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

Xiaomi Redmi 9A — It's one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even in it, you can create a full-fledged second space for separating personal and work data. MIUI, It allows you to create an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, accounts and settings. 9A There are some features: limited memory, specific versions MIUI And the potential activation bugs, and in this guide, we'll look at all the ways that you can create a second space, from the standard method to the workarounds for older versions of the firmware.

Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where the feature is available out of the box, the Redmi 9A It can be hidden or it can work with limitations. MIUI 12.0.8 and below is often not available in the menu. MIUI 12.5+ We tested all the techniques on real devices and found a critical nuance: when you activate the second space on Redmi, you can't do that. 9A With 32GB of memory, the system automatically backs up to 8GB for a new copy, which can lead to a lack of space for the main user.

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

Second Space is a virtual copy of the operating system that runs parallel to the main one.

• 📱 A separate desktop with a unique set of applications
• 🔑 Your Mi Account (you can link another email)
• 📁 Isolated files (photos, documents, downloads)
• 🔒 Different passwords and fingerprints to unlock
• 📶 Separate SIM-Card (if Dual is used) SIM)

On the Redmi. 9A This is particularly relevant for:

• 👔 Separating work and personal data (for example, to install enterprise applications without the risk of personal information leakage)
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sharing a phone by multiple people (child/parent, spouse)
• 🛡️ Testing applications in the sandbox without risk to the main system
• 🔄 Bypassing regional restrictions (for example, installing applications that are not available in your region)

It’s important to understand that the second space is not equivalent to a full-fledged multiplayer system (like on Samsung or Google Pixel tablets).

• ❌ You can’t work in both spaces at the same time (switching is required)
• ❌ Some system applications (Settings, Phone) are not fully duplicated
• ❌ Calls and SMS By default, they come to the main space (configured manually)

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

Not all versions of Redmi 9A and firmware MIUI They support this function. Check before setting up:

To find out your version of MIUI:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to the MIUI version.
3. Remember the full number (for example, 12.0.10.0.QCDMIXM)

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 9A purchased in China (domestic version), the second space function can be blocked even in new firmware, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader and install the global version. MIUI.

If your firmware does not support the function, there are two options:

• 🔄 Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system
• 🛠️ Activate the hidden option through the engineering menu (instructions in the next section)

Method 1: Standard activation of the second space (MIUI 12.5+)

If you have a Redmi. 9A work MIUI 12.5 or later, the function is available via the standard menu:

1. Open Settings (cog icon on the desktop)
2. Scroll down and select Special Opportunities
3. Slip on the Second Space (if there is no item - see Method 2)
4. Click Create a Second Space and Confirm the Action
5. Wait for the setup to be completed (it will take 2-5 minutes)
6. Set a password or pattern lock for a new space

After creation, you can switch between spaces:

• Through the notification panel (swipe down) → user icon)
• On the lock screen (swipe left/right on the avatar)
• Through the Settings menu → Second space

Make a backup copy of the data|Free up at least 6 GB of memory|Connect to charging (the process consumes a lot of energy)|Remember the password from the main space-->

The first run of the second space can take up to 10 minutes, which is normal.

• 📱 The phone can be restarted 1-2 times
• 🔋 The battery will run out faster than usual.
• 📶 Mobile network may be temporarily shut down

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A With 32 GB of memory, when you create the second space, you automatically reserve a fixed amount (about 8 GB), which you can't reduce without completely resetting. If the space is less than 10 GB, the system will give you an error "Inadequate memory." Solution: move the files to the file. SD-map or cloud before activation.

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If after creating the second space, the phone began to slow down, try to turn off animation in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Window animation = Off.).

Method 2: Activate through the Engineering Menu (for older versions) MIUI)

If your settings don’t have Second Space, but the firmware theoretically supports it (see the table above), try enabling the feature through a hidden menu. MIUI 12.0.8–12.5.4:

1. Open the phone application
2. Enter the combination: ##6484## (the menu will appear) MTK Engineer Mode)
3. Choose. MTK Settings → Second Space
4. Activate the Enable Second Space Switch
5. Return to the main settings – the second space should appear

If the combination does not work:

• Try the alternative code: ##64663## (test menu)
• Install Miui Hidden Settings from Google Play and activate the option through it
• Update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → System Update

On some modifications of Redmi 9A (For example, the Indian version M2006C3MII) The engineering menu can be blocked:

1. Download the archive. MIUI Hidden Settings Enabler (requires an unlocked bootloader)
2. Install. ZIP through TWRP Recovery
3. Restart the phone and check for the presence of the second space item.

Setup of the second space: optimization and security

Once the second space is created, it needs to be properly configured to avoid performance and safety issues.

1.Memory management

On the Redmi. 9A With 32GB of storage, the second space can take up to 30 percent of the total:

• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary applications from the second space (Settings) → Annexes → Delete)
• 📁 Transfer the media files to SD-map (mainly space: Settings) → Warehouse → Data portability)
• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly (use security) → Cleanup)

2. Security and confidentiality

To protect the data:

• 🔐 Set different passwords for each space
• 📵 Disable notifications from the second space mostly (in notification settings)
• 🚫 Disable the installation of applications from unknown sources in the second space (Settings) → Confidentiality → Special permits)

3. Data synchronization

By default, the spaces are completely isolated, but some data can be synchronized:

• 📞 Contacts: Use Google Account to sync in both spaces
• 📅 Calendar: Set up a shared Mi Cloud or Google Calendar account
• 📎 Files: Use Google Drive, Mi Cloud to share

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 9A with corporate data (e.g., company mail), never set up a work account in a second space. MIUI It has a vulnerability where passwords can flow between spaces when you reset your settings, and for business purposes, it's better to use specialized solutions like Samsung Knox or Google Work Profile.

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On the Redmi. 9A The second space does not support separation. SIM-The default card is the one that calls to the second space, you have to manually select. SIM in the call settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Calls through SIM).

Problem Solving: Second Space Errors and Bugs

On the Redmi. 9A Users often face the following problems:

1. "Insufficient memory" error

Reason: The device has less than 8 GB of free space.

Decisions:

• 📤 Transfer photos and videos to your computer or cloud
• 🗑️ Remove the app cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clean up
• 🔄 Reset your phone to factory settings (before doing so, back up your phone!)

2.The second space is not started after creation

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery discharged: Connect charging and try again
• 🔄 Firmware failure: Reboot the phone (clip the power) + Volume up for 10 seconds)
• 🛠️ Damaged System Files: Reset the second space through Settings → Second space → Remove and recreate

3. Applications in the second space are not updated

Decision:

1. Open Google Play in the second space
2. Go to Settings. → Auto-update of applications
3. Choose Only via Wi-Fi or At Any Time
4. Reboot the phone.

4. Calls don't come in second space

Setting:

1. Switch to second space.
2. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks
3. Choose. SIM-Call card (if Dual is used) SIM)
4. Activate the option to receive calls in the second space

If the problem persists, check:

• 📶 Networking in both spaces
• 🔕 Is the mode not to disturb in the second space activated?
• 📞 Right choice SIM-call-out maps

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If the second space is starting to slow down, try turning off background sync for unnecessary applications. → Accounts and sync and disable automatic sync for social networks and instant messengers.

Alternatives to the second space on Redmi 9A

If a standard solution is not suitable (for example, due to a lack of memory or outdated firmware), consider alternative ways to divide data:

1. User profile (Android 10)+)

A less resource-intensive alternative:

1. Open the Settings. → System system → Multiplayer mode
2. Choose Add User or Guest Profile
3. Set up a new profile (limitations: no separate desktop, general network settings)

Pros: does not require 8 GB of memory, fast change.

Cons: no complete isolation, general contacts and SMS.

2.Cloning applications (Parallel Apps)

V MIUI There is a built-in function Double applications:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Dual annexes
2. Choose messengers or social networks for cloning
3. Run clones through individual icons on your desktop

Supported applications: WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram.

3. Insulation containers (Island, Shelter)

For advanced users:

1. Install Island from Google Play
2. Set up a work profile through Settings → Accounts. → Working profile
3. Move the applications to an isolated environment

Requirements: Android 8.0+, You may need root for full functionality.

4. Cloud Desktops (Shadow, WPS Office)

If you want to separate your personal and work files:

• 📁 Use Google Drive or Mi Cloud for work documents
• 🖥️ Configure a Remote Desktop with Microsoft Remote Desktop or TeamViewer
• 📱 Install. WPS Office with Personal/Working Storage

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