Many Xiaomi users do not even suspect that their smartphone is based on the MIUI Supports the function of the second desktop – a convenient tool for separating applications, personal and work data or creating thematic spaces. This feature is especially useful if you want to separate work chats from personal ones, hide confidential apps from prying eyes, or simply streamline the chaos of hundreds of icons.
Unlike the standard multiplayer mode (which requires a full reboot of the profile), the second desktop in the MIUI It works as a lightweight, instant-switch alternative, without data loss or re-entry, but not all Xiaomi models support this feature out of the box: it depends on the firmware version and regional settings. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate, configure and solve typical problems.
What is a second desktop and why is it needed?
Second desk in the MIUI — It's a virtual space with a separate set of apps, wallpapers and widgets that exists parallel to the main one:
- 🔄 Instant switching between tables without rebooting (unlike a full-fledged second user).
- 📱 Application separation: on each table you can place a unique set of programs (for example, working messengers on one, games on another).
- 🔒 Privacy: Hiding Personal Data from Colleagues or Children Without Using Passwords.
- 🎨 Customization: different wallpapers, themes and widgets for each table.
Difference from Guest or Second User Mode (available in Settings) → System system → Additionally. → Multiplayer: The second desktop does not require a new account and runs inside your main profile:
- ✅ All files and settings remain shared (photos, documents, contacts).
- ✅ No need to log in to Google, Mi Account or social media accounts again.
- ❌ Not suitable for complete data isolation (for example, if you need to hide your call history).
The function is particularly in demand among:
- 👔 Freelancers who want to separate work and personal tasks.
- 👨👩👧👦 Parents who give phones to children with limited apps.
- 🎮 Gamers who want to hide gaming apps from the main screen.
What Xiaomi models support the second desktop
The second desktop feature is not available on all Xiaomi devices, and its availability depends on:
- Versions MIUI: function appeared in MIUI 12 and preserved in MIUI 13/14, It may not be present in old or customized firmware.
- Regional firmware: Global (Global) and Chinese (China) versions may have different names or no features.
- Smartphone models: flagships (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi K60) It is more popular than budget models (Redmi). 10A).
| Xiaomi model | Support for the second table (MIUI 14) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra | ✅ Yes. | The feature is available in global and Chinese firmware. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+/12 Turbo | ✅ Yes. | May require activation through Settings → Desktop. |
| POCO F5/F5 Pro | ✅ Yes. POCO Launcher) | The setting is hidden in the launcher settings. |
| Redmi 10/10A/10C | ❌ No. | Budget models lack this function. |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite | ⚠️ Partially. | Only on Chinese firmware or after manual activation. |
How to check support on your device:
- Open the Settings. → Desktop.
- Scroll down and look for the Second Desktop (or Dual Apps Space in English firmware).
- If there is no item, try updating. MIUI Use alternative methods (described below) before the latest version or use alternative methods).
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) the function is hidden and requires activation through ADB It could be a breach of warranty!
Step-by-step: how to create a second desktop
If your device supports the function, you can activate it in 2-3 minutes.
Check the MIUI version (should be at least 12)
Close all apps (click “Clear All” in the multitasking menu)
Connect to Wi-Fi (recommended for data synchronization)
Backup important files (in case of a crash)-->
Method 1: Using standard MIUI settings
- Open the settings (cog icon).
- Go to the Desktop section (or Home screen in English firmware).
- Select the Second Desktop option (which can be called Dual Apps Space or Second Space).
- Click Create a second table and confirm the action.
- Select the apps you want to duplicate on the second table (such as WhatsApp, Telegram).
- Set up wallpaper and widgets for a new table (optional).
After creation, you can switch between the tables:
- 🔄 Swipe two fingers down from the top of the screen (on some models).
- 📱 Through the icon Switch the table in the notification curtain.
- 🔧 Manually in Settings → Desktop → Table management.
Method 2: Through POCO Launcher (for devices) POCO)
On smartphones. POCO The function can be hidden in the launcher settings:
- Keep your finger in the free space of the desktop.
- Select Settings POCO Launcher.
- Go to Additional Functions → Second work table.
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
Method 3: Through ADB (for advanced users)
If the function is hidden, it can be activated by ADB. Warning: This requires unlocking the bootloader and may result in a data reset!
adb shell settings put secure second_space_enabled 1After you execute the command, restart the device. The function should appear in the settings.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can break the warranty and cause the system to run in an unstable way!
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If some apps don’t duplicate after you create the second table (like Banking apps), try installing them again from Google Play on the second table.
Setting up the second desktop: wallpaper, applications, widgets
Once you have the second table, you can customize it completely to your needs, and here's what you can change:
1. Wallpaper installation
Each table can have a unique wallpaper:
- Switch to the second table (swipe or through the curtain).
- Hold your finger in the free space of the screen.
- Select Wallpaper and set a new image.
2. Adding and removing applications
Application management on the second table:
- 📥 Addendum: Drag an icon from the app menu or install a new one through Google Play.
- 🗑️ Remove: Hold the icon and drag it to the cart (this will only remove the app from the current table!).
- 🔄 Duplication: Some apps (like Telegram) can be duplicated so they work independently on each table.
3. Customization of widgets
The widgets on each table are set up separately:
- Hold your finger in the free space of the screen.
- Pick the Widgets.
- Drag the desired widget on the screen (for example, weather, calendar, notes).
Example of useful widgets for the second table:
- 📅 Calendar - for work tasks.
- 📊 Notes - quick notes.
- 🎵 Music Player – if the table is for entertainment.
4. Separation of notices
By default, notifications are displayed on both tables to be separated:
- Go to Settings. → Notifications.
- Select the settings of the second table.
- Turn off the option to display notifications on both tables.
How to hide the icon of switching tables?
Typical problems and their solutions
When using the second desktop, users often face difficulties. Let's consider the most common:
1.The function is not present in the settings
Possible causes and solutions:
- 📱 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🌍 Regional restrictions: Install global firmware (e.g, MIUI Global via Mi Flash Tool.
- 🔧 Hidden function: Try activating it through ADB (described above).
2. Annexes are not duplicated
Some applications (e.g. banking or system) cannot be duplicated.
- 📥 Install the app from Google Play on the second table.
- 🔄 Use the function of Cloning applications in Settings → Annexes → Cloning.
- ⚠️ If the application is critical (e.g. SberBank), use the main desk.
3.Dumping the second table
If the second table starts to glittle:
- Go to Settings. → Desktop → Second work table.
- Select Delete the second table.
- Recreate it.
4.Swipe switching is not working.
The problem often occurs after an update. MIUI. Decision:
- 🔧 Check the gesture settings in Settings → Display. → Gestures.
- 🔄 Reset the device.
- 📱 If it doesn’t help, use the switch over the notification curtain.
⚠️ Note: Some models (Redmi Note 11) may lose cloned application data (e.g. WhatsApp chat history) after resetting the second table!
Alternatives to the second desktop MIUI
If your device doesn’t support a second desktop or you need more flexible settings, consider alternatives:
Second user mode
Complete data isolation, but requires separate input:
- ✅ Complete confidentiality (different accounts, files, settings).
- ❌ Longer switching (requires login/login).
How to turn on: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Multiplayer mode.
2. Launchers with support for multiple desktops
Third-party launchers offer more options:
- 📱 Nova Launcher: Multi-Desktop Support with Unique Settings.
- 🎨 Microsoft Launcher: Divide into “Personal” and “Working” Spaces.
- 🔧 Apex Launcher: Flexible gesture and transition settings.
3. Applications for cloning space
Programs that create a “sandbox” for applications:
- 🛡️ Island (requires root): complete isolation of apps.
- 🔒 Parallel Space: Launching duplicate applications without root.
- 📱 2Accounts: social-media cloner.
| Decision | Pluses | Cons | Need root? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second work table (MIUI) | Quick switch, no root | Limited customization | ❌ No. |
| Second user | Complete isolation. | Long switch. | ❌ No. |
| Nova Launcher | Flexible settings, no root | No, no, no. No, no. No, no. No, no. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. | ❌ No. |
| Island | Maximum security | Complicated setting, need root | ✅ Yes. |
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If you want complete privacy (for example, for work data), it is better to use the "Second User" or Island mode. MIUI Suitable only for basic application separation.
Security: How to Protect Data on Table Two
Second desk in the MIUI It does not provide complete data isolation, so follow these tips to protect confidential information:
1. Set a password to switch.
To prevent others from switching to your second table:
- Go to Settings. → Desktop → Second work table.
- Enable the option to request a password when switching.
- Set a PIN or pattern lock.
2. Limit access to sensitive data
Do not place on the second table:
- 🏦 Applications of banks and payment systems.
- 📧 Postal clients with important correspondence.
- 📸 Personal photos/video (they remain available through the gallery on the main table!).
3.Use encryption
For additional protection:
- Enable device encryption in Settings → Security → Encryption.
- Set a strong password on the lock screen.
4. Clean the cache regularly
The app cache on the second table may contain sensitive data (such as browser history).
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app and click Clear Cache.
⚠️ Note: If you use the second desk for work, remember: all files and contacts remain shared! For complete isolation, use the "Second User" mode or specialized applications like Island.