How to make a second space Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: full-length guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note Smartphone 8T base MIUI It offers a unique “Second Space” feature that allows you to create an isolated work environment with separate applications, settings and data. It is the perfect solution for those who want to separate personal and work data, test apps without risking the main system, or simply provide an extra layer of privacy. However, the configuration of the second space on this model has its own characteristics - from memory limitations to the nuances of working with the computer. MIUI 12-14.

Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where the feature is activated in a couple of clicks, on the Redmi Note. 8T The system requires at least 1.5 GB of free space, and if the space is not configured correctly, it can “conflict” with the main profile. In this article, we’ll break down three official ways to create a second space (including the hidden method through Developer Settings), optimize memory for its operation, and solve errors – from “insufficient memory” to sudden reboots when switching between spaces.

Important: The second space function is not supported on custom firmware and can be blocked after the update. MIUI before version 14.0.4+ on some regional builds. If your Redmi Note 8T purchased in Europe or India, check the version before setting up.

1 What is the second space and why is it needed on the Redmi Note? 8T

Second Space is a virtual clone of your smartphone that runs parallel to the main profile.

• 📱 A separate desktop with a unique set of applications and widgets
• 🔑 Own accounts (Google, Mi Account, social networks) – you can log in under a different login
• 📁 Isolated Storage: Files, photos and documents do not overlap with the main space
• 🛡️ Different settings: themes, sounds, network settings

On the Redmi Note. 8T This feature is especially useful due to the limited resources of the device (4/64 GB in the basic version. For example, you can:

• 💼 Use the second space for work messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), without mixing them with personal chats
• 🎮 Test mods for games or beta applications without risk to the main system
• 🔒 Hide sensitive data (such as banking apps) under a separate password

However, there are limitations:

⚠️ Attention: Second space on the Redmi Note 8T does not support duality SIM-If you switch between spaces, the mobile network will only be active in one of them, and you can’t use the same application in both spaces at the same time (for example, run two instances of Instagram).

Requirements and preparation of the smartphone before creating a second space

Before activating the second space on the Redmi Note 8T Several critical conditions must be met:

1. Free space: at least 1.5 GB on the internal drive. check in Settings → Storage. If there's not enough memory, delete the app cache or transfer the files to the app. SD-map.
2. Version. MIUI: function MIUI 10 and above, but the most stable MIUI 12.5+. Update the system through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
3. No root rights: If you have access to root, the second space function may be blocked.
4. Power Saving Disconnection: Activate High Performance Mode in Settings → Battery to avoid automatic closing of second space.

How to make room for the second space:

• 🗑️ Remove the app cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Clear the cache
• 📸 Transfer the photos and videos to Google Photos or SD-map
• 🎵 Remove unused apps (especially games – they take hundreds of megabytes)
• 🔄 Use the built-in Cleanup function in Settings → Warehouse

Free seat tested (1.5 GB)+)|Updated. MIUI last-minute|Root rights disabled (if any)|High-performance mode activated|Created a backup copy of important data-->

⚠️ Note: If you use device encryption (included in Settings) → Security → Encryption, creating a second space can take up to 30 minutes and require a restart!

Method 1: Create a second space through standard settings MIUI

It is the easiest and safest method that works on most versions. MIUI 12-14. Follow the instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Special Features section (on some versions – Additional).
3. Select the Second Space (Second Space).
4. Click Create a second space and confirm the action.
5. Set a password or pattern lock for the second space (required! This will protect your data when you switch).
6. Wait until the process is completed (it can take 5-10 minutes).

After the second space was created:

• 🔄 Switch between spaces can be swiped down the notification panel (user icon in the upper right corner) or through Settings → Second space.
• 📲 The second space will have clean firmware without your apps – you need to install them again.
• 🔒 By default, notifications from the second space are not shown mostly – enable them in the second profile settings.

Important nuance: on the Redmi Note 8T When the second space is first started, there may be an error “Insufficient memory”, even if 2 is free.+ GB. In this case:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Find the com.miui.secondspace process and clear its cache.
4. Recreate the second space.

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If the second space is slowing down, reduce the number of background processes: go to Settings → Developer → Process Limit and select Maximum 2 Process in the background.

Method 2: Activate the second space through the developer settings (hidden method)

If the standard method doesn't work (for example, the "Second Space" item is not on the menu), you can turn on the function through the developer mode. MIUI 11-14, but it requires caution.

Step 1: Enable the Developer Mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on the MIUI version 7 times in a row (you will be notified “You became a developer”).

Step 2: Activate the second space:

1. Return to Settings and open a new section for Developers (or Additional → Developers).
2. Find the Second Space option and turn it on.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (setting password, confirmation).

Step 3: Configure after activation:

• 🔧 In Developer Settings, you can limit the background activity of the second space to save battery life.
• 📡 Turn off auto-update apps in the second space if it is rarely used.

⚠️ Warning: Enabling a second space through the developer settings may cause com.android.systemui to crash on some versions MIUI. If after activation the phone began to brake or overheat, reset the developer's settings to factory (Settings) → All settings → Resetting settings).

5. Optimizing the second space: how to save memory and battery

Second space on the Redmi Note 8T It can take up to 2.5GB after you install apps, which is critical for a 64GB model. Here's how to optimize it:

1. Limitation of background processes:

• 🛑 Turn off auto-run of unnecessary apps: Settings → Battery → Managing application launches.
• ⏸️ Enable Power Saving Mode for Second Space: Settings → Battery → Battery modes → Energy conservation.

Storage management:

• 🗃️ Move the applications to SD-map (if supported): Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Move it to SD.
• 🧹 Clean the second space cache regularly through Settings → Warehouse → Clean up.

Synchronization settings:

• ☁️ Turn off Google account autosynchronization in the second space if you don’t need it.
• 📧 Use lightweight versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).

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On the Redmi Note. 8T the second space is consumed by 20-30% More battery when used actively, and to reduce consumption, turn off geolocation, auto-update applications, and background data for unnecessary services.

Typical errors and their solutions

When working with the second space on the Redmi Note 8T And users are facing a few common problems, and here's how to fix them:

Mistake 1: “Not enough memory” when creating a second space

• 🔍 Check the real free space: go to Settings → Warehouse → Inner memory. Sometimes the system shows incorrect data.
• 🧹 Clean Download folder: It often takes up gigabytes of unnecessary files.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.

Error 2: Second space is constantly rebooting

• 🔋 Check the battery health in Settings → Battery → Battery status. If the capacity is below 80%, replace the battery.
• 🛠️ Turn off optimization. MIUI for the second space: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Second Space → Battery → No restrictions.

Error 3: Notifications in the second space are not working

• 🔔 Enable notifications manually: Second Space settings → Notifications → Showing notifications.
• 🚫 Make sure that apps are not blocked in Settings → Notifications → Blocking notifications.

Mistake 4: Apps in the second space don't connect to the Internet

• 🌐 Check your network settings: Sometimes the second space resets the settings. APN. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) And add them manually.
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN or proxy in the main space – they can block the connection.

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If the second space became "glut" after the update MIUI, Try resetting it without deleting: go to Settings → Second space → Setting reset. It saves your data, but it brings system parameters back to factory settings.

7. Alternatives to the second space on the Redmi Note 8T

If the second space is not suitable for reasons of memory shortage or unstable operation, consider alternative solutions for data isolation:

1.The Island app (requires root)

• 🌴 Creates an isolated profile based on Android Work Profile.
• 🔒 Supports app cloning (e.g., two Telegrams on one device).
• ⚠️ Requires an unlocked bootloader and superuser rights.

2. parallel spaces in MIUI

• 👥 Allows you to clone individual applications (WhatsApp, Facebook) without creating a full-fledged second space.
• 📱 Included in Settings → Annexes → Parallel annexes.
• ⚡ Less resource intensive than the second space.

3. UserLAnd (without root)

• 🐧 Installs an isolated Linux system as an application.
• 💾 Suitable for running specialized software (for example, Python scripts).
• ⚠️ Not suitable for everyday use (no graphics app support).

4. Shelter (based on Work Profile)

• 🏠 Creates an encrypted profile with individual applications.
• 🔐 It does not require root, but has limitations (for example, you can not clone all applications).
• 📲 Available on F-Droid (free of charge).

⚠️ Warning: Alternative solutions like Island or Shelter may conflict with built-in second space MIUI. If you activated a second space and then installed one of these apps, disable the second space through settings to avoid system crashes.

8 How to delete the second space without losing data

If the second space is no longer needed or takes up too much space, it can be deleted, but all the data inside it will be erased irrevocably — transfer important files to the main space or to the cloud in advance.

Step 1: Data retention:

• 📁 Copy files from second to main space through Files → Internal memory. → SecondSpace.
• ☁️ Upload photos and documents to Google Drive or Mi Cloud.

Step 2: Removal of the second space:

1. Go to Settings. → Second space.
2. Select Remove the Second Space.
3. Confirm the action by entering the password.
4. Wait until the process is completed (the phone will restart).

Step 3: Cleaning of residues (optional):

• 🧹 If you have a SecondSpace folder left after deleting it, manually delete it through Files. → Internal memory.
• 🔄 Restart your phone to free up the cache.

What if you can’t remove the second space?

• 🔧 Try disabling it through the developer settings (if there is an option there).
• 📱 Perform a reset settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting settings), but it will remove all data from the phone.
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, run your phone through Fastboot (requires a PC and unlocked bootloader).

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Before removing the second space, make sure to check if important accounts (such as WhatsApp or banking apps) are linked to it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Redmi Note 8T