Xiaomi’s smartphones, including the popular Redmi Note 9, offer users a unique feature called “Second Space,” which allows them to create a completely isolated environment within a single device, ideal for separating work and personal data or for transferring a gadget to children without the risk of accessing sensitive information.
However, there are situations when the need for such separation is no longer necessary, or the user decides to free up precious space in the internal memory, which is occupied by a clone of the operating system. MIUI This may not seem obvious, as the standard delete button is often hidden in the depths of the menu.
In this detailed guide, we will take a look at how to properly and safely disable Second Space on your device, and we will look at the steps to save important data before deleting, how to completely reset, and answer the frequently asked questions about this system feature.
What is the Second Space and Why is it Necessary?
Second Space is a virtual clone of your smartphone, and when you activate that mode, the system creates a separate desktop with its own apps, settings, gallery and accounts, and in fact, you get two phones in the same case, which you can switch between through a notification panel or a special widget.
This approach is justified in several scenarios: for example, parents can set up a children’s space with a limited set of games and no access to payment systems, and business users often use this option to separate contacts and messengers, so as not to carry two devices with them.
However, having two active profiles significantly affects the performance of the Redmi Note 9. RAM is occupied by the background processes of both spaces, and the battery is discharged faster due to constant synchronization and service operation. If you do not use this feature daily, turning it off will be a logical step to optimize the gadget.
Preparation for deletion: data retention
Before you start deleting, it is critical to understand that all files directly in the Second Space will be permanently lost, and the system cannot automatically (merge) photos or contacts from clones into the main profile when deactivated.
You need to manually check for important documents, photos or records in the recorder that were created in this isolated profile, and if you ignore this step, you will not be able to recover information after the reset without having a backup in the cloud.
The following steps are recommended for data migration:
- 📸 Move all photos and videos from the Second Space Gallery to Google Photos cloud storage or to the Google Photos Gallery. SD-map, if it is available for reading both profiles.
- 📞 Export the contact list to the.vcf file and send it to your main profile messenger.
- 📄 Save important documents from the Downloads or Documents folder to an external medium or to the cloud.
Make sure you remember the password or pattern lock that is used to log into Second Space. Without this data, the system will not allow you to log into the profile to extract files or perform correct deletion through settings.
⚠️ Attention: Deleting Second Space is a destructive operation for the data inside it. Don't rely on the ability to "restore everything later" unless you backup in advance.
Step-by-step instructions for disconnecting through settings
The safest and most effective way to remove the excess environment is to use the standard tools of the MIUI operating system, which ensures that all system links are correctly deleted and memory is freed.
To start, you need to go to the main profile settings menu. Find the section, which is usually called About Phone or Advanced Settings, depending on the firmware version. However, in most current versions of MIUI for the Redmi Note 9, the path is as follows:
Open Settings, scroll down to About Phone, or search by settings by typing in “Second Space.” If the search doesn’t work, try Settings → Advanced Settings → Second Space.
Once you log into the control menu, you'll see the profile switch button and the delete button.
- Click on the gear icon or menu (three dots) in the upper right corner of the screen.
- In the drop-down list, select the option to Remove the second space.
- The system will request confirmation of the operation and warn about the loss of data.
- Enter the screen unlock password or password from the second confirmation space.
The process can take anywhere from one to five minutes, depending on the amount of data accumulated, and it is not recommended to run heavy applications or interrupt the phone.
☑️ Checklist before deletion
Alternative method through search of settings
Android shell interfaces change frequently, and in some versions of MIUI, the path through the menu can be hidden or changed. If you can't find the item manually, the most effective solution is to use a built-in Settings Search Engine.
On the home screen or in the app menu, look for the Settings icon. At the top of the screen, usually on the right or left, is the magnifier icon. Click on it and type in the keyword "space" or "second" (if the interface is in English).
The system will give you a direct link to the function management menu, which allows you to avoid complex menu nestings, and if the function is active, you will immediately be taken to a screen where you can initiate the deletion procedure.
In some cases, if the function is not working correctly and the menu does not open, you can try to clear the cache of the Security or Settings application, but this is extremely rare and only if there are software failures.