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 โDouble 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 letโs analyze them in detail.
Unlike Xiaomiโs 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 โInsufficient memoryโ or โFunction 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:
- ๐ฑ Applications (you can duplicate WhatsApp, Telegram, games)
- ๐ Accounts (miscellaneous) Google/Mi Account in every space)
- ๐ Files (isolated folders of Downloads, DCIM)
- ๐ก๏ธ Settings (different wallpaper, sounds, passwords)
This is especially true on the Redmi 9A for three reasons:
- Saving money: You donโt have to buy a second phone for work or school.
- Privacy: Separation of personal and work chats (e.g., Viber for family and colleagues).
- Testing: Testing applications in the sandbox without risk to the main system.
However, there are limitations:
- โ ๏ธ It takes up to 5-8 GB of memory (critical for 32 GB model).
- โ ๏ธ Not all applications support duplication (e.g., banking or c) DRM).
- โ ๏ธ On the Redmi. 9A The function can be hidden depending on the regional firmware.
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:
| Parameter | Requirement | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI version | 12.0.3+ (Global/EEA) | Settings โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI |
| Free memory | Mimum 5GB | Settings โ Storage |
| Firmware region | Not China. ROM | Settings โ Additional โ Region |
| Root rights | Not required | โ |
If you have China ROM, the second space function may not be available.
- Fastboot your phone to Global/EEA (risky for beginners).
- Use alternatives like Parallel Space (but they are less stable).
โ ๏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:
- Open the Settings. โ Special facilities.
- Scroll down and select Second Space (some firmwares call it Double App).
- Click Create a second space and confirm.
- Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).
After creation:
- ๐ Switch between spaces can be swiped down the notification panel (image icon) ๐ฅ).
- ๐ฒ Install the desired applications again โ they do not automatically duplicate.
- ๐ 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:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- ๐ USB-cable (original).
- ๐ ๏ธ Utility. ADB (download from the official website).
Instructions:
- 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
- Connect Redmi 9A to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
- 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
- Reset the phone. The second space should appear in the settings.
โ ๏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:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parallel Space | Simple interface, support for most applications | Advertising, slowing down on weak phones | Google Play |
| 2Accounts | Lightweight, no advertising. | Paid version for full functionality | Google Play |
| Island (by Oasis) | Open source code, high security | Requires root or special firmware | Google Play |
For Redmi 9A, we recommend Parallel Space.
- Download and install the app.
- Add the desired applications to the "parallel space".
- Set up notifications and file access.
Please note:
- ๐ Third-party applications consume more battery (up to 15-20% per day).
- ๐ก๏ธ Some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online) can block work in the sandbox".
๐ก
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:
- ๐๏ธ Delete unnecessary files through Settings โ Warehouse โ Cleanup.
- ๐ Transfer the photos/videos to SD-map.
- ๐ฎ 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:
- ๐ Reboot the phone.
- ๐ ๏ธ Clear the app cache Second space in Settings โ Annexes.
- ๐ฑ If it doesnโt work, remove the space and recreate it.
3.Apps in second space fly out
Decisions:
- ๐ Update apps through Play Market.
- ๐ก๏ธ Turn off battery optimization for problem apps.
- ๐ต Check if an antivirus is blocking them (e.g. Avast or 360 Security).
What if the second space disappeared after the MIUI update?
Comparison of the second MIUI space with alternatives
To choose the best way, compare the built-in solution from Xiaomi with popular alternatives:
| Criteria | Second MIUI space | Parallel Space | Island |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | โญโญโญโญโญ | โญโญโญ | โญโญโญโญ (root) |
| Support for applications | Everything except DRM | Most of the time. | Selectively |
| Battery consumption | Low. | High-pitched | Medium. |
| Root is required. | No. | No. | Yes (for full functionality) |
| Backup | Partial | No. | Yes. |
Conclusion:
- ๐ For most Redmi users 9A Optimally built-in solution โ it is more stable and does not eat the battery.
- ๐ง If MIUI Use Parallel Space, but be prepared for brakes.
- ๐ก๏ธ For maximum security (for example, for working with cryptocurrency wallets), Island is suitable, but you will need root.
๐ก
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).