How to create two identical applications on Android: 5 proven methods

Creating two identical Android applications is a task that developers face for various reasons: from testing A/B versions to launching regional clones of the same product. However, simply copying the APK file and downloading it under a different name will not work - Google Play blocks duplicates by a unique identifier applicationId (formerly package name). In this article, we will look at ways to clone applications, technical nuances and pitfalls that await beginners. Google Play blocks duplicates legal methods for cloning applications, technical nuances and pitfalls that await beginners.

It is important to understand: this is not about hacking or piracy, but about creation. data-i="39">with unique parameters. For example, you may want to run: standalone copies of your own application with unique parameters. For example, you might want to run:

• 📱 Beta version for testers in parallel with the main one;
• 🌍 Localized versions for different countries with separate statistics;
• 🔄 A/B tests with different designs or monetization;
• 🏢 Corporate forks for different clients (white-label solutions).

But before you begin, please note: some methods may violate Google Play policiesif used to deceive users or artificially inflate ratings.

1. Method No. 1: Changing applicationId in Gradle

The most reliable and recommended method by Google is changing the unique application identifier in a file build.gradle. This parameter determines whether the application can be installed next to the original and whether it will be considered a new product by Google Play Console.

How to do this:

1. Open the file app/build.gradle in your project.
2. Find block defaultConfig and change the line:

   applicationId "com.example.myapp" // original
   applicationId "com.example.myapp.clone"

3. Update versionCode and versionNameto avoid conflicts:

   versionCode 2
   versionName "1.0-clone"

4. Build a new APK/AAB:

   ./gradlew assembleRelease

⚠️ Attention: If you use Firebase, Google Analytics or other services linked to package name, they also need to be reconfigured! Otherwise, the clone will not collect statistics or send push notifications.

Make a backup of the project

Update applicationId in build.gradle

Check dependencies (Firebase, Ads, Analytics)

Change versionCode/versionName

Rebuild the project with clearing the cache (clean build)

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2. Method #2: Using Product Flavors in Gradle

If you need to support several versions of the application simultaneously (for example, free and paid), it is more convenient to use Product Flavors. This method allows you to build different versions from one code, changing only the configurations.

Example of configuration in build.gradle:

android {
...
flavorDimensions "version"
productFlavors {
free {
dimension "version"
applicationId "com.example.myapp.free"
versionNameSuffix "-free"
resValue "string", "app_name", "MyApp Free"
}
pro {
dimension "version"
applicationId "com.example.myapp.pro"
versionNameSuffix "-pro"
resValue "string", "app_name", "MyApp Pro"
}
}
}

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 One code —different assemblies;
• 📦 Different icons, names, resources for each flavor;
• 🛠️ Easy management via Google Play Console (you can upload all versions into one account).

⚠️ Attention: If you are planning monetization via Google Play Billing, for each flavor you need to create separate products (SKU) in the console. Otherwise, purchases from one version will conflict with another.

3. Method No. 3: Cloning via Android Studio (Duplicate Module)

For small projects or experiments you can duplicate module directly in Android Studio. This method is suitable if you want to create a completely independent copy with the possibility of further changes.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open the panel Android Studio open the panel Project (usually on the left).
2. Right-click on the module app → Refactor → Copy....
3. Specify a new module name (for example, app_clone) and confirm.
4. In the file settings.gradle add the line:

   include ':app', ':app_clone'

5. In build.gradle clone, change applicationId and other parameters.

⚠️ Attention: With this approach both modules will be compiled with each project build, which increases build time. For large projects, it is better to use Product Flavors or separate repositories.

Method	Complexity	Suitable for	Cons
Change applicationId	⭐	Simple clones	Manual editing of configs
Product Flavors	⭐⭐	Multi-version applications	Complex setup for beginners
Duplicate Module	⭐⭐⭐	Experiments and small projects	Doubling build time
Separate repository	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Large white-label projects	It is difficult to synchronize updates

4. Method No. 4: Automation through scripts (for advanced)

If you need to create dozens of clones (for example, for regional versions), manual editing build.gradle will become a nightmare. In this case, automation through scripts will help. on Python, Bash or Groovy.

An example of a script on Bash to generate clones:

#!/bin/bash
CLONE_NAME=$1
sed -i "s/applicationId \"com.example.myapp\"/applicationId \"com.example.myapp.$CLONE_NAME\"/" app/build.gradle
sed -i "s/versionName \"1.0\"/versionName \"1.0-$CLONE_NAME\"/" app/build.gradle
./gradlew assembleRelease

What you can automate:

• 🔄 Mass replacement applicationId, names, icons;
• 📦 Assembly and signature APK/AAB for each clone;
• 📤 Uploading to Google Play Console via API;
• 🔧 Configuring Firebase for each clone.

⚠️ Attention: When automating, it is easy to make errors in configurations that will lead to app crashes during startup. Always test clones on real devices, and not just on emulators!

How to check a clone before publishing?

1. Install both applications (original and clone) on one device - they should coexist without conflicts.

2. Check the operation of Push notifications (if you use Firebase).

3. Make sure that in-app purchases (if any) do not overlap between versions.

4. Test deep links - they should open the correct version.

5. Method No. 5: White-Label solutions (for business)

If you are developing an application for different clients (for example, fitness trackers for several sports clubs), it is optimal to use white-label approach. Here, cloning occurs at the level of the backend and configurations, and not just the Android code.

What needs to be done:

1. Take everything out dynamic data (colors, logos, API endpoints) to a remote configuration (for example, Firebase Remote Config).
2. Create one universal APKwhich tightens the settings on the first launch.
3. For each client, generate unique config on the server.

Advantages:

• 🔄 One application —many “skins”;
• 📱 Easy to update all versions at the same time;
• 💰 Cheaper to maintainthan dozens of separate projects.

⚠️ Attention: This approach requires server infrastructure to manage configurations. If you don’t have it, it’s easier to use Product Flavors or separate assemblies.

6. Publishing a clone on Google Play: rules and restrictions

Even if you technically created a clone, Google Play may block its publication. Here are the key rules that must be followed:

What is allowed:

• ✅ Regional versions with different localizations;
• ✅ Beta tests for a limited audience;
• ✅ White-label application for different businesses;
• ✅ Paid and free versions one product.

What is prohibited:

• ❌ Duplicates with the same functionality (for example, two calculators from one developer);
• ❌ Deception of users (when a clone is passed off as another application);
• ❌ Artificial pumping of installs (for example, cloning to increase positions in the top).

⚠️ Attention: If your application has already been published and you want to add a clone, Google may request an explanation of the reasons for duplication. Be prepared to provide evidence that the clone is needed for legitimate purposes (for example, a letter from a client for a white-label version).

7. Alternative platforms: Amazon Appstore, Huawei AppGallery, APK

If Google Play your clone is blocked, consider alternative distribution methods:

Amazon Appstore:

• 📦 Less strict rules for duplicates;
• 💰 Good audience in the USA and Europe;
• ⚠️ Requires adaptation to Fire OS (fork of Android from Amazon).

Huawei AppGallery:

• 🌍 Growing market in Asia and Europe;
• 🔧 Own ecosystem (HMS instead of GMS);
• ⚠️ You need to register a separate developer account.

Self distribution (APK):

• 📱 Complete freedom —no restrictions;
• ⚠️ Risks security (users can download fakes);
• ⚠️ Difficult to update users.

⚠️ Attention: By publishing APK outside the official stores, you take responsibility for user safety. Attackers can modify your APK and distribute it with malicious code.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cloning Android applications

Can I copy someone else's application and publish it as yours?

No, this violates copyright i Google Play rules. You can only clone your own applications or use open source codes (subject to a license, for example MIT or GPL).

How to make sure that users of the original automatically receive a clone?

This is not possible directly, but you can:

1. Add to the original referral link to the clone;
2. Use Firebase Dynamic Links to transfer data;
3. Implement export/import of settings via a file or cloud.

⚠️ Google prohibits automatic installation of APK without the user's consent.

Is it possible to use one Firebase project for two clones?

Technically yes, but this will lead to:

• 📊 Mixing analytics (you will not be able to separate the data);
• 🔔 Push notification conflicts (they will come to both applications);
• 🔒 Problems with authentication (users will be able to log in to both applications under the same account).

It is better to create separate Firebase projects for each clone.

How to avoid bans on Google Play when publishing clones?

Follow these rules:

• 📝 Clearly describe the differences between versions in the description;
• 🌍 Use different names and icons;
• 📊 Do not duplicate keywords in metadata;
• 📧 Be prepared to explain to the moderators, why a clone is needed.

If the clone is intended for testing, use Closed Testing or Internal Testing in Google Play Console.

Is it possible to clone an application without changing the code?

Technically yes, but:

• 📦 APK repackers (like APK Editor) they can change package name, but this unreliable;
• ⚠️ The application signature will break —it cannot be updated;
• 🚫 Google Play will not accept such an application;
• 🔒 Risk of malicious injections When using third-party tools.

For serious projects, this method is not suitable.