Xiaomi smartphones offer a unique feature, a second space that allows you to create a separate profile with limited rights, which is the perfect solution for parents who want to control the use of the device by a child without buying an additional gadget. Unlike the standard guest mode, the second space works as a full-fledged account with the ability to fine-tune applications, usage times and content.
The main advantage is that parental control is integrated directly into the MIUI, without the need to install third-party apps that can slow down your phone or collect data, but not all Xiaomi models support this feature: it is available on devices with a mobile phone. MIUI 12.5+ and medium/high-level processor (Redmi Note series) 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12 In this article, we will discuss how to properly configure the second space, avoiding typical errors, and what hidden opportunities it provides.
Verification of device compatibility
Before you start setting up, make sure your smartphone supports the second space function, depending on three factors:
- 📱 Device model: the feature is available on most Xiaomi mid- and premium smartphones released after the launch 2020 Exception: budget models (Redmi) 9A/10A) and devices with Helio processors G25/G35.
- 🔄 Version. MIUI: required MIUI 12.5 or later, you can check the version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
- 🌍 Firmware region: global (Global) and European (EEA) In Chinese (China) versions, the function is stable and may not be manually activated.
If your device doesn’t support the second space, the alternative is Child-friendly Mode (available in Settings → Special Options → Child-friendly Mode) or third-party apps like Google Family Link.
Step-by-step instructions for creating a second space
The setup process takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires attention to detail.
- Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
- Click Create a second space and confirm the action with the password of the main account (if installed).
- Choose the type of space: For children (with parental control) or for work (without restrictions).
- Set a password to switch between spaces (required! This will prevent the child from accidentally entering the main profile).
- Set up the second space launch icon (you can hide it from the app menu for added security).
Once the space is created, the system will suggest migrating the selected applications. Don't copy messengers, banking apps or social networks - this will break the isolation of profiles. Better install the necessary programs (for example, YouTube Kids or educational applications) directly in the second space through Google Play.
☑️ Preparation for setting up the second space
Set up parental control
The parental controls in Xiaomi’s second space include four key parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Time limitation | Set a limit on the use of the device (for example, 2 hours a day). | For children 6-12 years: 1.5-2 hours. Teenagers 13+: 3 hours with breaks. |
| Application lockdown | Prohibits the launch of selected programs (games, social networks). | Block TikTok, Instagram and games with microtransactions. |
| Content filtering | Restricts access to adult websites. | Turn on the SafeSearch filter in Google and YouTube. |
| Activity reports | Shows which applications were used and how long. | Check your reports once a week to adjust the restrictions. |
To adjust these parameters:
- Switch to the second space (swipe down the notification panel → space icon).
- Open the Settings. → Parental control.
- Set limits for each setting. For example, to block YouTube, select Restrict Apps → YouTube → Block.
- Save the settings and return to the main space.
💡
If your child complains of a weak phone in the second space, check the Charge Savings settings. Often the system automatically limits performance for background processes, which slows down games. Turn off savings in Settings → Battery → Charge Savings.
The Hidden Possibilities of Second Space
Few people know, but the second space on Xiaomi can be used not only for parental control, but also for:
- 🔒 Application Testing: Install Doubtful Applications APK-files in the second space without risking the main profile.
- 📊 Separation of work and personal life: for example, keep working messengers (Slack, Teams) in one space, and personal ones in another.
- 🎮 Gamer profile: Optimize performance settings specifically for games without affecting the main system.
- 🛡️ Virus protection: if malware is picked up in the second space, it will not spread to the main profile.
Interesting life hack: in the second space, you can turn off ads in MIUI, even if they are active in the main profile.
- Move to second space.
- Open Settings → About phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and disable the option Personalized Advertising.
How to reset the second space password if you forget?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you set up the second space, you often have problems, and here are the most common ones.
⚠️ Note: If you do not set a password to switch between spaces, your child can easily access the main profile through the notification panel. Always use a complex password (at least 8 characters with numbers).
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: second space consumes additional resources. Solution - disable background activity of unnecessary applications in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
- 📱 Lack of memory: each space takes 2-5 GB. Before creating, free up space by deleting unnecessary files or transferring them to a memory card.
- 🔄 Update failures MIUI: Sometimes, after an update, the second space disappears. To restore it, go to Settings. → Special opportunities → Second space → Restore.
- 🎵 Sound problems: If there is no sound in the games in the second space, check the Do Not Disturb settings - they can be duplicated from the main profile.
Another common mistake is synchronizing accounts, and if you logged into a child’s Google account in the second space, all of their data (contacts, photos) will be accessed in the main profile, and to avoid this, use a separate Mi Account account for the second space or disable sync in Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync.
Alternatives to the second space on Xiaomi
If your device doesn’t support second space or you need more flexible settings, consider alternatives:
| Decision | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Google Family Link | Cross-platform (powered by Android and iOS), detailed reports. | It requires a constant connection to the Internet, limits the time of use of all devices of the child. |
| The "Children's Mode" at MIUI | Simple setup, built into the system. | Very limited functionality (only application blocking). |
| Kids Place (third-party app) | Flexible settings, the ability to create white lists of applications. | The paid version is needed for full functionality, can conflict with MIUI. |
If you choose Google Family Link, keep in mind that the app blocks the installation. APK-This can be a problem if a child needs training programs that are not available in the Play Market, in which case the second profile of Xiaomi remains a more versatile solution.
💡
Xiaomi’s second space is the only solution that combines data isolation, parental control, and no reliance on the internet. Alternatives are either less secure or require constant synchronization.