The MIUI and HyperOS Second Space feature has been a lifesaver for many users who want to share their personal and work lives on the same device, but over time, the question arises: how to make a second profile a full-fledged core if the first one is no longer relevant or was created for testing. It's not just a change of avatar, but a full-fledged migration of your digital environment, requiring an understanding of the architecture of Android profiles.
Unlike simple guest mode, the second space on Xiaomi works as an isolated system with its apps, Google accounts and settings. To switch to it without losing data and functionality, you need to perform a series of sequential actions. MIUI does not allow you to simply “rename” profiles, so the process will be to transfer priority and data.
It's worth noting that standard system tools can't make a single-click copy, you'll need to manually configure or use specific loopholes in the interface, and it's important to understand the difference between a temporary switch and a full change of device owner, because it's important to keep your sensitive files safe.
The principle of the profiles in MIUI and HyperOS
Technically, the second space is a separate user account within the Android operating system, and when you create it, the system allocates a new memory block to which data that does not overlap with the main profile is recorded, which provides a high level of security, since applications from one space do not see the files of the other without special permission.
Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often use this feature to separate work chats and personal photos. However, the system architecture is built so that the “first” space always takes priority in system processes, such as auto-run services or access to some hardware drivers.
⚠️ Warning: Attempts to force system files to change profile priority can result in a cyclic device restart (bootloop.
Understanding this structure is essential to properly assess risks, and if you plan to completely abandon your old profile, you will have to make sure that all the necessary system settings are duplicated in the new space, otherwise, after deleting the old profile, you may lose access to important features.
Technical details of implementation
Preparation for the transition to the second space
Before you start taking action, you need to do a lot of data preparation, and since there's no direct "Main" function, the safest way is to move all the important data into the second space and then delete the first one. Start by checking the list of installed applications.
You will need a stable Wi-Fi connection, as some data can be synced via the Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive. Make sure the device has enough free memory to temporarily store two copies of heavy apps and media files.
- 📱 Create a full backup of contacts and messages to the cloud service.
- 📸 Transfer all photos and videos from the gallery of the first space to the second or external media.
- 🔐 Write down passwords from important accounts1unts, as auto-entry in the new space will not remain.
- 📲 Install all the necessary messengers and banking applications in the second space again.
Pay special attention to two-factor authentication. SIM-Make sure that the second space has access to the map. SMS-Without this, you risk losing access to your accounts forever.
☑️ Checklist before migration
Step-by-step: activation and configuration
The transition process starts with creating a new space, if you haven't already done so. Go to Settings and find the Second Space section. Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions of the Settings Wizard. The system will suggest creating a separate password or using a fingerprint to quickly switch.
Once you create a profile, you'll be in a clean interface, and now your job is to make it familiar, and you'll adjust the wallpaper, the widgets and the screen settings as you like, and that will create psychological comfort and help you experience that space as your primary space.
| Parameter | First space | Second space | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to files | Complete. | Isolated. | Use "File Moving" |
| Notifications | All right. | Only selected | Set up the display in the curtain |
| Use of memory | Basic. | Additional | Keep an eye on filling. |
| Access to SIM | Complete. | Limited. | Check the network settings |
The important step is to migrate files. In the second space settings, find Moving Files, where you can safely transfer photos, videos and documents from your old profile to your new one, which takes time and depends on the amount of media.
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Use the Moving Files feature inside the second space settings, rather than third-party file managers.This ensures that file paths in the Android database are properly updated, preventing file not found errors in the gallery.
Subtleties of switching and profile management
Managing two profiles requires habit. Switching between them is done through the lock screen (swipe right or left, depending on the settings) or through Settings → Second space → Switch. For convenience, it is recommended to configure biometrics: different fingerprints can automatically open different spaces.
But if your goal is to completely remove the first space, leaving only the second, you have to be careful. It's technically impossible to remove the first space while you're in it. You have to move into the second space, which will be your work environment, and from there initiate the removal of the first space.
In the second space interface, go to the settings and select the option to Delete the first space. The system will warn you that all data in the Owner profile will be destroyed. This is a critical point that requires an administrator password to confirm.
⚠️ Warning: Once the first space is removed, it will be impossible to recover data from it by any means.
Some users are trying to use ADB-commands for forced role switching, but in modern versions MIUI 14 and HyperOS, which often leads to errors. It's better to spend an hour on manual transfer than risk the health of the smartphone.
Problems with notifications and access to SIM
One of the main difficulties in using the second space as the main one is the problem with mobile communication. In some versions of the firmware, the second space may not see the second space. SIM-call card if permission is not configured. Go to Settings → Second space → Communication settings and activate access.
Notifications are also a common problem, and apps in the second space may not send push notifications if the system decides they are not active, and to fix this, you need to go to the battery settings and allow auto-start for important applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, email) in your current profile.
- 🔔 Check the Do Not Disturb settings in both spaces, they may conflict.
- 📞 Make sure that the phone app in the second space has access to the contact list.
- 🌐 Check the settings. VPN and proxy, they may be different for each profile.
- 🔋 Turn off aggressive energy saving for background processes.
If you are using Dual SIM, Make sure that the second space has the correct map for outbound calls by default, and sometimes after switching profiles, the network settings are reset and you have to choose between the two. SIM-map.
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The second space fully works with the network only if there are permissions to access the phone and SMS, which must be issued manually when the first application is installed.
Alternatives: Guest mode or cloning
If you don't have enough functionality or it's not stable, you should consider alternatives, for example, the Guest mode is suitable for temporary phone transfer, but not for permanent use, since it does not store data after you leave.
Cloning allows two copies of one application (like two WhatsApp) to run within the same space, which is less resource-intensive than creating a whole second profile, and does not require switching screens, but data isolation is lower than in the second space.
For advanced users, there is the option of using Android virtual machines such as VMOS, but this requires root rights and reduces the overall security of the device.The standard second space from Xiaomi remains the most optimized solution.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party virtual machines may lead to blocking of banking applications due to a breach of security integrity.
Choose a method to separate data according to your needs, if you want complete isolation of work and personal life, the second space is perfect, and if you just need two WhatsApps, use built-in cloning.