How to create a second space on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a complete guide with nuances

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphones based on MIUI The new system offers a unique “Second Space” feature that allows you to divide the device into two isolated zones with separate applications, settings and data. It’s the perfect solution for those who want to combine work and personal life on the same phone, test apps without risking the main system, or just experiment with the interface. However, not all users know how to activate and configure this option correctly – especially on models with custom firmware or outdated versions. MIUI.

In this guide, we will discuss all the official and alternative ways to create a second space on the Redmi Note 9, including the nuances for different versions of the firmware (from the source). MIUI 12 to MIUI 14) You'll learn how to avoid typical setup errors, which applications don't work in an isolated environment, and how to get it back if the function is no longer needed. And for those who have encountered bugs, here are proven solutions to the most common problems.

What is the Second Space and Why You Need It on the Redmi Note 9?

Second Space function in MIUI — It's not just an extra desktop, it's a fully-fledged, isolated environment with its own data, applications and settings that runs parallel to the main space, and when you switch between them, the system completely reboots the interface, as if you were logged into another account. Here are the key benefits:

• 🔒 Privacy: Separation of work and personal data (e.g. messengers, photos, documents).
• 🧪 Testing: Install questionable applications or beta versions of software without risk to the main system.
• 🎮 Game Mode: Separate Gaming Space with Optimized Performance Settings.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family access: The ability to give a phone to children or relatives with limited rights.

It's important to understand that the second space is not the same as multiplayer on Android. Unlike Google's standard feature, there are no separate accounts here, it's more of a clone of a system with a shared kernel but different data. MIUI, But different wallpapers, applications and even IMEI (for some services).

Redmi Note 9 is available on all versions MIUI, starting MIUI 8, but with reservations:

• ⚠️ On the firmware below MIUI 12 Second Space Interface May Look Outdated.
• ⚠️ Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) remove this option.
• ⚠️ On devices with an unlocked bootloader, the function may not work stable.

How to Enable Second Space through Settings MIUI

The most reliable method is the use of built-in function MIUI. The instructions are current for the Redmi Note 9 on any firmware version (unless the feature is removed by the manufacturer:

1. Open the settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select Special Features (or Additional in older versions).
3. Slip on the second space (Second Space).
4. Click Create a second space and confirm the action.
5. Wait for the device to restart (can take up to 2-3 minutes).

After the reboot, the system will offer you to configure a new space: select wallpaper, add accounts and install applications.

How to switch between spaces:

• 🔄 Swipe down the lock screen → picnic → space-selection.
• 🔑 Through the notification panel: swipe down → Second Space button (if enabled in settings).
• 📱 On some firmware: hold the switch off button → Change the space.

If the Second Space button is not in the settings, check:

• 📌 Version MIUI: Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📌 Firmware Region: The feature can be disabled in global (Global) or European (EEA) Try switching to the Chinese version.
• 📌 Root rights: If the device is rooted, the function may be blocked.

💡

If after creating the second space, the mobile network disappears, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks and manually select the operator for each space.

Alternative methods: if Second Space is not in the settings

If the official method does not work (for example, after updating the firmware or on customized ROM), We tested 3 working methods for the Redmi Note 9:

Method 1: Through a Hidden Menu of Engineering Settings

This method is suitable for firmware on the basis MIUI 11-14, where the function is hidden, but not deleted:

1. Open the phone application and enter the code: ##6484##
2. In the menu that appears, select MIUI Version (or Version info).
3. Stamp on the logo. MIUI 7-10 times until Developer mode enabled notification appears.
4. Return to the main settings and check the Special Features section – the Second Space item should appear.

Method 2: Installation APK-Second Space file

If the function is removed from firmware, but the system files are left, you can manually install it. APK:

1. Download the file. com.miui.secondspace.apk (The version should match your firmware).
2. Install APK through any file manager (you may need permission to install from unknown sources).
3. Reset the device.

Warning: this method does not work on all firmware and can cause conflicts.

Method 3: Use ADB-team

For advanced users: enabling the function through ADB (You need a computer and a debugging bridge).

adb shell settings put global second_space_enabled 1


adb shell am start -n com.miui.secondspace/.SecondSpaceActivity

Once you have completed the commands, restart your phone. If you have an Activity not found error, Second Space system files have been removed from the firmware.

The second space: what can and can not be done

Once Second Space is built, it needs to be configured properly to avoid conflicts with the main space.

✅ What's allowed:

• 📱 Install any applications (including those already in the main space).
• 🔧 Change system settings (wallpaper, sounds, fonts) without affecting the main space.
• 📎 Connecting Google accounts, Mi Accounts and other services (they will be independent).
• 📡 Use of mobile data and Wi-Fi (but network settings will have to be set separately).

❌ What is prohibited or works with restrictions:

• 🚫 Shared files: Access to the main space folders (e.g, DCIM or Downloads blocked.
• 🚫 Synchronizing notifications: Notifications from one space do not appear in another.
• 🚫 Some system applications: For example, Mi Pay or Game Turbo may not work in the second space.
• 🚫 Limited access to hardware: Some camera features (e.g. Pro Mode) may be disabled.

For convenience, we recommend:

1. Set a separate password or pattern lock for the second space (in the security settings).
2. Set up automatic switching according to the schedule (for example, workspace in the afternoon, personal – in the evening).
3. Use cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) to synchronize important files between spaces.

💡

The second space doesn't protect against viruses! If you install an infected application in Second Space, it can damage the main system when you switch.

Typical problems and their solutions

When using Second Space on Redmi Note 9, users often encounter bugs, and we have collected the most common bugs and ways to fix them:

1. The second space is not created (button is inactive)

Causes and solutions:

• 📵 Insufficient memory: Free up at least 2-3 GB on internal storage.
• 🔄 System failure: Reboot your phone and try again.
• 📱 Incompatible firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version or roll back to a stable assembly.

2.Apps in second space fly out

It's got to do with restrictions. MIUI - The solution:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the problem application → Battery → No restrictions.
3. Enable AutoRun and Secondary Start.

3. Mobile network disappears when switching

Frequent issue on Redmi Note 9 with two SIM-- The corrective:

• 📶 In each space, manually select the operator in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🔄 Restart your phone after setting up the network in both spaces.

4. Google Play is not working in the second space

Related to restrictions of Google Mobile Services (GMS). Decision:

1. Delete your Google account in the second space.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Go to Settings. → Accounts and add an account again.

💡

If the camera is not working in the second space, check if the permissions for the Camera application are disabled in the privacy settings.

How to remove the second space and bring it back

If you don't need the function anymore or the Causes problem, you can turn it off. Importantly, all the data in the second space will be deleted without any recovery.

Method 1: Through the MIUI settings

1. Go to Settings → Special Functions → Second Space.
2. Select Remove the Second Space.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't boot)

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe & Reset → Erase Second Space (Navigation with Volume buttons).
4. Confirm the reset and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: If you used Second Space to hide data (such as photos or messages), copy it to an external drive or to the cloud before deleting it!

Second Space Comparison with Other Data Sharing Methods

Second Space is not the only way to isolate data on the Redmi Note 9. Let’s look at the alternatives and their pros and cons:

For most Redmi Note 9 users, Second Space remains the optimal solution due to the balance between functionality and performance. However, if you want more flexible configuration (for example, separate accounts with different rights), you should consider Android multiplayer mode or specialized applications like Island (requires root rights).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Redmi Note 9