There may often be a need to duplicate an application, for example, to maintain two profiles on social networks, chat from two numbers in messengers, or have an additional account in an online game. Some services already have a default function for switching between profiles, but unfortunately, most do not. And switching from one user to another is not so convenient when actively working.
In such cases, cloning comes to the rescue, thanks to which you can have two copies of the same application, not connected to each other in any way. This will be useful for the above-mentioned cases, as well as for separating work and personal information. You can make a copy of an installed program or game in three different ways.
1. How to clone an application via built-in function
Many modern smartphones already have a cloning function, which makes the process simple and allows you to do without installing additional software. This is the most preferable option, which is worth trying first.
Check if your smartphone has this option: look in the settings, use the search for the word “clone”.
- Xiaomi/Realme . “Settings” → “Applications” → “Clone applications”.
- Samsung . “Settings” → “Advanced features” → “Dual app profile”.
- Huawei/Honor . “Settings” → “Applications” → “Clone application”.
- Tecno . “Settings” → “Special functions” → “App clone”.
Next, select the cloning application from the list and click the toggle switch of the same name. In a few seconds, a copy will be created on the desktop. If desired, rename the program and change the icon , and also specify what the phone should open by default – the original or the clone.
2. How to clone an application using a third-party utility
If your smartphone does not have a built-in function, third-party solutions will help. Such programs often have more settings, allow you to create multiple copies, change icons, set passwords, and so on. There are many similar applications on Google Play , and they all work on the same principle. Let’s consider the cloning process using the popular Clone App as an example, but you can use any other.Install one of the options from the links above, launch it and grant the program the necessary permissions – don’t be surprised, they are needed so that notifications, geolocation, calls, etc. work in clones.
Install one of the options from the links above, launch it and grant the p
Tap the plus sign and select the app you want to duplicate. Give it a name and icon and tap the Clone button.
A copy of the app will appear inside Clone App. To add an icon to the desktop, long-tap and select “Desktop Shortcuts” → “Add”. The duplicate will appear on the desktop.
3. How to clone an application through another Android account
There is another option, which, although not cloning in essence, allows you to install a second copy of the application. Almost all Android devices have the ability to add multiple accounts in case the smartphone is used by different people. This way, you can install independent sets of applications and freely switch between them.
However, this method is more for occasional use. If you switch frequently, changing users may be inconvenient.Go to Settings → Users and Accounts → Multiple Users. Turn on the toggle switch of the same name, tap Add User and enter their name.
Now, to switch to the second account, select it from the list and confirm the switch. The first time, you will need to go through the initial setup, as on a new smartphone , specifying the language, country, and so on. In the following cases, you will see the phone desktop with Google Play and all the services, where you can install the necessary applications and use them regardless of the main profile.
