The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, still in use today for its reliability and functionality, and among its hidden features is the Second Space feature, which allows you to create an isolated work environment with separate applications, settings and data, an ideal solution for those who want to share personal and work life on one device or provide additional privacy.
However, many users face a problem: the feature is either missing from the menu or not activated. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to enable a second space on the Redmi Note 9, including hidden settings, circumventing restrictions. MIUI And the rules are for firmware. MIUI 12, 13 and 14, and for global and Chinese versions of the software.
What is the Second Space and Why is it Necessary?
Second Space function in MIUI β It's a virtual clone of your smartphone that runs parallel to the main space:
- π± Desktop with a unique set of applications;
- π Settings (Wi-Fi, sound, wallpaper, etc.);
- π Files and media (photos, videos, documents do not overlap with the main space);
- π Accounts (you can use different accounts Google, Xiaomi, social networks).
Main use cases:
- πΌ Separation of work and personal life β in one space corporate applications and mail, in another β social networks and games;
- π Privacy β you can hide personal data from outsiders by only giving access to the second space;
- π§ͺ Application testing β it is convenient to check beta versions of the software without risk to the main system;
- πΆ Childhood mode β restricting the childβs access to certain functions.
It is important to understand that the second space is not a full-fledged multiplayer system (as in Android for tablets); it does not support simultaneous login of two users, only switching between them. SMS) They can be duplicated in both spaces.
Where to look for the βSecond Spaceβ function in the settings
In theory, the option should be in the Settings menu. β Special facilities β Second space, however, on the Redmi Note 9. M2003J15SS) Its location may vary depending on:
- π Regional firmware (global, Chinese, European);
- π¦ Versions MIUI (In the 12th and 13th versions, the path may change);
- π§ Availability of root rights or modifications.
Try the following steps (check everything in order):
| MIUI version | The path to function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 (global) | Settings β Accounts and Synchronization β Second Space | May require a Xiaomi account to be linked |
| MIUI 13/14 (Global) | Settings β Special Opportunities β Second Space | Sometimes hidden under the "Confidentiality" clause |
| MIUI 12-14 (Chinese) | β β | Requires a translator or knowledge of Chinese |
| Any version | Search by settings (lamp at the top) β Enter Second SpaceΒ» | It works even if the item is hidden. |
If the function is not on the menu, it can mean:
- π« Restriction of regional firmware (e.g. in European versions) MIUI option sometimes disabled);
- π Outdated version of the software (update your smartphone to the latest firmware);
- π§ Lack of support (on some versions of the Redmi Note 9 function is really not available).
π‘
If there is no search bar in the settings, pull the screen down β it can be hidden under the top bar.
Step-by-step instructions for activating the second space
If you find the βSecond Spaceβ** option in the settings, follow this instruction:
- Open the section you find and click Create Second Space (or Add Second Space).
- Set a password or a graphical key to log in (required! You can't create space without it).
- Choose which data to copy from the main space: π± Applications (you can select individual or copy all of them); π Media files (photos, videos, music); π Contacts and communications (optional).
Wait until the setup is complete (it can take 5-10 minutes).
Once the space is created, a notification will appear, and you can now switch between them via:
- π Notification curtain (Icon with two circles);
- π Lock screen (up/down swipe on the lock);
- π± Quick settings panel (if the appropriate button is added).
βοΈ Preparation for the second space
If you have a βCannot Create a Second Spaceβ error during the creation phase, try:
- π Reboot your smartphone and try again;
- πΆ Disconnecting the mobile Internet (sometimes helps with synchronization problems);
- ποΈ Clear the cache in the Settings app settings (Settings) β Annexes β Application management β Settings β Clear the cache).
What to do if you ask to link a Xiaomi account?
Hidden ways to include a second space
If the standard method didn't work, try alternatives. They require more action, but often help even on cropped firmware.
Method 1: Engineering menu (for experienced users)
This method works for MIUI 12-14, but requires caution:
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##6484##.
- In the menu that appears, select MIUI Version (or Version info).
- Click several times on the line with the version MIUI, The message is βYou became a developer!Β».
- Return to the main settings, open additionally β For developers, find the Second Space item (which can be called Second Space or Dual App).
β οΈ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu - this can cause malfunctions in the smartphone. If after activation of the second space there are glitches, reset the settings.
Method 2: ADB (for Advanced)
If you have a computer and a cable USB, You can also use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB):
- Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
- Turn on the debugging. USB on a smartphone (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Press 7 times, then return to Additional β For developers β Debugging by USB).
- Connect the Redmi Note 9 To PC and type in the command line: adb shell settings put global second_space_enabled 1
- Reboot the phone. After that, the second space should appear in the settings.
If the team doesnβt work, try an alternative:
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.SecondSpaceSettingsMethod 3: Installation of custom firmware
On some firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience), the second space function is available by default.
- π Unlocking the bootloader (will result in a data reset!);
- π₯ Installations TWRP (squirrel);
- π οΈ Firmware alternative software (risk of βbrickingβ the device).
β οΈ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may cause the phone to malfunction.Be sure to back up via Mi before the procedure PC suite TWRP.
How to Switch Between Spaces and Manage Them
Once you successfully activate the second space, you need to learn how to use it.
| Action. | Method of execution |
|---|---|
| Switching between spaces | π Swipe down the lock screen (if option is enabled); π± The button in the notification curtain (added automatically); π Entering a password/pattern lock on the unlock screen. |
| Removal of the second space | Settings β Second space β Delete (all data will be deleted!) |
| Change of password | Settings β Second space β Change the password |
| Synchronization of data | Manually through Settings β Accounts and synchronization (for each space separately) |
A few important nuances:
- πΆ Mobile and Wi-Fi - network settings are not duplicated. If there is no Internet in the second space, check the connection;
- π Battery charge β both spaces consume resources at the same time, so battery consumption can increase by 10-15%;
- π² Notifications β come in both spaces, but can be turned off separately for each;
- π Software updates are installed simultaneously for both spaces.
If the space does not open or freeze after switching, try:
- Remove the second space and create it again.
- Clear the cache of system applications (Settings) β Annexes β Application management β Systemic β Clear the cache);
- Reset the settings (extreme case!).
π‘
The second space is not a replacement for a full-fledged multi-user system; it is designed to temporarily share data, rather than to constantly work two users on the same device.
Typical errors and their solutions
When working with the second space on the Redmi Note 9, users often face the following problems:
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| βWe have not been able to create a second space.β | Insufficient memory; synchronization failure with Mi-account; Restriction of regional firmware. | Clear 2-3 GB of memory; Disable VPN Mobile Internet; Update your firmware to the latest version. |
| The βSecond Spaceβ item is not in the settings | An outdated version MIUI; Global firmware without feature support; Hidden by developers. | Try the method with ADB; Install custom firmware; Use alternatives (clone apps). |
| Applications are not installed in the second space | Lack of memory; Google Play restrictions; conflict with primary space. | Remove unnecessary applications; Download APK manually; restart the phone. |
| The smartphone is very slow after activation | Lack of RAM; Background data synchronization; conflict with optimization MIUI. | Disable autosynchronization; Limit application background activity; Remove unnecessary app clones. |
If none of the methods worked, your Redmi Note 9 model may not support the feature at the software level.
- π± Cloning applications (e.g. Parallel Space or Parallel Space) 2Accounts);
- π Guest mode (limited access without duplication of data);
- π Multiplayer mode (available on some custom firmware).
Alternatives to the second space on Xiaomi
If the standard Second Space feature is not available or does not suit the functionality, consider the following options:
1. Parallel Space (and analogues)
Parallel Space allows you to create virtual sandboxes for cloning applications.
- β It works on any firmware;
- β Supports multiple clones of one application;
- β Easily removed without a trace.
Cons:
- β Requires a lot of RAM;
- β Not all system functions are duplicated;
- β Possible lags on weak devices.
2. Multiplayer mode (Android for Work)
Some firmware (such as LineageOS) have standard multiplayer Android mode available:
- Open the Settings. β System system β Users;
- Click Add User;
- Set up a new user with a separate desktop.
Limitations:
- Doesn't work on the stock. MIUI;
- Requires root rights or custom firmware;
- There is no complete data isolation (shared files and network settings).
3. Guest mode
If you need to temporarily provide access to the phone without risk to personal data:
- Go to Settings. β System system β Guest mode;
- Activate the option and set limits.
- Switch between the main and guest mode via the lock screen.
Suitable for:
- πΆ Child control;
- π Temporary access for friends;
- π οΈ Application testing.
4. Cloning applications (2Accounts, Island)
For advanced users ready to manually configure:
- Island β Creates an isolated environment with Android Work Profile
- 2Accounts β Cloning applications without root rights (but with restrictions);
- Shelter β Open-Air Island with Support FOSS.
The choice of alternatives depends on your goals:
- π Maximum privacy β Island or Shelter;
- π± Simple cloning of applications β Parallel Space;
- π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Family access β Guest mode or multiplayer Android.