Smartphones are no longer just a means of communication, becoming the digital storehouse of our lives. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices often face the need to separate personal data from work files or hide confidential information from prying eyes. Standard guest mode does not always meet the requirements of security and convenience, especially when you need to quickly switch between different digital roles.
And to do that, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have a feature called Second Space, which is not just a folder with a password, but a fully-fledged, isolated environment running parallel to the main profile, and you get essentially two independent smartphones in the same case, each with its own apps, accounts and gallery.
In this article, we will discuss the architecture of this system, consider the nuances of data transfer and answer questions that often arise from users when they first get acquainted with the functionality. Understanding the principles of operation of an isolated environment will help you to maximize the use of the capabilities of your gadget.
What is the Second Space and How Does It Work?
Technically, Second Space is the creation of a separate user profile in the Android operating system, which is further protected by the manufacturer's shell. Unlike simply hiding applications, it creates a new file system where the main profile data is physically not visible without authorization, which is similar to installing a second operating system on a computer, but with instant switching.
The principle of operation is based on strict isolation of processes: applications installed in the second space do not have access to the first profile data unless you give such permission yourself, which means that even if malware penetrates the main system, it will not be able to automatically scan files in the second profile without the appropriate access rights.
Technical details of implementation
It’s important to understand the difference between this mode and the Guest mode, where the guest doesn’t usually save data after you leave, whereas the second space is a permanent and full-fledged environment, and you can set up your notifications, desktop wallpaper, and even use another Google or Mi Account account.
Advantages of using a dual profile
Shared profiles give Redmi and Xiaomi users a number of undeniable benefits that go beyond simple privacy, primarily workflow and digital detox.
- 🔒 Maximum privacy: Photographs, documents and correspondence in the second space are hidden from the eyes of curious colleagues or children, even if the phone is unlocked.
- 💼 Separation of work and leisure: You can install work messengers in the second profile and just not go there on weekends, keeping the balance of personal time.
- 🧪 Secure Testing: Programmers and enthusiasts use this space to test questionable applications without risking infection of the core system.
Another important aspect is the ability to bypass some regional restrictions, because the second space is often perceived by the system as a new device, you can link an account to it with a different region, which allows you to install applications that may not be available in the main profile due to the settings of the Google Play store.
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Use different wallpaper sets for the first and second spaces, which will help you visually understand what profile you are in right now, and avoid accidentally sending a personal photo to a work chat.
However, it is worth considering that having two active environments consumes more resources. RAM and battery charge will be used more intensively, since background processes can go on both profiles simultaneously, if they are not limited to energy saving settings.
Step-by-step instructions for creating a second space
The process of activating the function is as simplified as possible by developers and takes no more than a minute. Before starting, make sure that your Xiaomi or Redmi device has enough free space, as the system will reserve space for the new profile.
To start the process, go to the main settings menu of your smartphone. Find a section that can be called About Phone or Special Features, depending on the version of the MIUI shell. However, most often the item you need is right at the root of the settings menu or under the Passwords and Security subsection.
☑️ Activation algorithm
Once you press the switch, the system will tell you to choose how to log in, so you can use the same fingerprint as you used to unlock the main screen, but you'll need to put your finger longer, or you can set up a separate pin, which is a key security feature that allows you to instantly switch between profiles.
⚠️ Note: When creating a second space, the system may request permission to access the main profile contacts and media files. If you plan to be completely isolated, opt out of sync so that the data is not automatically copied.
Access settings and unlocking methods
One of the most convenient features of the Xiaomi ecosystem is the ability to switch between spaces directly from the lock screen, which is implemented through a mechanism of "long press" or using different biometric data, you can configure one finger to open a personal profile and the other one to open a work one.
To fine-tune, go to Second Space and click on the settings gear in the top corner. Switch between spaces is available here. Select "Use your fingerprint" option. The system will prompt you to rescan your finger, which will be associated with that profile.
You can also set up a quick switch through the notification bar, and you can add a shortcut widget that allows you to jump between profiles with one touch if the device is already unlocked, which makes it much faster, eliminating the need to enter a password every time.
| Parameter | Main space | Second space |
|---|---|---|
| Access to files | Complete. | Only your own (by default) |
| Notifications | All right. | Only the second profile. |
| Battery consumption | Standard. | Additional background. expense |
| Data resetting | It doesn't affect the second. | Not affecting the first |
Data portability and application installation
Once you create a blank profile, the question is, how do you move the apps and files you need? Unlike some of the other apps, MIUI allows you to manage data migration quite flexibly, and you can transfer apps, photos, music, even contacts.
To migrate applications, open the settings of the second space and select Data Portability. The system will show a list of programs installed in the main profile. Mark the ones you need, and they will be automatically copied and installed in the second space. Note that game progress and social network logins are not saved during this transfer - you will have to log in again.
The more interesting thing about files is that you can set up automatic saving of photos taken in the second space to the main gallery, which is convenient if you use the second profile only for document processing, but you want to have shared shots, and to do this, activate the appropriate switch in the camera settings inside the second profile.
If you need to transfer a specific file (for example, PDF-document) from one profile to another, use the "Send to..." function, which is accessible through the "three dots" menu in the File Manager. The file will instantly appear in the corresponding target profile folder.
⚠️ Note: When you delete an application in the second space, the copy of the application in the main profile will remain intact, and vice versa.
Removing the second space and resetting settings
Sooner or later, you may need to remove the second profile, whether it's a phone sale, a switch to a new model, or simply wanting to make room, and the deletion procedure completely cleanses all the data stored in the second space, so you need to approach it carefully.
To delete your profile, go to your settings through the Second Space menu in the main settings of the system. At the bottom of the list, you will find a red button called Delete Second Space.
Settings → Second Space → Menu (three dots) → Delete Second SpaceThere's also a full Recovery option, but it'll affect the whole phone, and if you just want to clean the second profile but leave the structure, you can reset the inside of it by going to the About menu inside the second space and selecting Settings Reset, which will return the profile to factory status without removing the ability to use it.
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Deleting the second space is an irreversible operation for the data inside it. Always make sure you copy important files to your primary profile or cloud storage before deleting them.