Todayโs Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones offer users a unique feature โ a second space that often goes unnoticed or misunderstood. Many device owners do not even realize that their gadget can work as two independent phones in one case, this option does not just duplicate the desktop, but creates a completely isolated environment with separate applications, settings and data.
But why do you need it in practice? Who needs it, and how to use it wisely to keep the core system safe? In this article, we'll go through all aspects of the second space in detail, from the basics of how it works to the hidden features that aren't written in the official instructions, and you'll learn how it helps in everyday life, what pitfalls are in setting up, and how to avoid typical errors.
What is the second space in Xiaomi Redmi Note
Second Space is Xiaomiโs proprietary technology that allows you to create a completely isolated virtual environment on your smartphone, essentially a second independent user profile with its own:
- ๐ฑ Desktop and interface settings
- ๐ Accounts (Google, Mi Account, social networks)
- ๐ Files and media (photos, videos, documents)
- ๐ฑ Applications (you can install different versions of the same software)
- ๐ Network connections (Wi-Fi, mobile Internet)
It's important to understand that it's not just guest mode, as some Android devices do. The second space is system-level and has its own storage area, making it the perfect solution for delimiting personal and work information, and that both spaces can function in parallel, so you can switch between them quickly without rebooting.
The technology is available on most Redmi Note models, starting with the Redmi Note. 5 and newer, including the current Redmi Note 12/13. However, in some regions, the function may be hidden or disabled by default โ it must be activated manually through settings.
Reasons to Use Second Space
At first glance, it may seem like two spaces on the same phone are a redundancy, but in practice, it solves a lot of the problems that users face, and here are the key scenarios where the second space becomes really useful:
1. Separation of work and personal life
The most obvious option is to use one space for work (e.g., mail, messengers, documents) and the other for personal use (e.g., social media, games, entertainment).
- ๐ Avoid leaking confidential information
- ๐ต Not to receive work notifications outside working hours
- ๐ Tracking phone usage by category
2. Testing applications and settings
If you like to experiment with firmware, launchers or beta versions of software, the second space will become a safe sandbox.
- ๐งช Establishing doubtful APK without risk to the main system
- ๐ Testing new versions MIUI before updating
- ๐จ Try different design themes and widgets
3. Confidentiality and security
The second space can be used as a black box for storing sensitive data.
- ๐ณ Separate banking applications with different accounts
- ๐ Passwords and notes not available in the main profile
- ๐ก VPN-geoblocking
Even if someone gets access to your phone, they wonโt be able to switch to a second space without a separate password.
๐ก
Create different fingerprint patterns for each space โ this will speed up the switch and add an extra layer of protection.
How to set up a second space on Xiaomi Redmi Note
Activating the second space takes only a few minutes, but it has its nuances. Here's a step-by-step guide for the Redmi Note shell models. MIUI 12/13/14:
- Open the Settings. โ Special facilities.
- Scroll down and select the Second Space.
- Click Create a second space and confirm the action.
- Set a separate password (you can use a fingerprint or a pattern lock).
- Wait until the setup is completed (may take up) 1-2 minute).
Once activated, the notification bar will display an icon for switching between spaces, and you can also configure:
- ๐ Automatic switching on schedule
- ๐ฑ Different wallpaper for each space
- ๐ Hiding notifications from one space to another
Make a backup copy of the data|Remember passwords from accounts|Check the vacant space (minimum 2 GB)|Disable important notifications during setup-->
Important: When the second space is first run, the system creates a copy of the main applications (calling, messages, browser) that can be removed or updated regardless of the main profile.
What to do if you do not see the option "Second space"?
The Hidden Possibilities of Second Space
Many users are limited to basic features, but the second space in the Xiaomi Redmi Note has hidden chips that few people know about:
1. Different versions of the same application
You can install different versions of the same application in each space, for example:
- ๐ฑ In the main space - a stable version of Telegram
- ๐งช The second is a beta version with new features.
This is useful for testing or using features not available in the main version.
2. Parallel accounts in games
Gamers will appreciate the ability to have multiple accounts in a single game without using emulators, such as in Genshin Impact or in the game. PUBG Mobile is possible:
- ๐ฎ Play on the main account in the first space
- ๐ Learning on a new account in the second
3. Geolocation tricks
If you are in one space, you are in VPN Or you change a region, it doesn't affect another space:
- ๐ Use services that are not available in your area
- ๐ Get local offers on travel
- ๐ Bypassing corporate restrictions on the work profile
The main space will remain with the original geolocation settings.
4. Battery savings
A little-known fact is that if one of the spaces is not in use, the system automatically pauses the background processes in it.
- ๐ Extend battery life
- โก Faster charging of the phone (less background tasks)
๐ก
The second space doesn't consume an extra battery unless it's active, and the system cleverly manages resources, prioritizing the current profile.
Limitations and possible problems
Despite all the advantages, the second space has drawbacks and limitations that you should be aware of in advance:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| It is impossible to install some applications | Google Play Limitations for Virtual Environments | Install APK manually or use alternative shops |
| Synchronization of contacts does not work | Google Account Conflict in Different Spaces | Use local synchronization with Mi Account |
| Slow work in the second space | Lack of RAM | Closing unused applications or limiting background activity |
| They don't come. SMS space-wise | Conflict of the โMessagesโ annex | Assign one space to the primary SMS customized |
It is also worth considering that:
- ๐ฒ Some banking applications can block work in the second space (recognize it as an emulator)
- ๐ System updates apply to both spaces simultaneously
- ๐ Files are not synced between spaces by default (you need to use the cloud or manually copy them)
How to completely remove the second space?
Comparison with alternative solutions
Xiaomiโs second space isnโt the only way to differentiate data on a smartphone, but letโs compare it to other popular methods:
| Decision | Data isolation | Productivity | Convenience | Free of charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Space of Xiaomi | โญโญโญโญโญ | โญโญโญโญ | โญโญโญโญ | Yes. |
| Guest mode Android | โญโญ | โญโญโญ | โญโญ | Yes. |
| Cloning Apps (Parallel Space) | โญโญโญ | โญโญ | โญโญโญ | Conditional (advertising, restrictions) |
| Two phones (Dual) SIM) | โญโญโญโญโญ | โญ | โญ | No (second device needed) |
As you can see from the table, Xiaomiโs second space offers the optimal balance between isolation, performance and convenience.
- ๐ It does not collect your data (unlike Parallel Space)
- ๐ Does not slow down the system (works at the level of the system) MIUI)
- ๐ฑ Fully integrated with the smartphone interface
The only time you should consider alternatives is if you need to clone a specific application without creating a full second profile, and it's easier to use specialized utilities like Island or Shelter.
Practical advice on the use of
To make the second space the most useful, follow these practical guidelines:
1. Memory optimization
Every space occupies 1-3 GB of memory, to save space:
- ๐๏ธ Remove unnecessary pre-installed applications
- ๐ผ๏ธ Use cloud photos (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)
- ๐ต Keep your music in one space.
2. Security.
To protect confidential data:
- ๐ Set different passwords for each space
- ๐ซ Turn off autocomplete passwords in the browser of the second space
- ๐ Regularly update the apps in both profiles
3. Synchronization
To avoid losing important data:
- โ๏ธ Set up cloud sync for contacts and notes
- ๐ Use Mi File Manager to manually copy files
- ๐ง Set up sending important emails between accounts
๐ก
Create a Notes widget on the home screen in each space and use it to quickly share information between profiles.
4. Productivity
To avoid the brakes:
- ๐ Close unused applications in the background
- ๐ต Turn off automatic app updates in second space
- ๐ Watch the temperature of the device (two spaces can be loaded by the processor)
๐ก
If you notice that the phone is warming or quickly discharged, check whether the second space is not working "heavy" application (for example, a game or video editor).