Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone often face the need to separate information: personal photos should not get into work chats, and childrenโs access to the gadget should be limited. The MIUI shell for this purpose has a unique tool called โSecond Spaceโ, which is not just a guest mode, but a full-fledged isolated copy of your operating system, working in parallel with the main profile.
Using this feature turns one physical device into two independent devices. You can have two different Google accounts, different sets of apps, and different privacy settings, switching between them in seconds, especially for those who want to hide some content from prying eyes or just digitalize.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate this mode on the Redmi 9 model, what are the nuances of working with the file system and how to ensure maximum data security. We will examine the technical aspects of virtual profiles and answer the most frequent questions of users.
What is the technology of division of profiles
The second space is a software environment that creates an isolated container inside the main Android operating system, which, to the user, looks like having a second desktop with its icons, wallpaper and passwords, and when switched to this mode, the phone actually changes its digital passport for running applications.
The main difference from the usual Guest mode is the depth of integration: Guest mode is usually temporary and resets after exit, whereas Second Space stores all data, cache and settings until you decide to delete it yourself, which allows you to hold two versions of the same application, such as WhatsApp or Telegram, without the use of third-party cloners.
Redmi 9 system resources are distributed dynamically between two profiles, but itโs worth remembering that the background processes in the second space also consume RAM. If you run a heavy game in the second profile, it can affect the performance of the main interface if you donโt close the applications correctly.
- ๐ Complete data isolation: applications in the second profile do not see files and the history of the main one.
- ๐ฑ Independent settings: you can use different themes, fonts and screen settings.
- ๐ Different login passwords: primary and secondary profiles are logged in with different codes or fingerprints.
- ๐ Separate Gallery: Photos and videos taken in the second space are hidden from the main view.
โ ๏ธ Note: When you delete the Second Space, all the data inside it (photos, contacts, messages) will be irretrievably lost.
Technically, this is implemented through the mechanism of Android users, but with the addition of a convenient interface from Xiaomi. For the Helio G80 processor installed in Redmi 9, working with two active profiles is a regular task, but requires competent management of background processes.
Step-by-step instructions for activating the function
The process of creating a new profile on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is as simple as possible and takes no more than two minutes. You do not need root rights or a connection to the computer.
First, you need to go to Settings. In the list of options, find the item Second Space (often in the category About phone or separately provided depending on the version of MIUI), the system will offer a brief description of the features, then you need to click on the button "Enable second space".
โ๏ธ Preparedness for profiling
Once the initialization process is started, the system will create a virtual file system, which can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on the internal memory capacity, at which time it is not recommended to interrupt the process or close the screen.
In the next step, you will be asked to configure the login method, you can choose to unlock by fingerprint (using the same finger but with different pressings, or assign a different finger), a pattern lock or a digital key. PIN-The chosen method will serve as the key to enter the second profile from the lock screen.
It's important to set the switching shortcut right. By default, an icon appears on your desktop that resembles two intersecting circles. If you want to hide the presence of a second profile, you can disable the shortcut in the settings of the space itself, leaving only a special fingerprint or password to enter.
Security settings and access methods
Data security in the Second Space is built on a strict separation of access rights, and even if an attacker gains access to the main profile, they will not be able to view files or run applications inside an isolated container without additional authentication.
Biometrics is the most convenient way to separate, and Redmi 9's settings allow you to assign different fingers to different profiles, like your right thumb opening the main desktop, and your left thumb immediately switching your phone to hidden mode, which allows you to instantly respond to a situation if someone asks you to look at your phone.
For digital passwords and graphics keys, the โmulti-codeโ rule applies. If the main profile uses code 1234, then you need to specify a unique code, such as 9876, to enter the code on the lock screen, automatically determines which profile you want to log in to.
| Protection parameter | Main space | Second space | Public access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application data | Full access | Isolated. | No. |
| gallery | You can only see your own photos. | You can only see your own photos. | Through the displacement function |
| Contacts | Your list. | Your list. | No. |
| File system | Internal Storage folder | Internal Storage folder (isolated) | Exports required |
โ ๏ธ Note: Resetting the primary screen unlock password through a Google service account may result in blocking access to Second Space if no backups of encryption keys have been created.
Also worth mentioning is the Hide Second Space feature, which removes any visual hints of the existence of an additional profile, in which case you can only enter through a pre-configured "secret" fingerprint or a special unlock code that is different from the main one.
Application and data management
When you move to Space Two, you'll see a virtually clean desktop, and you'll need to re-install all the apps, and you can do that through Google Play Market (by logging in to another account), or by transferring the installation files from your main profile.
Xiaomi Redmi 9 has a convenient app cloning mechanism. Second Space settings often have a "Clone Apps" option that allows you to copy a list of programs from your main profile, but the data inside them (correspondences, logins) will not be copied - you will get "clean" applications.
Can you play the same game with different progress?
To share files between profiles, you use a built-in move function. You can't just open the file manager and copy the file. You need to use a special tool in the Second Space settings that will create a temporary copy of the file in a shared area or directly transfer it to the target folder.
Notifications from Second Space apps can be displayed in the main profile, but their content is usually hidden. The status bar may show a lock icon or an empty notification. The details can only be seen by unlocking the phone and going to the second profile.
- ๐ฒ Social media: the perfect solution for separating work and personal life in one messenger.
- ๐ฎ Games: the ability to have multiple accounts in online games without constant login.
- ๐ก๏ธ Banking: Installing financial applications in an isolated space increases security when using questionable Wi-Fi.
- ๐ถ Children's Mode: Install only educational apps and cartoons without access to your personal photos.
Itโs worth considering that some applications tied to hardware identifiers or deep system rights can behave unpredictable when switching, but for 95% of user software from the Play Market, the two spaces work normally.
Impact on performance and battery Redmi 9
Xiaomi Redmi 9 is based on the MediaTek Helio G80 processor and has memory options of 3/4 GB of RAM. Starting the second space creates an additional load on the system. In the background, the second profile consumes RAM to maintain running services and receive notifications.
The autonomy of the device may decrease somewhat, and if the second space is active with a navigation or social networking app, it will consume battery power even when you are in the main profile, which is a fee for the ability to receive real-time notifications on both accounts.
To minimize the impact on performance, it is recommended to limit the background activity of applications in the second space if you do not need them right now. For example, if you use the second profile only for games, turn off mail sync and geolocation there.
When RAM is scarce, the system can begin to aggressively unload background applications from one of the profiles, which can lead to longer downloads when switching. On Redmi 9 with 3 GB of memory, this effect is more noticeable than on versions with 4 or 6 GB.
โ ๏ธ Note: It is not recommended to keep heavy navigation applications (for example, Yandex.Navigator or 2GIS) running in the second space if you are working with documents in the main profile.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Despite the stability of MIUI, users may face typical problems, including the inability to delete Second Space, the delete button may be inactive if there are processes running in that profile, and the solution is simple: go to Second Space, close all applications, and try to delete it again through settings.
Another common problem is that the switching label disappears, and if you accidentally delete the transition icon, you can get back by entering a special unlock password or putting your designated finger on the fingerprint scanner on the locked screen.
Sometimes there is a conflict when updating the system. After a major Android update or the MIUI shell, the second space settings may reset, in which case it is recommended to check for updates for all applications within both profiles separately.
๐ก
If you forget the password from Second Space, you can only recover it by resetting the entire smartphone to factory settings. The data will be lost. So always remember the password from the main Mi Account associated with the device.
Users often ask about calls and SIM-The second space uses the same maps. SIM-You can make calls and send them to the card. SMS The second profile, but the call history will be kept separately, so it's important not to miss an important call if one of the profiles has "Do Not Disturb" mode onยป.
Comparison with the Guest regime and cloning
Many people confuse Second Space with Guest Mode. Guest Mode is designed to temporarily transfer your phone to another person. It doesn't store data after you leave, it doesn't have deep integration. The second space is your personal, permanent digital safe.
Application cloning (the "Cloning of Apps" feature in settings) allows you to run a second instance of the program, but does not create an isolated environment. The files of cloned applications are often in shared folders, and they are easier to find. The second space provides a higher level of privacy.
For Redmi 9, the best scenario is a combination of methods: use cloning for messengers, if you just need a second SIM card, and a second space for stored photos, financial documents or children's games.
๐ก
The second space on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is the best way to create a complete, isolated environment without having to buy a second phone or use sophisticated emulators.
How to Remove Second Space Correctly
If you don't need to split your profiles, you can easily clean the system. Go to Settings โ Second Space. In the control menu (usually as three dots or a gear), select "Delete Second Space."
The system will warn you that all data will be destroyed. Confirm the action. The process will take a few seconds, after which the space occupied on the internal drive will be freed up, and all applications installed only in the second profile will be removed from the device.
Your personal photos, contacts and settings will remain intact, but if you moved files from the second space to the main one, they will remain in the main profile folders.
In conclusion, the Second Space feature on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a powerful tool for organizing digital ลพivota.Properly configured will allow you to effectively manage time, data and privacy, using the full potential of the MIUI shell.