Many apps don’t allow multiple accounts, which can be frustrating when managing personal and work profiles. However, you can use a third-party app like Island to clone apps and run them simultaneously, giving you the flexibility to manage separate accounts.
Run Multiple Copies of an App Using Island
Some Android phones already include a built-in app cloning feature, typically found in Settings > Apps. However, the name of this feature varies by manufacturer—Samsung calls it Dual Messenger, while OnePlus refers to it as App Cloner. If your device, like a Google Pixel, lacks this functionality, you can turn to a third-party app like Island.
Island lets you install the same app twice by creating a separate work profile on your phone. Don’t worry—these cloned apps work just like any other app on your device.
Download: Island (Free)
If you need multiple instances of the same app, simply follow these steps:
- Download and install Island from the Play Store.
- Open the app and tap Accept. Then follow the on-screen prompts until you reach Island’s home screen.
- At the top of the app, you’ll see two tabs: Mainland for your installed apps and Island for the work profile where cloned apps are stored.
- In the Mainland tab, choose the app you want to clone, tap the plus (+) icon at the bottom, and select Island. You may need to log in to your Google account so Island can download the app from the Play Store.
In your app drawer, you’ll now find a separate section labeled Work, where your cloned apps are installed. Alternatively, you can spot cloned apps by the small briefcase icon beneath their app icon.
Deleting a Copied App
You can delete a copied app by following the usual steps to uninstall an app on your phone. However, there are some extra steps if you want to remove Island completely, or if you want to remove the work profile.
- Open Island, and tap the 3 vertical dots at the top right, then select Settings.
- In the Settings menu, choose Scoped Settings and then select Island.
- Scroll down and tap Destroy Permanently, then confirm by selecting Destroy again. This will completely erase all apps cloned through Island.
Island is useful for managing two accounts on the same app and offers additional privacy-focused features. You can hide your cloned apps and manage separate permissions for each instance, giving you more control over your privacy.
