Key Insights:
- A new handle might be added to the Gemini app, currently in beta testing, for opening another window by long pressing it.
- Multiple User Accounts create completely separate Gemini instances with independent data and logins.
- App Cloner creates a duplicate copy of the Gemini app.
Method 1: Using Multiple User Accounts
Android allows the creation of multiple user profiles on a single device, each with its apps and settings. This method lets you have separate Gemini instances for each account. The following steps will guide you on how to set up multiple user accounts:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Then, find Users. Depending on your Android type, you may need to look under Account or Users and Account to select it.
- Also, some Android devices may require you first to enable multiple user settings.
- Afterward, tap on Add user, Add account, or Add Guest.
- Follow the prompts and onscreen instructions to create a new user account.
- Once created, switch to the new user account.
- Open the Google Play Store, search for Gemini, and install it.
- Then, return to your primary user account, which also has Gemini.
- You now have two instances of Gemini running simultaneously on your Android device, which you can use anytime!
Benefits
- Each user profile functions independently, preventing data and conversation interference between Gemini instances.
- Switch effortlessly between profiles without the need to log in/out or create new accounts.
- Changes or issues in one instance won’t affect the other because they are isolated.
- Maintain unique login details for distinct profiles, separating chats and accounts.
- Seamlessly manage conversations and tasks by switching between user profiles without logging in and out repeatedly.
- Customize settings, notifications, and preferences separately for each Gemini instance.
Limitations
- User profiles consume storage space, potentially increasing overall consumption.
- Not all Android devices support multiple user accounts. Switching accounts can be cumbersome.
- Some apps may not function well with multiple instances.
- Running two app instances simultaneously drains more battery.
- Running multiple instances may slow down performance, particularly on older devices.
- Managing multiple accounts can be confusing and lead to mix-ups.
Method 2: Using an App Cloner
An app cloner allows you to create a duplicate copy of an app. Running two instances of Gemini on Android simultaneously using an app called Cloner helps to manage multiple accounts or conversations. Ensure your Android device supports app cloning before proceeding, as not all devices have this feature.
Use reputable app cloners like Super Clone, App Cloner, Parallel Space, etc. The following steps will guide you on how to use an app cloner:
- Open Google Play Store, download and install the app cloner of your choice.
- Then, launch the app and follow any setup instructions. In the app cloner, select Gemini.
- If needed, you may customize settings like app name, icon, and permissions.
- Once done, select the desired app and tap the Clone, Create, or any button that initiates the cloning.
- The cloned instance of Gemini will appear as a separate app on your device.
- Finally, you can open the cloned and original Gemini apps side by side.
- You may sign in with a different account or use it independently.
Benefits
- Each cloned app runs separately, allowing you to manage different accounts or conversations without interference.
- Keep private chats separate from the main instance.
- You can lock the cloned app for added security.
- If the original app has issues, the cloned version can be a backup.
- App cloners are user-friendly and require minimal setup.
- You can run multiple instances of an app without creating separate user accounts.
- Cloned apps share the same storage space as the original app.
Limitations
- Not all apps can be cloned. Check if Gemini can be cloned on your device.
- Running multiple instances can impact system performance and consume additional storage.
- Using third-party cloners may raise security concerns. Be cautious and choose reputable apps.
- Not all apps are compatible with app cloners, and some may not function properly.
- Running multiple instances of an app can consume more battery power.
- Cloned apps may not receive updates simultaneously with the original app.
- Some app cloners may display ads or have limitations in their free versions.
Method 3: Using a Virtual Environment
A virtual environment helps you create a virtual Android environment within your physical device, allowing you to run two instances of Gemini simultaneously. Some trusted virtual environments on the Google Play Store include Virtual Master and Island.
The following steps will guide you on how to do it:
- Open the Google Play Store app, search for a virtual environment or Android emulator, and install anyone you choose.
- Then, launch the virtual environment app and follow any setup prompt.
- Inside the virtual environment, open the Google Play Store app, search for Gemini, and install it.
- Open Gemini in the physical environment and the virtual environment.
- You now have two instances of Gemini running simultaneously on your Android device!
Benefits
- The virtual environment provides complete isolation between the two instances of Gemini.
- The virtual environment runs independently without affecting the performance or storage of your physical device.
- Virtual environments are easy to create, manage, and delete.
- It is ideal for testing different configurations, accounts, or scenarios.
Limitations
- Running a virtual environment can consume significant resources and slow down performance.
- Virtual environments require additional storage space.
- Some apps may not be compatible with virtual environments.
- Switching between the physical and virtual environments can be confusing.
- Setting up and managing virtual environments requires technical knowledge.
- Emulated devices may not match real-world performance.
Method 4: Modifying the APK File
Modifying the APK file of Gemini allows you to create the app’s modified version that can run independently of the original app. While Gemini itself doesn’t natively support this feature, there are alternative methods you can explore:
- First, get the APK file for the version of Gemini you desire to run alongside the current one.
- Ensure you find APK files on reputable websites or extract them from other devices using tools.
- Then, install the modified APK by sideloading it onto your Android device.
- It may require you to enable installation from unknown sources in your device settings.
- Decompile the APK and rename the package name (e.g.,
com.example.gemini2
) in theAndroidManifest.xml
file. - Then, recompile the modified APK.
- Install the recompiled APK alongside the original Gemini app.
- You’ll now have two separate instances with different package names.
- Finally, launch the modified Gemini app and sign in with a different account.
- You can now use both instances independently.
Benefits
- You can keep different accounts isolated within each instance.
- It allows you to manage conversations or tasks simultaneously.
- You can also customize settings independently for each instance.
- The modified app runs independently of the original app.
Limitations
- Modifying APKs requires technical knowledge and can be error-prone.
- The modified app may malfunction or exhibit compatibility issues.
- Sideloading modified APKs may expose your device to security risks.
- Manually managing updates for both instances can be cumbersome.
- Modifying APK files may breach the app’s terms of service or copyright.
Method 5: Using a Third-Party Launcher
Running two instances of Gemini on Android simultaneously using a third-party launcher can be useful for multitasking or managing different accounts. Some third-party launchers offer a feature to create a duplicate or clone of an app, allowing you to run two instances of Gemini simultaneously.
Some reputable third-party launchers include Nova, Niagara, and Microsoft launchers. The following steps provide a basic guide on how to do it:
- Open the Google Play Store app, search for a launcher that supports app cloning, and install the launcher.
- Then, open the launcher’s settings, find the app cloning or duplicate app feature, and enable it.
- Next, long-tap on the Gemini app icon.
- Then, select the Clone or Duplicate option to create a new instance of Gemini.
- Open both the original and cloned Gemini app.
- You now have two instances of Gemini running simultaneously on your Android device!
Benefits
- Launchers with app cloning features are user-friendly and require minimal setup.
- You don’t need to modify APK files or have technical knowledge.
- You can clone multiple apps, not just Gemini.
Limitations
- App cloning may not work with all launchers or apps.
- Running multiple instances of an app can consume more resources and slow down performance.
- Cloned apps may not receive updates simultaneously with the original app.
- You may be limited in customizing the cloned app’s behavior and appearance.
Based on reports and code findings, a new handle might be added to the top of the Gemini app. Long-pressing the handle in the Android Google app’s beta version could allow users to open another window and drag it to create a second Gemini window.
This feature is currently in beta, and it’s uncertain when it will be available in the stable version. The functionality might also change before the official release. For more ways to explore Gemini functionality, see our article on chatting with Gemini from the Chrome Address Bar and using it to automate Gmail tasks.