How to create a second space on Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Why do you need a second space on Xiaomi Redmi?

The second space feature in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones allows you to create an isolated environment with separate applications, data and settings. This is useful for separating personal and work information, testing applications without risk to the main system or hiding confidential data from outsiders. Unlike the standard guest mode, the second space works as a full copy of Android with the ability to install any application.

Technology implemented at the firmware level MIUI It is available on most Redmi models starting with MIUI 8.It is important to understand that this is not a virtual machine, but an isolated user profile with a common core of the system.This means that both spaces use the same system resources, but application data (photos, messages, passwords) are stored separately.

Main use cases:

• 🔒 Separation of personal and work data on one device
• 🧪 Testing beta versions of applications without risk to the main system
• 👥 Providing limited access to the smartphone to other users
• 🛡️ Additional layer of protection for financial applications

Function requirements and limitations

Before creating a second space, make sure your device meets the following requirements:

Important limitations of function:

• 📱 Both spaces cannot work at the same time – switching through the lock menu is required.
• 🔄 System updates are installed simultaneously for both spaces.
• 📶 Some system functions (e.g., Find Device) only work in the main space.
• 💾 Applications take the place of double – each copy is installed separately

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, the second space function may not work stable or at all. Before using, check the firmware integrity in the Settings menu. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Step-by-step instructions for creating a second space

The setup process takes 5-10 You don't need any special knowledge:

1. Open Settings and go to Special Features (on some firmware – Additional).
2. Select Second Space, if you don't have an option, update your firmware or check your device model.
3. Click Create Second Space and confirm action. The device will reboot.
4. After the reboot, a space selection menu will appear. Select the Second Space and complete the initial setup (as when you first turn on your smartphone).

Check the version. MIUI (less than 8)

Free up 2+ GB of memory

Connect to charging (recommended)

Make a backup copy of the data-->

When you first start the second space, you will be offered:

• 🔐 Set a separate password/pattern lock (recommended to be different from the main one)
• 📱 Select which apps to clone from the main space
• 🌐 Set up accounts (you can skip and do it later)

⚠️ Note: If you use device encryption, the process of creating a second space will take much longer (up to 30 minutes.

Configuring and managing the second space

After creating the second space, the following management options are available:

To optimize the operation of the second space:

• 📵 Turn off autosynchronization to save battery
• 🗑️ Clean the cache in both spaces regularly through Settings → Memory.
• 🔄 Use lightweight versions of apps (like Facebook Lite)
• 📡 Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery

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For quick switching between spaces, add the Second Space widget to the home screen, which will save time with frequent use.

Addressing common problems

When working with the second space, users often face the following problems:

1.The second space is not created.

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📱 Not enough memory - release 2+ GB and try again
• 🔄 Outdated firmware - update MIUI through settings → Updating the system
• 🔧 No menu option – check the device model (some Redmis on Android One don’t support the feature)

2.Applications are not cloned

Limitations of cloning:

• 🚫 System applications (Settings, Phone, Messages) cannot be cloned
• 🔒 Some applications (for example, banking) block the work in a cloned form
• 📥 For cloning, the application must be installed in the main space.

3. data are synchronized between spaces

By default, the spaces are completely isolated, but some data may overlap:

• 📞 Calls and SMS — use common SIM-map (the story can be hidden through the settings of the Phone application)
• 📎 Files are shared folders (DCIM, Download is available from both spaces
• 🌐 Wi-Fi and mobile data – network settings shared by both spaces

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Account in both spaces, some data (contacts, calendar) may be synced through the cloud. To avoid this, use different accounts or disable sync in Settings → Accounts.

Security and confidentiality

The second space provides basic data isolation, but has limitations:

What's protected:

• 🔐 Local application data – messages, photos, cache stored separately
• 📱 Notifications – Not displayed from one space to another
• 🔑 Passwords and keys – saved logins / passwords do not overlap

Potential vulnerabilities:

• 🕵️ Root access – if you have superuser rights, you can access data from both spaces
• 📡 Network traffic – when using a common Wi-Fi/Mobile data can be tracked by activity
• 📱 Physical access – when unlocking the device, you can switch between spaces

To improve safety:

• 🔒 Use different passwords for each space
• 📵 Turn off the debugging. USB In Settings → For developers
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware (fix vulnerabilities) MIUI)
• 🛡️ Install antivirus software (e.g. Xiaomi Security) in both spaces

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The second space does not replace full-fledged device encryption, but for maximum protection of sensitive data, use it in combination with data partition encryption in security settings.

Alternative ways to isolate data

If the second space is not suitable for your tasks, consider alternatives:

For most Xiaomi Redmi users, the second space remains the best solution thanks to:

• 📱 Built-in support without additional applications
• 🔄 Easy switching between environments
• 📱 Minimal impact on productivity

However, if you want complete isolation with a separate file system (for example, for development), consider alternatives like Shelter using the Android Work Profile.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space