Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, which is famous for its performance and flexible settings. MIUI. Among its unique features, what's special is what's called a second space, a tool that allows you to create a completely isolated user profile right on one device. But what is it in practice? Why is it needed and how to set it up properly?
If you’ve ever thought about how to share personal and work data on a single phone without buying a second device, then a second space is on Poco. X3 Pro could be the perfect solution. It's not just duplicates the desktop, it creates a full-fledged virtual copy of the system with separate applications, settings, and even a password, and the two spaces work in parallel without interfering with each other.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how the second space works on Poco. X3 Pro, how it differs from guest mode or multiplayer account on Android, and also give step-by-step instructions for setting up, taking into account all the nuances MIUI 12/13. In addition, you will learn about the hidden features of the feature, which are rarely mentioned in official guides.
What is the second space and how it differs from other modes
Many users confuse the second space with guest mode or the Multiplayer account feature, which is in pure Android. However, these are fundamentally different tools. Let's break down the key differences:
- 🔄 Complete data isolation: The second space creates a separate virtual environment with its own applications, files and settings, while the guest mode simply restricts access to basic data, but does not provide a full desktop.
- 📱 Parallel work: You can quickly switch between spaces without rebooting (unlike a multiplayer Android account, which requires you to log out of your current session).
- 🔒 Individual Accounts: Each space can have its own Google account, Mi Account, and even a screen lock password.
- 📦 Storage separation: Files and applications do not overlap between spaces (unless you manually configure sharing).
It is important to understand that the second space is not just a “hidden folder”, but a full-fledged virtual machine inside your Poco. X3 Pro. It uses the resources of the main system, but it works autonomously:
- 🎮 Install games or social networks only in the second space so that they do not distract the main profile.
- 💼 Separate work and personal accounts (e.g., a separate WhatsApp for work and a personal chat).
- 🔍 Test applications or settings without risk to the main system.
⚠️ Warning: The second space takes up extra space in the device's memory (usually 1-3 GB depending on the number of apps installed). X3 Pro with 64GB of storage can be a critical factor.
How to Include Second Space on Poco X3 Pro: step-by-step instructions
Activation of the second space takes only a few minutes, but requires attention to detail.
- Open the settings on your Poco X3 Pro.
- Go to the Special Features section (in some versions) MIUI This may be called additional or special opportunities).
- Select the second space item.
- Click Create a second space and confirm the action.
- Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 1-2 minutes) and the device will restart.
- After rebooting, a button will appear on the lock screen to switch between spaces (it can be configured later).
Now you can customize the second space to suit your needs.
- 🔐 By default, the second space does not have a password. It is recommended to set it immediately in Settings. → Lock screen.
- 📲 Applications from the main space are not automatically copied. They need to be installed again.
- 🔄 Switching between spaces is done by swiping down the lock screen (setting is available in the second space settings).
Set a lock password|Set up switching between spaces|Transfer the necessary applications|Check access to files-->
If you want to move data from the main space to the second, do it through Settings. → Second space → However, remember that some applications (e.g. banking) may not allow duplication on a single device.
⚠️ Note: Some system applications (e.g. Settings or Phone) will be shared between the two spaces, but their data (calls, messages) will not.
The hidden possibilities of the second space: what can MIUI
Most users use the second space only to separate work and personal data. MIUI It offers a lot more possibilities. Here are some little-known chips:
| Function | Description | How to turn it on |
|---|---|---|
| Quick gesture-shifting | Transition between spaces without unlocking the screen | Settings → Second space → Quick switching |
| Common exchange buffer | Copyed text is available in both spaces | Settings → Additionally. → Common exchange buffer |
| Limitation of notifications | Notifications from the second space are not shown in the main | Settings → Notifications → Notification filter |
| Separate wallpaper | Different wallpaper for each space | Set up wallpaper in each space separately |
One of the most useful hidden functions is the “Private” mode. DNS" So this allows you to use different spaces. DNS-servers in each profile, which is useful for bypassing locks or improving security:
- Move to second space.
- Open Settings → Connections → Private DNS.
- Select the host name of the private provider DNS and enter the address (e.g. dns.google or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com).
Second Poco space X3 Pro supports Magisk installation and root rights regardless of the main system, which means that you can only get root access in the second space without risking the stability of the main profile.
How to get root in the second space
Limitations and disadvantages of the second space on Poco X3 Pro
Despite all the advantages, the second space has serious limitations, which you should know about in advance:
- 📉 Performance: Working two spaces simultaneously increases the workload on the processor (Snapdragon 860 in Poco) X3 Pro does well, but lags can occur when used intensively).
- 🔋 Battery consumption: Two spaces consume 10 to 15 percent more energy than one, especially when used actively.
- 📱 Application restrictions: Some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) may block the work in the second space, considering it an “unsafe environment".
- 🔄 Synchronization: System updates are installed only in the main space, after which manual synchronization is required.
Another important nuance is storage, where the second space reserves a fixed amount of memory (usually 2-4 GB) that cannot be used for the main profile. X3 Pro with 64GB this can be a problem if you install a lot of apps. check the free space in Settings → Storage before activation of the function.
It is also worth considering that some system functions are not working properly in the second space:
- 📍 Geolocation can be determined less accurately.
- 📶 Mobile network sometimes “hangs” when switching between spaces.
- 🔊 Audio profiles are not synchronized (for example, a silent mode in one space does not affect another).
⚠️ Note: If you are using Poco X3 Pro with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), the second space may not work stable or even be available. 4PDA.
Separation of work and personal life|Application testing|Confidentiality|Other|I don't use it.-->
How to delete the second space and what will happen to the data
If the second space is no longer needed, it can be deleted at any time, but it is important to understand that this will result in the total loss of all the data inside it — applications, files, settings and accounts, which can not be restored after deletion.
To remove the second space:
- Move to the main space.
- Open the Settings. → Special opportunities → Second space.
- Select Remove the Second Space.
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (the device will restart).
If you want to save data before deleting, do the following:
- Transfer important files (photos, documents) to the main space through Files → Internal storage → Data migration.
- Export contacts and messages (if any) through the relevant apps.
- Make a backup of applications using Settings → Annexes → Backup (not working with all programs).
Please note that some data (such as saves to games or app settings) may be linked to a Google account in the second space.
💡
Before removing the second space, check to see if important accounts (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) are linked to it.
Alternatives to the Second Space: What to Choose
If the second space is Poco X3 Pro is not right for you, consider alternative ways to share data:
- 🔐 Guest mode: Easy to set up, but less functional (no separate apps) Enabled in Settings → System system → Guest mode.
- 📱 User profiles: Standard Android feature, but requires logging out to switch.Suitable for family use.
- 🔒 Cloning applications (e.g. Parallel Space or 2Accounts): Allows you to duplicate messengers, but does not create complete isolation.
- 📁 Encrypted folders: Private folders in MIUI hides files, but does not share applications.
Compare these options in the table:
| Decision | Pluses | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second space | Complete isolation, individual applications, fast switch | It takes up a lot of space, is difficult to set up, restrictions for some applications | Work/personal life, testing, confidentiality |
| Guest mode | Simplicity, does not require additional space | Limited functionality, no separate applications | Short-term access (for example, for friends) |
| User profiles | Android standard, suitable for multiple users | Requires logging out of your account, no quick switching | Family use, telephone sharing |
| Parallel Space | Easy to clone messengers, does not require root | Incomplete isolation, can slow down, advertising in the free version | Duplication of social networks, temporary separation |
If your main goal is to separate messengers (for example, two WhatsApp or Telegram), then it is easier to use the built-in function of cloning applications in the app. MIUI:
- Open Settings → Applications → Cloning of applications.
- Select the messenger from the list.
- Click Clone and the second icon will appear on the desktop.
This solution is less resource-intensive than the second space, but does not provide complete isolation.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When working with the second space on Poco X3 Pro users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
- 🔄 "Can't switch between spaces": Check if the quick switch is on in Settings → Second space → Quick switch. If the gesture doesn't work, restart the device.
- 📱 "Apps in Second Space Fly Out: Update them manually through Play Market or clear the cache in Settings → Annexes.
- 🔋 "Battery goes down fast: Turn off background activity of unnecessary apps in both spaces via Settings → Battery → Optimization.
- 📶 "No mobile internet in second space: Check settings APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
Another common problem is synchronizing contacts, and if contacts don't show up in the second space,
- Make sure that both spaces use the same Google account (if you need shared contacts).
- Check the synchronization settings in Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.
- If the contacts are kept on SIM-map, import them manually through the Contacts app.
⚠️ Note: If you are using Poco X3 Pro with unlocked bootloader, updates MIUI You may reset your second space settings. Backup before upgrading!
💡
The second space is a powerful tool, but requires careful adjustment. Before using it, check the compatibility of critical applications (banks, instant messengers) and make sure that the device has enough free space.