Modern smartphone users are often faced with the need to use multiple accounts in the same application. This is especially true for device owners Xiaomi Redmiwho separate their personal and work lives. Instead of carrying two phones, the shell MIUI offers a built-in feature that allows you to run two copies of the same application at the same time. This solution saves time, battery power and eliminates the need to constantly switch between profiles.
The application cloning function is available on almost all current models in the budget and mid-range segment. However, the activation process may differ depending on the operating system version and regional firmware. In this article, we will look in detail at how to create a clone of an application on Xiaomi Redmi, consider the nuances of the system Second Space and answer frequently asked questions from users about data security.
What is application cloning in MIUI
Application cloning is a system feature of the operating system Androidadapted by the developers Xiaomi to suit your needs. Essentially, the system creates an isolated sandbox in which a second copy of the selected software is installed. This copy works independently of the original: it has its own settings, its own cache and its own login data. For the user, this looks like the appearance of a new icon on the desktop, often with a small orange marker icon.
Technically, the process does not require obtaining root access or complex flashing of the device. All the necessary tools are already built into the settings menu. This makes the method accessible even to inexperienced users who are afraid of disrupting the system. It is important to understand that not every application supports this feature. Usually these are social networks and instant messengers that require authorization by phone number.
⚠️ Attention: Cloned applications take up additional space in the internal memory. If you Xiaomi Redmi have less than 1 GB of free space left, the function may be unstable or not activate at all.
Using duplicates is especially convenient for those who run a business or work in the service industry. You can receive calls and messages from clients on one account, and conduct personal correspondence on another, without confusing the contexts of communication. The system automatically distributes notifications, allowing you to quickly understand which application has received a new message.
Standard method through system settings
The easiest and most reliable way to launch a second application is to use the standard settings menu MIUI. The interface may differ slightly on different firmware versions, but the logic of actions remains the same. First you need to open the main settings menu of your smartphone. Find a section that may be called “Applications” or “Applications and Notifications.”
Inside this section you should look for an item called Application cloning (or Dual Apps). By clicking on it, you will see a list of apps that the system allows to duplicate. Usually there are WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, Instagram popular Chinese social networks here. If the required app is not in the list, it means that the shell developers have not added support for it at the system level.
To activate, just move the switch opposite the icon of the desired application to the “On” position. The system will automatically create a shortcut on the desktop. After that, you can open the new application and log in using the second account details. The initial setup process is no different from installing the app for the first time.
☑️ Activating an application clone
It is worth noting that on some global firmware versions the path to this function may be hidden deeper. Sometimes you need to go into advanced settings or use the search in the settings menu by typing in the query “clone”. This saves time if you cannot find the desired item manually in a multi-level menu MIUI.
Using the Second Space mode
If standard cloning is not enough or the desired application is not in the list of supported ones, the function Second Space (Second Space) comes to the rescue. This is a more radical method that creates an almost separate user profile within one phone. Imagine that you have two different smartphones in your hands: one for work, the other for home, but physically they are one device.
Second Space is activated through the menu “Settings” → “Features” → “Second Space”. When you start it for the first time, the system will ask you to set up unlocking this space with a separate fingerprint or password. This ensures complete privacy: by entering the main profile with one finger, you will not see the data of the second space.
In the Second Space you can install any applications from Google Play or other sources, regardless of the limitations of standard cloning. This is an ideal option for those who need to run specific software that is not supported by the Dual Apps function. However, it is worth remembering that switching between spaces takes a little longer than simply starting a clone.
How to transfer data between spaces?
To transfer files or applications from the main space to the second, use the special “Data Transfer” icon on the Second Space desktop. You can also create a shared folder, accessible from both profiles, through the function settings.
Using this mode creates an additional load on the device's RAM. If your Xiaomi Redmi has only 3 or 4 GB of RAM, having two active spaces running at the same time can result in a slower interface. In this case, it is recommended to close applications in unused space before switching.
Third-party cloning solutions
Built-in tools Xiaomi are powerful, but sometimes their functionality is not enough. There are many third-party apps on the market that promise to solve the problem of multiple accounts. Popular solutions include Parallel Space, Multiple Accounts and analogues. They work on the principle of a virtual machine, running applications inside their container.
The main advantage of such apps is versatility. They often allow you to clone games and services that are blocked from system duplication. In addition, some of them offer additional functions, for example, hiding the fact of using a clone or changing the device ID for certain services.
- 📱 Parallel Space: the most popular solution with support for most instant messengers and games, but contains a lot of advertising in the free version.
- 🔒 Island: an advanced tool that uses Android work profile technologies, is more stable and secure for corporate data.
- ⚡ Shelter: A lightweight, open-source alternative, ideal for older models Redmi with limited memory.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party clone apps require broad permissions to access your data, contacts, and storage. Be careful when granting rights to unknown developers, as this may lead to leakage of personal information.
When using third-party software, it is important to monitor updates. Developers Android Security policies are regularly tightened, which is why older versions of clone apps may no longer work correctly after a system update. Always download such utilities only from the official store Google Playto avoid malicious code.
Configuring notifications and optimization
After creating a clone, the question arises: how to distinguish between notifications from the main and additional accounts? B MIUI this problem has been solved elegantly. Notifications from cloned applications are marked with a special icon in the form of a small orange square or the number “2” next to the message icon in the notification shade.
For more detailed settings, you need to go to the notification management menu. Here you can set unique sounds for each application instance. For example, let the main Telegram sound standard, and the working clone emits a different signal. This will allow you to instantly understand where the message came from without even taking your phone out of your pocket.
To save battery power, go to your battery settings and limit background activity for cloned apps that you rarely use. This will prevent them from constantly searching for the network in the background.
Optimization also applies to autorun. By default, the system may limit clones running in the background to save energy. If you don't receive notifications from the second account on time, find the cloned app in the Startup list and allow it to run in the background. Without this step, messages may arrive with a delay.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite the well-functioning system, users sometimes encounter errors. The most common problem is that the clone stops sending messages or crashes on startup. This is often due to an application version conflict or lack of resources. The table below shows typical symptoms and methods for eliminating them.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Clone does not receive notifications | Limiting background activity | Allow auto-start and work in the background |
| The application crashes when logging in | Lack of RAM | Close unnecessary applications, clear the cache |
| Cannot install a clone | Internal storage is full | Free up space, delete unnecessary files |
| Duplication does not work for the game | Lack of support in MIUI | Use third-party applications (Parallel Space) |
Another common situation is the inability to log into your account due to suspicious activity. Social network security services may consider logging in from the same device using two different numbers as a hacking attempt. In this case, you may need to confirm your identity via SMS or email.
If all else fails, the last resort is deleting the clone and creating it again. Before doing this, be sure to remember the password for the second account so as not to lose access to the data. After reinstallation, the problem most often disappears, since erroneous configuration files are reset.
Data security when using clones
The issue of privacy is especially acute when data from different profiles is stored on the same device. The system Android and shell MIUI use data isolation mechanisms, so applications from the main profile cannot directly read clone files. However, physical access to an unlocked phone gives full control over all data.
To increase the level of protection, it is recommended to use the “Application Protection” function. It allows you to set an additional password or fingerprint to enter specific apps, including their clones. You can find this option in the security settings. This will create a double barrier for unauthorized persons.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu names may change with the release of new versions of MIUI and HyperOS. If you do not find the item described, use the settings search or check the official manual for your specific model.
It is also worth considering the risk of data loss when resetting the settings. When you perform a full phone reset (Wipe Data), all profiles are deleted, including Second Space and all cloned applications. Always make backup copies of important correspondence and files to cloud storage before radical actions with the system.
Using built-in MIUI tools is safer than third-party analogues, since they have a system level of access and do not require transferring data to third parties.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to clone banking apps on Xiaomi?
In most cases, system cloning of banking apps is blocked by MIUI developers for security reasons. Financial institutions require a unique device ID for each customer to prevent fraud. An attempt to bypass this restriction through third-party apps may lead to the bank blocking your account.
Does cloning increase battery consumption?
Yes, the presence of active background processes of a second instance of the application inevitably leads to increased energy consumption. However, on modern processors Snapdragon and MediaTekused in Redmi, this consumption is minimal and amounts to approximately 3-5% of the total charge per day with moderate use.
What happens if you delete the main application?
If you delete the original application, its clone will also be automatically deleted by the system. The logic of the function is built in such a way that the clone is a dependent object. Therefore, if you need to keep only the second account, first create a new clone, log into it, and then delete the original, although this may be inconvenient.
Does cloning work on Android 13 and 14?
Yes, the function is fully supported on current versions of Android, including 13 and 14, as part of the MIUI 14 and new shells HyperOS. The principles of operation remain the same, only the visual style of the settings menu has changed, which has become more minimalistic.
Is it possible to change the clone icon?
You cannot change the clone icon using standard means; it is always marked with an orange marker. However, using third-party launchers or themes from the store GetThemes, you can visually customize the desktop, although the duplication marker itself is usually saved for identification.