In the modern pace of life, a clear separation of work and personal communication becomes a necessity. Often users Android need to have two accounts active in one messenger at once, so as not to carry two smartphones with them. Fortunately, the operating system Android provides ample opportunities for multitasking, allowing you to run duplicate applications without complex flashing.
However, the approach to solving this problem greatly depends on the manufacturer of your device and the firmware version. Owners Xiaomi, Samsung or Huawei have built-in tools, while users of “pure” Android (for example, on Google Pixel) will have to resort to third-party solutions. Below we will analyze in detail all the available methods, their advantages and pitfalls.
Understanding how it works cloning applicationswill help you avoid errors and data loss. Unlike a standard installation, the second instance is isolated in a special container, which allows it to work independently of the main one. This means that you can receive notifications from both accounts at the same time, switching between them in seconds.
Built-in duplication functions across different brands
Most major smartphone manufacturers have already implemented the cloning function directly into the system shell. This is the most reliable and energy-efficient method, since it does not require the installation of unnecessary software. Finding this option depends on the name that the brand gave to its module.
On devices Xiaomi i Redmi the function is called “Two applications” and is located in the “Applications” section. Owners Samsung look for the “Double Messenger” option in the “Additional Features” settings. OnePlus and Oppo use the term “App Cloning”, and Huawei and Honor - “App Twin”. The interface may differ, but the essence is the same.
After activating the switch opposite the icon Viber the system will automatically create a copy. A new icon will appear on your desktop with a small icon (often orange or blue) indicating that it is a clone. When you first start, you will need to enter the number of the second SIM card and go through the standard verification procedure via SMS.
⚠️ Attention: In some versions of MIUI or One UI firmware, the list of applications supported for cloning is limited. If Viber is not in the list, try updating the system or using the alternative methods described below.
Using system tools guarantees stable notifications and minimal battery consumption. You don't need to worry about compatibility or permissions because it has a deep level of core integration. This is especially important for instant messengers, where message delay is unacceptable. system cloner has a deep level of integration with the kernel Android. This is especially important for instant messengers, where message delay is unacceptable.
Using the “Work Profile” function
If your smartphone does not support built-in cloning, the most civilized solution would be to create a “Work Profile”. This feature is initially intended to separate corporate and personal data, but is great for launching a second instance of any application, including Viber.
To activate, you will need a special manager application, for example, Shelter or Island, available in Google Play. These utilities use a legitimate API Android to create an isolated environment. After setup, you will receive a second desktop where you can install a clean version of the messenger from the store.
- 🔒 Full isolation: The work profile data is encrypted separately, and the main profile does not have access to it without your permission.
- 🔋 Resource saving: Unlike heavy emulators, the work profile uses system processes without overloading the processor services.
- 🛑 Access control: You can disable your entire work profile with one click, instantly stopping receiving work notifications during non-working hours.
The setup process takes a couple of minutes. After installation Shelter follow the instructions of the setup wizard, allow the creation of a device administrator profile. Then open the Personal tab inside the Shelter app, find Viber and click the clone button (suitcase or arrow icon).
To quickly switch between profiles, add the Work Profile Switcher widget to your home screen. This will allow you to freeze or unfreeze the second Viber with one tap.
It is important to note that when using this method, notifications from the second account may come with a briefcase icon in order to be visually different from personal ones. This is a handy feature that allows you to instantly understand where the message came from. However, some aggressive energy saving systems can “kill” background processes in the work profile, so it’s worth adding applications to exceptions.
Third-party clone applications: Parallel Space and analogs
When system methods are not available and the working profile seems too complex, specialized container applications come to the rescue. The most famous representative of this class is Parallel Space, but there are also worthy alternatives: Multi Parallel, 2Accounts, Dual Space.
The principle of their operation is similar: they create a virtual environment within themselves, where copies of selected apps are launched. You install one host application, and inside it you already manage all your clones. This is convenient for those who need more than two accounts, since many such apps support multiple cloning.
| Application | 64-bit support | Advertising | Complexity of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parallel Space | Yes (in version 64Bit) | High | Low |
| 2Accounts | Yes | Medium | Low |
| Shelter (Work Profile) | Yes (native) | Absent | Average |
| Island | Yes (native) | Absent | Average |
The main disadvantage of such solutions is the high consumption of RAM and the presence of advertising in free versions. Since the clone is running inside another application, the system sees it as one heavy process. If your smartphone has little RAM (less than 4 GB), the messenger may be unstable and notifications may be delayed.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party clones often require extensive permissions to access contacts and storage. Carefully check access rights during installation so as not to transfer personal data to dubious developers.
However, for older devices or specific tasks this is often the only way out. When setting up, be sure to allow autorun for the container application in the battery settings, otherwise the system will “put it to sleep”, and the second Viber will stop connecting to the server until it is opened manually.
Installing modified versions of APK
There is another radical method - installing a modified version of the messenger, often called “Viber Plus” or “GB Viber”. Such assemblies are modified by enthusiasts to have a different package name, which allows the system to perceive them as a completely separate application.
This method does not require any additional clone apps and works out of the box. You simply download APK file from an unofficial resource and install it next to the original. However, there are serious risks here that cannot be kept silent.
Risks of using mods
Using unofficial clients violates Viber's terms of service. There is a high risk of your number being temporarily or permanently blocked. In addition, a malicious script may be introduced into the code of such applications to steal data.
The developers of the original messenger are actively fighting such clients. Security algorithms can recognize a non-standard connection and ban your number. In addition, you won't receive security updates in a timely manner, relying on the good faith of unknown modders.
If you do decide to go this route, only use it on a secondary number that you don't mind losing. Never enter bank card details or sensitive information into modified versions of applications. The security of your communications in this case is not guaranteed in any way.
Setting up notifications and energy saving
Regardless of the chosen method, a critical step is the correct configuration of the system. Android Known for its aggressive policy towards background processes, trying to save battery power at any cost. Without the correct configuration, the second Viber simply will not work in the background.
You need to go to the battery settings and find the installed application (or container). Select the "No restrictions" or "Do not limit" option. Also, in the AutoPlay section, make sure the switch is active. For system clones, these settings are often duplicated in the menu of the clone itself.
- 🔔 Notification channels: Go to the notification settings of the second Viber and make sure that the channel importance is set to “High” and the sound is not muted.
- 🚀 Fixing in memory: Open the menu of running applications, find the second messenger window and click on lock (or hold your finger) to commit it to memory.
- 📶 Network access: Check whether the application is allowed to use mobile data and Wi-Fi in the background.
Particular attention should be paid to devices with shells MIUI i EMUI. There, you often need to additionally enable the permission to “Display on top of other applications” and “Run in the background” through special autorun management menus hidden deep in the settings.
☑️ Checklist for setting up notifications
Ignoring these steps leads to the classic problem: “they write, but notifications do not arrive.” You will only become aware of the message when you manually open the application. Correctly setting up energy saving is 90% of success in working with dual accounts.
Common problems and ways to solve them
Even if all instructions are followed, users may encounter difficulties. The most common problem is the inability to receive an SMS with a confirmation code on the second number. This is often due to the fact that the SIM card is not active for data transfer at the time of registration.
Make sure the correct mobile data card is selected in your network settings when registering a second account. If the code does not arrive, try requesting a voice call to read the code - this option appears a minute after an unsuccessful attempt to enter SMS.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and menu item names may change with updates to Android and manufacturers' shells. If you do not find the specified option, use the search inside the phone settings menu using the keywords “clone”, “application” or “battery”.
Another common mistake is a version conflict. If the main Viber updated to a new version, and the clone (especially in third-party apps) remained on the old one, this may cause synchronization failures or crashes. Try to keep all instances of the messenger up to date.
The stability of the second account directly depends on the energy saving settings. Without permission to run in the background, no cloning method will be effective.
In rare cases, completely reinstalling the container application or resetting the settings of the clone itself helps. Before doing this, be sure to make a backup copy of important chats, if such a function is available in the cloning method you use, so as not to lose the correspondence history.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to install a third Viber on your phone?
Standard tools (built-in cloners) usually support only one duplicate However, using applications like Parallel Space or creating several working profiles (which requires root access or complex manipulations), theoretically you can launch a larger number of copies, but stability of operation is not guaranteed.
Will notifications be received if the phone is locked?
Yes, if you have correctly configured energy saving (allowed background work) and enabled the application has all the necessary notification rights. On some models, the screen may not light up when receiving a message from the clone, but the sound and vibration should work.
Does the second Viber take up a lot of memory space?
The clone application itself takes up about the same amount of space as the main one (about 100-200 MB). However, the main amount of memory is consumed by the media cache (photos, videos, voice messages). If you actively use both accounts, get ready to free up an additional 1-2 GB of space.
Is it possible to transfer correspondence history to a second Viber?
Direct transfer of history from one account to another is impossible, since these are different phone numbers and different databases. You can restore history from a backup only for the number from which it was created. It is impossible to combine chats of two different numbers in one interface using standard tools.