Installing a duplicate app on Android is a task faced by users who want to use several accounts in one service (for example, two WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram) or test different versions of the app. Despite the limitations of the operating system, there are legal ways to create a copy of the application without root access and security risks.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods: from the built-in functions of manufacturers (for example, Dual Apps to Xiaomi or Secure Folder on Samsung) to universal solutions like cloning via ADB or using third-party launchers. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of Android (from Android 8.0 Oreo to Android 14) and popular brands.

Important: some methods may conflict with policy Google Play or require additional permissions. We will indicate all risks and offer alternatives for each case.

1. Built-in functions of manufacturers: Dual Apps, Secure Folder and analogues

Many brands integrate tools for cloning applications into their shells (MIUI, One UI, EMUI). This is the safest method, as it does not require installing third-party software or changing system files.

For example, on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO there is a function Dual Apps (previously called Second Space). It allows you to create a full copy of the application with separate data storage and notifications. Similar tools are available in Samsung (Secure Folder), Huawei (App Twin) and Oppo/Realme (Clone Apps).

  • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO: Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
  • 📱 Samsung: Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder
  • 📱 Huawei/Honor: Settings → Applications → App Twin
  • 📱 Oppo/Realme/OnePlus: Settings → Convenience → Clone Apps

Advantages of the method: does not require root, supports most popular applications (including WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram), duplicate updates come automatically via Google Play. However, the list of supported apps is limited - for example, banking applications or games with cloning protection may not appear in the list.

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If the application you need is not in the Dual Apps list, try installing it from Google Play first, then restart your phone and check the list again.

2. Cloning via ADB: a universal method for any Android devices

If your smartphone does not support built-in cloning, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a debugging tool that allows you to create duplicate applications via the command line. The method works on all devices with Android 8.0+, but requires connecting to a PC and enabling developer mode.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable Developer mode: go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times.
  2. Activate USB debugging in Settings → System → For developers.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC, install ADB drivers and open command line in the folder with platform-tools.
  4. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The name of your device should appear.

  5. Clone the application with the command (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the desired application, for example com.whatsapp): 
    adb shell pm install --user 0 -i "com.android.vending" -r -d /path/to/base.apk

    To simplify this, you can use the utility App Cloner (see the next section).

⚠️ Attention: Cloning via ADB may lead to conflicts with the application license (for example, in games or paid apps Some applications (for example, Netflix or Disney+) block work on cloned versions due to protection against piracy.

Developer mode enabled|USB debugging activated|ADB drivers installed on PC|APK file of original application downloaded|Connection via `adb devices`-->

3. Third-party cloning applications: App Cloner, Parallel Space and analogs

If there are no built-in functions, and ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play. The most popular:

  • 🔄 App Cloner - allows you to create modified copies of applications with changed permissions, package name and icon. Supports WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook and others. Minus: free version is limited to 2 clones.
  • 📱 Parallel Space —runs applications in an isolated environment (sandbox) Suitable for social networks and instant messengers, but can be slow on weak ones. devices.
  • 🛡️ Island (by Oasis Feng) —uses the Work Profile Android function to create an isolated space. Requires manual configuration, but provides high security.
  • 🤖 2Accounts —a simple cloner that supports most popular applications. There is advertising in the free version.

Example of working with App Cloner:

  1. Install App Cloner from Google Play.
  2. Select the application for cloning from the list.
  3. Configure settings (you can change the name, icon, disable unnecessary permissions).
  4. Click Clone and wait for installation.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, banking or DRM-protected) may not work in the cloned version due to security restrictions. You should also avoid entering payment information into duplicates created through third-party utilities.

Application Root support Free version limitation Supports WhatsApp Data isolation
App Cloner No Max. 2 clones Yes High
Parallel Space No Advertising Yes Medium
Island No Manual setting Yes Maximum
2Accounts No Advertising Yes Low

4. Using multiple users or guest mode

Android supports multi-user modewhich was originally intended for tablets, but also works on smartphones. This method allows you to create a separate profile with your own applications and data. Suitable for devices running pure Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia) or with shells that do not have built-in cloning.

How to add a second user:

  1. Open Settings → System → Advanced → Multi-user mode (path may vary).
  2. Click Add user or Guest.
  3. Switch to the new user through the notification panel (user icon next to Shutdown).
  4. Install the desired application in the new profile via Google Play.

Advantages: complete data isolation, no conflicts with licenses. Disadvantages: you cannot quickly switch between accounts (you need to exit your profile), some manufacturers (for example, Samsung) hide this function in their shells.

How to enable multi-user mode on Samsung

On most Samsung devices, this function is disabled in the interface, but it can be activated via ADB command:

adb shell pm enable-user --user 0 com.android.managedprovisioning

After this, the item will appear in the settings Users.

5. Cloning via APK: manual installation of modified versions

For advanced users, there is a method of cloning through modification APKfile. This method requires basic knowledge of working with Android Studio or utilities like APKTool, but allows you to create completely independent copies of applications.

Action algorithm:

  1. Download the original APK applications (for example, through APKMirror or APKPure).
  2. Use APKTool for decompilation: 
    apktool d app.apk -o output_folder
  3. In file AndroidManifest.xml edit package name (for example, add a suffix .clone).
  4. Recompile the APK: 
    apktool b output_folder -o app_clone.apk
  5. Sign the new APK with Uber APK Signer and install it on the device.

⚠️ Attention: This method violates the terms of use of many applications (especially those with DRM protection) and can lead to account blocking. Cloning banking applications or services with two-factor authentication (for example, Google Authenticator) is strictly not recommended due to the risk of leakage data.

6. Features for different brands and versions of Android

Manufacturers often modify Android to suit their needs, so cloning methods may vary. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands:

  • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI): The function Dual Apps is available on all devices with MIUI 8+. On new versions (MIUI 13/14), the list of supported applications has been expanded, but some games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) may not be cloned due to protection.
  • 📱 Samsung (One UI): Secure Folder requires registration in Samsung Account. Cloned applications are updated automatically, but take up additional memory space.
  • 📱 Huawei/Honor (EMUI/Magic UI): App Twin works only for pre-installed applications. For third-party apps you need to use Parallel Space.
  • 📱 Google Pixel (pure Android): There is no built-in cloning, but multi-user mode is supported and Island.
  • 📱 Oppo/Realme/OnePlus (ColorOS): Clone Apps is available in the settings, but may be absent on budget models.

On Android 12+ Google has tightened its security policies, so some methods (such as cloning via ADB) may require additional permissions. On Android 14 new restrictions have appeared for third-party launchers, which has complicated the work of Parallel Space and similar utilities.

Built-in functions (Dual Apps, Secure Folder)|Application side (App Cloner, Parallel Space)|ADB|Multi-user mode|Not cloning applications -->

7. Risks and limitations when cloning applications

Despite the convenience, duplicating applications is associated with a number of risks:

  • 🔒 Data security: Cloned applications may have vulnerabilities, especially if created through third-party utilities. Avoid entering payment information or passwords for important services.
  • ⚖️ Violation of license agreements: Some applications (for example, Netflix, Spotifygames with online multiplayer) prohibit cloning in their rules. This may lead to account blocking.
  • 📱 Performance: Duplicates take up additional resources (RAM, storage), which can slow down the device, especially on budget smartphones.
  • 🔄 Updates: Applications cloned via ADB or APK do not work are updated automatically. They need to be reinstalled manually when new versions are released.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ Google blocks APK installation from unknown sources for applications whose target SDK is higher than 30. This means that some cloned versions may not install without additional manipulations (for example, rolling back the Android version or use ADB for forced installation).

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Before cloning, check whether the application officially supports multi-accounts (for example, Telegram, Skype, Microsoft Outlook). In this case, duplication is not required - just add a second account in the application settings.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to clone banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB)?

No, cloning banking applications is highly not recommended. They use secure data stores and certificates, which may conflict in the cloned version. In addition, this violates bank security rules and can lead to account blocking. For several bank accounts, it is better to use official applications with support for multi-profiles (for example, SberBank Online allows you to switch between cards).

Why does the cloned WhatsApp not receive notifications?

The problem is related to Android battery optimization. To fix:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Cloned WhatsApp → Battery.
  2. Select No restrictions or Do not optimize.
  3. Enable autorun for the application (in security settings).
  4. Restart the device.

If notifications still do not arrive, check whether a third-party launcher or power saving mode is blocking them.

How delete a duplicate application?

The removal method depends on the cloning method:

  • For Dual Apps/Secure Folder: go to the function settings and click Delete next to the copy.
  • For ADB clones: delete as a normal application via Settings → Applications.
  • For Parallel Space/Island: delete the application inside the sandbox or uninstall the utility itself.
  • For multi-user mode: delete the user in the system settings.

If the application is not uninstalled, use the ADB command: 

adb uninstall com.example.app.clone

(replace with the actual package name).

Is it possible to clone games (PUBG, Genshin Impact, Clash of Clans)?

Technically yes, but with caveats:

  • Most online games block cloned versions due to protection against cheating.
  • For offline games (for example, Minecraft), cloning usually works without problems.
  • Games linked to an account (Google Play Games, Facebook) may require re-authorization.

If the game does not launch in the cloned version, try:

  1. Disable Google Play Games in the clone settings.
  2. Use Parallel Space with compatibility mode enabled.
  3. Install a modified version of the game (for example, via HappyMod), but this violates the rules of the service.
Does cloning work on Android Go or devices with low RAM?

On devices with Android Go (for example, Nokia 1, Samsung Galaxy J2 Core) or smartphones with 1–2 GB of RAM cloning may be unstable:

  • Built-in functions (for example, Dual Apps) are often missing.
  • The utility side (Parallel Space) is very slow due to lack of resources.
  • ADB cloning is possible, but may lead to lags.

Recommendation: use lite versions applications (for example, WhatsApp Business, Facebook Lite) or multiplayer mode with a minimum set of takes.