Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, which are running MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users a powerful tool for organizing digital space, a feature known as Second Space that allows you to turn one physical gadget into two completely independent devices, not just a folder with hidden apps, but a complete isolated environment with its own settings, gallery, contacts and Google accounts.
Many Android owners are unaware that their phone can work in two-in-one mode without having to run firmware or obtain super-user rights, a feature that is especially relevant for those who want to separate work from personal correspondence, hide sensitive files from prying eyes or simply create a clean environment for testing dubious applications.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate this mode, what are the nuances of its operation on different versions of the operating system and how to use this functionality to improve security and comfort.
What is the second space and why is it necessary?
At its core, Second Space is a mechanism for creating a separate user profile, similar to how multiple people can have different accounts on a single computer.However, unlike computer profiles, switching between them on a smartphone is instantaneous and, most importantly, can be protected by a separate password or fingerprint.
The main purpose of using this feature is privacy and data segmentation. When you are in the main space, you see your personal photos, messengers and banking applications. Switching to the second one, you are in a completely empty interface where there is no personal photo of you or browser history. For an outsider who took your unlocked phone, the second space will be simply invisible if he does not know a special password or uses a designated finger to log in.
⚠️ Attention: The second space takes up additional memory on the internal drive. All applications installed in the second profile are duplicated and occupy space separately from the main system.
There are many use cases, such as using one profile to work with corporate chats and email clients, and leaving the other for entertainment and social media, and it’s the perfect way to let your child play with his phone without worrying that he or she will accidentally delete important documents or stumble upon inappropriate content in your primary browser.
Compatibility check and device preparation
Before you start setting up, make sure your device supports this feature. Although most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have built-in support for second spaces, in some regions or on specific firmware versions (for example, Global ROM vs. China ROM), the menu layout may differ.
On older versions of Android (below 7.0), the functionality may not work at all or be stable, and it is recommended to update the device to the latest available version of MIUI or HyperOS through the update menu in advance.
For comfortable work, make sure that the following is done on the device:
- 📱 The battery charge is at least 20% so that the device does not turn off during the profiling process.
- 💾 Free at least 2-3 GB of internal memory for the correct operation of system files of new space.
- 🔒 A reliable method of blocking the screen is installed (PIN-code, pattern lock or password, as without it the function may not be available.
If you use a corporate phone or a device configured through Mobile Device Management (MDM), the network administrator could block the ability to create new profiles, in which case activation of the second space will not be possible without removing the restrictions.
Step-by-step: how to create a second space
The activation process is simple enough to take no more than a few minutes. The configuration interface in MIUI and HyperOS is logical, but requires careful consideration when selecting security settings. Follow the algorithm to avoid errors.
First, open the main settings menu for your smartphone. Find a section that could be called "Additional Features" or "Extended Settings," depending on the version of the shell. Inside this menu, you'll need to find the item Second Space.
Click on the "Enable Second Space" switch, the system will alert you that a new environment will be created, the initialization process will begin after confirmation, which can take 10 to 30 seconds, at which time the MIUI logo or download animation can be displayed on the screen.
☑️ Activation checklist
Once you've set up, you'll be transferred to a new, clean desktop space, and you won't have your old apps, so you'll have to unlock your phone using a password or a fingerprint assigned to the main space to get back to you.
⚠️ Note: When you first enter the second space, the system may suggest setting it up as a new device.
Security settings and entry methods
A key feature of the feature is the ability to enter different spaces using different biometric data or codes, which allows you not to manually switch through settings, but simply use the other finger when unlocking the screen.
To set up, go to Settings → Second Space (besides the second profile or through the switch menu). Select Password and unlock. Here you can set a separate pattern lock or digital code. If you use a fingerprint scanner, the system will suggest assigning a specific finger to enter the second space.
For example, the thumb of the right hand can open the main profile with personal data, and the thumb of the left hand can open the working profile, which provides instant access and a high level of data protection.
| Parameter | Main space | Second space |
|---|---|---|
| Screen password | 1234 | 9876 |
| Fingerprint. | Right index | Left index |
| Face ID | Activated. | Disabled (usually) |
| Access to the gallery | Complete. | Isolated. |
What to do if the print is not read?
Data portability and application management
Once you've created an isolated environment, the question is, how do you get the right programs to do that? And the data backup between spaces is very convenient, but it has limitations. You can't just drag and drop the application, you have to re-install it in the second profile.
To transfer files (photos, videos, documents) using the built-in import mechanism. When in the second space, go to the settings of this mode and select "File Transfer". The system will prompt you to select files from the main profile, after confirmation they will appear in the corresponding folders of the second space.
To install applications:
- 📥 Open Google Play Market or GetApps in the second space.
- 🔍 Find the required application and install it.
- 🔄 Please note: Game progress and logins on social networks are not automatically synchronized unless you log in to the same account.
There's also an app cloning feature, but it works differently: a second space allows you to run two different versions of the same app (like two WhatsApp) with different phone numbers, which you can't do with standard cloning in the same profile.
Deleting apps in the second space doesn't affect the main profile, so you can safely test new games or questionable utilities, knowing that if you get infected with a virus, the main space with banking applications will remain safe.
💡
Use the Switching Shortcut feature in the second space notification curtain, which will allow you to quickly return to the main profile without entering passwords every time you are in a secure environment.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite the stability of the function, users may face a number of typical problems, most often related to resource scarcity or software version conflicts.
One of the common problems is that you can't activate the function. If the power button is inactive or gone, check if the Guest or Safe Mode mode is turned on, and the feature may not be available on devices with heavily modified firmware (custom ROMs) where the MIUI system components have been removed.
Another common situation is fast battery drain: Since the second space is actually a background virtual machine running, it consumes RAM and CPU resources even when you are in the main profile (albeit in a smaller amount).
⚠️ Warning: If you notice that your phone is getting hot or discharged quickly after the second space is turned on, check if heavy apps or background sync processes are running there.
If you experience errors in the interface or “outs” from the second space, try the following steps:
- Clear the cache of the system application “Second Space” in the application settings.
- Remove the second space and recreate it, saving important data.
- Check for system updates in the About Phone → MIUI version.
💡
Deleting the second space completely erases all the data inside it without the possibility of recovery. Always back up important files before deleting the profile.