How to set up a second space on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro supports the second space feature, a unique ability to create an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, files and settings. This feature is useful if you want to separate work and personal data, test applications without risk to the main system or provide secure access to the device to other users.

Unlike standard guest mode, the second space works like a full-fledged copy of Android with a separate Mi Account account, its own settings and even a unique desktop, both of which can work in parallel — switching between them takes only a few seconds.

In this article, you will find detailed instructions on activating, configuring and managing the second space, as well as answers to frequent questions about its limitations and capabilities. All steps are checked on the Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 12/13/14 firmware (including global and Chinese versions).

What is the second space and why is it necessary?

The second space function in MIUI is a virtual isolated environment that runs on top of the main operating system. It is essentially the second instance of Android with separate:

• 📱 Desktop and widget
• 🔑 Xiaomi account (you can link another account)
• 📁 File storage (photos, documents, downloads)
• 📱 Installed Applications (not automatically duplicated)
• ⚙️ System settings (Wi-Fi, sound, wallpaper, etc.)

Main use cases:

• 🔒 Separation of work and personal data – for example, for corporate applications on the one hand and social networks on the other.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Safe access for children/relatives – you can restrict the installation of apps or access to payments.
• 🧪 Testing applications without risk to the main system (e.g. beta or modified versions) APK).
• 🔄 Backup environment in case of failures in the main space.

Important: The second space does not support a separate space. SIM-card SMS You can also access both spaces simultaneously, and some system applications (like Settings or Phone) cannot be removed in either space.

Requirements and preparation before setting up

Before activating the second space, make sure your Redmi Note 9 Pro meets the following requirements:

If your device has less than 2GB of free space, the system may refuse to create a second space or work with errors. → Warehouse.

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the second space function may not be available or not work properly. Before installing alternative software, check for Second Space support in the firmware description.

It is also recommended that:

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50% (the process of creating space takes 5-10 minutes and consumes charge).
• 📶 Connect to stable Wi-Fi (you will need to download updates for the second space when you first set up).
• 🔐 Make sure there is no important unsaved data on the device (in rare cases, a reset may occur when creating space).

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If you plan to use the second space to work, prepare a list of necessary applications (e.g. messengers, mail, CRM) in advance.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the second space

The second space is activated in less than 5 minutes.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select Special Features (on some versions of MIUI – Additional).
3. Slip on Second Space. If this item is not available, search the settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).
4. Click Create a second space and confirm the action.
5. Wait until the process is completed (the phone will restart 1-2 times) and the user icon with the number "2" will appear on the lock screen.

After the reboot:

• 🔑 You will be asked to configure the second space as a new device (language selection, Wi-Fi connection, Mi or Google account login).
• 📱 The desktop will be empty – all applications will have to be installed again (except for pre-installed system).
• ⚙️ System settings (wallpaper, sound, gestures) will be reset to the factory.

Installation of necessary applications|Set up an account Mi/Google|Personalize the desktop|Check access to files and media-->

If it doesn’t appear on the lock screen after creating the second space, try:

1. Reboot the phone manually.


2. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space and check status.




3. If the space is "damaged", press "Restore".

Configuring and managing the second space

Once you have created a second space, you can flexibly customize it to your needs. The basic control settings are in Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.

1. Switching between spaces

To change space:

• 🔒 On the lock screen, tap the user's avatar (there will be a choice between "Space 1" and "Space 2»).
• 📱 In the notification bar, swipe down and click on the user icon (if a quick change is enabled).
• ⚙️ In the settings of the second space, you can set a password for entering (separate from the main one).

2. Application and data portability

By default, applications are not duplicated between spaces.

1. Open Settings → Applications → App Cloning.
2. Select the app from the list and click Clone for the second space.
3. Confirm the action – the application will appear in both spaces with separate data.

⚠️ Note: Not all apps support cloning, for example, some banking or secure games may block the second space, in which case you will have to reinstall them via Google Play.

3. Privacy settings

In the Privacy section of the second space you can:

• 📵 Block notifications from the second space mostly (and vice versa).
• 🔕 Hide the icon of the second space on the lock screen (required) PIN-code).
• 📡 Limit mobile traffic for second space.

Constraints and Problems of Second Space

Despite the convenience, the second space in MIUI has a number of limitations that you should be aware of in advance:

Frequent problems and their solutions:

• 🔄 No second space is created – check the space available (needs at least 2 GB) and upgrade. MIUI last-minute.
• 📱 Apps fly out - try clearing the cache (Settings) → Annexes → [name] → Clear the cache).
• 🔒 Fingerprint input is not working – set up a separate print for the second space in Settings → Lock screen → Fingerprint.

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The second space is not a replacement for a full-fledged multiplayer system (like on Android tablets), it is designed to isolate data, not to work simultaneously with multiple users.

Advice on effective use

To make the second space on the Redmi Note 9 Pro work as efficiently as possible, use these tips:

1. Optimization of productivity

• 🛠️ Turn off autoloading of unnecessary apps in both spaces (Settings) → Annexes → Autoboot).
• 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly (especially if you notice brakes).
• 🔋 Use the power saving mode for the second space if it is rarely needed.

2. Data security

• 🔐 Set up different ones. PIN-codes for each space.
• 📱 Turn off contact sync if you want to split lists completely (in Settings) → Accounts).
• 🔒 Use encryption for sensitive data (in Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption).

3. Synchronization of files

By default, files (photos, documents) are not accessible between spaces.

• ☁️ Upload files to the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) and download them in another space.
• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and transfer files through MTP (Each space will have its own set of files).
• 📤 Use instant messengers (for example, send files to yourself in Telegram).

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If you often switch between spaces, add a shortcut for a quick change to your desktop: long tap in free space → Widgets → Second Space label.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions