How to make a second desktop on Xiaomi: 5 ways to MIUI 14/15

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face the challenge of separating work and personal apps, hiding sensitive data from prying eyes, or simply ordering the chaos of hundreds of icons. The second Android desktop solves these challenges by allowing them to create an isolated space with a unique set of apps, wallpapers and even system settings. But how do they activate it on MIUI firmware, where standard Android features are often hidden or modified?

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has implemented several ways to duplicate desktops, from built-in tools to third-party solutions with advanced capabilities. However, not all methods are equally effective: some require root rights, others work only on certain models, and others can conflict with system updates. In this guide, we will discuss 5 proven ways to create a second desktop, including hidden MIUI features, applications from Google Play, and even solutions for devices without Google Mobile Services (GMS).

We will pay special attention to data security, because a second desktop does not always mean complete isolation. For example, some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) can synchronize notifications between spaces, and files in Downloads will remain available from both tables. To avoid leaks, we will take a detailed look at the privacy settings for each method.

Before you start, check your firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Some features (e.g. Second Space Mode) may not be available on devices with MIUI Global or MIUI for Russia, but are available in Chinese builds. If your model does not support built-in tools, don’t worry – the alternative solutions in this article work on 90% of Xiaomi smartphones regardless of region.

1. Built-in "Second Space Mode" in MIUI

The most reliable and official way to create a second desktop is to use the Second Space feature built into MIUI since version 8, which creates a completely isolated copy of the system with separate ones:

• 📱 Applications (you can duplicate messengers, social networks, banking programs)
• 🔒 Data (photos, contacts, messages do not overlap)
• 🎨 Settings (wallpaper, themes, sounds are unique for each space)
• 🔑 Passwords (you can set a separate password) PIN graphical)

To activate the mode:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Click Create a Second Space and follow the instructions.
3. Set a password to switch between spaces (required!).
4. Select apps for duplicate (such as WhatsApp, Instagram).

Switching between spaces can be:

• Through the notification panel (the icon "Two people").
• Gesture: Swipe two fingers down the screen and touch the avatar of space.
• Voice command (if Google Assistant or Xiao AI is enabled)

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Pro MIUI 13) The function may not be present in the global firmware. MIUI 14/15 or use alternative methods from the following sections.

2.Use of the function “Duplicate applications”

If you don’t need a full second space, but only duplicate individual apps (like a second Telegram or VK account), use the built-in Dual Apps feature, which is available on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 9 and later.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Duplicate applications.
2. Select apps from the list (not all are available – for example, Google Pay cannot be duplicated).
3. Click Create – copies with the icon “Two People” will appear on the desktop.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 No reboot or additional rights required.
• 📱 It works on budget models (Redmi). 9A, Poco C31).
• 🔒 Data of duplicate applications is isolated (for example, chats on WhatsApp do not overlap).

Limitations:

• ❌ There are no separate wallpapers or themes - only duplicates of applications.
• ❌ You can not duplicate system utilities (for example, Settings or Camera).
• ❌ On some firmware (MIUI For Russia, the list of supported applications is reduced.

💡

If the desired application is not in the list for duplication, try installing it. APK-hand-file SAI (Split APK Installer) with the option “Clone".

3. Third-party launchers with support for multiple desktops

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, install an alternative launcher.

How to set up multiple tables in Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher and Nova Backup plugin from Google Play.
2. Create a backup of your current desktop in Settings Nova → Backup.
3. Restore the backup as a new profile with unique settings.
4. Assign a gesture to switch (such as a double touch).

⚠️ Note: Launchers do not provide complete data isolation! Applications (e.g. Gallery or Files) will display content from both tables. For privacy, use folder encryption (c Settings) → Confidentiality).

Make a backup of the current desktop|Check compatibility with MIUI|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Set up switching gestures-->

4. Guest and Private Mode

If you want a temporary second table for guests or children, use the built-in Guest or Private modes, which do not create a full second space, but allow you to hide personal data.

Guest mode:

• 👤 Limited access to applications (you choose to use them).
• 🔄 Quickly switching through the notification panel.
• 📵 No access to SMS, Calls or contacts (if not permitted).

How to turn on:

Settings → System and device → Additional → Multiplayer mode → Guest

Private regime:

• 🔐 Hiding selected files, photos and videos.
• 🔑 Requires a password to access.
• 📁 It only works for media files (not for applications).

Activation:

Gallery → Select files → Menu (three dots) → Move to private storage

These modes are convenient for short-term use, but do not replace a full-fledged second desktop. For example, in Guest mode, you can not install new applications without switching to the main profile.

5. Advanced methods: Island and Shelter (for root)

To isolate your data completely (e.g., for banking applications or software testing), use Work Profile-based applications like Island or Shelter, which create a virtual container with a separate Android environment that doesn’t require rooting on newer versions of MIUI.

Island (recommended for MIUI 14/15):

• 🛡️ Complete application isolation (even from the system).
• 🔄 Automatic shutdown of background processes in the container.
• 📱 Google Play Services Supports Inside the Container.

Shelter (for devices without GMS):

• 🆓 Free and open source code.
• 🔒 Encryption of container data.
• ⚠️ Requires manual setting of Work Profile.

Instructions for Island:

1. Download Island from Google Play or the official website.
2. Activate Work Profile in the application settings.
3. Move the desired applications to the container (for example, WhatsApp, Bank-Client).
4. Set up automatic shutdown of the container on schedule (in Island Settings → Automation).

⚠️ Attention: MIUI Island 13 and below may conflict with the Second Space feature. Before installing, turn it off in Settings. → Special facilities.

💡

Island and Shelter are the only ways to create a completely isolated second space without root, and are suitable for handling sensitive data (such as cryptocurrency wallets or corporate email).

Solving problems and mistakes

When setting up a second desktop on Xiaomi, users often encounter typical errors. Here's how to fix them:

If the second desktop is slowing down or flying out:

• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [The name of the launcher] → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Restart the device in Safe Mode (press the power button) → Restarting in Safe Mode).
• 📉 Turn off animations: Settings → Special facilities → Remove animations.

FAQ: Frequent questions