Two desktops on Xiaomi: how to share space for work and personal use

The two-desktop feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to separate personal and work data, apps and notifications without buying a second device, which is especially true for those who use the same phone for both corporate and personal needs. However, not all Xiaomi models support this option out of the box, and in some cases it needs to be activated through hidden settings or third-party applications.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can create a second desktop on Xiaomi devices, including official MIUI features, workarounds for older models, and alternative solutions. You’ll also learn about limitations (such as why some apps don’t duplicate) and how to synchronize data between profiles. If you’re looking for ways to differentiate between instant messengers, social media, or work documents, here are the answers.

⚠️ Important: On some Xiaomi models (especially budget or released before 2020), the second desktop function may be missing or work with errors. MIUI Settings menu → The phone.

1.Official method: "Second Space" in MIUI

The most reliable method is to use the built-in Second Space feature available in MIUI firmware since version 8, which allows you to create a completely isolated profile with individual:

• 📱 Applications (can be duplicated or installed in only one space)
• 📂 Files (photos, documents, downloads do not overlap)
• 🔔 Notifications (alert settings are independent)
• 🔒 Passwords and fingerprints (you can set different ways to unlock)

To activate the "Second Space":

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Click Create a Second Space and follow the instructions.
3. Set a password or fingerprint for a new profile (it may differ from the main one).
4. Choose which apps will be duplicated automatically (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram).

💡 Lifehack: To switch between spaces quickly, add a shortcut to the home screen. To do this, hold your finger in the free space of the screen. → Widgets → Space switcher.

Check the MIUI version (must be at least 8)

Free up at least 2 GB of memory

Remember the password from the main profile

Shut down. VPN (may interfere with synchronization)-->

2. Which Xiaomi models support the “Second Space”?

The feature is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 8+, but there are exceptions.

⚠️ Note: On Android One devices (e.g. Mi) A1/A2/A3) The second space feature is missing due to Google's limitations, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.

Xiaomi 13/12/11 series

Redmi Note 10/11/12

POCO F/X series

Budget Redmi (9/8/7 series)

Another model-->

Alternative method: “Guest mode”

If your model doesn’t support Second Space, you can use Guest Mode, which is less functional (no duplicate applications), but is suitable for basic data separation:

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Additional → Multiplayer Mode.
2. Activate the Guest option.
3. Set limits: for example, deny access to the gallery or calls.

🔹 Restrictions on Guest Mode:

• 🚫 There is no way to install individual applications (only those in the main profile).
• 🚫 Notices are not synchronized.
• 🚫 There is no separate desktop, only limited access.

This method is suitable for temporary separation, for example, if you need to give a phone to a colleague without disclosing personal data.

4.Use of third-party launchers for two desktops

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can install a third-party launcher with support for multiple profiles.

• 📲 Parallel Space – creates a virtual space for cloning applications (works even on Android One).
• 📲 2Accounts — Easy analogue with support for two accounts in messengers.
• 📲 Island – for advanced users (requires root rights).

🔧 How to set up Parallel Space:

1. Download the app from Google Play or APKMirror (if it is blocked in your area).
2. Add apps that need to be duplicated (like WhatsApp, Instagram).
3. Set up notifications and file access in the Parallel Space Settings menu.

Important: Parallel Space can slow down your phone if you have less than 4GB of RAM. Close all background apps before using.

💡

If Parallel Space doesn’t start, check the MIUI security settings: Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Autostart and enable autorun for Parallel Space.

5.Separation of work and personal space through “User Profiles” (Android)

Android has a built-in User Profiles feature that works independently of MIUI, which allows you to create a full-fledged second account with separate accounts:

• 📁 Applications (can be installed independently).
• 📎 Files (storage is isolated).
• 🔄 Settings (Wi-Fi, sound, wallpaper).

🔹 How to Create a Second Profile:

1. Open Settings → System → Additional → Multiplayer mode.
2. Click Add User.
3. Follow the instructions (you will need to set up a new Google account).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices, this feature is disabled by the manufacturer. If the option “Multiplayer mode” is not on the menu, try to activate it through the device. ADB:

adb shell pm enable com.android.managedprovisioning

6.Sync data between two desktops

One of the main problems with using two profiles is data synchronization, like how to move files from personal to work space, or vice versa?

📌 For files (photos, documents):

• 📤 Use cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk).
• 📁 Connect your phone to your PC and copy files through MTP-protocol.
• 🔄 Enable folder sharing via Xiaomi File Manager (click on file) → Share. → Save it to another space).

📌 For applications (settings, chats):

• 🔄 Manually export data (for example, conversations in Telegram via Settings) → chat → Exports of history).
• 📱 Use multi-account apps (such as WhatsApp Business for a second number).

❌ What won't synchronize:

• 🔐 Passwords and access keys (you will have to enter again).
• 🎮 Save in games (unless linked to a Google Play account).
• 📱 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, gestures).

💡

Cloud services are the most reliable way to sync, but they require a stable Internet connection. Use USB-OTG or local area network to transfer files offline.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When you set up two desktops, users encounter common errors, and here's how to fix them:

🛠 If the second space of Suddenly stops working:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Remove the Second Space app cache in Settings → Apps → All apps.
3. Reset the space settings (the data will be saved, but you will have to reconfigure the password).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions