Owners of modern smartphones Samsung are often faced with the need to use two accounts in one messenger or social network. This may be due to the separation of work and personal space, the need to run a business, or simply the desire to have an additional profile in the game. Fortunately, the shell One UI already contains powerful tools for solving this problem without installing third-party software.
The process of creating a copy of the app, or as it is often called, cloning, has become a standard for most devices based on Android. However, the implementation of this function by the South Korean giant has its own unique features that distinguish it from analogues from other manufacturers. Understanding exactly how this system works will allow you to manage your data and notifications as efficiently as possible.
In this article, we will examine in detail all the available methods, from built-in security features to advanced methods for advanced users. You will learn which applications support duplication, how to properly configure split profiles and what to do if standard methods do not work.
Built-in Dual Messenger function on Samsung
The easiest and most reliable way to launch a second copy of a popular messenger is to use the standard utility Dual Messenger. This feature is integrated directly into the system settings and is optimized to work with the most common social networks and communication applications. Activation occurs in a few clicks and does not require deep knowledge of the operating system.
To enable duplication, you need to go to Settings → Additional features → Dual Messenger. The system will automatically scan installed apps and display a list of those that support creating a second copy. Usually this is WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, Facebook i Instagram. Next to each application there will be a switch that activates the creation of a clone.
⚠️ Attention: After activating the function, a second application icon will appear on the desktop, marked with an orange icon with a chain. This is a visual marker that allows you to distinguish a clone from the main version of the app.
When you first launch the cloned application, the system will prompt you to perform the initial setup. You will need to sign in to a different account using your new phone number or login information. It is important to understand that notifications both applications will arrive separately, and you can configure different sounds and display settings for them.
If you delete the main application, the clone will also be automatically deleted by the system to prevent errors in data operation.
It is worth noting that the list of supported apps is not static. Developers Samsung periodically update compatibility by adding new popular services. If the application you need is not in the list, this does not mean that it cannot be duplicated in other ways, which we will talk about below.
Using the Secure Folder
For those who needs to duplicate an application that is not supported by the function Dual Messenger, or who wants to create a completely isolated environment, Secure Folder. This is a platform-based secure space that creates a separate user profile inside your smartphone. Any application installed inside the security folder is essentially an independent clone. It has its own cache, its own settings and its own login information. This means that you can install the same game or banking application twice: once on the main system, and a second time inside a secure folder. Knox, which creates a separate user profile inside your smartphone.
Any application installed inside the security folder is essentially an independent clone. It has its own cache, its own settings and its own login information. This means that you can install the same game or banking application twice: once on the main system, and a second time inside a secure folder.
Activation of this mode requires the following steps:
- 🔒 Go to
Settings → Biometrics and security → Folder security. - 📱 Accept the terms of the agreement and set up the blocking method (PIN code, pattern or fingerprint).
- 📂 After creating the folder, open it and click on the “plus” icon to add the desired applications from the main list.
- 🔄 Wait until the copies are installed inside the protected one container.
The main advantage of this method is increased security. The data inside Secure Folder is encrypted and is inaccessible to other applications or users, even if the phone is unlocked. This is an excellent option for storing confidential correspondence or second accounts in banking services.
⚠️ Attention: When you reset your phone to factory settings, the data inside the Secure Folder will be deleted without the possibility of recovery unless a backup was created in the Samsung cloud.
Advanced methods: Multi-user mode
Unlike many other manufacturers, Samsung in the latest versions of the shell One UI has hidden or limited the ability to create full-fledged additional users on smartphones. However, on some models and software versions this feature is still available and allows you to create a virtually independent environment.
Multiple user mode works at the operating system level Android. Each new user receives a clean desktop, their own settings and their own set of applications. This is the most radical method of duplication, which is suitable for transferring the phone to family members or creating a completely separate work profile.
To check the availability of this feature, go to Settings → Accounts and Backup → Users. If the item is active, you can click “Add User” or “Guest”. In guest mode, temporary data is deleted after logging out, which is convenient for short-term use of someone else's account.
Why do some Samsungs not have the “Users” item?
Manufacturers often disable this feature on smartphones sold in certain regions, or on models with less than 4 GB of RAM to ensure stable system operation.
Switching between users occurs through the quick settings panel or the screen lock menu.
Third-party cloning applications
If the built-in tools Samsung do not cover your needs, solutions from third-party developers come to the rescue. The store Google Play presents many utilities that create a virtual space for running application clones. The most popular are Parallel Space, 2Accounts and Multiple Accounts.
The operating principle of such apps is based on creating an isolated virtual environment. Inside this “bubble” a copy of the target application is launched. From the system point of view, this is one process, but independent logins and data work inside it.
However, using third-party software has its disadvantages that must be taken into account:
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to the operation of background virtualization processes.
- 📉 Possible decrease in performance and delays in operation cloned applications.
- 👁️ Access of a third-party application to your personal data and correspondence, which raises privacy issues.
However, for specific tasks, such as cloning rare instant messengers or specialized enterprise software, this method often remains the only working option. It is recommended to choose applications with a high rating and a large number of downloads.
| Method | Security | Application support | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Messenger | High | Only popular instant messengers | Minimum |
| Secure Folder | Maximum (Knox) | Any applications | Average |
| Third-party utilities | Medium/Low | Almost all applications | High |
Built-in solutions from Samsung are always prioritized over third-party analogues due to better optimization and data security.
Setting up notifications and managing cloned ones applications
After successfully creating a copy of an application, it is critical to configure notifications correctly so as not to get confused in the flow of messages. The system Android allows you to flexibly control how exactly they will notify you about new events in the duplicate.
Go to the settings of the specific cloned application via Settings → Applications. Find the second version of the app in the list (usually it has a mark or icon with a chain). In the section Notifications you can change the sound, vibration and even the color of the LED indicator, if it is supported by your model Samsung.
This is especially true for work chats, where it is important not to miss an urgent message, but not being distracted by personal correspondence in the evening. You can configure Do Not Disturb mode separately for the main and cloned application.
Deleting a clone also has its own characteristics. If you decide to get rid of the second copy created via Dual Messenger, the data of this account will be irretrievably lost. The system will warn you about this before confirming the action. In the case of Secure Folder, deleting an application from the folder will not affect its main version in the system.
⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications and services with enhanced protection may block launch in a cloned environment or in Secure Folder, considering this a potentially unsafe environment.
☑️ Check before deleting a clone
Solving common problems during duplication
Despite the smooth running of processes, users sometimes encounter difficulties. One of the common problems is the inability to receive SMS codes confirmation for a second number if only one SIM card is installed in the phone. In such cases, you need to use virtual numbers or move the SIM card to another phone for activation.
Another problem is contact desynchronization. Cloned messengers may not see contacts from the main phone book. To fix this, go to the settings of the cloned application and grant it permission to access contacts manually.
There is also a situation where the cloned application constantly crashes. Most often this is due to a lack of RAM or a version conflict. Try clearing the clone cache through the app menu or updating both versions of the app to the latest available version in the store.
In rare cases, after updating the firmware One UI the Dual Messenger function may temporarily disappear from the settings. This is usually a temporary bug that is fixed in subsequent security patches. In such a situation, it is recommended to wait a few days or use the alternative methods described above.
What to do if the chain icon disappears?
Try to restart the device. If this does not help, remove the security update through the settings or wait for a new patch from Samsung.
Is it possible to duplicate any application on Samsung?
No, the built-in Dual Messenger function supports a limited list of popular instant messengers and social networks. For other applications, you need to use Secure Folder or third-party utilities.
Does cloning affect the speed of the phone?
Built-in methods (Dual Messenger, Secure Folder) have minimal impact. Third-party clone applications consume significantly more processor and RAM resources, which can slow down the device.
Will notifications arrive if the application is closed?
Yes, cloned applications run in the background regardless of the main version, so notifications will arrive in a timely manner if there is Internet access.
Is it possible to transfer history correspondence to a clone?
There is no automatic transfer. You need to create a backup in the cloud of the main account, and then restore it when you log into the cloned application using the same data.
Is it safe to enter card details into cloned applications?
It is only safe if you are using Secure Folder, as it has Knox certified protection. It is not recommended to enter payment information in third-party clone applications.