Many users of modern smartphones are faced with the need to separate work and personal contacts. Standard messenger Viber by default supports only one account per device. This creates certain inconveniences for those who need to quickly respond to customers, stay in touch with family, without having a second phone with them.
Fortunately, the ecosystem Android provides flexible tools to solve this problem. There are several methods that allow you to launch application clone and log in with the second number. The choice of a specific method depends on the model of your gadget and the version of the operating system.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the current options: from built-in functions of manufacturers to the use of third-party software. You will learn how to avoid data loss and set up notifications so that you don’t miss an important message from any chat.
Built-in cloning functions on smartphones
Most modern smartphone manufacturers build the function of duplicating applications directly into the system shell. This is the most reliable and energy-efficient method, since it does not require the installation of additional “junk” software. If you have a device from Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei or Honor, checking the settings should be the first step.
Usually this option is hidden in the application settings section. For example, on phones Samsung the function is called Dual Messenger, and on Xiaomi — Clone applications. After activation, the system will automatically create a shortcut for the second Viber with a small difference icon, for example, an orange check mark or the number “2”.
The activation process takes only a couple of minutes and does not require superuser rights. You just need to find the desired messenger in the list and switch the toggle switch to the active position. The system itself will download the necessary component and create an isolated environment for the second account.
⚠️ Attention: On some older smartphone models, the cloning function may be missing or work unstable with the latest versions of Viber. In this case, it is worth considering alternative methods.
Before activating the clone, make sure that you have access to a second SIM card or the ability to receive an SMS to an alternative number to confirm registration.
Using the Second Space mode
A more radical, but also safer in terms of privacy, method is creation Second Space or “Second Space”. This technology, popular on devices Xiaomi and Huawei, essentially creates a virtual second smartphone inside your main one.
In this mode, you get a completely separate desktop, your own settings, gallery and, of course, the ability to install another copy. Viber. Switching between spaces occurs through a special gesture, fingerprint or password. The data in these spaces is completely isolated from each other.
This solution is ideal if you need not just two messengers, but complete separation of your digital life. You can set up different wallpapers, different Google accounts, and even different passwords to unlock each space.
- 📱 Complete data isolation: photos and files from the main profile are not visible in the second space.
- 🔒 Different unlock passwords: you can set up login using different fingerprints for different profiles.
- ⚙️ Flexible settings: the ability to turn off the Internet or notifications for the second space at a certain time.
However, it is worth considering that running two active spaces at the same time may consume more RAM. If your smartphone has less than 4 GB of RAM, switching between profiles may occur with a slight delay.
Third-party parallelizer applications
If the manufacturer of your phone did not provide a built-in cloning function; specialized utilities from the store come to the rescue. The most popular of them are Google Play. The most popular of them are - Parallel Space, 2Accounts and Multi Parallel. These applications create a virtual container within which a copy of the messenger is launched.
The principle of operation of such apps is to emulate the Android environment. When you run a cloned Viber via Parallel Space, it "thinks" it is installed on a separate device. This allows you to bypass the restriction on installing one instance of the application.
Installation usually takes place in a couple of clicks: download the shell, select the desired messenger from the list and click the add button. After this, a new shortcut will appear on the desktop that will launch Viber through the parallelizer environment.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party clone applications often contain advertising and may request unnecessary permissions. Carefully study the privacy policy before installation.
A significant disadvantage of using such solutions is increased battery consumption. Since the shell application runs in the background constantly, supporting the work of the second messenger, the device’s charge can drain faster by 10-15% per day.
Why may a clone not receive notifications?
Often the problem lies in aggressive system energy saving. Go to the battery settings and disable restricting the background operation of the parallelizer application.
Setting up notifications and working with two numbers
After successfully installing the second instance, it is critical to configure notifications correctly. Otherwise, you risk either missing an important message from your boss or constantly being distracted by personal chats while working. Different versions of Android and shells process notifications from clones differently.
In most cases, the system automatically assigns a marked application icon to the clone, but notification sounds may be duplicated or, conversely, disabled. It is recommended to go into the notification settings for both instances Viber and set them to different sound profiles.
For example, for a personal number you can leave the standard sound, and for a work one set a quiet signal or vibration. This will help you intuitively understand where the message came from without taking your phone out of your pocket.
| Parameter | Main Viber | Clone Viber |
|---|---|---|
| Notification sound | Standard (Guitar) | Short signal (Pop) |
| Vibration | Long | Short |
| Icon on screen | Normal | With orange mark |
| Priority | High | Medium |
It is also worth checking the display settings on the lock screen. Some users prefer to hide the contents of messages from the work clone so that confidential information does not fall into view of strangers when the phone is lying on the table.
Different notification sounds are the easiest way to instantly identify the source of a message without looking at the screen.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users may encounter a number of technical difficulties. The most common problem is the inability to receive SMS code confirmation when registering a second account. This is often due to the fact that the system automatically inserts the number of the main SIM card.
When registering, carefully watch the number entry field. If you are using a second physical SIM card, make sure that it is selected for sending SMS and receiving calls in your phone settings. In some cases, it is easier to remove the main SIM card at the time of registering the clone.
Another common error is the application crashing on startup. This may be caused by insufficient RAM or a version conflict. Try clearing the cache of both the main application and the clone through the system settings Settings → Applications → Viber → Storage.
- 🔄 Update the application: make sure that both the main and cloned Viber are updated to the latest version from the store.
- 🗑️ Clearing the cache: regularly clearing temporary files helps avoid freezes.
- 📵 Reboot: a simple reboot of the smartphone often solves problems with the clone’s network connections.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces may differ depending on the version Android. If you do not find the item you need, use the search in your phone settings.
Data security when using clones
Using two accounts on one device imposes additional responsibility for data security. This is especially true for work chats, where confidential customer information or trade secrets can be transmitted.
It is recommended to install a separate one PIN code or enable fingerprint login directly within the settings of the Viber application itself for the second account. This will create an additional barrier, even if someone unlocks your phone.
Also, do not forget about regular backups. Cloned applications are sometimes removed along with the parallelizer shell when resetting settings or uninstalling supporting software. Configure automatic saving of chat history to the cloud for both profiles.
Remember that some corporate security policies may prohibit the installation of instant messengers through third-party clones. In such cases, using the mode Second Space is a more preferable option, as it provides a better level of isolation.
☑️ Checking the security of the second account
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to clone Viber on phones without the function Dual Apps?
Yes, it is possible. You will need to install a third-party application from Google Play, for example Parallel Space or Multi Parallel. They create a virtual environment for launching a second instance of the messenger.
Will notifications be received from the second Viber if the phone is locked?
Yes, notifications should arrive correctly. However, if you are using a third-party parallelizer, make sure that it is allowed to run in the background in the battery settings, otherwise the system may “put to sleep” the process.
Is it possible to transfer correspondence history to a cloned account?
There is no direct transfer of history from one account to another within the same phone. You can restore history from a Google Drive backup when you initially set up a second account, if it was made for this number earlier.
Does cloning affect the speed of a smartphone?
Insignificant. The main impact falls on RAM and battery power, since essentially there are two active applications running on the phone. On modern devices with 6+ GB of RAM, this is almost unnoticeable.
What to do if the second Viber is not activated by the number?
Make sure that the SIM card with this number is active and is in the phone (or in a nearby device for receiving SMS). Try requesting a code by voice call if SMS does not arrive.