Many users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones initially include the “Second Space” feature for the sake of experimenting or separating work and personal data. This technology, based on the principles of multi-user Android profiles, does allow you to create an isolated environment with separate applications and files. However, over time, gadget owners face the fact that duplication of system processes begins to negatively affect the autonomy of the device.
Reducing battery life isn't the only problem. Having an active second profile takes up a significant amount of internal memory, even if you don't use it regularly. System files, app cache and media continue to accumulate, which can lead to slowdowns in the MIUI or HyperOS interface. That's why the question of how to properly disable and delete the second profile becomes relevant to maintaining the performance of the smartphone.
The deactivation procedure can vary depending on the operating system version and whether users have access to the master account settings. In some cases, users forget the pattern lock or password set when creating an isolated environment, making a standard shutdown path impossible. Below we will discuss in detail all available methods for solving this problem, from standard settings to radical reset measures.
Why You May Need to Remove a Second Profile
The main reason for users to abandon the use of additional space is the consumption of resources. The smartphone has to maintain background services for both profiles, which increases the load on the processor and RAM, this is especially noticeable in the mid- and low-end models, where every megabyte of RAM is accounted for.
Another factor is security and confusion in notifications: When two sets of applications are running on the same device, such as two messengers or two social networks, notifications can be delayed or lost, and if different people use the device, there is a risk of accessing sensitive data through shared folders or system vulnerabilities.
⚠️ Warning: Before you start deleting, make sure that all important photos, contacts and documents from the second space are copied to the cloud or transferred to the main profile.
Also worth mentioning are update issues: sometimes having a second active profile can block installing MIUI updates, as update scripts check file integrity across all user environments.
Standard way to disable through settings
The easiest and most secure deactivation method is available directly from the system settings menu, which is suitable for those users who have full access to the main profile and know the password from the second space. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android, but the logic of actions remains the same.
To start, you need to go to Settings and find the option for additional system functions. In newer versions of the HyperOS shell and newer MIUIs, this section is often hidden inside the About Phone category or in a separate menu called Advanced Settings.
Once you log into the profile management menu, the system will request proof of identity, PIN-A code or fingerprint assigned to enter a second space is a security measure to prevent accidental deletion of data.
☑️ Checklist before removal
Once you have successfully authorized, you will open a control panel where you will have an uninstall button, and the system will warn you again about the consequences, and by clicking "Delete the second space," you will start the cleaning process, which can take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes depending on the amount of data you have accumulated.
Removal through the Security App
Xiaomi’s shells have a system application called Security that combines antivirus, memory cleanup and permission management, and this is where the second space management functionality is often duplicated, allowing you to access it if the standard settings menu is not working properly.
Open the Security app and scroll down to the tool list down to the Utilities or Tools section. Find the Second Space icon. If the function is active, it will display the status and control button here, which is especially useful if the setting label is missing from the desktop.
Inside the utility menu, click on the gear icon or menu button (usually three dots or stripes) to open additional options. Select "Delete second space." The system will redirect you to a familiar confirmation menu where you will need to enter a password.
| Parameter | Main space | Second space |
|---|---|---|
| Access to files | Complete. | Just your folders. |
| Notifications | All right. | Only selected |
| Battery consumption | Basic | Additional |
| Deletion of data | Impossible without resetting. | Maybe through the settings. |
Using the Security app ensures that you are interacting with the system component, not a third-party launcher, which reduces the risk of errors when deleting profiles.
What to do if you forget your password or key
The situation where the user forgets the password set for the second space is one of the most common: the standard interface will not allow you to delete the profile without authorization, blocking access to the delete button, in which case the standard methods are powerless, and alternative solutions are required.
The first option is to try to recall or match a password using the prompts if they were given, but if access cannot be restored, the only regular way is to completely reset the device, a radical measure, but it is guaranteed to delete all user data, including hidden profiles.
⚠️ Warning: Hard Reset removes ALL data from your phone: contacts, photos, apps and correspondence. Be sure to back up important information before starting the procedure.
Turn off your smartphone to reset. Then press the button combination specific to your model (usually Volume Up + Power). In the Recovery menu that appears, select the language (English), then Wipe Data and confirm the action. After the reboot, the second space will disappear with all the data.
Can I bypass the password without resetting?
Impact on device performance and memory
After the second space is removed, users often notice a significant improvement in the work of the gadget, not only space in the storage, but also RAM is released, since the system no longer needs to reserve resources for the background processes of someone else's profile.
Optimizing memory is done by removing duplicate system libraries and application cache. If heavy games or social media were installed in the second space, removing them can free up several gigabytes of space, which is especially critical for models with built-in storage of 64 GB or less.
It also reduces heat generation, stops switching between user contexts, which reduces the load on the cores, and results in less heat for everyday tasks, and increases battery life by 10-15%.
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After removing the second space, it is recommended to restart the smartphone and start the built-in cleanup through the Security app so that the system recalculates the free space and updates the file indexes.
Alternatives to the Second Data Sharing Space
If your goal was not to build a full-fledged second OS, but simply to hide certain files or applications, there are easier alternatives: they do not create a separate user profile, which means they do not waste unnecessary resources.
Hide Apps allows you to remove the icons of selected programs from the desktop and menu, which require you to enter a special code in the Phone application or use a gesture to run them, which is ideal for maintaining privacy without losing performance.
To protect your files, use the built-in File Protection tool (or Hidden Album) to move photos, videos and documents to a password-protected folder, accessed only after authorization, but the files do not duplicate system processes.
- 🔒 Hiding applications: ideal for quick access without unnecessary interfaces.
- 📂 Secure folder: securely stores personal photos and documents in encrypted form.
- 👥 Guest mode: Temporary profile to transfer your phone to others without access to your data.
These tools allow you to manage access to information flexibly, keeping the system up to speed, and unlike the second space, there is no separation of the application database, which makes it easier to synchronize and backup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a second space be restored?
Does the removal affect the work of the main profile?
Do I need to re-flash the phone to remove?
Where are the files transferred from the second space?
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Removing the second space is a safe and useful operation to optimize your smartphone if you no longer use the profile sharing feature.