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

Xiaomi Redmi 9A — It's a budget smartphone with limited resources, but even on it, you can create a second workspace to separate personal and work data, a feature known as Dual Apps or Second Space, available in firmware. MIUI, But it's not always obvious in settings. In this guide, we'll talk about how to activate the second space on Redmi. 9A, What are the limitations of the user and how to avoid common errors.

It is important to understand that Redmi 9A It runs on the MediaTek Helio processor. G25 With 2 to 3 GB of RAM, so running two spaces at once can slow down the system when used actively, but it is useful for isolating applications (like two WhatsApp or Telegram accounts) or protecting sensitive data. Next – detailed instructions taking into account the features MIUI 12 and MIUI 13.

What is the second space and why is it necessary?

Second Space (Second Space) function MIUI It allows you to create an isolated copy of the operating system with your own apps, settings and data. It's not the same as guest mode on Android, you'll have a full-fledged second "account" with a separate desktop, launcher and even a password.

Main use cases:

• 🔒 Separation of personal and work data – for example, a separate Telegram for work and a personal chat.
• 👥 Multiaccount – two profiles on Instagram, Facebook or banking apps.
• 🛡️ Security – isolating sensitive applications (such as cryptocurrency wallets).
• 🧪 Testing – testing new applications without risking the main space.

On the Redmi. 9A The feature works with limitations: you can not use both spaces at the same time (you need a switch), and some system applications (Settings, Phone) remain common.

Compatibility check: Does Redmi support the 9A second-space

Second Space is available on Xiaomi Redmi 9A Only if three conditions are met:

1. Version. MIUI not lower than 12.0.8 (for stable operation it is better 12.5)+).
2. Firmware Region - Global, EEA Russia (in Chinese versions, the function may not be available).
3. There are no custom firmware installed on the smartphone (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

To check the version MIUI, Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If you have a version below 12.0.8, update your system through Settings. → Updating the system.

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 9A purchased in China (local version), the Second Space feature may not be available even after the upgrade, in which case only the re-flashing to the global version will help. MIUI.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the second space

The activation process depends on the version MIUI. Below is a universal method that works on most versions.

Method 1: Through the main settings (MIUI 13+)

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Scroll down and select Second Space (or Second Space).
3. Click Create Space and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. Set a password for the second space (required!).
5. Wait for the setup to be completed (it will take 1-2 minutes).

Method 2: Through a Hidden Menu (MIUI 12)

If the settings do not include Second Space, use this method:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##6484###
2. There'll be a menu. MIUI Select SecondSpace. → Enable Second Space.
3. Reboot the phone.
4. After restarting, go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second space and complete the setup.

After activation, you can switch between spaces:

• Through the notification panel (the icon Two people).
• Through locking the screen (swipe up/down on the lock screen).
• Through Settings. → Second space → Switch over.

⚠️ Note: First time you start the second Redmi space 9A It can slow down, which is normal. It creates a copy of the applications and the data. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the background to complete.

Configuring the second space: what can be changed

Once you've created the second space, you can customize it to your needs. Here are the key options:

1. Personalization of the desktop

The second space has its launcher, wallpaper and widgets to change them.

• Long press on the desktop → Wallpaper.
• Settings → Screen. → Lock screen style.
• Install an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher) through the Play Market.

Installation of annexes

Applications from the main space are not automatically copied, but are installed in the second space.

1. Open the Play Market in the second space.
2. Find the right application and install it again.
3. For system applications (such as the Camera) use Settings → Annexes → Cloning apps.

3. Security and passwords

Each space can have its own:

• 🔐 Password/pattern lock.
• 👤 Fingerprint (if configured in the main space).
• 📱 Face unlocking (only works in one space).

💡

To save space, in the second space, turn off automatic app updates in the Play Market (Settings) → Auto-update → Never).

Limitations and problems of the second space on Redmi 9A

Despite its usefulness, the feature has a number of limitations, especially on budget devices:

1. Performance

Redmi 9A It's not designed to work in two spaces at the same time:

• 🐢 Slowing down animations and transitions.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (up to 15-20%).
• 🗑️ Places in memory (each space is occupied) ~1-2 GB).

Application compatibility

Some applications do not work in the second space:

• 💳 Google Pay, SberPay, Tinkoff (blocked by security policy).
• 🎮 Anti-cheat games (e.g, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire).
• 📱 Annexes linked to IMEI (certain banking services).

3. Common errors and decisions

Typical problems and ways to correct them:

⚠️ Warning: If after creating the second space, the phone began to slow down, try turning off animations in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times on "Version" MIUI", Then in Developer Settings turn off Windows Animation and Transition Animation).

💡

Second space on Redmi. 9A — It's not a full virtualization, it's a separate profile, and it doesn't protect against viruses or root interference, it just separates data at a level. MIUI.

How to remove the second space

If the function is not needed or takes up too much space, it can be turned off:

1. Move to the main space.
2. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
3. Choose Remove Space.
4. Confirm the action (all data in the second space will be deleted!).

Alternative method (if settings are not available):

1. Enter the phone code in the app: ##6484##
2. Choose SecondSpace → Disable Second Space.
3. Reboot the phone.

Alternatives to the second space on Redmi 9A

If Second Space is not suitable (for example, because of brakes), consider alternatives:

1. Dual Apps (Cloning of Applications)

It allows you to create a copy of individual apps (like two WhatsApp or Facebook) without a full second space.

How to turn on:

1. Settings → Annexes → Cloning apps.
2. Select the desired applications and click Clone.

2. Guest mode (Android)

Less functional than Second Space, but no resource required.

1. Settings → System system → Users → Guest.
2. After switching, all guest data is deleted at the exit.

3. Insulation applications (Island, Shelter)

Third-party utilities that create a sandbox for applications require root rights or ADB.

Examples:

• 🏝️ Island (based on Work Profile).
• 🛡️ Shelter (FOSS-alternative).

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