Multi-desktop work on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a handy feature, but a real godsend for those who want to delineate personal and work data, hide sensitive information from prying eyes or simply optimize screen space. Unlike the standard guest mode, the second desktop in MIUI allows you to create a full-fledged alternative profile with a unique set of applications, wallpaper and even a password.
But how do you activate this feature? Which Xiaomi models support it? And what if the option suddenly disappears after the update? In this guide, we'll go through all the nuances from basic settings to solving typical problems. And you'll learn how to use a second desktop to hide banking apps from children or split messengers for work and personal correspondence.
What Xiaomi models support two desktops
The second desktop feature (Second Space in the English version of MIUI) is not available on all Xiaomi devices, but depends on the firmware version and hardware capabilities of the smartphone.
- 📱 Series: The function is officially supported on flagships (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Mi 11), Subflagships (Redmi Note) 11 Pro+, POCO F4) and some budgetary models with MIUI 12+.
- 🔄 Firmware: On older versions (MIUI 11 and below) the option may be missing or not work stable. Update the software via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🌍 Region: Global (Global) ROM) and Chinese ROM) The firmware function can be called by different names: Second Space or Double Space.
If your model is not on the official list, it works on the MIUI 14, try activating the function through the hidden menu (instructions in the next section). POCO and Redmi with lightweight firmware (MIUI Lite) option can be disabled by the manufacturer.
How to turn on the second desktop: step-by-step instructions
Activation of the second desktop takes no more than 5 minutes.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Special Opportunities section (on some models – Additional).
- Select Second Space (or Double Space on Russian firmware).
- Click Create and follow the system prompts: specify a password (you can skip), select wallpaper and applications for duplication.
Once you have created the second table, you can swipe between them down the lock screen (in some models, through the notification bar). Note that applications and files are not automatically synchronized, but must be installed and configured separately in each space.
Make a backup copy of important data|Remember the password from the main profile|Check the vacant space (minimum 2 GB)|Shut down. VPN (It can block the creation of a profile)-->
Setup of the second desktop: what can be changed
The second desktop in MIUI is not just a copy of the main one, but a full-fledged independent profile.
| Parameter | Description | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| 🔐 Password. | You can set a separate PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint | Does not support face recognition on budget models |
| 📱 Annexes | They are set independently but occupy a place in the shared memory. | Some system applications (such as Mi Account) are automatically duplicated. |
| 🎨 Wallpaper and themes | You can choose unique wallpaper, fonts and style of icons | Themes from Mi Theme Store may not be synced |
| 📶 Network | Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth are set up separately | SIM-maps common to both spaces |
And the interesting thing is, if you use a Google Account, you can only link it to one of the spaces, which means that in the second desktop, you have to log into the Play Market and Gmail through your browser or create a new account, but it's an additional security measure, even if someone gets access to one profile, the second one will remain secure.
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To quickly distinguish between desktops, install contrasting wallpapers, such as dark for personal space and light for the worker.
How to hide applications in the second desktop
One of the main advantages of the second desktop is that it can hide apps from outsiders, and that's true for bank customers, private messaging apps, or games you don't want to show to your colleagues.
- Go to the second desktop (swipe down the lock screen or through the notification panel).
- Open Settings → Applications → Hidden Applications.
- Choose programs that should be available only in this space.
- Activate the option to Hide icons on the main screen.
Now these apps won't show up in the main desktop, and to get them back, you just go to the second space settings and turn off the hiding. Importantly, the hidden apps continue to work in the background and can send notifications. To block them completely, turn off background activity in the battery settings.
What to do if the hidden application does not open?
Typical problems and their solution
Despite the convenience, the second desktop function sometimes doesn't work well, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
- ❌ Second Space option missing after update: This is a typical error when switching to a new version MIUI. Try resetting your settings through Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset your application settings. If it doesn't work, roll back to your previous firmware via the Mi Flash Tool.
- ⚠️ Apps in the second table are constantly flying out: The problem is with a lack of RAM. Close background processes in the main space or limit the number of duplicate applications. On budget models (Redmi). 9A, POCO M3) It is recommended to use no more 10-15 appendices in the second table.
- 🔒 Unable to set a password to the second table: Make sure your device doesn't activate Google's Find My Device - it can block the creation of additional profiles.
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If the second desktop is slowing down, clear the cache through Settings → Storage → Clear the cache. This will not delete the data, but will free up to 1-2 GB of space.
⚠️ Note: Do not use the second desktop to bypass bans in games or social networks. Xiaomi can block the device for suspicious activity if it detects multiple logins to one account from different spaces.
How to delete a second desktop without losing data
If the second desktop function is no longer needed, you can disable it, but with caution: if you delete it incorrectly, you risk losing data from the second space.
- First, save important files from the second table (photos, documents, contacts) to the cloud or memory card.
- Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
- Click Delete and confirm the action.
- If the system requests a password, enter it from the main profile.
After deleting, all applications and settings on the second table will be erased, but files stored in shared memory (such as on a microSD card) will remain intact. If you plan to activate the function again, back up via Settings → System → Backup before deleting.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi) A1/A2 with Android One) deleting the second table can cause network settings to reset.Write down Wi-Fi passwords in advance!
Alternatives to the second desktop on Xiaomi
If your model doesn’t support Second Space or the feature isn’t running smoothly, consider alternative ways to split data:
- 🔄 Guest mode: Less functional, but allows you to temporarily hide personal data. Activated through Settings → System system → Users → Guest.
- 📂 Cloning Apps: Parallel Space, 2Accounts Or Island (requires root) create isolated environments for duplicate messengers and games.
- 🔐 Hidden folders: Built-in function MIUI Allows you to hide files in the Gallery and Explorer through the → Hide.
- 🌐 Cloud Profiles: Services like Shelter (based on Work Profile) share work and personal data at the Android level.
Each of these methods has pros and cons. For example, Parallel Space is easy to set up but can brake on weak devices, and Island requires super-user rights, but provides maximum insulation. The choice depends on your tasks: if you want a full second profile, you better wait for the MIUI update with support for Second Space.