Xiaomi smartphone users often look for ways to separate personal and workspaces to improve productivity or ensure data privacy. The Android operating system, which runs MIUI and HyperOS shells, does not have a dual desktop feature as it is implemented, such as in older versions of iOS or some launchers.
There are two main ways to do this: create copies of applications through the function of “Dual applications” or use the mode “Second Space” (Speed mode), which actually creates a second, isolated operating environment. The choice of the specific method depends on whether you want to get a second icon of the messenger or a completely separate desktop with other wallpapers, passwords and files.
In this article, we will take a closer look at both options, explain the difference between them, and help you customize your system, and look at security settings, notifications, and the limitations that you might encounter on different smartphone models.
Differences between Double Applications and Speed Mode
Before you start setting up, it's important to understand the difference between the tools available, because they solve different problems, and many users confuse these concepts, expecting applications to be completely isolated, which is not really happening.
Dual Apps allows you to create an exact copy of the installed software, for example, you will have two WhatsApp or two Telegram, each with its own phone number and account, but files, contacts and notification history in this case often overlap, and both icons are in the same desktop space.
And then Second Space is a full-fledged virtualization, and you get a second desktop that looks like a new phone, and it has its wallpaper, its widgets, its installed applications, and most importantly, its files, and you switch between those spaces through a label or a fingerprint.
⚠️ Attention: Speed mode takes up additional space in the device memory, as it essentially creates a second user profile with its system data.
For most users who just need to maintain two social media accounts, the first option is sufficient, and if they want to hide the presence of certain applications or separate work and personal files at the file system level, the second method is necessary.
Setup of Double Applications for Cloning Accounts
This is the most popular and easy method to implement, and it allows you to run two copies of the same application at the same time, which is especially true for instant messengers and social networks. The setup process takes only a couple of minutes and does not require you to restart the device.
To activate the function, you need to go to the system settings menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the shell version, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for managing installed programs.
Follow the following steps:
- 📱 Open Settings and find the App item.
- 📱 Select the option Dual Apps (Dual Apps).
- 📱 In the list, find the desired app (like WhatsApp) and activate the switch next to it.
- 📱 Wait for the copy to be created, after which a new icon with an orange icon will appear on the desktop.
☑️ Pre-cloning testing
It's important to note that not all apps support this feature, and it's usually only popular social networks and messengers that are available on the list, and if you don't have the right program on the list, you can use third-party utilities, but the system method is more stable and battery-efficient.
Once you have created a copy, you can set up separate notifications for it or hide its contents on the lock screen, and for this purpose, the notification settings button or similar item is often available on the dual app menu.
Creating a fully isolated speed mode
If your goal is to create a second desktop on Xiaomi that is completely independent of the main one, you will need a Second Space feature, which in Russian-language firmware can be called “Speed Mode” or simply “Second Space”, which is the ideal solution for those who want to hide some applications from prying eyes.
When you turn on this mode, the system creates a new user profile, and you can log in using a special fingerprint or a pattern lock other than the main one, for example, unlocking the left thumb opens the personal desk and the right one opens the work desk.
Instructions for activation:
- 🔐 Go to Settings. → About the phone (or search for settings).
- 🔐 Select and select the SPEARCH STAPE (Second Space).
- 🔐 Click the Enable button and follow the instructions of the setup wizard.
- 🔐 Set a separate password or attach a fingerprint for a quick switch.
What happens to the data when Second Space is removed?
Once activated, you'll be in a clean interface where you have to reconfigure your Wi-Fi, add your Google accounts, and download the apps you need, and that creates the effect of using two different phones.
Comparative table of methods of space separation
To make it easier for you to decide on the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand which tool is best suited for your specific tasks and scenarios of using a smartphone.
| Characteristics | Dual annexes | Speed mode (Second Space) | Guest mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data isolation | Low (general gallery) | Complete (separate files) | Full (temporary) |
| Impact on the battery | Minimum | Medium (background processes) | Minimum |
| Difficulty setting up | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Switching | Instant (via icon) | Quick (through lock or finger) | Through the user profile |
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For maximum privacy and separation of work and personal files, use Speed Mode, and for ease of communication – Double Applications.
As you can see from the table, each method has its own advantages: Dual applications are good for multitasking, whereas Speed mode provides real digital hygiene and context separation.
Notification management and data security
When using two profiles or cloned apps, it is critical to properly set up notifications, otherwise you risk missing an important call or getting work messages on a weekend.
In Second Space mode, notifications come independently, and when you're in the main space, you won't see a message arrive in the second profile unless you turn on the special display settings, which provides a high level of privacy.
For cloned applications in MIUI and HyperOS, there is a Game Acceleration or Notepad feature that can block notifications, and it’s also worth checking the battery settings: sometimes the system aggressively “sleeps” the second application, and messages arrive with a delay.
⚠️ Warning: When you reset your phone to factory settings, the data in the second space will also be deleted!
It is recommended to check the microphone and camera access settings for applications in the second space regularly, especially if you are using your smartphone to work with sensitive information.
Solving system problems and limitations
Despite the convenience, users may face a number of restrictions, such as some banking applications that may refuse to work in second space mode or on cloned copies for security reasons.
A common problem is that the cloned app doesn't sound when watching videos, and that's solved by checking the media settings on a particular profile, and it's also worth considering that navigation can become less convenient if too many duplicate icons appear on the desktop.
With new versions of HyperOS, Xiaomi has begun to integrate some separation features more deeply, but may also restrict access to Second Space on low-cost models with low RAM, in which case the system may suggest using Guest Mode as an easier alternative.
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Use the Space Switch widget on the home screen to quickly change profiles without using a fingerprint if the scanner is not working properly.
If the app in the second space doesn’t work properly, try updating it through the GetApps store or Google Play, as versions may conflict between profiles.
Conclusion and recommendations for use
Organizing digital space on a Xiaomi smartphone is a powerful productivity tool, and the ability to make a dual desktop or simply clone the right apps gives the user flexibility that is not available on many other devices.
We recommend starting with setting up the Dual Messenger Apps, as this is the most sought after feature.If you feel you need a tighter separation between work and leisure, feel free to activate Second Space.
Remember that using these features correctly helps not only keep your nerves alive, but also extend your smartphone’s life by spreading the load on the CPU and preventing chaos in the file system.