Second Space on Xiaomi: How to Create, Configure and Use

Xiaomi’s second-space feature allows you to split your device into two separate zones with different apps, settings and data, ideal for those who want to separate work contacts from personal contacts, hide sensitive information or test new apps without risking the main profile. But how do you set it up to avoid errors or data loss?

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for creating a second space on MIUI 14/15, including hidden settings, feature limitations, and how to optimize it, and we will also discuss common problems (such as why applications are not synced or how to return access to the main space) and provide security recommendations.

⚠️ Important: The second space is not a full-fledged multiplayer system (like Android Go), it is designed for a single user with two isolated profiles, and some system functions (such as calls or calls). SMS) It will be duplicated in both spaces.

What is the second space on Xiaomi and why is it necessary?

Second Space is a proprietary MIUI function that creates an isolated copy of the operating system on one device, essentially two independent desktops with different desktops:

• 📱 Applications (you can install different sets in each space)
• 🔐 Data (photos, messages, files do not overlap)
• 🎨 Settings (wallpaper, themes, sounds, notifications)
• 🔄 Accounts (you can link different Google or Mi Accounts)

Main use cases:

• 💼 Work and personal life: separate corporate apps (e.g. Slack, Outlook) and personal apps (e.g. social media, games).
• 🔒 Privacy: Hiding information from outsiders who may take your phone.
• 🧪 Testing: Check beta versions of apps or custom firmware without risking the main profile.
• 👶 Parental Controls: Create a limited space for your child with only access to secure apps.

⚠️ Warning: Second Space Does Not Encrypt Data – Use Settings for Full Protection → Password and security → Device encryption. Also note that some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) may block the second space due to security policies.

Supported models and versions of MIUI

The second space feature is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI 8 and later.

To check if there is a feature on your device:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Scroll down and find the second space.
3. If you don’t have a paragraph, upgrade your MIUI to the latest version or use alternative methods (see section below).

💡 Tip: Some devices have hidden the function. To activate it, type the phone code ##6484### (not working on all models).

Step-by-step: how to create a second space

The process of creating takes 5-10 minutes. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid errors:

1. Open the settings: Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Set up password: The system will require you to set a separate password for the second space (may differ from the main one). Use a combination of numbers/letters or a pattern lock. 💡Do not use the same password as the main space! In case of loss of password, the data of the second space will not be available without resetting.
3. Select data to copy: You can transfer to the second space: 📞 Contacts (optional) 📁 Files (selectively) 📱 Applications (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram)

⚠️ Note: Copying all data will take up to 30 minutes and require free space (minimum 2-3 GB).

Complete the setting:

Press Ready and wait for the reboot. Once the device is turned on, select the login space.

🔹 How to Switch Between Spaces:

• Swipe down the lock screen and select the desired space.
• Or go to Settings → Second Space → Switch.

Configuring and optimizing the second space

Once you've created the second space, you have to adjust it to your own needs.

1. Application management

By default, the second space will only have basic applications (Phone, Messages, Browser) to add others:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System.
3. Find the app you want (like Instagram) and click Clone for the second space.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Google Pay or banking) may not work in the second space due to restrictions on Google Mobile Services (GMS).

2. Data synchronization

By default, the data between the spaces is not synchronized.

• 📂 Use Mi File Manager and manually copy files to SecondSpace folder.
• ☁️ Configure a cloud service (like Google Drive or Mi Cloud) in both spaces.

3. Saving memory

The second space takes up extra space to free up the memory.

• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary apps through Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly (use Settings) → Warehouse → Cleanup).
• 📱 Turn off automatic app updates in second space.

Solving common problems

When using the second space, users often encounter errors. Here's how to fix them:

🔹 What to do if the second space is not created?

• 🔄 Restart the device and try again.
• 📱 Update. MIUI last-minute.
• 🛠️ Reset the settings to factory (pre-make a backup!).

💡

If the second space is not created on the supported model, try activating it through Developer Mode (includes in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times).

Alternatives to the second space on Xiaomi

If your device doesn’t support Second Space or the feature isn’t running smoothly, consider alternatives:

• 🔄 Android Multiplayer Mode: Available on some devices via Settings → System system → Users: Allows you to create a full second profile, but with limited rights.
• 📱 Cloning Apps: Use Parallel Space, 2Accounts Or Island (requires root) and these apps create an isolated environment for duplicate messengers and social networks.
• 🔒 Hidden folders and applications: Hide sensitive data in Settings → Confidentiality → Hidden folders or use Calculator Vault.

⚠️ Cloning apps may violate the security policies of some services (for example, banking applications or WhatsApp), which will lead to the blocking of the account.

Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know

The second space provides basic data isolation, but it's not a fully secure solution.

• 🔐 Password: Always set a complex password (at least 8 characters) for the second space. Avoid simple combinations like 1234 or date of birth.
• 📡 Network: Disable automatic connection to open Wi-Fi in second space to avoid data leakage.
• 📱 Appendices: Do not install suspicious APK-files in the second space – viruses can access the main profile.
• ☁️ Cloud: If you use Mi Cloud, turn off automatic contact and photo sync for the second space.

💡 Tip: For maximum security, set up two-factor authentication for Mi Account and link it to the main space.This will help restore access if you forget the password from the second profile.

🔹 How to check if the second space is broken?

• Check the Settings. → Accounts for Unknown Accounts.
• Open Settings → Apps → Permissions and find suspicious programs with access to SMS or contacts.
• Use an antivirus (like Dr.Web or Kaspersky) to scan both spaces.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Xiaomi