The functionality of modern Xiaomi smartphones allows you to create complete isolated environments right inside a single device.This option, known as Second Space, is ideal for separating work and personal data without having to buy a second phone. Users often wonder whether you can simply drag an already installed program from the main system to a hidden profile, and answering it requires understanding the architecture of the MIUI shell or HyperOS.
Unlike simple shortcuts, moving an application involves creating an independent copy of it with a separate cache, settings and account. This means that you can log in to the same messenger from a different number or use a separate profile on the social network at the same time as the main one. System applications such as Phone or Messages have cloning restrictions and can only work in active space. The setup process does not require root rights, but requires care when the function is initially activated.
This article will examine in detail the algorithm of actions, the nuances of working with data and possible errors faced by owners of smartphones Redmi and Poco. We will consider not only standard activation methods, but also hidden settings that make the use of dual profiles as comfortable and safe as possible for your privacy.
Principle of operation and system preparation
Before you start moving data, you need to understand that the second space is not just a folder, but a full-fledged virtual user profile. The system allocates a separate memory space for it, where all the application data, their logins and passwords are stored. The isolation is at the file system level, so programs in the hidden profile do not see the files in the main gallery unless you explicitly give them permission.
To function properly, your smartphone should have enough free memory. It is recommended to have at least 3-5 GB of free space, as each moved application will take up the same amount of space as in the main profile. If you plan to clone heavy games or social networks with a large amount of cache, make sure that internal storage is not crowded.
It’s also worth checking the operating system version. Although the feature is available on most devices with MIUI 12 and later, in the latest HyperOS updates, the menu interface may differ slightly. Before activating the second space, it’s advisable to update all apps in the GetApps store or Google Play to current versions to avoid compatibility conflicts.
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Use a quick search in the settings by entering the phrase “Second Space” if you can’t find the menu item manually in different versions of the firmware.
It is important to note that once the function is activated, a separate icon will appear on the desktop to switch between profiles, and you can set up a hidden profile login using a fingerprint or a pattern lock other than the main one, which provides an additional layer of security for your data.
Activation of the second space and initial setting
The process of running an isolated environment starts with system settings, you need to go to the Settings menu, then select the Additional section (or Advanced Settings in older versions) and find the Second Space item, and the system will warn you that you will need to create a separate password or attach a fingerprint to the function.
When you create a profile, you'll have two options: create space from scratch or migrate data from the current one, and the second option allows you to automate the process of moving applications. But you have to understand that the programs will not physically disappear from the main profile, but will be inclined, and you will get two icons of one application: one in the main profile, the other in the second.
☑️ Preparation for profiling
When you set up, you'll be asked to choose which apps you want to see in the second space immediately after activation, which is a convenient way to quickly migrate a basic set of programs like a browser, mail or instant messengers. Don't worry if you forget to add an app now, you can install it later right from inside the hidden profile.
⚠️ Note: When creating a second space through the data portability function, contacts and photos can also be copied.
Once you've set up, the system will switch to a new interface that looks almost identical to the main one, but with an empty desktop, and from that point on, you're in the second space and you can start filling it with the necessary software.
Applications moving and cloning methods
There are several ways to populate the second space with the right software, and the easiest and most reliable method is to manually install it from the app store, inside the second profile, and because it's a separate environment, you'll have to log in to Google Play or GetApps to download the necessary tools.
If you want to avoid re-uploading large files, you can use the import feature, which is available immediately after creating the space. In the management menu of the second space (available through settings or notifications curtain when switching), there is the option “Transfer data”, which allows you to select applications from the main profile and create copies of them in the second.
For advanced users, it is possible to use app cloning without creating a full second space, if the goal is only to run two accounts on the same social network. However, a full second space gives deeper isolation, for example, games running in the second space will not conflict with the main profile, and progress in them will be stored separately.
It is worth considering that some banking applications may require re-associating the device when you start in the second space, since the system identifier can be perceived as a new device. MIUI.
Access configuration and notification management
One of the key features of dual profiles is notification management, and by default, notifications from second-space applications can come to the main profile, which can violate privacy.
Go to the settings of the second space (available when you switch to it) and look for the Notifications section, where you can prevent the content of messages from displaying on the locked main profile screen, which is critical for applications containing information such as bank codes or personal correspondence.
Switching shortcut is also available. You can add a profile switching widget to the main desktop space, which allows you to instantly navigate to a hidden profile with one touch, without going through the settings menu. For even more secrecy, you can remove the switching shortcut by leaving only a special fingerprint or pattern lock.
| Parameter | Main space | Second space |
|---|---|---|
| Access to files | Full access | Just your files. |
| Notifications | All visible. | Hidden by default |
| Autoboot | It's working. | Requires customization |
| Access to the camera | Straight | Through permission |
Autoboot management also requires attention.Apps in the second space may not start automatically after the phone is restarted until you first log in to this profile.This is done to save RAM, but can lead to missing important messages.
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For complete isolation, use different passwords to log in to each space and turn off the display of second profile notifications mostly.
Work with files and gallery between spaces
A common problem for users is that they can't find downloaded files or photos taken. As mentioned earlier, file systems are separated, but MIUI and HyperOS have Shared Files, which creates a bridge between the two worlds.
To transfer a photo or document from the main profile to the second (or vice versa), you do not need to use third-party messengers: just open Explorer, find the desired file, click More (three dots) and select Send to second space. The file will instantly appear in the corresponding hidden profile folder.
For photos and videos, this process is automated. In the second space gallery, you have access to the Shared Photos album. Anything you put on this album in the main profile will be visible in the second one, which is convenient for sharing screenshots or working documents that you need to discuss in the work messenger.
Hidden folders
However, the original in the main gallery and the copy in the shared folder can take up space twice, if you do not monitor the storage volume.
Removal and resetting of second space
If the need for a hidden profile is no longer necessary, it can be easily deleted. The data inside the second space will be completely destroyed, so it is recommended to transfer important files to the main profile or cloud storage in advance.
When you delete it, it will request a confirmation and password from your primary profile, which is protection against accidental deletion of sensitive data by children or other users of the device, and once confirmed, all applications configured in the second space will be permanently deleted.
There is also the option of temporarily disabling the function without deleting the data, but in modern versions of MIUI this is implemented as a complete deletion with the ability to recreate. So if you plan to return to using the second space later, it is better not to delete it, but to ignore it.
⚠️ Note: Deleting the second space does not affect the application in the main profile. However, if you used the cloning function, only the copy of the application and the data inside the hidden profile will be deleted.
In case of errors when deleting (for example, a process freeze), it is recommended to restart the smartphone in safe mode and try to delete the profile again.
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may experience applications in the second space running slowly or crashing, often due to aggressive energy savings that limit the background activity of applications in a hidden profile, and this can be solved by going to the battery settings and allowing auto-runs for the desired programs.
Another common problem is the lack of sound or microphone in second-space apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram). Check the permissions in the Privacy Protection menu -> Microphone and make sure that access is allowed for second-space apps (they are usually marked with a special icon).
If the switching shortcut is missing from the lock screen, check the theme settings. Some third-party themes may hide system interface elements. Switching to a standard Classic or Default theme usually returns functionality.