Xiaomi’s mobile devices are renowned for their functionality, and one of the most useful but sometimes confusing features is the “Second Space” tool, which allows you to create an isolated environment inside a single smartphone, which is ideal for separating work and personal data or for transferring the device to children without the risk of accessing sensitive information.
But over time, users have to remove this partition, and the reasons can be different: freeing up internal memory, switching to another phone, or simply wanting to simplify the structure of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system. It is important to understand that the removal process requires care, as it affects deep system settings.
In this article, we will discuss how to properly and safely clean the second space, returning the smartphone to its original state, we will look at standard methods of removal, methods of forced reset and answer questions that arise when accessing the profile.
What is the second space and why remove it?
The second space is actually a virtual clone of your smartphone, and it has a separate app system, a gallery, contacts, and settings, and it looks like two different users, each with their own rights and data, and it's convenient to use it, but it consumes a lot of resources.
The main reason Redmi and Poco owners are looking for a way to clean this partition is a lack of memory. Even if you don't use the second profile actively, system files and cache can take up several gigabytes, and having an extra profile can slow down background processes.
⚠️ Warning: Deleting the second space will result in the total loss of all data stored inside it.Photos, documents and correspondence will be destroyed without the possibility of recovery through the basket.
Also worth noting is the effect on autonomy: Background synchronization of two profiles can consume battery power faster, and if you stop using separation, the most logical thing to do is to deactivate the function completely.
- 📉 Freeing precious space in the device’s internal memory.
- 🚀 Acceleration of the processor and RAM by stopping unnecessary services.
- 🔒 Increased overall security as the number of potential entry points is reduced.
Preparation for profile removal
Before you move to the active actions in the settings menu, you need to perform a number of preparatory operations, which will help to avoid accidental loss of important information and prevent possible software failures in Android.
The first step should always be backup. If the second space holds important files, they should be transferred to main memory or cloud storage, and standard Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive tools will do a great job.
☑️ Preparation for cleaning
Also make sure you know the password or pattern lock for the second space.The MIUI security system will require confirmation of administrator rights before deleting the profile.If the password is lost, the procedure will be complicated and require a complete reset of the device.
Standard method of removal through settings
The best and safest method is to use the built-in functionality of the system, which ensures that all files are deleted correctly and that the registry is cleaned, and you need to switch to the second space first, because it is often managed from the inside.
After you log in to your profile, go to the settings menu. The path usually looks like: Settings → Second Space. Here you will see the profile management button. The system will offer two options: switch or delete.
Select the deletion option. You will be shown a warning that all data will be erased. Confirm the action by entering the unlock password or fingerprint. The process can take from one to five minutes depending on the amount of data accumulated.
| Action. | Wherever | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Switching | Notification panel / Settings | Change of current active profile |
| Deletion of data | Settings → Second Space | Complete cleaning of profile files |
| Disabling the function | Settings → Second Space | Return to one main space |
💡
Delete via settings is the only way to guarantee that you avoid file system errors and junk files after cleaning.
Removal through the main space
It’s not always possible or desirable to go to the second profile. Modern versions of the HyperOS shell and recent MIUI updates allow you to manage the second space directly from the main account, which is convenient if you want to quickly get rid of the extra partition.
When in the main space, open the settings and find the "Second Space" section. If the function is active, it will display the status and control button. Click on the menu icon (three dots or gear) in the upper right corner of the screen.
In the list that opens, select “Delete second space” and the system will request proof of identity of the device owner, and once you enter a password or scan your face, you will begin a cleanup process that cannot be interrupted.
⚠️ Note: If you use an old password from a second space that is different from the main one, the system may require it to confirm the deletion.
In some cases, if the standard path doesn't work, you can search by settings, type the word "space" in the search box, and the system will suggest the desired menu item to manage.
What to do if you forget the password from the second space
The situation where access to the second profile is blocked and the password is lost is one of the most difficult. Without authorization, standard deletion is impossible, because it is a security hole. However, there are several ways to solve the problem.
The first option is to use a Mi Account, and if you logged in to Xiaomi in the second space, you can try to restore access through the Forgot Password feature on the lock screen, which will require an Internet connection.
If recovery is not possible, a radical but effective method is the phone’s full reset, which will remove all data from the device, including both spaces, returning the smartphone to a factory state.
How to perform Hard Reset on Xiaomi
Once reset, the phone will have to be reconfigured as a new one, so this method should only be used as a last resort when other methods have been exhausted and access to the main space is not critical or already saved.
Cleaning of residual files after deletion
Even after the second space has been successfully removed, the device may still have tails, such as temporary files, cache or empty directories, and additional cleaning is recommended to make the device work as efficiently as possible.
Use Xiaomi's built-in Security app. Run a system scan. It automatically finds the residual debris and prompts you to remove it. It's a safe procedure that doesn't affect your personal photos or documents.
For a deeper cleaning, you can use third-party utilities such as Files by Google or SD Maid. They allow you to see hidden folders that may have remained from a remote profile, for example, in the root directory /data/media/0/.
- 🗑️ Run a standard cleaner in the Security app.
- 📂 Check the Download folder for duplicate files.
- 🔄 Restart the device so that the system recalculates the file index.
💡
After removing the second space, be sure to restart your smartphone, which will help the system correctly redistribute memory and update the paths to system libraries.
Possible problems and solutions
Users may experience a process freeze, a failed to delete error, or an endless reboot cycle, most often due to damage to system files or a lack of free memory at the time of operation.
If the deletion is stuck in the progress bar, don't panic. Wait 10-15 minutes. If the screen doesn't respond, try to force the reboot by holding the power button for 10 seconds. After turning it on, check if the second space has disappeared.
In cases where the feature continues to appear in the menu but doesn't open, try updating the firmware. Often interface bugs are patched in Android security patches. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and check for updates.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to manually delete second-space system folders through root-right file managers, which may result in the inability to boot the operating system).
If nothing helps, and the error is repeated constantly, the only way out is to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility. This will return the phone to its factory state and is guaranteed to remove all unnecessary partitions.