Second Space in Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete Guide to Setup and Application

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones offer a unique feature – a second space that allows you to create a completely isolated profile on a single device.This solution is ideal for those who want to separate work and personal data, test applications without risk to the main system or provide limited access to the phone to third parties.

The feature became especially popular after the release of MIUI 12 and subsequent versions, where it received improved stability and additional customization options. However, many users are still unaware of its existence or afraid to activate due to fears of losing data. In this article, we will discuss how to properly configure the second space on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 and other models, what limitations should be considered, and how to use the feature with maximum efficiency.

What is the second space and why is it necessary?

Second Space is an isolated MIUI-based environment that runs parallel to the main profile, essentially two independent accounts on the same device with:

• 📱 Individual applications – you can install different programs in each space
• 🔒 Isolated data – files, photos and messages do not overlap
• 🎨 Personal settings – wallpaper, themes, sounds and even fonts are customized separately
• 🔄 Fast switching – the transition between spaces takes 1-2 seconds

Main use cases:

• 💼 Work and personal life – separating corporate data and personal accounts
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family access – creating a “children’s” profile with disabilities
• 🛠️ Software testing – installing beta versions of applications without risk to the main system
• 🔐 Security – Storing confidential information in an isolated environment

It's important to understand that the second space is not a virtual machine or a full-fledged Dual Boot. It uses shared system resources, but it does not affect the performance of the main profile. The only limitation is that you can not run both spaces simultaneously: when you activate the second, the main one is temporarily frozen.

What Redmi models support second space?

Second Space is available on most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones running MIUI 12 and later.

To check if there is a feature on your device:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities
2. Scroll down and find the Second Space section.
3. If no option is available, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI or use an alternative activation method (described below).

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware for the European region (MIUI EU) The function can be disabled by default, in which case manual activation is required through ADB or global firmware installation.

Step-by-step instructions for creating a second space

The setup process takes no more than 5 minutes.

1. Open the settings: Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Create a password: The system will require you to set a separate password. PIN-The code or pattern lock to access the second space must be different from the main profile password.
3. Select wallpaper, theme and basic parameters, and you can specify the name of the space (for example, "Work" or "Test").
4. Select applications: Mark the programs you want to duplicate in the second space. By default, only system utilities are ported.
5. Complete the setting: Click Ready and wait for the space to be created (it will take 1-2 minutes).

Make a backup copy of the data

Charge your phone at least 50%

Set a unique password for the second space

Check the vacant space (required) ~2-3 GB)-->

After creating the second space, you can switch between profiles:

• Through the notification panel (two square icon)
• Settings → Second Space → Switch
• With the help of a gesture (on some models - swipe down with two fingers)

⚠️ Note: First time the second space is started MIUI You can request a re-authorization in your Xiaomi account.Use the same account as your main profile to avoid sync issues.

How to transfer data between spaces

By default, the spaces are completely isolated, but MIUI provides tools for file sharing:

Method 1: Through a System File Manager

1. Open Files → Categories → Second Space
2. Select files to transfer and click Copy
3. Go back to the main space and paste the files into the desired folder.

Method 2: Through Cloud Storage

Upload files to Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or Yandex.Disk from one space, and then download them to another. This method is convenient for large files (video, archives).

Method 3: Through USB-OTG or computer

Connect your phone to your PC in file transfer (MTP) mode. The second space will be displayed as a separate drive.

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If you need to move contacts or SMS, export them to a.vcf or.xml file via the Contacts app and import them in the second space.

Restrictions on data exchange:

• ❌ You cannot transfer installed applications (only) APK-file)
• ❌ System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) are not synchronized
• ❌ Data from some games (e.g., progress in Genshin Impact) may not be saved

Optimizing the second space: tips and tricks

To make the second space work as efficiently as possible, follow these guidelines:

1.Memory management

The second space takes up 2-5 GB of internal memory (depending on the number of applications) to make up space:

• 🧹 Remove unnecessary apps through Settings → Annexes
• 📁 Transfer the media files to SD-card (if supported)
• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly in Settings → Warehouse

2. Security.

Use these settings to protect your data:

• 🔐 Set a separate password for each space
• 📱 Activate Blocking of applications for critical programs (banks, instant messengers)
• 🛡️ Enable Reset Protection in Settings → Password and security

3. Performance

If the second space is braked:

• ⚡ Turn off animation in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then select Windows animation: Off.)
• 🔄 Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Performance mode
• 📵 Reduce the number of widgets on the main screen

Common Problems and Their Solutions

When using the second space, users encounter common errors, and here's how to fix them:

If the second space has stopped opening:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Try resetting password through Settings → Password and Security → Reset second space password
3. In extreme cases, reset via Fastboot (instruction below)

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If the second space is frozen when booting, wait 5-10 minutes. Most often, the system recovers on its own. Do not remove the battery or reset the settings forcefully!

Alternative ways to activate the second space

If the settings don’t have a Second Space option, try these methods:

Method 1: Through ADB (for power users)

Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands:

adb shell


settings put global second_space_enabled 1




am start -n com.android.settings/.SecondSpaceSettings

After that, the option will appear in the menu Special Opportunities.

Method 2: Through a Hidden Menu

Dial in the phone number dialer:

##6484##

The test menu will open, where you need to select the Second Space Test and activate the function.

Method 3: Installation of global firmware

If you have MIUI EU or custom firmware, reflash the device to the official global version via the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB And hidden menus can cause system failures. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → The phone. → Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi's second space