How to make a second space on Android Xiaomi: a complete guide with nuances

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer a unique feature, Second Space, which allows you to create a completely isolated copy of the system with separate applications, settings and even data. It is the perfect solution for those who want to separate work and personal data, test applications without risking the main system or simply provide an additional level of privacy. However, many users face difficulties in configuring this feature, from the lack of an option in the menu to problems with synchronization.

In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden ways to activate the second space on Xiaomi. 2026 year, including circumventing restrictions on some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 or POCO X5). You will learn how to properly configure both spaces, avoid data loss, and even automate switching between them. MIUI 14/15 Differences between Chinese and Global Firmware.

What is the second space on Xiaomi and why is it necessary?

Second Space is a virtual, isolated environment inside your smartphone that runs parallel to the main system, essentially two independent accounts on the same device with:

• 📱 Separate applications – you can install different versions of the same software or hide certain programs in the main space.
• 🔒 Unique settings – wallpaper, sounds, themes, and even system settings (e.g. Developer Mode) do not intersect.
• 📁 Isolated data – files, photos, messages and cache are stored separately (but take up space on the same drive).
• 🛡️ Different accounts – you can link different Google profiles or Mi Accounts.

Main use cases:

• 💼 Work and personal life – separation of corporate data (such as Microsoft Outlook or Slack) and personal applications.
• 🧪 Software testing – installing beta versions of applications or custom firmware without risk to the main system.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family use – creating a “children’s” space with limited functionality.
• 🔐 Privacy – hiding sensitive data (such as banking applications) from prying eyes.

⚠️ Warning: The second space is not a full-fledged virtualization (like VirtualBox on PCs) but uses shared system resources, so performance can be reduced on weak devices (e.g. Redmi). 9A or POCO M3).

It’s important to understand that the feature isn’t available on all Xiaomi models, such as Android One devices (like the Mi A3) or some budget smartphones for the European market, and Chinese firmware (China ROM) may call it something else.

Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi support a second space?

Before you try to activate a feature, make sure your device supports it. Here's how to check:

1. Open Settings → About the phone and find the line version MIUI. If the version is below MIUI 8, the second space is definitely not.
2. Check the device model in Settings → About Phone → Model. Compare it to the compatibility table below.
3. Try searching for the settings to say "second space"; if you have an option, the system will show you the way to it.

If your model is not listed in the table, try to find information on forums (such as 4PDA or XDA Developers) on the request "model device second space." Often enthusiasts find ways to activate through ADB or modified firmware.

Official way: how to enable the second space through settings

If your device supports a function, you can activate it in the standard way. MIUI 12–15:

1. Open Settings → Special features (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Privacy → Second Space).
2. Select Second Space (or Second Space in English).
3. Click Create Space and follow the Settings Wizard, and you will be asked to: Set a password to log in (required!), select an icon to quickly switch (appears on the home screen), and sync your data with Mi Cloud (optional).

Once you've created it, you'll want to reboot it. You'll have to agree, it's a must-do.

Once rebooted, a new icon (usually a double circle or face) will appear on the lock screen. Click on it to switch between spaces. The status bar will display the current space (e.g., "Space 1" or "Space 2").

Free at least 5 GB of memory |Write passwords from major accounts |Disable two-factor authentication in banking applications (at the time of setting up) |Write backup of important data-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) After creating the second space, Google Play Services may not be available in the second space. → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Services and click Enable.

If the “Second Space” option is not in the settings, try the alternative activation methods described in the next section.

Alternative methods: how to turn on the second space if it is not in the menu

If the standard method doesn't work, there are a few workarounds, and we'll look at safe methods that don't require root rights or unlock the bootloader.

Method 1: Through hidden settings (Engineer Mode)

This method works on most devices with MIUI 11-14:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##6484## (on some models - ##64663##).
2. You will be taken to the Engineer Mode. Go to the MIUI Version.
3. Find the Second Space option and activate it. If you don't have the option, try another method.

Method 2: Through ADB (without root)

You will need a computer with installed ADB-driver:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings$SecondSpaceSettingsActivity
3. If the command didn't work, try: adb shell settings put global second_space_enabled 1 Then restart the device.

Method 3: Through System File Editing (For Experienced Only)

This method requires an unlocked bootloader and can lead to a loss of warranty. We do not recommend it for beginners, but if you are confident in your abilities:

1. Install TWRP Recovery and back up the /data partition.
2. Download the file. secondspace_enabler.zip (available XDA or 4PDA) and run it through TWRP.
3. After the reboot, the second space will appear in the settings.

💡

If the second space stops working after the update MIUI, Try resetting it to factory settings (without losing data in the main space). → Second space → Reset.

How to delete a second space without losing data

If you don't need it anymore, you can turn it off. It's important to do it right so you don't lose data.

1. First save all important files from the second space (they will be deleted!).
2. Go to Settings → Second Space → Remove Space
3. Confirm deletion. The system will offer to save data (photos, documents) - select this option if you want to transfer files.
4. Once removed, restart the device. The switch icon will disappear.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10 Pro) after removing the second space, Google Pay or other services linked to Google Services may be lost. → Google → The device.

If the uninstall option is not available (for example, due to a crash), use ADB:

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


adb shell settings put global second_space_enabled 0

After completing the commands, restart the device.

Hidden chips of the second space, which few people know

The second space function in MIUI has several hidden features that can be useful:

1. Quick gesture switching

On MIUI 14+, you can configure the switch between spaces by gesture:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Gestures.
2. Activate the Switching of Spaces option and select a gesture (e.g. double tapping on both edges of the screen).

2. Automatic switching on schedule

Using MacroDroid or Tasker, you can configure automatic space switching to:

• ⏰ Time (e.g. workspace from 9:00 to 18:00).
• 📍 Location (e.g., home space when connected to a home Wi-Fi).
• 🔌 Connected devices (e.g. switching when connected to a car via Bluetooth).

3. Hidden space for applications

In the second space, you can create a hidden folder for applications that should not be displayed in the menu:

1. Install the Nova Launcher app in the second space.
2. Create a folder and move the necessary applications to it.
3. In the Nova Launcher settings, enable the option to Hide folders and set a password.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Xiaomi