Android dual apps. How to install two identical apps on Android? Creating an Application Duplicate with App Cloner
In this tutorial, you will learn how to quickly create an APK app clone, that is, install 2 identical apps. This lesson is a continuation of the Encyclopedia of apk editing. And so you already know:
This lesson will give an example of creating application apk clone. Let's get started! (If you opened this article from nothing, read how and why to decompile applications)
What is needed for this?
1. Preparatory part of the decompilation tool (apktool, java, shell for apktool)
2. The application on which the “operation” is performed in this lesson is Backgammon Free
3. Program for editing text files notepad++
Instructions for creating an APK clone application
1. After the application has been decompiled, go to its folder
2. Open the AndroidManifest.xml file with Notepad ++, which is located in the root of the folder
3. Find the word in the second line package after which comes "internal filename"
3. Highlight " internal file name» , open Search -> Find in files, set the search area at the bottom
4. Change " internal file name» to your choice by clicking on Replace in files
5. Go to the folder RES
6. Open folder VALUES And VALUES(if localized)
7. In file STRINGS.XML in app_name field change the name to your choice
You probably had a situation where you needed several accounts in a messenger or a banking application. A multi-account in the official client is a rare exception, Instagram is one of them. For some services available third party clients with support for multiple accounts, but, as a rule, their quality and stability is far from ideal. Create a clone desired application- one of the ways out in this situation. For example, there are simply no alternatives for gaming applications! In addition, cloning allows you to install different versions of the program at the same time. ABOUT the best utilities to create clones automatic mode, today in the selection.
The principle of cloning App Cloner is based on creating a copy of the desired application with a modified package name and signature. Superuser rights are not required. Cloned applications are completely independent and will continue to work even after Removal App cloner.
The main menu contains a list of applications available for cloning. The utility allows you to change the name of the application and modify the icon: change color, reflect, rotate, add a number - in order to avoid confusion in the application menu. In addition, you can modify some settings of the cloned application, for example: change the appearance, assign a password to open, deny access to device data, disable autorun, change notification settings, transfer all data to a memory card, and much more. There are about a hundred parameters in total, but most of them are available only in the premium version.
After preparation, the clone is installed as regular application in normal mode. You must first allow the installation of APK files from unknown sources in the security section of the device settings. The original application and its clone can function simultaneously, independently of each other. The setup file with the modified package name and signature is stored separately and is ready to be installed at any time. Therefore, cloned apps as APK files can be transferred to any other device without App Cloner.
You can clone, including installed apk files loaded into the device's memory. By default, the mode is hidden; to activate it, you need to click on a stylized folder on the section bar of the main menu. The function can be useful for simultaneous use different versions one application: old-new, original-modified.
App Cloner automatically keeps track of updates to the original and notifies you when you need to reclone the corresponding app. The data and settings of the clone application are not erased after the update. You can disable the update notification if you wish.
App Cloner Testing
To test the utilities, we have selected the most likely formats for using clones and advising applications:- Client of the social network VKontakte.
- Whatsapp messenger.
- Applications from Google.
- SimCity Buildit and Asphalt 8 - games with and without cache.
- Sberbank Online and VTB24 banking applications.
With app cloning In contact with version 5.0 the utility failed. After installation, the authorization window does not work. I had to be content with the outdated fourth version, but without the music cache, which was not so long ago. Otherwise, the clone works stably, however, a bug was noticed, in order to send a message, you must close the chat screen.
Cloning whatsapp only available in premium version. List known issues: The inability to run a clone from contacts and the inoperability of backup through a Google account.
Successful cloning of applications that use services Google Play not guaranteed. In fact, all cloned applications crash at the stage of choosing an account. Among them: Google Maps, Google Keep, YouTube, Google Music. Also, in application clones from third party developers, the functionality associated with the Google account does not work.
SimCity Buildit - an example of a game without additional cache on the internal storage. The original and copy work without conflict. Authorization via Google Play Games, as expected, does not work, you can synchronize the gameplay through Facebook.
Games with a cache are also amenable to copying, for example, Asphalt 8 works without conflicts with the original version. It should be borne in mind that for each clone you have to reload additional files. For Asphalt 8, this is just over 1 GB of data. Synchronization via Google Play is also not available.
Everything is ambiguous with banking applications, the Sberbank Online clone freezes at the device verification stage, apparently due to a mismatch in the application package name. VTB24 client works as expected, with the help of clones, on one smartphone, you can simultaneously use several personal accounts. Unlike modified versions that are published on third-party sites, clones made in App Cloner can be considered safe.
At this point, you may get the impression that the utility does a poor job of cloning applications, but this is not the case. App Cloner creates copies of applications without problems that do not use a Google account and do not check the package name. For example: Telegram, Tumblr, Twitter, Skype and many others - I think that there is more than one application without a multi-account that can be cloned.
IN free version Apps missing ads. For the premium version, developers are asking 352 rubles. The purchase significantly expands the functionality of the utility:
Parallel Space offers an alternative approach to app cloning. The utility creates a virtual sandbox inside which copies of applications are launched. This approach provides better compatibility, at the same time, clones do not work without the Parallel Space environment, the utility is constantly in random access memory devices. Superuser rights are not required for Parallel Space to work.
The main screen reminds regular menu applications where already cloned programs are collected. Application shortcuts can be swapped. To create new new copies, you must click on the "Add application" button and select necessary programs. Installation of APK files is not required, all clones are in the Parallel Space environment, they are not in the general list of applications. Copies of applications and their data can be deleted by simply clearing Parallel Space data, or complete removal utilities. On the desktop, you can bring shortcuts to frequently used clones for quick start without opening the utility interface. It is not possible to create multiple copies of the same application.
special attention deserves private installation of applications from Google Play in the Parallel Space environment. Installing APK files from the device memory is not provided. The original privately installed clone is deleted, the application remains only in the sandbox. In addition, Parallel Space and clones can be protected with graphic key or fingerprint. As a result, the utility allows you to configure a protected space with applications that are not in the general list.
Each clone's notifications are controlled separately. The Parallel Space environment is responsible for receiving and demonstrating them, which is why after each reboot of the device, the clones have to be launched manually, autorun is not provided.
Cloning some applications on 64-bit systems requires the installation of a special plug-in. What the utility will notify you separately, the addition is published in google store Play and installed in one click.
Some users report increased battery consumption and a general decrease in device performance. In the case of OnePlus 3T Negative influence not seen, at the same time, Paralell Space - third party application, which is constantly in RAM, which cannot but affect the smartphone. I also note an impressive list of required permissions: from the calendar and contacts, to the camera and location. The developers claim that access is necessary for correct operation sandboxing and cloning applications.
Testing Parallel Space
Unlike App Cloner, Parallel Space managed to clone the fifth version of the client In contact with. No functional limitations and glitches were found.
FROM whatsapp There were no problems either, the clone works correctly. Backup from Google account is supported. As in the case of the App Cloner, contacts open the original whatsapp version.
Apps from Google clone without problems, in particular: Youtube, Google Keep, Gmail, Google Drive, - I think that there will be no problems with other programs. The main advantage of Parallel Space is full-fledged work with Google services, the sandbox allows you to add additional Google accounts regardless of the underlying environment. Accounts added to Parallel Space are not visible in the device settings and original applications. A full-fledged Google Play is also available, an application for working with Android Wear and Google Play Games. If Google services are not needed, I recommend activating the "Speed Mode".
With cloning SimCity Buildit The utility coped without an additional cache. For unknown reasons, authorization through Google Play Games does not work, the service complains about problems with the Internet, although the network is in perfect order.
Asphalt 8 also started, the clone cache had to be downloaded separately. Unlike SimCity Buildit, authorization through Google Play Games was successful.
Like App Cloner, with client cloning Sberbank Online there were problems. The copy does not pass the built-in check Personal Area antivirus and opens only restricted mode. VTB24 client started, functional restrictions are not noticed.
The compatibility level of Parallel Space is much higher than App Cloner. The utility managed to clone a similar set of applications: Telegram, Tumblr, Twitter, Skype, Periscope. The main advantage is full support for a Google account and all services. The disadvantages include the dependence of clones on the Parallel Space environment, which is constantly located in the device's RAM.
except useful features related to app cloning, Parallel Space is filled with dubious features. The application has a built-in RAM optimizer and a third-party lock screen, we talked about the dangers of such functions, we strongly recommend ignoring them. What's more, the built-in lock screen is used to display ads, which the free version of Parallel Space lacks. So, a news aggregator is built into the main menu, and when clones are launched, from time to time, full-screen advertising banners. For 50 rubles, advertising can be disabled for a month, the Pro version "forever" will cost 249 rubles.
2Accounts in the Google Play Store
2Accounts or multiple accounts- an alternative utility for creating application clones. The principle of operation is similar to Parallel Space, the utility also creates a special sandbox - the second space for clones. 2Accounts is constantly in RAM, in addition, a notification is fixed in the status bar, which prevents accidental closing of the utility. Superuser rights are not required.The main menu also resembles the application menu, shortcuts can be moved and renamed. Applications are added in one click, batch cloning is supported. It is not possible to create multiple copies of the same application. Clones are not displayed in the manager and in the application menu. Favorite clone shortcuts can be masked and placed on the desktop for quick launch.
Unlike competitors, 2Accounts is not enough additional features. For example, the developers did not provide private mode and locking the application with a password. Notifications work as expected, but you can't control them.
Like Parallel Space, 2Accounts is constantly in RAM, which is required to keep the sandbox running. Also, some users complain about increased battery consumption. In a short period of testing on the OnePlus 3T, no negative dynamics were noticed. The utility requires many permissions, among them: access to the phone, SMS, location, camera, contacts, and others.
Testing 2Accounts
Clone of the official client In contact with The fifth version works fine, notifications come on time. But the control panel music players in the status of the database is displayed incorrectly and does not function. Music playback is interrupted from time to time.
With cloning whatsapp there were no problems. The clone does not conflict with the original version, synchronization via Google account works.
2Accounts is fully compatible with Google Play Services. Accounts added to the sandbox are not visible in the device settings and do not affect the main account. account and synchronization. Google services in the sandbox are enabled by default and cannot be disabled. All tested apps: Google Keep, Google Chrome, Youtube, Play Music, - fully work with Google account.
Apshalt 8 traditionally required the cache to be loaded. Authorization through Google Play Games was successful, the application immediately synchronized game progress.
Clone Sberbank Online, created with the help of 2Accounts, passed the check of the built-in antivirus, the personal account opened full functionality. With a client VTB 24 there were no problems either.
There were no problems with other applications from the test set: Telegram, Tumblr, Twitter, Skype, Periscope - started. The overall speed is higher than that of Parallel Space, despite the fact that both utilities allow you to fully use independent Google accounts inside the sandbox.
2Accounts- free app no embedded ads. Doubtful functions are also not noticed, the utility is focused on creating clones. The app's page in the Google Play store has information about in-app purchases, but there's nothing like that in the app. But not without a potential threat, virus scanners found in setup file. The malware is capable of penetrating deep into the system, changing the main system elements of the OS and applications installed in it. During testing, no negative impact was recorded, probably the delayed response mechanism is built into the utility.
I continue to acquaint readers of my site with interesting features of the brand MIUI shells 9. In the previous one, I talked about how different ways take a screenshot. Today we will talk about a very useful function like app cloning. What is it for!? This opportunity allows you to use two different accounts in programs. That is, we create a duplicate application for another account. This is very important when two SIM cards are installed on the smartphone: one personal and the second service.
It should be noted that currently only Xiaomi company built this function into their firmware. However, the rest of the owners of Android smartphones should not be upset. Because in Play market There are a lot of applications to implement this feature, thank God we are not dealing with iOS.
Let's move from words to deeds. Despite the apparent complexity, this procedure it only takes a couple of clicks. Open Settings and in the Applications section, select Cloned applications.
And among the list of applications, we note those in which we will use the second account.
After the done manipulations, another shortcut will appear on the desktop. It will differ from the original only by the presence of a small icon in the lower left corner.
Now we launch a new application and configure it under the second account.
If you have questions related to work new version MIUI 9, then send them to me at, and I will definitely answer them.
To install two (or more) identical applications on one phone, you need to change the package value in the AndroidManifest.xml file located inside the apk build.
For example, we have:
android:versioncode="20110420"
android:versionname="1.8.0"
package="en.e_num"
xmlns:android =>
In order to install this application again, you need to do something like this:
android:versionname="1.8.0"
package="en.e_num.test"
xmlns:android= "http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android">
After such a change, the newly assembled apk file will have to be signed with a certificate. Information on how to unpack, pack and sign apk files can be found in any search engine at the request SmartApkTool. Here is a link to the application: v.2.2 (unzip the contents of the archive into an empty directory). But more The right way working with apk files: .
Advice. Install one of the unmodified copies to be aware of updates in the Market.
Under the cut, some of the problems encountered are described, and there is also an Order Table.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
Problem 1
If the apktool.yml file is not created next to AndroidManifest.xml , then in home directory user, find the apktool\framework folder and delete the 1.apk file from it. (Advice from w3bsit3-dns.com, thanks Alex Boroda.)
Problem 2
Sometimes just changing the package name doesn't help. Most often this happens in cases where the AndroidManifest.xml file contains relative paths to various activities. For example:
android:label="E-NUM"
android:name=".SplashScreenActivity"
android:screenOrientation="portrait" >
In such a situation, you need to register the full path to all activities, that is:
android:name= "en.e_num.SplashScreenActivity"
android:screenOrientation="portrait" >
Please note that you need to write not the new package name (that is, in our case, not ru.e_num.test ), but the real path to the activity in the smali directory of the unpacked apk file. Naturally, in the general case, the path matches the old package name (in our case, it is ru.e_num ).
Problem 3
If there is a provider tag in the AndroidManifest.xml file, then in its authorities attribute, you must also add the characters that we used as an addition to the package parameter (in our case, this is .test ). For example, it was:
android:authorities="com.someapp.android"
android:name="com.someapp.android" >
android:name="com.someapp.android" >
As in issue 2, the value of the name attribute does not need to be changed.
Order table
I'm taking orders again! If you read the instructions, but you have any difficulties with it, write a link to the application in the comments. It is necessary! Search viber or " clash of clans" I won't. I make one copy for free. The result is not guaranteed - test. If you need more copies, or have any non-standard wishes - write, we will agree. If you want to thank with a pint of beer and for one copy, then wallets.
PS. Users of *NIX systems can try to make copies of applications automatically with this simple bash script:
https://github.com/kodopik/copyroid
Pull requests are welcome!
Do you have multiple accounts, or do you play the same games with a friend on the same phone? Maybe you want to separate work and home social networks? Quite often, users have situations when they have two the same programs just necessary. And creating a copy will help with this, but not everyone knows how to clone an application on Android correctly and quickly.
How clones work and why make them
Clones are copies of original applications that usually function no slowdowns, freezes or glitches. You just get two identical versions that you can work with separately.
The simplest example is a VKontakte account. For example, you created one page for an online business, and you use the second page for entertainment purposes to communicate with friends, etc.
We do the same with games. Your family loves to play one game, but everyone wants their own account? Not a problem. Duplicates are useful in a number of other cases, for each user individually.
How to make a copy of an application on Android through a system function
Most modern phones factory clone option now available (in Xiaomi for example), which creates high-quality copies identical to the originals. And this does not require a lot of time to choose, download, install and interact with special programs.
Go to "Settings", looking for a section with names "Device", "Expanded Settings" or "Application settings". Scroll down and somewhere in the middle of the page there will be a sub-item "App Cloning".
Appears separate screen, where the programs available for cloning are highlighted. Some applications do not support the system replicator. These usually include messengers. whatsapp, Viber, Telegram, social networks VK And Facebook.
In the case of the above programs, only special utilities, which clone absolutely all APP files. Of course, most often such tools require either an installation fee or availability.
How to make a copy of an application on Android through programs
If you do not have a built-in function, there is only one way out - resort to the help of special applications. There are many effective utilities on Google Play, but we will only talk about the most high-quality and convenient ones.
App 1: App Clone
A very popular tool that works great without superuser mode. Also, the main version can be downloaded completely free of charge. The program creates high-quality clones with decals. You can choose a different color for the icon, overlay text over it, rotate or flip it.
Choose one specific program. For example, ES Explorer (by the way, we talked about it in). Click on it, and set the icons opposite the identification marks as desired. Once everything is set up - tap on the image of the checkmark.
- Gives a warning, which we get acquainted with, and if we agree, press "OK". The process of creating a copy begins, which we observe in real time.
- Now on the desktop there will be two full-fledged clones that function separately. Furthermore, the application copy is not updated, so you can compare the performance of the two versions.
Notes:
- Cloning social networks and messengers requires an additional fee;
- Don't forget to enable installation in settings.apk-files from unknown sources.
The created duplicate will work regardless of whether you saved App Clone on the device or deleted it.
Apps 2: MoChat
One more great utility, designed mainly for creating copies of social networks and instant messengers. Unique in its kind, because it allows you to have several accounts on Facebook, Viber, etc. Also, the advantages of MoChat include:
- Cloning from three accounts to infinity;
- Completely free, without root rights;
- An application duplicate usually does not take more than 4-5 megabytes, which is simply sensational;
- intuitive clear interface, there are nice features, such as the weather. No extra, confusing options. The Russian language is present, albeit poorly optimized.
- A nice feature is own design themes, which can be easily installed on the home screen.
App 3: Parallel Space
A similar program that has one main disadvantage - applications are removed automatically along with the utility. It is downloaded and installed in the standard way. Immediately on the main screen, we are prompted to select, for example, a game. How to clone applications on Android 8? Are there any special methods?
No, everything is as listed in the main instructions. If the smartphone supports system cloning- excellent (in particular, this function is present on Xiaomi devices). If not, choose the most suitable application for yourself.
What other program can you recommend besides those mentioned in the article?
Still a good option clone master. Take a look at this application.
As you can see, cloning applications on Android is quite simple. It will take quite a bit of time - and the necessary accounts or games in multiplied quantities will appear on the device. Good luck!