How to make a second space on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: a complete guide with nuances

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its modest 32 GB of memory often becomes a bottleneck for active users. Creating a second space (or โ€œDouble Appโ€ in MIUI terminology) allows you to separate personal and work data, duplicate messengers or games without buying a second phone. However, on Redmi 9A this feature works with specific limitations โ€” letโ€™s analyze them in detail.

Unlike Xiaomiโ€™s flagship models, where the second space is created in a couple of clicks, the Redmi 9A (with a MediaTek Helio G25 and MIUI 12+ processor) may require additional manipulation. In this article, 3 proven methods (including circumventing restrictions), comparing with alternatives like Island or Parallel Space, and solving typical errors like โ€œInsufficient memoryโ€ or โ€œFunction not availableโ€.

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

The second space in MIUI is an isolated copy of the Android system inside your smartphone, with its own:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Applications (you can duplicate WhatsApp, Telegram, games)
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Accounts (miscellaneous) Google/Mi Account in every space)
  • ๐Ÿ“‚ Files (isolated folders of Downloads, DCIM)
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Settings (different wallpaper, sounds, passwords)

This is especially true on the Redmi 9A for three reasons:

  1. Saving money: You donโ€™t have to buy a second phone for work or school.
  2. Privacy: Separation of personal and work chats (e.g., Viber for family and colleagues).
  3. Testing: Testing applications in the sandbox without risk to the main system.

However, there are limitations:

  • โš ๏ธ It takes up to 5-8 GB of memory (critical for 32 GB model).
  • โš ๏ธ Not all applications support duplication (e.g., banking or c) DRM).
  • โš ๏ธ On the Redmi. 9A The function can be hidden depending on the regional firmware.
๐Ÿ“Š Why do you want to create a second space?
For duplicate messengers
Separation of work and personal
Application testing
Savings on the second phone
Other

Compatibility Check: Does your Redmi 9A support a second space?

Before setting up, make sure your smartphone is technically capable of creating a second space. On the Redmi 9A, it depends on:

ParameterRequirementHow to check
MIUI version12.0.3+ (Global/EEA)Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI
Free memoryMimum 5GBSettings โ†’ Storage
Firmware regionNot China. ROMSettings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Region
Root rightsNot requiredโ€”

If you have China ROM, the second space function may not be available.

  1. Fastboot your phone to Global/EEA (risky for beginners).
  2. Use alternatives like Parallel Space (but they are less stable).

โš ๏ธ Attention: On Redmi 9A s MIUI 11 or lower, you can't create a second space -- you need an update. If there's no update, use the method with ADB (described below).

Method 1: Create a second space using standard MIUI settings

If your Redmi 9A meets the requirements, follow the instructions:

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ Special facilities.
  2. Scroll down and select Second Space (some firmwares call it Double App).
  3. Click Create a second space and confirm.
  4. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After creation:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Switch between spaces can be swiped down the notification panel (image icon) ๐Ÿ‘ฅ).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Install the desired applications again โ€“ they do not automatically duplicate.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Set up a separate password for the second space in Settings โ†’ Lockdown and protection.

Release 5+ GB memory|Check the version. MIUI|Connect to charging (energy-intensive process)|Shut down. VPN (can block the creation)-->

If the second paragraph is not available:

  • Update the firmware through Settings โ†’ Software update.
  • Try to change the region to India (sometimes reveals hidden features).

Method 2: Alternative method through ADB (if standard does not work)

If you don't have a second space option in the settings, but the firmware is fresh, you can activate it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which doesn't require root, but you need to:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ USB-cable (original).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Utility. ADB (download from the official website).

Instructions:

  1. Enable USB Debugging on your phone: Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI Version (click 7 times) Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For Developers โ†’ Debugging on USB
  2. Connect Redmi 9A to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
  3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and type: adb shell pm install-create -r -d -i com.miui.secondspace pm install-commit com.miui.secondspace
  4. Reset the phone. The second space should appear in the settings.

โš ๏ธ Attention: After teams ADB The second space may not work as well โ€” some apps will crash. In this case, delete it through Settings. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Second space โ†’ Remove and repeat the process.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (if MIUI does not support)

If the first two methods fail, install one of the alternatives:

AnnexPlusesConsReference
Parallel SpaceSimple interface, support for most applicationsAdvertising, slowing down on weak phonesGoogle Play
2AccountsLightweight, no advertising.Paid version for full functionalityGoogle Play
Island (by Oasis)Open source code, high securityRequires root or special firmwareGoogle Play

For Redmi 9A, we recommend Parallel Space.

  1. Download and install the app.
  2. Add the desired applications to the "parallel space".
  3. Set up notifications and file access.

Please note:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Third-party applications consume more battery (up to 15-20% per day).
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online) can block work in the sandbox".

๐Ÿ’ก

Before installing a third-party "second space," back up your data through Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Backup. This will help you recover information when crashes occur.

Typical problems and their solutions

When working with the second space on Redmi 9A, users experience the following errors:

1. "Not enough memory to create a second space"

Decisions:

  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Delete unnecessary files through Settings โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Cleanup.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Transfer the photos/videos to SD-map.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Remove the game cache (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact can take up gigabytes).

2.The second space does not open after creation

Decisions:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot the phone.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Clear the app cache Second space in Settings โ†’ Annexes.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ If it doesnโ€™t work, remove the space and recreate it.

3.Apps in second space fly out

Decisions:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update apps through Play Market.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Turn off battery optimization for problem apps.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Check if an antivirus is blocking them (e.g. Avast or 360 Security).
What if the second space disappeared after the MIUI update?
After major updates (e.g., from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13), the second space may reset. You can't restore it, you'll have to recreate it. To avoid data loss, regularly export important chats and files from the second space to the main one via Settings โ†’ Import / Export (if available).

Comparison of the second MIUI space with alternatives

To choose the best way, compare the built-in solution from Xiaomi with popular alternatives:

CriteriaSecond MIUI spaceParallel SpaceIsland
Stabilityโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญ (root)
Support for applicationsEverything except DRMMost of the time.Selectively
Battery consumptionLow.High-pitchedMedium.
Root is required.No.No.Yes (for full functionality)
BackupPartialNo.Yes.

Conclusion:

  • ๐Ÿ† For most Redmi users 9A Optimally built-in solution โ€“ it is more stable and does not eat the battery.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง If MIUI Use Parallel Space, but be prepared for brakes.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ For maximum security (for example, for working with cryptocurrency wallets), Island is suitable, but you will need root.

๐Ÿ’ก

The built-in second MIUI space is the only option that is guaranteed to work without lags on the weak Redmi 9A hardware (Helio G25 + 2 GB of RAM).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Redmi 9A

Can I transfer the second space to SD-map?
No, second space. MIUI It's always created in the internal memory, but you can, you can, move the individual applications. SD through settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Transfer to SD (If supported. Used SD-A card to store media (photos, videos) from the second space, and third-party applications like Parallel Space don't support porting to the second space either. SD.
Will the second space work after resetting the phone to factory settings?
No, the second space is removed when you completely reset. To save data: Export important chats (on WhatsApp: Settings โ†’ Chat โ†’ Backup). Copy files from /sdcard/miui/secondspace/ to the main storage. Back up through Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Backup (if available). After the reset, you will have to create the space again.
Can I use a second space to bypass bans in games (e.g. PUBG Mobile)?
Technically, yes, but: ๐ŸŽฎ Games with cheating protection (for example, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire can detect sandbox and block your account. ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ MIUI Does not guarantee isolation at the virtual machine level โ€“ some data can โ€œleakโ€ into the main space. โš ๏ธ The risk of ban is higher than using a second phone. For games, it is better to use a separate device or emulator on a PC (for example, BlueStacks).
How to remove the second space and free up space?
To remove the second space and return the gigabytes it occupies: Go to Settings โ†’ Special Options โ†’ Second Space. Click Remove Second Space. Confirm and wait for the cleanup (takes 2-5 minutes). If the item is missing: Use ADB: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.second Or reset the phone to factory settings (delets all data).
Can notifications be synchronized between spaces?
Yes, but with reservations: ๐Ÿ”” V MIUI 12.5+ notifications from the second space are displayed in the curtain, but marked as "From the second space". ๐Ÿ“ต In older versions, notifications may not come โ€“ check settings in Settings โ†’ Notifications โ†’ Second space. ๐Ÿ”• For third-party applications (such as Parallel Space), you need to include notifications in their settings separately.