Second space on Xiaomi Redmi 9: how to set up and use

Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones support the second space feature, a handy tool for sharing personal and work data, creating a guest profile or testing apps in an isolated environment.This option allows you to run two independent copies of Android on one device without having to buy a second phone or use virtual machines. However, many users face difficulties when first turning on the feature: it can be hidden in settings, require additional manipulation or work with restrictions.

In this guide, we will discuss all ways to activate the second space on Redmi. 9 (including Redmi models 9A/9C/9T), We will explain how to set up the memory partition correctly, and warn against common errors, you will also learn which applications can be duplicated, how to switch between spaces and what to do if the Suddenly function disappears after the update. MIUI. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden method of inclusion through the engineering menu, which works even on firmware with trimmed settings.

What is the second space and why is it necessary?

Second Space is a proprietary development of Xiaomi, which allows you to create an isolated copy of the operating system on your smartphone, essentially two independent user profiles with:

• 📱 Separate desktops (different wallpaper, widgets, shortcuts)
• 🔒 Unique settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound, notifications)
• 📁 Isolated storage (photos, documents, downloads do not intersect)
• 🤖 Your own accounts (Google, Mi Account, social networks)

Main use cases:

• 💼 Separation of work and personal life: in one space - corporate mail and instant messengers, in another - social networks and games.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Guest mode: Give your child or friends a phone without fear of seeing your data.
• 🧪 Testing applications: check beta versions of software in an isolated environment.
• 🔓 Bypassing restrictions: Some apps (e.g. banking) block devices with root or custom firmware – a second space can help.

It’s important to understand that the second space doesn’t replace a full-fledged Android multiplayer system (like on tablets), it doesn’t support running both profiles simultaneously and has performance limitations, but for most tasks, it’s enough.

Requirements and limitations of the Redmi 9

Before setting up the second space, check if your device meets the following criteria:

The key limitations of the second space on Redmi 9 are:

• ⚠️ No simultaneous start: only one space can be used at a time (switching requires rebooting or locking the screen).
• ⚠️ Limited performance: In the second space, heavy games can be hampered by resource sharing.
• ⚠️ No notification synchronization: alerts from the second space are not displayed mostly.
• ⚠️ Not all applications are duplicated: some system utilities (e.g. Settings) remain common.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 9 with third-party firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the second space function may not be available or not work properly. MIUI Or use alternatives like Island (requires root).

Method 1: Enable through standard MIUI settings

If your device meets the requirements, try activating the second space through the settings menu. MIUI for Redmi 9:

Steps:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select the Special Opportunities section.
3. Slip on the item Second Space (some firmware may be called Double Space or Second Space).
4. Click Create a second space and confirm the action.
5. Set a password for the second space (required! This will protect your data when you switch).
6. Wait for the setup to be completed (it will take 1-3 minutes).

Once you have created the second space, you can switch between the two:

• Through the notification panel (swipe down) → Icon Second Space).
• Through the lock screen (swipe left/right on the input screen) PIN-code).
• Through Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space

Backup of important data

Free up at least 4 GB of memory

Remember the password for the main space

Disable VPN (may interfere with settings)

Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

If the second space item is not in the settings, go to the hidden activation method.

Method 2: Hidden Method through Engineering Menu

Some of the other products (especially Redmi) 9A/9C s MIUI 12.5) The second space option is hidden, but you can turn it on through the engineering menu, and it's a precautionary option, but it doesn't violate the warranty:

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##6484## (if it doesn't work, try ##64663###).
2. You’ll be taken to the MTK Engineer Mode menu (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm Service Menu (for Snapdragon).
3. Select the Device Test section → Function Test.
4. Find Second Space (which can be called Multi User or Dual App).
5. Activate the switch and restart the phone.

After the reboot, the second space should appear in the standard settings. If the menu is in English or Chinese, focus on the icons:

• 🔧 — setting;
• 📱 — device;
• 🔄 — duplication.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose! Incorrect settings can cause failures in the communication module or camera. If after activation of the second space the phone began to overheat or discharge quickly, return to the engineering menu and turn off the function.

Configuring and optimizing the second space

Once the second space is created, it needs to be properly configured to avoid performance and memory problems.

1. Memory separation

By default, the second space is a fixed amount of memory (usually 2-3 GB) to change this:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second space → Warehouse.
2. Select Setting up the memory and move the slider (maximum 8GB on Redmi 9).
3. Confirm the changes and wait for the redistribution.

Duplicate annexes

Not all programs can be duplicated. The list of supported applications:

• ✅ Social networks: WhatsApp, Telegram, VK, Facebook.
• ✅ Messengers: Viber, Skype, Signal.
• ✅ Banking applications: SberBank Online, Tinkoff, Alpha-Click.
• ❌ Not duplicated: Settings, Phone, Messages, Camera.

To duplicate the application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Select the desired application and turn on the switch.
3. In the second space, it will appear with an icon. ➕.

3. Optimization of productivity

If the second space is braked:

• 🔄 Limit background activity: in the second space settings, turn off auto-run of unnecessary apps.
• 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly (once a week).
• 🔋 Turn off animation: in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times to enable developer mode, then in Developer Settings turn off window animation and transition animation.

💡

To quickly distinguish spaces, set different wallpapers and themes, for example, in the main space use a dark theme, and in the second one - a light one, which will help avoid confusion when switching.

Typical problem solving

When using the second space on Redmi 9, users often encounter the following errors:

If the second space is completely gone after the update MIUI, try:

1. Reset settings through Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset application settings.
2. Restore backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
3. Install firmware manually through the Mi Flash Tool (only for power users!).

⚠️ Warning: If you use Redmi 9 with unlocked bootloader and custom recavery (TWRP), creating a second space may conflict with Magisk modules. Before activating the function, disable all Magisk modules associated with multiplayer mode (for example, MultiUser Mod).

Alternatives to the second space on Redmi 9

If the standard function is not suitable (for example, due to limitations) MIUI or memory deficit, consider alternative solutions:

1.The Island app (requires root)

Island is an open source software for creating an isolated space based on Android Work Profile.

• 🔒 Complete data isolation (even from root users).
• 📱 Support for simultaneous launch of the main and isolated profile.
• 🔄 The ability to “freeze” applications in Island.

Disadvantages: Requires root rights and may conflict with some banking applications.

2. Parallel Space (without root)

Parallel Space is a popular app for cloning programs without creating a second space. MIUI. Pluses:

• 🎯 It works on any firmware.
• 🔄 Supports simultaneous launch of clones.
• 🛡️ Built-in password access lock.

Cons: Consumptions: Consumes more battery and can show ads in the free version.

3. Guest Mode (built into Android)

If you only need a temporary split, use the Android guest mode:

1. Pull down the notification panel and tap on the user's avatar.
2. Select Add Guest.
3. After use, the guest session can be removed with one tap.

Restriction: Guest mode is reset after reboot and does not support duplicate applications.

💡

If you want maximum data isolation (for example, to work with sensitive information), it is better to use Island with root. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space