Smartphones have long since ceased to be just a means of communication, becoming universal tools where personal correspondence, work documents, banking applications and entertainment content are intertwined. For many users of Xiaomi and Redmi devices, the task of clearly separating these digital spheres is becoming urgent, so as not to confuse work chats with personal ones and not to mix applications.
MIUI has a unique feature called Second Space, which allows you to create a full second profile with your passwords, apps and files directly on the same device, not just a folder with hidden photos, but actually a second smartphone inside the first one, making data differentiation as efficient as possible.
In this article, we will take a look at how to activate this feature, what the nuances of its operation on different versions of firmware are, and how to transfer data between the main and second profiles, learn how to configure access and understand why this tool is one of the most underrated in the Xiaomi ecosystem.
What is the Second Space and Why is it Necessary?
The second space is an isolated environment in the Android operating system with a MIUI shell. When you create it, the system actually forms a new user profile that has independent access to the file system, contacts, gallery and installed programs. This solution is ideal for those who want to use the same phone for both work and personal life.
The key feature is that switching between spaces is instantaneous and often protected by a separate space. PIN-For example, you can set the finger unlock to open your work profile immediately, hiding all personal notifications.
⚠️ Note: Second Space creation takes up extra space in the device's internal memory. If your Xiaomi phone has less than 5GB of free memory, the system may suggest freeing up space before activating the feature.
The main use cases for this technology go beyond just separating work and leisure. Many users appreciate the ability to test questionable apps or games in a second profile without putting at risk the main Google account or bank details. It's also a great way to hand over the phone to a child for games without fear that he will accidentally delete important documents or make a purchase in the app store.
Preparing a smartphone for creating a profile
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your Redmi or Xiaomi device is technically ready to work with two profiles.Second Space feature is built into the MIUI shell, but requires certain resources for stable operation.First of all, check the amount of free memory, as cloning system libraries can take from 1 to 3 GB depending on the firmware version.
It is also important to make sure you have access to your Mi Account. Although in some regions you can create a profile without one, having an authorized account guarantees the ability to restore data and synchronize settings in the event of a system failure.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Make sure your software is up to date. Older versions of MIUI may contain bugs that prevent you from working with multiple user environments correctly. Go to Settings → About your phone and check for updates. If the system suggests upgrading, it’s best to do so before you start manipulating profiles.
Step-by-step: how to activate the function
The process of creating a second profile on Xiaomi smartphones is as simple as possible for developers and takes only a couple of minutes. To start, open the standard Settings app and scroll down to the Second Space section. In some versions of MIUI, this item may be inside the Advanced Settings or Special Features menu, but most often it is displayed in the main system settings menu.
After clicking on the corresponding menu item, the system will prompt you to familiarize yourself with the features of the function. Press the button "Enable second space", then you will be prompted to configure the login method. You can choose to use a separate fingerprint for quick switching or install a pattern lock./PIN-It is recommended to use a print, as this is the fastest way to move between worlds.
Settings → Second Space → Enable → Fingerprint/password settingOnce you have set up, the system will redirect you to a clean second-space interface that looks like a phone you just bought, no longer your old contacts, photos or browser history, but you will need to reset your Android initial setup, enter your Wi-Fi password, and log into your Google account (you can use the same one or create a new one).
What if the second space item is not on the menu?
Setup of applications and data transfer
One of the most useful features is the ability to clone apps: You can install WhatsApp, Telegram or a banking app in the second space using a different phone number or account. You can use Google Play Market, which works independently, or Data Portability, which is built into the Second Space settings, to install apps.
To move already installed applications from the main profile, go to the Second Space settings (often available via a swipe or icon in the notification curtain) and select Data Portability. Here you will see a list of compatible programs. Select the desired ones, and the system will copy them. APK-files and basic data in the second profile.
| Type of data | Possibility of transfer | Note | Copying speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annexes (APK) | Yes. | Only the installer is copied | Quickly. |
| Contacts | Yes. | Only local or SIM | Instantly. |
| Photos and videos | Yes. | Completely copied files | Depends on the volume. |
| Call history | No. | Divided by profiles | - |
| SMS messages | No. | Separated by profiles | - |
It's important to understand that data inside apps isn't always fully portable, for example, messaging might require separate backups inside the app itself, and banking apps will require re-authorization and device binding, because Second Space looks like a new phone.
💡
Use the Hide Apps feature in the second space so that the icons of selected programs don’t appear on the desktop, increasing privacy.
Access management and security
Security in Second Space is ensured by process isolation. Applications running in one profile don't have access to data from another profile. However, there are settings that allow for flexible access management, such as allowing or disallowing the use of a camera and microphone for applications in the second profile through system permissions.
Special attention should be paid to the notification settings. By default, notifications from the Second Space may not appear when you are in the Main and vice versa.This can be changed in the notification settings by selecting “Show notifications from the Second Space” in the Main Profile if you need to stay in touch while in Personal Mode.
⚠️ Note: Resetting a password or deleting a Second Space will result in a complete loss of all data stored inside it.Make sure you have backups of important files before deleting your profile.
For maximum protection, it is recommended to install different biometric unlocking methods for each space, for example, the thumb of the right hand opens the main profile, and the thumb of the left hand opens the second, which allows instant and invisible switching between the "Work" and "Personal" modes.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite the stability of the function, users may face a number of typical problems: It is common for the phone to start running slower after the Second Space is created, this is due to the fact that the background processes now double, the solution lies in limiting the background activity of unnecessary applications in the second profile through the Battery menu.
Another common problem is the lack of sound or the inability to make a call from the Second Space, which may be due to restrictions on access rights to the Internet. SIM-Check the network settings to see which one SIM-The card is selected for default calls in the second profile, as settings can reset when switching.
- 📱 Problem: It's not coming SMS Solution: Check if the message system blocks the application in the second profile.
- 🔋 Problem: Fast battery drain Solution: Disable cloud sync in the second profile if you don't need it.
- 📸 Problem: The camera writes "failed to connect." Solution: Close the camera app in the main profile, as access to the camera module is often (exclusive).
- 💾 Problem: Memory shortage. Solution: Clean the cache in the second space regularly, as it is added to the main space.
💡
If the phone started to warm up after creating a second profile, check the background processes – it is possible that two identical applications (such as a navigator) work simultaneously, loading the processor.
Removal of Second Space and Cleaning
If the need to separate profiles is no longer necessary, the second space can be easily deleted. When deleted, the system will offer two options: save the data (transfer photos and files to the Main profile) or delete everything irrevocably.
To delete, go to Settings → Second Space, click on the menu (three dots or gear) and select “Delete Second Space.” The system will warn you of the consequences. If you choose to save data, all selected files will be moved to the “SecondSpace” folder in the main profile file manager.
It is worth noting that after removing the freed space on the disk returns not instantly, but after restarting the device or working memory optimization service. So if you delete the profile and the space did not appear immediately, do not panic - just restart the Xiaomi smartphone.