How to Use Second Space on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Secrets

The second space feature on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models and the new model) POCO) It allows you to create an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, accounts and data, and it is the ideal solution for those who want to separate work and personal data, test applications without risk to the main system, or provide a phone to relatives with limited access. Unlike guest mode, the second space works as a full-fledged parallel OS with its own settings, wallpaper and even version. MIUI.

But how do you set it up? Many users have problems: apps don't sync, data gets lost when you switch, or space suddenly disappears when you update. MIUI 12/13/14 And HyperOS, and hidden features that are not mentioned in the official guides, like how to move data between spaces or why some applications (like banking) block parallel environments.

What is the second space and why is it necessary?

Second Space is not just a separate profile, but a full-fledged virtual copy of Android running parallel to the main system, and it uses the same firmware, but with isolated ones:

  • πŸ“± Applications – you can set duplicates of messengers, social networks or games
  • πŸ‘€ Accounts – different Google profiles, Mi Accounts or social media accounts
  • πŸ“ Files – individual folders in the phone’s memory (for example, /SecondSpace/)
  • βš™οΈ Settings - your wallpaper, sounds, brightness of the screen

From Guest Mode, the second space differs in that:

FunctionSecond spaceGuest mode
Installation of applicationsβœ… Complete.❌ Limited.
Synchronization of accountsβœ… Supported❌ No.
Access to filesβœ… Isolated folder❌ Only basic memory.
System settingsβœ… Full control.❌ Limited.
SecurityπŸ”’ High (encryption)πŸ”“ Low.

The second space does not require root rights and works on all Xiaomi smartphones. MIUI 8 and later (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T The only limitation is that you can't use both spaces at the same time: you need to restart your phone or use a quick shift in the notification curtain to switch.

πŸ“Š Why do you use the second space on Xiaomi?
Separation of work and personal life
Application testing
For children/relatives
Games without risk to the main system
Another option

How to Enable Second Space: Step-by-step Instruction

Activation of the second space takes no more than 5 minutes, but there are nuances for different versions. MIUI. Below is a universal algorithm that works on 90% of Xiaomi models (except for devices for the Chinese market with a high-performance model). MIUI China).

1. Open Settings. β†’ Special facilities β†’ Second Space (HyperOS path may differ: Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Second space).

2. Click on β€œCreate a Second Space” and confirm the action with a password or fingerprint (if the screen lock is configured).

3. Wait for the setup to be completed (the phone will restart). Once the notifications are turned on, an icon will appear for quick switching.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for the second space

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro with HyperOS), the second space function is hidden:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About phone and 7 times click on the version of MIUI (activated the developer mode).
  2. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers and enable Allow OEM-unlock.
  3. Reboot the phone and repeat the steps to create space.

πŸ’‘

If notifications disappear after activation of the second space, check the synchronization settings in Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Sometimes they're dropped on the first switch.

Configure the second space: applications, accounts, security

Once you create the second space, you need to personalize it.

Installation of applications

  • πŸ“² To copy the application from the main space, go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Clone apps and select the right ones (such as WhatsApp, Telegram).
  • πŸ”„ Some applications (e.g. banking) block parallel work, and they will have to use the main space.
  • πŸ“₯ To install a new app in the second space only, download APK and run it from there (files from the main space are not visible).

2. Account synchronization

In the second space, you can use a separate Google account or the same one as the main one, to add a new one:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Accounts and Synchronization.
  2. Click Add Account and select Google or Mi Account.
  3. Enter the new profile information (e.g. work mail).

3. Security and confidentiality

By default, the second space is protected by the same password as the main one.

  1. Enter the second space.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen and password.
  3. Set up a separate setup. PIN, graphical key.
How to hide the second space from strangers
In the second space, you can turn off the display of the switch icon in the notification curtain. β†’ Notifications β†’ Status icons and deactivate the Second Space option. Now you can only switch through Settings. β†’ Special features or gesture (if configured).

How to transfer data between spaces

By default, the main and second spaces can't see each other's files, but there are several ways to share data.

1. Through cloud storage

The easiest way is to upload files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk from one space and download them in another.

2. Through USB-Debugging (for advanced users)

If you turn on Developer Mode and connect your phone to your PC, you can manually copy files between folders:

  • Main space: /storage/emulated/0/
  • Second space: /storage/emulated/0/SecondSpace/ (or /data/media/0/SecondSpace/ firmware)

⚠️ Note: Do not edit system files in the folder /data/ β€” This can cause the second space to fail!

3. Through third-party file managers

Applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer (with root access) allows you to view both file systems at the same time:

  1. Install the file manager in both spaces.
  2. In the manager settings, activate the option to Show hidden folders.
  3. Move to the /storage/emulated/0/ And find the SecondSpace folder.

πŸ’‘

You can’t transfer system applications (such as Settings or Phone) between spaces, this will lead to errors. Use only user files (photos, documents, APK).

Common problems and solutions

Even if you set up the second space correctly, you can have some failures. TOP-5 problems and ways to correct them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The second space disappeared after the update.Resetting settings when upgrading MIUIGo to Settings. β†’ Special features and activate again
Notifications are not workingSynchronization conflictTurn off battery optimization for messengers in Settings β†’ Battery
Apps fly outIncompatibility with a parallel environmentUpdate the app or use the main space
No Internet accessLimitations VPN routerCheck the network settings in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks
Too much memory is taken.Duplicate system filesClear the cache in Settings β†’ Storage or reduce the number of cloned applications

If the second space freezes when booting, try:

  1. Reset the phone to the main space.
  2. Clear Second Space application data in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ All applications.
  3. Create a second space again (the data will be lost!).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 on POCO F4) The second space may conflict with Game Turbo. If the games are lagging, turn off acceleration in the game settings.

The Hidden Possibilities of Second Space

Few people know, but the second space on Xiaomi supports additional features that are not documented in the official instructions:

1. Various versions MIUI single-phone

If the main space is working on MIUI 14, and the second one is on HyperOS (or vice versa), you can test the new firmware without risking to the main system:

  • Download the recovery firmware for your model (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
  • Go to the second space and install firmware through Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system β†’ Three points. β†’ Select a firmware file.

2. Changes in regional settings

In the second space, you can change your phone region (for example, to India or Europe) to access other versions of apps or features that are not available in your region.

  1. Enter the second space.
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Region.
  3. Select the right country and restart the phone.

3. Use of second space for automatic tasks

Using applications like MacroDroid or Tasker, you can configure automatic switching between spaces by:

  • ⏰ Time (for example, work space in the afternoon, personal space in the evening).
  • πŸ“ Location (home is one space, work is another).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery level (e.g. switching at 20% to save energy).
How to remove the second space without a trace
To completely erase the second space data (including hidden files), you need to: 1. Go to Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Clean. 2. Select Deep Cleanup and mark Second Space. 3. Confirm Action. This method deletes even files that are not visible through the standard file manager.

Alternatives to the second space on Xiaomi

If the second space is not suitable (for example, due to memory shortage or application incompatibility), consider alternatives:

1 Guest Mode (Guest Mode)

Suitable for temporary access to the phone without risking personal data.

  • ❌ No way to install applications.
  • ❌ Limited settings.
  • ❌ Data is not stored after release.

2. cloning applications (Island, Parallel Space)

Third-party utilities like Island (based on Work Profile) or Parallel Space allow you to create isolated environments for individual applications.

  • βœ… It's working without rebooting.
  • βœ… You can run both spaces at the same time.

Cons:

  • ❌ Requires more RAM memory.
  • ❌ Some functions (such as notifications) are not stable.

3. Dual Apps (Dual Apps)

Xiaomi's built-in feature, allowing you to clone individual apps (like two WhatsApp or Facebook)

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Double Apps.
  2. Select the cloning applications.
  3. Click β€œClone” and the second icon will appear on the desktop.

⚠️ Attention: Dual applications do not isolate files and system settings - they just create a second account in the same space.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Xiaomi

Can I use a second space on Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS)?
No, the second space is a proprietary function. MIUI/HyperOS, And it doesn't work on custom firmware. The alternative is to use apps like Island or Shelter that create isolated profiles based on Android Work Profile.
How much memory does the second space take?
The minimum size is about 1.5-2 GB (for system files). When installing applications and saving data, the volume can grow to 5-10 GB. To free up space, clear the cache in Settings. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Second space.
Can I use another launcher in the second space?
Yes, but with reservations. You can install a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher), but: Some widgets may not work. MIUI They'll be in conflict with the launcher's gestures, and when you upgrade the system, the launcher may reset to the standard.
How to transfer SMS and calls between spaces?
By default. SMS And call history doesn't sync between spaces. To move them: In the main space, export. SMS using an app like SMS Backup & Restore. Save the backup file to the cloud (like Google Drive). In the second space, download the file and import messages. Use similar applications for call history (like Call Logs Backup & Restore).
Will there be a second space on Xiaomi with HyperOS?
Yes, HyperOS supports the second space, but with changes: Path to Settings: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Second space: improved compatibility with applications (fewer departures) and added the option to quickly switch through the Control Panel (swipe down from the top right corner). On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the feature may be called Parallel Space, but it works similarly.