Second Space in Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use

Have you ever wondered how to share personal and work data on one smartphone without buying a second device? MIUI, It allows you to create an isolated copy of the operating system with separate applications, files and settings, and it's basically like two phones in one: you can switch between them with one touch, without fear of data intersecting.

The function appeared in early versions. MIUI, But it's still a little known to many users, and it's a lot of things, from separating work and personal accounts to testing applications in an isolated environment. In this article, we will discuss in detail what the second space is, how to configure it on modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, We also reveal the nuances of safety and performance that are rarely discussed in standard instructions.

What is the second space and why is it necessary?

Second Space is a virtual, isolated environment within the MIUI, It's running parallel to the main system:

• 📱 A separate desktop with a unique set of applications
• 🔑 Own accounts of Google, Xiaomi and social networks
• 📁 Isolated file storage (photos, documents, downloads)
• ⚙️ Individual system settings (wallpaper, sounds, notifications)

The main advantage is that you can completely isolate data between spaces, for example, you can install WhatsApp in both spaces and use two different accounts at the same time, or you can keep work documents in one space and personal photos in another.

• 💼 Freelancers and remote workers who need to differentiate between personal and corporate data
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents who want to give their child access to the phone but limit their actions
• 🛠️ Software testers who need a sandbox for experimenting with settings

⚠️ Warning: The second space is not a full-fledged virtualization (like VirtualBox on PCs) but uses shared system resources, so when you use both spaces actively, you can experience increased battery consumption and slowdowns.

It's important to understand that this is not the same as guest mode or private mode, but the second space is:

• ✅ Save all data after rebooting
• ✅ Allows you to install any application (including system applications)
• ✅ Has separate security settings (fingerprint, pattern lock)

What Xiaomi models support second space

Second Space is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, steerable MIUI 8 and newer. There are important nuances, however:

To check the support on your device:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization
2. Scroll down and find the second space.
3. If there is no item, try searching for the "second space" option.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Turbo 3), the default function is disabled. ADB, But it requires unlocking the bootloader and can result in loss of warranty.

If your device does not officially support the function, but it works on MIUI 12.5+, You can try an alternative method through Xiaomi. EU ROM (However, this requires technical skills and can disrupt the stability of the system.

How to create a second space: step-by-step instructions

The setup process takes no more than 5 minutes. Important: before creating a second space, make sure that the device has enough free space (at least 5 GB is recommended).

Backup of important data

Charge your phone at least 50%

Free up 5+ GB of memory

Remember the password from the main account Xiaomi-->

Instructions for MIUI 13/14:

1. Go to Settings. → Accounts and synchronization → Second space
2. Click Create a Second Space and Confirm the Action
3. Select the unlock method for the second space (may differ from the main one): 🔐 Password (minimum 6 characters) 📊 pattern lock 👆 Fingerprint (if supported)

Wait until the setup is completed (it will take). 1-3 minute)

After the reboot, a switching icon will appear in the notification panel between spaces

To switch between spaces:

• Swipe down to open the notification panel
• Click on the user’s Avatar icon (near the Wi-Fi settings)
• Select the right space from the list

The first entry into the second space will be like setting up a new phone:

• Sign in to a Google account (optional)
• Fingerprint settings (if you haven’t done so before)
• Select the theme of the design

💡

If some apps (such as banking) have disappeared after the second space is created, install them again via Google Play in the second space.

Customization and Customization of the Second Space

Once you've created the second space, you can flexibly customize it to your needs, and here are the key features:

Installation of applications

Applications installed in the main space are not automatically duplicated, and to add them to the second space:

1. Open Google Play in the second space
2. Find the right application and install it again.
3. For system applications (such as Camera or Gallery) go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications and enable display for the second space

2. Synchronization of notifications

By default, notifications from the second space are not shown in the main.

1. Go to Settings. → Notifications and status bar in the second space
2. Enable the option to display notifications in the main space
3. Select applications that must be duplicated with notifications

3. File separation

The file system of the second space is completely isolated, but there are ways to exchange data:

• 📎 Through the Conductor MIUI: In the main space go to Categories → Second space
• ☁️ Using cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)
• 🔌 Through OTG-cable or computer (plug your phone and select the space you want when you request it)

4. Security and privacy

To strengthen the protection of the second space:

• 🔒 Install different unlock methods for each space
• 🚫 Turn off autocomplete passwords in the browser in the second space
• 📵 Enable Incognito Mode for the browser by default

Note that if you are using Xiaomi Cloud, the data from the second space is not automatically synced.

1. Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Cloud in the second space
2. Sign in to your account (you can use the same as in the main space)
3. Enable synchronization for the desired data (contacts, notes, photos)

Removing the Second Space: What You Need to Know

If the second space is no longer needed, it can be removed, but there are critical nuances:

⚠️ Warning: Deleting the second space completely erases all data inside it without the possibility of recovery. Installed applications and their data Photos, videos and documents Messages and call histories System settings Backups made through Mi Cloud in the second space will be saved.

How to remove the second space:

1. Move to the main space
2. Open the Settings. → Accounts and synchronization → Second space
3. Click Remove the second space
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the main account Xiaomi
5. Wait until the process is completed (may take up to 5 minutes)

If the removal button is inactive, check:

• You are in the main space (not the second one)
• Device connected to the Internet (required to verify your account)
• The phone has enough battery power (minimum 20%)

💡

Before removing the second space, be sure to transfer important files to the main space or the cloud. Once deleted, data recovery is impossible even through Xiaomi service centers.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

When using the second space, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the settings of the second space:

1. Go to Settings. → Second space → Additionally.
2. Select Reset settings (does not delete data, only returns settings to factory settings)

For complex cases (for example, if the second space does not start after the update) MIUI) You may need to reset your phone completely.Be sure to back up both spaces before doing so!

Alternatives to the second space in Xiaomi

If your device doesn’t support Second Space or you need additional features, consider alternative solutions:

1. Mode "For work" (Work Profile)

An embedded Android feature that creates an isolated profile for working applications.

• 📊 Enterprise users (supported by Microsoft Intune and others) MDM-decision)
• 🔒 More stringent security controls (data encryption)

How to turn on:

1. Open the Settings. → Google → For work.
2. Click Create a profile and follow the instructions

2.Cloning applications (Parallel Apps)

V MIUI There's a built-in dual application feature that allows you to create a copy of a messenger or a social network:

• ✅ It works on all Xiaomi devices
• ❌ Does not isolate files and system settings
• ❌ Limited. 2-3 copy

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Dual annexes
2. Select cloning apps (such as WhatsApp, Telegram)
3. Click Create and wait until it is completed.

3. Third-party launchers with profile support

Apps like Island or Shelter allow you to create isolated environments without root rights.

• 🛡️ More flexible security settings
• 🔄 Ability to transfer data between profiles

Cons:

• ⚠️ Requires technical skills to set up
• 🐢 It can slow down the phone.

4. Virtual machines (for advanced users)

With UserLAnd or Waydroid, you can run a full-fledged virtual Android system inside the main one.

• 🖥️ Complete isolation (like a separate phone)
• 🔧 The ability to use different versions of Android

But it requires:

• 🔌 Root rights or unlocked bootloader
• 🧠 Knowledge of working with the Linux terminal

For most users, Xiaomi’s second space remains the optimal solution due to the balance between functionality and ease of use, and alternatives should only be considered if your device does not support Second Space or you need specific features (for example, enterprise device management).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space in Xiaomi