Installing two copies of the same app on Android is a task that users face for various reasons: from the need to separate work and personal accounts to testing beta versions in parallel with stable releases. Despite the fact that Google Play blocks the installation of duplicates by defaultyou can bypass this limitation in several ways - both using the built-in functions of modern smartphones and through third-party tools.

It is important to understand: not all methods are equally safe and universal. For example, cloning through settings is only available on devices with MIUI, ColorOS or Realme UI, while using ADB requires technical skills and may lead to failures. In this article we will analyze all current methods for installing duplicate applications on Android 10–14including their pros, cons and potential risks to the system.

Before you begin, check:

  • 📱 Android version (in Settings → About phone): some methods do not work on older versions (below 8.0).
  • 🔒 Developer rights: they will be required for methods with ADB and system modification.
  • 🛡️ Having a backup: experiments with cloning can lead to data conflicts.

📊 Why do you need two identical applications?
To separate work/personal accounts
Testing beta versions
Using multiple profiles in games/social networks
Other

1. Cloning through built-in functions (MIUI, ColorOS, Realme UI)

The easiest way is to use built-in cloning functionavailable on smartphones Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme and some other brands. It allows you to create parallel space or duplicate application without root access and third-party apps.

For example, on Xiaomi with the shell MIUI the path looks like this:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Cloning applications.
  2. Select an application from the list (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram).
  3. Click Clone —a second icon labeled “Duplicate” will appear on the desktop.

On Oppo/Realme the function is called Parallel applications and is located in Settings → Privacy → Parallel applications. After activation, the duplicate will appear in the application menu with a separate profile.

⚠️ Attention: Clone applications may conflict with the originals when used simultaneously (for example, notifications will be duplicated). Also, some applications (for example, banking) block work in parallel space for security reasons.
Brand/Shell Function name Path in settings Limitations
Xiaomi (MIUI) Clone applications Settings → Applications → Cloning Not all applications are supported
Oppo/Realme (ColorOS) Parallel applications Settings → Privacy → Parallel applications Maximum 2 duplicates per application
Huawei (EMUI) PrivateSpace Settings → Security → PrivateSpace Requires reboot

Update the firmware to the latest version

Check the list of supported applications

Free up at least 500 MB of memory

Disable battery optimization for cloned applications-->

2. Using third-party launchers (Island, Parallel Space)

If your smartphone does not support built-in cloning, you can use third-party launchersthat create isolated spaces. The most popular solutions:

  • 🌴 Island (from the developer Oasis Feng) - uses the Work Profile Android mechanism to create an "island" with duplicates.
  • 🔄 Parallel Space - clones applications in a virtual environment (requires a lot of resources).
  • 🛡️ Shelter - open analogue Island with FOSS support.

Setting example Island:

  1. Install Island from Google Play.
  2. Open the application and click Settings → Create work profile.
  3. In the list of applications, select those that you want to clone and click Move.
  4. Duplicates will appear in a separate menu Island.

Parallel Space works differently: it creates a virtual machine where you can install a second copy of the application via APK-file. However, this method heavily loads the processor can lead to lags on weak devices.

⚠️ Attention: Applications in Parallel Space may not receive push notifications due to Android restrictions on background activity of virtual spaces. For critical messengers (for example, WhatsApp) it is better to use Island.
💡

If the cloned application does not receive notifications, check the battery settings: add it to the "No restrictions" list in Settings → Battery → Battery optimization

3. Installation via ADB (for experienced users)

The method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is suitable for advanced users, as it requires working with the command line. Its main advantage is the ability to clone any application, even if the manufacturer has blocked this function.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable USB debugging in Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → Settings → System → For developers.
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and launch the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The name of your device should appear.

  4. Execute the clone command (replace com.example.app to the package name of the application, for example, com.whatsapp): 
    adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 0 com.example.app

To find the package name of the application, use the command: 

adb shell pm list packages | grep "application_name"

For example, for Telegram this will be org.telegram.messenger.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, banking or DRM-protected) can detect cloning via ADB and block access. Also, after updating Android, cloned applications may disappear - they will have to be installed again.
How to delete an application cloned via ADB?

Use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.example.app

Where com.example.app — batch name of the duplicate.

4. Virtual machines (VMOS, UserLand)

For those who need complete isolation of duplicates, suitable virtual machines type VMOS or UserLand. They emulate a separate Android inside your smartphone, allowing you to install any applications without conflicts with the main system.

Pros of the method:

  • 🔒 Complete isolation: the virtual machine does not interact with the main OS.
  • 🛠️ Flexibility: you can install any version of Android (for example, VMOS supports Android 5.1–11).
  • 📱 Multi-window: some VMs allow you to run applications in a floating window.

Cons:

  • 🐢 High load on the processor and battery (the virtual machine consumes a lot of resources).
  • 📶 Limited access to hardware functions (for example, a camera or GPS may be unstable).
  • 🔄 Difficulty setting up for beginners.

Example settings VMOS:

  1. Download VMOS from the official website (not from Google Play!).
  2. Run the application and configure the virtual machine (allocate at least 2 GB of memory and 16 GB of storage).
  3. Inside VMOS, log in Google Play and install the desired application.
  4. The duplicate will work in an isolated environment.

💡

Virtual machines are the only way to run two copies of an application with different versions of Android (for example, testing compatibility on Android 10 and 12 simultaneously).

5. Rooting and system modification (Magisk, Xposed)

For users with root-rights advanced cloning methods are available, such as modules for Magisk or Xposed Framework. For example, the module App Cloner for Magisk allows you to create duplicates with unique package names, which eliminates conflicts.

Advantages of rooted methods:

  • 🔧 Full control: you can clone any applications, including system ones.
  • 🔄 Stability: duplicates work like native applications.
  • 📦 Flexibility: you can change the permissions and settings of clones.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Security risk: root access opens vulnerabilities to malware.
  • 🚫 Loss of warranty: most manufacturers will void the warranty if root is detected.
  • 🔄 Difficulty with updates: after updating Android, you may need to re-root.

Installation example App Cloner via Magisk:

  1. Install Magisk Manager and get root access.
  2. Download the module App Cloner from the repository Magisk.
  3. Activate the module and reboot device.
  4. In the menu Magisk select the application for cloning and confirm the creation of a duplicate.

⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block work on rooted devices. To use them, you will need to hide root through modules like MagiskHide.

6. Alternative methods: web versions and lightweight clients

If cloning is not possible or desirable, consider alternatives:

  • 🌐 Web versions: many services (for example, Telegram, VK, Twitter) have full web interfaces that can be opened in the browser as PWA (progressive web application).
  • 📱 Lightweight clients: for some applications there are unofficial clients (for example, Frost for Facebook or Hermit for creating lightweight versions of websites).
  • 🔄 Multi-account: some applications (for example, WhatsApp Business) initially support multiple accounts in one client.

Creation example PWA for Telegram Web:

  1. Open the Chrome site web.telegram.org.
  2. Click ⋮ → Install application.
  3. Run the installed web version - it will work like separate application.

The advantage of this method is no conflicts with the main application and minimal load on the system. However, the functionality of web versions may be limited compared to native clients.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Method Complexity Requires root Notification support System load
Built-in cloning (MIUI/ColorOS) ⭐ ❌ No ✅ Yes ⭐ Low
Island/Parallel Space ⭐⭐ ❌ No ⚠️ Partially ⭐⭐ Average
ADB ⭐⭐⭐ ❌ No ✅ Yes ⭐ Low
Virtual machines (VMOS) ⭐⭐⭐ ❌ No ⚠️ Partially ⭐⭐⭐ High
Root + App Cloner ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ⭐ Low

For most users, the optimal solution will be built-in cloning (if supported by the device) or Island. If you need complete isolation, consider VMOS, but be prepared for reduced performance. The method with ADB is suitable for isolated cases when other methods are not available.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to clone system applications (for example, "Messages" or "Phone")?

Cloning system applications is only possible from root access or through ADB, but this can lead to unstable operation of the phone. For example, a duplicate Phone app may conflict with the original for incoming calls. On most devices without root, system applications are blocked for cloning.

Why does the cloned application not receive notifications?

The problem is typical for virtual spaces (Parallel Space) or work profiles (Island). Solutions:

  • Check your battery settings: add the application to exceptions.
  • In Island enable the option Show notifications in your profile settings.
  • For Parallel Space try disabling optimization in the application settings.

If notifications are critical (for example, for instant messengers), use ADB or built-in cloning.

Will the cloned application be updated automatically?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • Duplicates created via built-in functions (MIUI/ColorOS) are updated along with the original.
  • Applications in Island or Parallel Space are updated through Google Play inside the virtual space.
  • Applications cloned through ADB applications are not updated automatically - they need to be reinstalled manually after updating the original.

Is it possible to clone games (for example, Clash of Clans or PUBG)?

Technically yes, but there are nuances:

  • 🎮 Built-in cloning (MIUI/ColorOS) is often blocked by games with anti-cheat protection (for example, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire).
  • 🖥️ Virtual machines (VMOS) can run games, but with a strong drop in FPS due to emulation.
  • 🚫 Root methods lead to a ban in most online games (detected Magisk or changed application signatures).

For for multi-accounts in games, it is better to use official solutions (for example, Guest account v Clash of Clans).

How to delete a cloned application?

The method depends on the cloning method:

  • Built-in cloning: go to cloning settings and click Remove duplicate.
  • Island/Parallel Space: uninstall the application inside the virtual space.
  • ADB: use the command: 
    adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 package.name
  • Root (App Cloner): remove the duplicate as a normal application in the settings.