Smartphone owners Samsung Galaxy often face the need to use two accounts in one messenger or social network. Standard Android functionality usually allows you to run only one copy of the app, which creates inconvenience for those who separate personal and work space. Fortunately, the South Korean giant has implemented powerful tools in its shell to solve this problem without the need to obtain superuser rights. One UI powerful tools to solve this problem without the need for superuser rights.
Creating a duplicate may be required not only to separate accounts in WhatsApp or Telegram, but also for testing different versions of software, or even to isolate suspicious apps in a safe environment. The cloning process ranges from using built-in system functions to installing custom third-party software. The choice of method directly depends on the model of your device and the version of the operating system.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the legal and safe ways to create a copy of an application on smartphones Samsung. We will consider both standard data protection tools and options for advanced users who want to gain full control over the file system of their gadget.
Using the built-in Dual Messenger function
The easiest and most reliable way to launch a second application is to use the proprietary function Dual Messenger. This tool is integrated directly into system settings and is optimized for working with popular social networks and instant messengers. It creates an isolated copy of the app, which runs in parallel with the main one, using a separate set of data and cache.
To activate, you need to go to the settings menu and find the appropriate section. The system will automatically scan installed apps and offer a list of supported applications. Typically this list includes Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram. After selecting the desired software, the system will ask you to confirm the installation of the second copy.
⚠️ Attention: The Dual Messenger function is not available for all applications. If you do not see the desired app in the list, it means that system restrictions do not allow you to create a clone of it using this method.
After installation is complete, a new icon will appear on the desktop, marked with a special icon in the form of two intertwined rings or an orange indicator. This visual difference helps to quickly identify the cloned version. It is important to understand that notifications from the second application will arrive separately, and they can be configured individually through the standard notification menu.
Before enabling cloning, make sure that you have a second phone number or account to register, since one number cannot be linked to two active copies of the same messenger at the same time.
Cloning via Secure Folder Folder)
A more universal solution for owners Samsung is the use of technology Secure Folder (Secure Folder). This is not just a cloning tool, but a full-fledged isolated space, protected by encryption and additional locking (password, PIN code or fingerprint). An independent Android environment is created inside this folder, where you can install any applications again.
To use this method, you first need to activate the folder itself in the device's security settings. After adding the widget to your desktop and setting up the protection method, you can go inside. It has its own store Galaxy Store or the ability to transfer already installed apps. When you transfer an application to the Secure Folder, its completely offline copy is created.
- 🔒 Complete data isolation: files and logins inside the folder are not visible to the main system.
- 📱 Support for any applications: unlike Dual Messenger, here you can clone games, banks and system utilities.
- ⚙️ Flexible settings: you can turn off notifications or limit the clone from running in the background separately from the original.
This method is ideal for those who want not only to have two accounts, but also to hide the fact of using the second application from prying eyes. Even if someone gains access to an unlocked phone, without a separate password for the Secure Folder, they will not be able to log into the second messenger account.
☑️ Setting up a Secure Folder
Third-party applications for cloning
If the built-in tools are not suitable for some reason or the smartphone model does not support necessary functions, solutions from third-party developers come to the rescue. The store Google Play presents many utilities, such as Parallel Space, 2Accounts or Multiple Accounts. These apps create a virtual space that emulates the Android environment, within which the clones are launched.
The operating principle of such applications is based on virtualization technology. They intercept the cloned app's requests to the system and redirect them to an isolated container. This allows you to bypass restrictions on the uniqueness of the device identifier (IMEI or Android ID), which are often used by services to block multi-accounts.
However, using third-party software has its drawbacks. Firstly, such applications consume significantly more RAM and battery power, since they essentially launch another layer of the operating system. Secondly, there is a risk of data leakage, since all traffic of the second account passes through servers or third-party code.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid using unknown cloners for banking applications. Entering card data in the virtual environment of a third-party application can be intercepted by malicious code.
When choosing a utility, pay attention to the rating and number of downloads. It is better to give preference to time-tested solutions with an open privacy policy. It is also worth regularly checking the permissions that the cloner app requests and revoking unnecessary access rights.
Advanced cloning via ADB and Shell
For experienced users with developer rights, there is a method of cloning via USB debugging using a tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not require the installation of unnecessary applications and allows you to create copies at the system level, although it requires working with the command line on the computer.
The essence of the method is to install an application with a user flag. In Android, each application is installed for a specific user (User ID). By default, this is user 0. By creating a new user or using the "Guest" mode, you can install the same application there. The command looks like this:
adb shell pm install-existing --user 10 com.package.nameWhere com.package.name is the package identifier of the desired application, and 10 — New user ID. This method allows you to have completely independent settings that are not visible in the main profile. However, managing such clones is complicated: they will not be displayed on the main user’s main screen, and they will have to be switched between them through the system settings or a special multi-user mode panel.
This approach is most effective for developers testing different configurations of the same software. For the average user, it may be too cumbersome, especially if frequent access to a second account is required.
How to find the application package name?
Install the App Inspector application or use the adb shell dumpsys package | grep "Package Name" in debug mode to see the exact package name of the desired app.
Comparison of application cloning methods
The choice of the optimal method depends on your specific tasks: whether you need maximum security, ease of use, or support for specific applications. Below is a comparative table that will help you navigate the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
| Method | Security | Application support | Impact on the battery | Setting up complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Messenger | High | Only social networks and instant messengers | Minimum | Very low |
| Secure Folder | Maximum (Knox) | Any applications | Low | Low |
| Third-party utilities | Medium/Low | Almost all | High | Medium |
| ADB / Multi-user | High | All system and user | Medium | High |
As can be seen from the table, built-in solutions from Samsung win in terms of energy efficiency and safety. Third-party applications benefit only from the universality of support for rare software, but at the cost of increased resource consumption. The ADB method remains the preserve of enthusiasts who need deep customization.
For everyday use of two messenger accounts, the best choice is the built-in Dual Messenger or Secure Folder function, since they do not require the installation of unnecessary software and guarantee stable operation.
Possible problems and their solution
During the cloning process, users may encounter a number of technical difficulties. One of the most common problems is the inability to receive notifications from a cloned application. This is often due to the system's aggressive power saving policy, which "kills" the background processes of the second instance.
To correct the situation, you need to go into the battery settings and disable power optimization for the cloned application. It is also worth checking the permissions: sometimes the clone is not granted rights to autorun or run in the background. In the case of Secure Folder make sure that the folder itself is allowed to run in the background.
Another common problem is version conflicts. If the main application is updated to a new version, but the clone remains on the old one (or vice versa), data synchronization may be disrupted. This is especially true for banking applications, where the versions must strictly match. In such cases, it is recommended to update both copies at the same time.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface and available functions may differ depending on the version of the One UI shell and the smartphone model. If you do not find the described menu item, check for system updates or refer to the manufacturer's official knowledge base.
Sometimes a cloned application may crash immediately after launch. This often indicates the incompatibility of a particular software with the virtualization method. In this case, try clearing the cache of the cloned version or reinstalling it inside the selected environment (folder or third-party application).
If the cloned application is unstable, try disabling the "Adaptive Brightness" and "Adaptive Sound" features specifically for this application in the settings to eliminate driver conflicts.
Is it possible to clone banking applications on Samsung?
Technically, this is possible through Secure Folderbecause it creates an isolated environment. However, many banks block their apps from running if they find they are running in a virtual environment or on a rooted device. Dual Messenger does not usually support banking applications. Use this method with caution.
Will the clone be deleted when you delete the main application?
No, when using Dual Messenger or Secure Folder the copies are independent. Deleting the original will not affect the clone, and vice versa. However, when using some third-party cloners, deleting the host application (the parallel space itself) will result in the loss of all data inside it.
Does the cloned application take up a lot of memory space?
Yes, the clone takes up almost the same amount of space as the original, since it is a full-fledged installation with its own cache and data. The only exception is that some system libraries may be shared, but the space savings will be insignificant (about 10-20 MB).
Why doesn’t a notification come from the second WhatsApp account?
Most often the problem is in the notification settings. Go to Settings → Applications → WhatsApp (second) and check if notifications are enabled. Also make sure that power saving in the background is disabled for this application, otherwise the system will block push messages when the screen is off.
Can I change the icon of a cloned application?
In the standard function Dual Messenger the icon is marked with a special icon that cannot be removed. In Secure Folder you can change the icon to any other through the settings of the folder itself, which allows you to disguise the application as a calculator or voice recorder for greater privacy.