The modern smartphone has long ceased to be just a means of communication, becoming a universal tool for work, entertainment and storage of confidential information. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices have a unique advantage – the built-in “Second Space” feature that allows you to create a completely isolated environment inside a single gadget. It is not just a folder hiding, but a full-fledged virtual copy of the operating system MIUI or HyperOS with its own settings, accounts and files.
This separation is important for those who want to separate workflow from their personal lives, or for parents who want to restrict their children’s access to certain data, and unlike simple guest mode, it creates a separate profile that requires authorization through a unique password or fingerprint, and the isolation of data in this case works at the file system level, which guarantees a high level of security.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of activating, configuring and using this feature correctly. You will learn how to quickly switch between profiles, what restrictions exist and how to correctly remove the second space if it ceases to be relevant. Deleting the second space without first exporting data will lead to irretrievable loss of all information inside the profile.
What is the second space and why is it necessary?
The second space is an isolated partition of memory that functions independently of the main profile. For the system, it looks like having two different phones: one contains your personal photos and social networks, and the second contains work documents and specific applications. Switching between them is instantaneous and does not require rebooting the device, making Xiaomi’s virtualization technology extremely convenient for everyday use.
The main purpose of creating this section is to ensure privacy and structuring the digital space. When you are in the second profile, notifications from the main space are not displayed, and access to files and contacts of the main profile is closed, which is especially useful for freelancers who use the same gadget for communication with customers and for personal life, not wanting to mix these flows of information.
It's worth noting that each space has its own unique identifiers. You can configure different desktop wallpapers, different sets of widgets, and even different notification sounds. Biometric unlocking also works selectively: by putting a specific finger on, the system automatically opens the desired profile without asking for an additional pin.
Step-by-step instructions for activating the function
The process of enabling the second profile on Redmi and Xiaomi smartphones is as simple as possible and takes no more than one minute. First, go to the main settings menu of the device. Find a section that can be called “Second Space” or “Additional Settings”, depending on the version of the MIUI shell.
Once you log in, the system will suggest you to familiarize yourself with the features of the function. Press Enable. Then you will need to specify how to log in to the second profile. You can use a pattern lock, a digital password or a fingerprint. You are advised to select the finger that is not used to unlock the main screen to avoid accidental login.