the correspondence history and files that belong specifically to the second account. The main profile data will remain completely safe.
Why does a cloned application quickly drain the battery?
The clone works as a full-fledged application and constantly maintains a connection with the server to receive notifications. If you have several heavy clones running (for example, Facebook and Instagram), the total load on the processor and radio module increases. To save energy, limit the background activity of less important clones or disable synchronization of media files in their settings.
Is it possible to change the icon of a cloned application?
In the standard shell MIUI the clone icon is marked with a special icon (usually a yellow or orange circle), and change this behavior by system means is not possible. However, using third-party launchers or themes from the store Themes you can visually change the appearance of all icons, including cloned ones, making them unique.
Does cloning work if the main application is removed?
No, the cloning function in Xiaomi depends on the presence of the main application. If you delete the original, the clone will stop working or will also be deleted by the system. For the second account to work, the basic application must be installed. This is an architectural feature of the implementation of the function in this shell.