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10 Tech How-To

Run Multiple Instances of an App on Android & Mac

Guide 10-38340 · Updated · Step by step

Running multiple instances of the same app on Android or Mac is useful for managing multiple accounts (e.g., two WhatsApp numbers, two Instagram logins), testing apps in isolation, or keeping work and personal profiles separate. On Android, this is done with a built-in “Dual Apps” feature or a third-party app cloner. On Mac, you can use Terminal commands or create separate user accounts. This guide walks you through both platforms step by step.

What You’ll Need

  • An Android phone (Android 7.0 or newer for native cloning; older versions may need a third-party app)
  • A Mac running macOS (any recent version, e.g., Catalina or newer)
  • Administrator access on the Mac (for creating user accounts or using Terminal)
  • Optional: a third-party app cloner for Android if your phone lacks the native feature

Step-by-Step

On Android (Native Dual Apps)

  1. Open Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon, or find the Settings app in your app drawer.
  2. Find the “Dual Apps” or “App Clone” option. This is usually under “Advanced Features” (Samsung), “App Settings” (Xiaomi), or “Utilities” (some others). If you can’t find it, search “Dual” in the Settings search bar.
  3. Select the app you want to clone. You’ll see a list of supported apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram). Tap the toggle next to the app.
  4. Wait for the clone to be created. The system will create a second app icon, often with a small badge or a different color to distinguish it.
  5. Open the cloned app. Tap the new icon and sign in with a different account. The two instances run independently.

On Android (Third-Party App Cloner)

  1. Install a reliable app cloner from the Google Play Store (e.g., “App Cloner” or “Parallel Space”). Note: some cloners may not support all apps due to security restrictions.
  2. Open the cloner app. Grant it the permissions it asks for (storage, notifications, etc.).
  3. Choose the app to clone. Tap the “+” button and select the app from the list.
  4. Start cloning. The cloner will create a duplicate icon on your home screen or inside the cloner’s own interface.
  5. Launch the cloned app. Sign in with a different account. Be aware that some apps (e.g., banking apps) may block cloned versions for security.

On Mac (Using Terminal)

  1. Open Terminal. Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal, or press Cmd+Space and type “Terminal”.
  2. Find the app’s bundle identifier. For example, for Safari it’s com.apple.Safari. For most apps, you can find it by right-clicking the app in Finder, selecting “Get Info”, and looking at the “Name & Extension” (but that’s not the bundle ID). A more reliable way is to use the command mdls -name kMDItemCFBundleIdentifier /Applications/AppName.app.
  3. Run the app with the -n flag. Type open -n /Applications/AppName.app and press Enter. For example: open -n /Applications/Safari.app. This opens a new instance of the app.
  4. Repeat for more instances. Run the same command again to open another instance. Each will appear as a separate window or process.
  5. Close instances. Use Cmd+Q on each window, or use Activity Monitor to quit specific processes.

On Mac (Using Separate User Accounts)

  1. Create a new user account. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups, click the lock icon, then click “+” to add a new user. Choose “Standard” or “Administrator” (Standard is safer).
  2. Log out of your current account. Click the Apple menu > Log Out.
  3. Log in with the new account. You can now run the same app in this account while your main account is also logged in (if you use Fast User Switching).
  4. Enable Fast User Switching. In System Settings > Control Center, add “User Switching” to the menu bar. Then you can switch between accounts without logging out.
  5. Launch the app in the second account. The app will run independently, with its own preferences and data.

Common Mistakes

  • Not clearing app data before cloning. Some cloners may copy existing data, causing conflicts. Clear the clone’s data after creation.
  • Using the wrong Terminal command. Some apps ignore the -n flag; you may need to use open -n -a AppName instead.
  • Cloning apps that block it. Banking, payment, or DRM-protected apps often detect clones and refuse to run. Don’t waste time trying to force them.
  • Forgetting to update the clone. Cloned apps may not auto-update. Check for updates manually in the cloner app or the original app’s store page.

Tips

  • Use different notification sounds for each instance so you know which account is getting a notification.
  • Label the cloned app icon (if your launcher allows) to avoid confusion.
  • On Mac, use separate user accounts for heavy apps like browsers or editors, as it provides better isolation than the -n flag.
  • For Android, prefer the native Dual Apps feature over third-party cloners, as it’s more stable and secure.
  • Keep your cloner app updated to ensure compatibility with the latest Android versions.

Troubleshooting

  • The cloned app crashes on Android. Clear the clone’s cache (Settings > Apps > [clone] > Storage > Clear Cache). If it persists, uninstall and re-clone.
  • The -n flag doesn’t work on Mac. Some apps are designed to run as a single instance. Try open -n -a AppName, or use the separate user account method instead.
  • Notifications from the clone don’t appear. Ensure the cloner app has notification permission, and that the clone’s notifications are enabled in Android settings.
  • The cloned app can’t access the internet. Check if your cloner has a “network isolation” setting. Turn it off.
  • On Mac, the second instance doesn’t open a new window. Some apps open a new window only if you use open -n while the app is already running. If not, quit the app first, then run the command.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to run multiple instances of an app?

Yes, it’s generally legal for personal use. However, some apps’ terms of service prohibit multiple accounts or automated use. Check the app’s ToS to avoid account bans.

Can I run multiple instances of any app on Android?

No. Some apps (e.g., banking, some games) detect clones and block them. Native Dual Apps usually supports only popular social media and messaging apps.

Does running multiple instances affect performance?

Yes, each instance consumes memory and CPU. On low-end devices, it may cause lag. On Mac, multiple instances of heavy apps can slow down the system.

Can I run multiple instances of the same app on Mac without Terminal?

Yes, by creating separate user accounts and using Fast User Switching. This is the easiest non-technical method.

Will my app data be shared between instances?

No, each instance has its own data storage. On Android, the clone is a separate app package. On Mac, each user account has separate preferences and files.

Can I use a VPN for one instance and not the other?

On Android, yes, if you use a per-app VPN. On Mac, it’s harder; you’d need to route traffic per user account, which is complex.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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