Where to find a second space in Xiaomi and how to use it: a complete guide

Xiaomi’s second-space feature is a unique opportunity to create an isolated work environment with separate apps, settings and data, useful for separating personal and work information, testing apps without risking the main profile, or even hiding sensitive data. However, many users face the challenge of where exactly to look for this feature in the MIUI menu, especially after firmware updates?

In this article, we will not only show you the exact path to activating the second space, but also take a look at how it works across different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), how to switch between profiles, and what limitations are important to consider, and why the feature may not be available on your device and how to return it.

Unlike standard guest mode, Xiaomi’s second space offers complete isolation: separate in-app accounts, wallpaper, audio settings, and even IMEI (on some models), making it the perfect solution for those who want to share personal and work data without buying a second phone.

But there are pitfalls, too: For example, on devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (Redmi K60, Xiaomi 13), the second space can automatically shut down after the MIUI 14.5+ update due to conflict with the HyperOS feature.

Where is the second space in the settings Xiaomi

The path to the function depends on the MIUI version and the smartphone model, and in most cases it can be found along the following route:

Main Path (MIUI 12–14): Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space

However, on some devices (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the partition may be hidden elsewhere:

• 🔍 MIUI 13/14 (Global version: Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Second space
• 📱 Old models (MIUI 11 and below: Settings → Additionally. → Second space
• 🔒 If the function is not available: check for software updates or use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

On Xiaomi 12T and 13 Lite with HyperOS firmware, the path has changed: Settings → Privacy → Second Space.

If you have a different model but the feature isn’t showing up, it may be disabled by the manufacturer for your region.

How to Enable and Configure Second Space

Activation of the function takes no more than 2-3 minutes, but requires several key steps.

1. Creation of a second space:

1. Go to the Second Space section (see the paths above).
2. Click Create a Second Space.
3. Confirm the action with a password or fingerprint (if the screen lock is configured).
4. Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes on weak devices).

Primary setting:

After you create, you will be asked to choose:

Wallpaper (separate for each space).

Applications (you can duplicate or install new ones only in the second space).

Accounts (e.g., a separate Google account)

Important: When you first start the second space, the system will suggest setting up Quick Switch – turn on this option to swipe between profiles on the lock screen.

Make a backup copy of the main profile|Check the vacant space (needs to be checked) ≥3GB)|Remember the lock password|Shut down. VPN (can block synchronization)-->

How to Switch Between Spaces

There are three ways to switch between the main and second spaces: choose the one that is most convenient for you.

• 🔄 Through the lock screen: swipe up/down on the lock screen (direction depends on the model). On some devices, you need to touch the profile icon twice in the lower right corner.
• 📱 Through the notification panel: unfold the curtain and click on the icon Second space (appears after activation of the function).
• ⚙️ Through Settings: Return to Settings → Second space and select Switch.

On the POCO X5 Pro and Redmi K50 with MIUI 14, switching over the notification curtain is unstable – use the lock screen.

Tip: If the switching doesn’t work, check if the Quick Switch option is enabled in the second space settings. Also make sure the device has enough free memory (less than 2GB can block the function).

💡

Customize different wallpaper for each space – this will help to visually distinguish them when switching.

Constraints and Problems of Second Space

Despite the convenience, the feature has several critical limitations that you should know about in advance:

Another common problem is that the second space is automatically disabled after the MIUI update, which is due to a conflict of system files.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Click on the MIUI logo 7 times to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option to Enable the second space and activate it.

Xiaomi models that don’t have a second space (and why)

Not all Xiaomi devices have a second space feature available, here is a list of models where it is not available by default, and the reasons:

• 🌍 Global versions POCO M4 Pro and Redmi 10: Google Mobile Services Restrictions (GMS) European and American markets.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi A3 (Android One: missing due to 'clean' Android without shell MIUI.
• 🔒 Black Shark 5/6 (gaming smartphones: feature removed to optimize performance in games.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese versions without global firmware: manual activation may be required ADB.

If your model is on this list but you need a second space critically, there are two options:

1. Install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) where the function is unlocked.

2. Use alternatives: Island (profile isolation application) or Shelter (based on Work Profile).

Warning: Installing custom firmware will void warranty and may result in device locking.Pre-proof model compatibility on the XDA Developers forum before the procedure.

💡

On HyperOS devices (Xiaomi 14, 13T), the second space works differently: it is integrated with the “Private Mode” function and has less data isolation.

Alternatives to the second space in Xiaomi

If your device doesn’t have a second space or it doesn’t work well, consider these analogs:

• 🛡️ Private Mode: Available on the MIUI 14+. It allows you to hide files and applications behind a password, but does not create a separate profile.

For most users, Shelter is the best replacement: it does not require root access, supports individual accounts in applications and is open source.

Comparison of alternatives:

Security: Can you trust the second space?

Many users question how secure the second space is, and let's look at the key security aspects:

Pros:

Data in the second space is encrypted separately (AES-256 is used on MIUI 14).

Applications from one space cannot access files from another (unless root is used).

Individual IMEIs on some models (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro) make tracking more difficult.

Cons:

Xiaomi could theoretically access data from both spaces (as any manufacturer would).

If you lose your phone, an attacker can reset both spaces via Fastboot.

Some system applications (such as Mi Cloud) sync data between profiles unless you manually disable this option.

For maximum safety:

1. Disable sync with Mi Cloud in the second space.

2. Use different passwords to block each profile.

3.Do not store critical data (e.g., bank passwords) in both spaces at the same time.

💡

To check which apps have access to the second space data, go to Settings → Privacy → Application Permissions and select a profile.

⚠️ Warning: on devices with bootloader unlocked, the second space loses some protection. An attacker with physical access to the phone can retrieve data via a remote device. TWRP or ADB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space in Xiaomi