Installing a second instance of an application on Samsung Galaxy is a task faced by users who want to separate personal and work accounts, test beta versions, or use multiple profiles in messengers. Unlike devices with pure Android, smartphones Samsung offer both built-in tools (for example, Secure Folderand third-party solutions with advanced capabilities.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from official functions One UI to advanced techniques for experienced users. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working on the latest versions Android 14/15, where some methods may require additional settings. If you are looking for a way to launch a second WhatsApp, Telegram or game with multiple accounts, here you will find detailed instructions taking into account the firmware features Samsung.

1. Secure Folder - the official method from Samsung

Secure Folder is a secure storage integrated into the firmware One UIthat allows you to install duplicate applications with complete data isolation. The function is available on all devices Samsung starting from Galaxy S7 (2016) and works without rights root.

To activate Secure Folder, follow these steps:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder.
  • 🔑 Log in via account Samsung or set a separate PIN/password.
  • 📥 Inside the folder, open Galaxy Store or Play Market and install the desired application.
  • 🔄 Launch the second copy directly from Secure Folder —it will be completely independent of the main one.

Advantages of the method: high reliability (data is encrypted at the system level), no guarantee risks, support for most applications. However, some games (for example, those with anti-cheat protection) may block launch in Secure Folder.

Make sure you have a Samsung account installed on your device

Update One UI to the latest version

Download the APK of the application in advance if it is not available in the Galaxy Store

Disable the VPN before installation (may block access to the Store)

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⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 14+ some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online) may prohibit installation in Secure Folder for security reasons. In this case, use alternative methods from the following sections.

2. Island (Work Profile) - advanced isolation without root

Island is an application that creates work profile (Work Profilebased on the function Android for Work. It allows you to install clones of applications with complete isolation of data, notifications and cache. The method works on all devices Samsung s Android 8.0+ and does not require superuser rights.

Setup instructions:

  1. Download Island from Play Market (required Android 8.0 Oreo or newer).
  2. Launch the application and click Set up Island → allow the creation of a work profile.
  3. In the settings Island select Apps → Clone apps and mark the ones you need applications.
  4. Clones will appear in a separate application launch section with an icon Island.

Features of the method:

  • 🔒 Complete isolation: cloned applications do not see the data of the main ones (and vice versa).
  • 📱 Even system applications are supported (for example, Camera or Gallery).
  • ⚠️ Some applications (for example, Netflix) can block playback in the work profile.
Method Requires root Support for banking applications Complexity of setup
Secure Folder ❌ No ⚠️ Partially ⭐⭐ (simple)
Island ❌ No ✅ Yes ⭐⭐⭐ (average)
App Cloner ❌ No ❌ No ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)
Parallel Space ❌ No ❌ No ⭐ (very easy)

Secure Folder

Island (Work Profile)

App Cloner or Parallel Space

Another method

I don’t use cloning -->

3. Parallel Space and analogues are a simple but limited method

Applications like Parallel Space, 2Accounts or Multiple Accounts offer a quick way launching a second instance without deep configuration. They create a virtual environment in which you can run clones of applications. However, this method has significant limitations:

Pros:

  • ⚡ Quick installation (does not require creating profiles or root).
  • 🎯 Supports most social networks and instant messengers.

Cons:

  • 🚫 Blocks banking applications and protected games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
  • 🛑 High battery consumption due to the operation of a virtual machine.
  • 🔓 Low level of isolation - data can “leak” between instances.

If you need to temporarily launch a second Instagram or VK, this method is better for serious tasks (working with payments, software testing). use Island or Secure Folder.

💡

Before installation Parallel Space check the list of supported applications on its page in Play Market —some apps (for example, TikTok) may be unstable.

4. App Cloner - customization of clones (for experienced users)

App Cloner is a utility that allows you to create modified copies of applications with changed parameters (for example, a different package name or disabled permissions). The method is suitable for Android 5.0+, but requires manual configuration.

How use:

  1. Download App Cloner from Play Market (there is a free version with limitations).
  2. Select the application for cloning and configure the parameters:
    • 📛 Change Package Name (required to avoid conflicts).
    • 🔧 Disable unnecessary permissions (for example, access to contacts).
    • 🎨 Change the icon and name for convenience.
  • Click Clone and wait creating an APK.
  • Install the resulting file manually (allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings).

    • Important: some applications (for example, Google Play Games or Yandex Go) block the launch of clones created through App Cloner, due to APK signature verification. In this case, only Secure Folder or Island.

    Why may cloned applications not work?

    Many applications (especially banking and gaming) check the integrity of the APK and the developer’s signature. If App Cloner changes these settings, the app may refuse to start or display the "Untrusted application" error. The solution is to use methods with system-level isolation (Secure Folder or Island).

    5. Manual cloning via ADB (for developers)

    This method is suitable for experienced users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It allows you to create a second user profile (user profile) and install applications into it without root access. Works on all devices. data-i="165">Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) Samsung With Android 6.0+.

    Step by step instructions:

    1. Activate Developer Mode: 
      Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times)
    2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Settings developer.
    3. Connect your phone to the PC and run the commands: 
      adb shell pm create-user --profileOf 0 CloneUser

      adb shell pm install --user 10 com.example.app

      (replace com.example.app with the package of the desired application).

    4. Switch between profiles through the notification panel.

      5. Warnings:

      • 🔌 Not all applications support work in additional profiles (for example, WhatsApp may require re-activation).
      • 🔄 After updating One UI profiles may be reset - re-activation is required setting.
      ⚠️ Attention: Using ADB may cause system failures if commands are entered incorrectly. Before experiments, create a backup copy of your data via Smart Switch or Samsung Cloud.

      6. Alternative methods: virtual machines and root

      If none of the above methods work, consider the following options:

      Virtual machines (VMOS, Bliss OS):

      • 🖥️ Allows you to run a full-fledged one Android inside the main system.
      • 🔧 Require a powerful processor ( Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 work stably).
      • ⚠️ High consumption of battery and RAM.

      root access + Magisk modules:

      • 🔓 Modules like App Cloner for Magisk or Multi-User Mod give full control over cloning.
      • 🚨 Risk of loss of warranty and security breach (some banking applications refuse to work on rooted devices).

      These methods are recommended only in extreme cases, when standard tools Samsung do not cope with the task.

      💡

      For 90% of users Samsung the built-in Secure Folder or Island. Virtual machines and root are needed only for specific tasks (for example, testing software or bypassing strict application restrictions).

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about installing a second application on Samsung

      Is it possible to install a second WhatsApp without Secure Folder?

      Yes, but with reservations. WhatsApp officially supports only one account on the device. Workarounds:

      • 📱 Use Island (work profile) - the most reliable way.
      • 🔄 Parallel Space may work, but there is a risk of account blocking for "suspicious activity".
      • 📌 On some firmware One UI function available Double messenger (setting in Settings → Additional functions).

      Avoid cloning through App Cloner — WhatsApp blocks such copies due to changes in the APK signature.

      Why is the application from the Play Market not installed in Secure Folder?

      Possible reasons and solutions:

      • 🌐 Region restrictions: Some applications (for example Google Pay) are not available in Galaxy Store for Secure Folder. The solution is to download the APK from a trusted source (for example, APKMirror) and install manually.
      • 🔒 Application policy: Banking apps (for example, Tinkoff) may block installation in isolated environments. Alternative - Island.
      • 🔄 Synchronization error: Reboot the device and update Galaxy Store in itself Secure Folder.
      How to delete a cloned application?

      The method depends on the cloning method:

      • Secure Folder: Go to the folder → press and hold the application icon → select Delete.
      • Island: Open settings Island → Apps → swipe left on the application.
      • Parallel Space: Delete the application inside the virtual space or uninstall it yourself Parallel Space.
      • App Cloner: Delete the installed APK as a regular application.

      If after removal there are still "junk" files, clean cache in Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Storage.

      Will the second Telegram account work simultaneously with the main one?

      Yes, but with nuances:

      • ✅ Secure Folder or Island the second account will work in parallel with the main one, including notifications.
      • ⚠️ B Parallel Space notification delays (up to 5-10 minutes) are possible due to battery optimization.
      • 🔕 Both accounts will be online at the same time, but Telegram may limit the number of active sessions on one device (maximum 3).

      For stable operation, it is recommended to use Island —it provides better synchronization of notifications.

      Is it possible to clone system applications (for example, Camera or Phone)?

      It depends on the method:

      • Secure Folder: No, system applications are not cloned.
      • Island: Yes, but with limitations. For example, Camera will work, but photos will only be saved within the work profile.
      • ADB: It is possible to clone system APKs, but requires superuser rights and modification build.prop.

    For cloning Phone or Messages it’s easier to use a second SIM card and standard functions One UI (for example, Dual messenger).