How to make a second space on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: full-length guide

The second workspace on Xiaomi smartphones is a handy tool for separating personal and work data, testing apps or protecting sensitive information. 9C (codename angelica) function implemented through the company shell MIUI, It has a number of features that are rarely written in standard instructions. In this article, we will analyze not only the basic way to create a second space, but also alternative methods for users with custom firmware, as well as solving typical errors - from the lack of an option in the menu to problems with synchronizing notifications.

It is important to understand that the second space on Redmi. 9C It works differently than on Xiaomi’s flagship models, for example, there is no dual application support in both spaces at the same time, and the amount of dedicated memory is limited to 16 GB (even if you have a version with 64 GB or 128 GB of storage). MIUI 12.5–14 (including global and Chinese builds) and identified key moments that save time and nerves.

What is the second space and why is it needed on the Redmi 9C?

Second Space is an isolated environment within a smartphone that works as a separate user profile in Android. 9C function is implemented at the level MIUI, It is not pure Android, so it has unique features and limitations:

  • πŸ”’ Data separation: Apps, files, accounts and settings are completely isolated in each space, for example, in the first space you can use WhatsApp with a personal number, and in the second space you can use WhatsApp with a working number.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Security: The second profile is protected by a separate password, fingerprint or pattern lock, useful if multiple people use the phone.
  • πŸ§ͺ Testing: Convenient to check beta versions of applications or system settings without risking the main profile.
  • πŸ“± Saving devices: Replaces two smartphones – for work and personal use, for example.

But at Redmi. 9C There are some things that Xiaomi doesn’t mention:

  • ⚠️ Memory Limitation: The second profile gets a fixed 16GB, even if 50GB is free.
  • ⚠️ No dual applications: If a clone of an app (such as WhatsApp Business) is already installed in the main space, it cannot be duplicated in the second space.
  • ⚠️ Synchronization of notifications: Notifications from the second space are only displayed when activated.
πŸ“Š Why do you want to create a second space on Redmi? 9C?
Separation of work and personal
Application testing
Security of data
Other

Official way: creating a second space through settings MIUI

The most reliable method is to use the built-in function. MIUI. It is available on all versions of Redmi. 9C (including angelica, angelicanfc, but can be hidden in some regional firmware:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Special facilities.
  2. Scroll down and select Second Space (some firmwares call it Double Space or Second Space).
  3. Click Create a second space and confirm the action.
  4. Set a password (required!) – it could be PIN, graphical key.
  5. Wait until the setup is completed (it will take 1-3 minutes).

After you reboot, a button will appear in the lock menu to switch between spaces. To delete the second space, go back to Settings. β†’ Special facilities β†’ Second space and select Delete.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for the second space

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Note: If notifications from messengers (for example, Telegram or Viber) disappear after creating the second space, check the autorun settings in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Autostart Control. In the second space, autostart is disabled by default.

Alternative methods: if the official method does not work

On some of the Redmi firmware 9C (Especially custom or Chinese) option Second space may not be available. In this case, there are three proven workarounds:

Method 1: Using a Hidden Menu MIUI

This method works on firmware. MIUI 12-14 and does not require root rights:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##6484##.
  2. In the menu that appears, select MIUI Test (if the menu doesn't open, try the combination ##64663##).
  3. Activate the Second Space switch and restart the phone.

After the reboot, the option will appear in standard settings.

Method 2: Installation via ADB (for power users)

If the hidden menu does not work, you can turn on the function through ADB:

adb shell settings put global multi_user_enabled 1


adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings$SecondSpaceSettingsActivity

Once you've done the commands, restart your smartphone. This method requires you to debug the device on. USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Click on version 7 times, then return to Additional β†’ For developers and activate debugging by USB).

Method 3: Applications for virtualization (Island, Shelter)

If the built-in methods are not suitable, you can use third-party applications based on Android Work Profile:

  • πŸ“± Island (requires root rights for complete isolation).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Shelter (works without root, but with restrictions).
  • πŸ”§ Parallel Space (no root, but less secure).

These applications create an isolated environment similar to the second space, but with less integration into the system, for example, in Island you can hide notifications from virtual applications, and in Shelter you can block access to main profile files.

What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Make sure that Xiaomi drivers are installed ADB/Fastboot Tools.If Windows can't see the device, try connecting via another USB-port or cable. In extreme cases, use PDANet to force the installation of drivers.

Setup the Second Space: Optimization and Problem Solving

After creating a second space on Redmi 9C It needs to be configured properly to avoid typical problems:

1.Memory management

As mentioned earlier, the second space gets a fixed 16GB. To make room:

  • πŸ—‘οΈ Remove unnecessary apps through Settings β†’ Annexes.
  • πŸ“ Transfer the media files to SD-card (if supported).
  • πŸ”„ Clear the cache in Settings β†’ Warehouse.

If memory is critically lacking, you can increase the volume through ADB, But it requires root rights and can lead to failures:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

2. Synchronization of notifications

By default, notifications from the second space do not appear on the lock screen.

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Notifications.
  2. Select Notifications on the lock screen.
  3. Activate the option to Show notifications from the second space.

3. Switching between spaces

You can switch between spaces in three ways:

MethodHow to useNotes
Through the lock screenSwipe down on the lock screen and select the second space avatar.It only works if you have a password.
Through the notification panelSwipe down from the top edge of the screen and click on the user icon.The icon only appears after the first switch.
Voice assistantSay, β€œSwitch to second space” (works with Google Assistant).Requires voice control settings in Settings β†’ Voice assistant.

πŸ’‘

If after switching spaces mobile Internet disappears, check the settings APN In Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points (APN). Sometimes the parameters are reset when changing the profile.

Mistakes and Solutions: What to Do When the Second Space Fails

When using the second space on Redmi 9C And users often encounter common errors, and we've collected the most common problems and solutions:

1. The β€œInsufficient Memory” Error in Creating Space

Even if your smartphone is free for 30+ GB, the system can give you this error:

  • πŸ”§ Memory Fragmentation: Perform defragmentation through Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ Cleanup.
  • πŸ“ Hidden files: Delete unnecessary data via Files by Google or SD Maid.
  • πŸ”„ Cache reset: Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ All applications β†’ Press three points. β†’ Reset the cache of all applications.

2.The second space disappeared after the update MIUI

After the firmware update, the second space may disappear.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Special Opportunities β†’ Second Space.
  2. If the option is inactive, enter the code ##6484## and re-activate the function.
  3. If data is lost, restore it from a backup (if it was created).

3. Applications in the second space are not updated

This problem is related to the limitations of Google Play in an isolated environment.

  • πŸ”„ Remove and reinstall the problem app.
  • πŸ“₯ Download. APK-file from the official website (for example, APKMirror) and install manually.
  • πŸ”§ In Google Play settings, disable auto-update for second space.

⚠️ Note: If banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) have stopped working after the second space was created, it is related to the banks' security policy. Solution: use the main space for financial applications and the second for other tasks.

Comparison of the second space with other data separation methods

Second Space is Not the Only Way to Isolate Data on Redmi 9C. Consider the alternatives and their features:

MethodPlusesConsIs it good for the Redmi 9C?
Second Space (MIUI)Complete isolation, built-in, free of charge.16GB limit, no dual applications.βœ… Yes.
Parallel SpaceIt doesn't require a root, simple interface.Less security, advertising in the free version.βœ… Yes.
Island (with a rue)Maximum isolation, flexible settings.Requires root rights, complicated setup.⚠️ Partially (needs root)
Dual Applications (MIUI)Simple duplication of messengers.It does not isolate files and system settings.βœ… Yes.
Guest account (Android)Built into Android, does not require settings.Very limited options.❌ No (not supported) MIUI)

On the Redmi. 9C The best choice is the second space. MIUI For complete isolation or Parallel Space for quick duplicate applications without memory restrictions. If you want maximum security (for example, for working with cryptocurrency), it is better to use Island with root rights.

Second Space Security: How to Protect Data

Second space on Redmi. 9C Provides basic isolation, but additional settings need to be made to fully protect data:

1. Set-up lockdown

  • πŸ” Use different passwords for each space (don’t repeat it) PIN-code).
  • πŸ‘† Set up fingerprint locking: Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Fingerprint.
  • πŸ”„ Turn on automatic lock after 30 seconds of inactivity.

2. Data encryption

By default, the data in the second space is not encrypted.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Further β†’ Privacy.
  2. Select Encryption of the phone (password required).
  3. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (may take up to 1 hour).

⚠️ After encryption, resetting settings to factory will delete all data without the possibility of recovery!

3. Restriction of access to files

To prevent applications from the second space from accessing the main profile files:

  • πŸ“ Open the Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Warehouse.
  • πŸ”§ Disable storage access for unnecessary applications.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use File Manager+ file-creating.

πŸ’‘

Encrypting a second space increases security but reduces performance by 10 to 15 percent. 9C With 2GB of RAM, this can lead to braking.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I increase the memory capacity of the second space on Redmi? 9C?
Officially, no, the system is fixed. 16 GB: However, with root rights, you can change this parameter through file editing. /system/build.prop (line ro.miui.second_space_size), But it's risky and can lead to failures.
Will the second space work after resetting to factory settings?
No, when you reset, both spaces are deleted. To save data, pre-restore backup via Settings. β†’ System system β†’ Backup.
Can you use the same app in both spaces at the same time?
No, an app can only be installed in one space, except for dual apps (like WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business), but they don’t sync between spaces.
Why is the second space not mobile internet?
It's got to do with the settings. APN. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points (APN) And you can re-save your operator's parameters, and if the problem persists, reset the phone.
Can I transfer the second space to another Xiaomi phone?
No, the second space is device-specific, but you can manually transfer data (photos, contacts) through backup or cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).