How to install two copies of the same app on Android

Many Android users wonder if it is possible to install two copies of the same application on their device. Although it is most likely that when you try to do so, the system itself will reject the double installation, the truth is that there is a way around it and we will tell you about it here.

You can now install two copies of the same app on your device

Installing two copies of the same app on your device is no longer impossible. The advancement of technology and active listening by companies allowed developers to include ways to make it a reality without having to resort to cloners.

Chances are, if you’ve ever tried to install the same app twice , the system has automatically rejected it. If you’re trying to do this on Xiaomi, Samsung or Huawei models, it’s very likely that you still have the dual-app feature disabled .

What are dual functions?

Dual features is a kind of setting that some smartphone models have that allows you to install two copies of the same app. To activate it, all you have to do is get the dual feature option and turn it on so you can create parallel versions of the apps you have installed on your device.

Route to activate dual functions on the mobile device

The route to get the option will vary depending on the model of each phone. Here we share with you the path of some quite popular models that you can follow (if it matches the model of your device) or that you can use as a guide (for different models).

Huawei models

All Huawei devices with EMUI have the possibility of installing two copies of the same application thanks to its App Twin function. Enable this function by going to Settings and following the path Applications > App Twin.

Once there, you’ll see a list of apps you can duplicate. Toggle on the switch for those you want to manage two accounts independently of . When you do, you’ll see two icons of the same app appear on your home screen, indicating that you can use two accounts simultaneously.

Samsung models

In the case of Samsung devices, the function that allows you to duplicate applications, specifically messaging apps, is called Dual Messenger. If we were to make a ranking , DualMessenger would be in the top positions due to a particular feature.

This feature, in addition to allowing the dual installation of messaging applications, allows you to customize the contact list for each of the accounts. This way, you can organize each account according to your interests.

Activate this feature from the Apps screen. Tap on the Settings option and scroll down until you find the Advanced Features option. Locate where it says Dual Messenger and you will see a list of the apps you have installed that are compatible with this feature. Tap on the app you want to copy and you’re done.

Xiaomi models

Xiaomi models had to be on this list due to the incredible acceptance they have had in the smartphone market, which has made them the preferred brand for many users.

Now, in the case of these devices, the dual function is activated from the MIUI 8 version. It works very simply, quite similar to the systems of the models already mentioned.

In the System Settings, find the Device option and select it. Click on Clones apps. You will see a list of the applications that are compatible for duplication. Select the one you are interested in to have two independent accounts. It’s that simple and you can install two copies of the same application.

One Plus Models

One Plus devices run an Android-based operating system. OxygenOS is arguably China’s version of Android, so you’d expect its developers to keep up with its inspiring system. If you have a device running this OS, you can follow this route to install two copies of the same app:

• Go to Settings and locate the “Utilities” section.
• Click where it says “Parallel Apps.”
• Find the app you want to duplicate and enable the corresponding option.

Of course, it is important to know that for OxygenOS devices the option to duplicate applications only applies to specific ones. The good thing is that applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and even X (formerly Twitter) are some of the ones that you can reinstall without problems.

More information

Although many messaging apps already allow users to have dual accounts, it often requires having two active phone lines. Dual phone features are an alternative for those who want to have two copies of the same app running, without having to switch accounts every time they want to check one or the other.