How to Create Second Space on Xiaomi Phone: A Complete Guide with Nuances

Modern Xiaomi smartphones on the basis MIUI The new system offers a unique feature – a second space (Second Space), which allows you to divide the device into two isolated zones with separate applications, data and settings. This feature is ideal for those who want to combine personal and work tasks on the same phone without risking confusing files or compromising privacy.

Unlike standard guest mode, the second space on Xiaomi works as a full-fledged second account with its own desktop, gallery and even a new one. IMEI (However, not all users know how to set it up correctly, what limitations exist, and how to avoid common errors. In this article, we will examine the process of creating a second space using an example of this. MIUI 14/15, We will tell about the hidden features of the function and warn against common problems.

Important: The second space feature isn’t available on all Xiaomi models, for example, it’s not available in the Redmi A budget series and some older devices.

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

The second space is an isolated environment on your smartphone that runs parallel to the main system.

• 📱 A separate desktop with a unique set of applications
• 🔒 Own security settings (password, fingerprint, Face) ID)
• 📁 Isolated file storage (photos, documents, downloads)
• 📞 The ability to use a second account Google/Mi Account
• 🔄 Independent Notifications and Background Processes

Main use cases:

• 💼 Separation of work and personal life: work messengers (Slack, Teams) and mail in one space, social networks and games in another.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Access: Parents can give their child a phone with limited second space.
• 🛡️ Application Testing: Installation of dubious software in the second space without risk to the main system.
• 🔄 Multi-accounting: Multi-profile simultaneous work in one application (e.g. two WhatsApp accounts).

Distinction from guest mode:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with 6/128 GB of memory and less than a second space can take up to 30% from the total volume, which will lead to a lack of space for the main user. → Warehouse.

Supported models and versions of MIUI

The second space feature is available on most Xiaomi smartphones, POCO Redmi mid- and premium segments, starting with MIUI 12.There are nuances, however:

Full support (without limitation):

• 📱 Xiaomi series 11/12/13/14 (including Pro/Ultra)
• 📱 POCO F4/F5 Pro, POCO X5 Pro
• 📱 Redmi Note 11/12 Pro+, Redmi K50/K60
• 📱 Black Shark 5/6 (shelled JOYUI)

Partial support (may not be split) IMEI or limited storage capacity):

• 📱 Redmi Note 10/10S (only MIUI 13+)
• 📱 POCO X3 Pro, POCO M4 Pro
• 📱 Mi 10 Lite, Mi 9T Pro

Not supporting:

• ❌ All Redmi A series models (e.g. Redmi) A1/A2)
• ❌ POCO C-series (POCO C50/C55)
• ❌ Android Go devices (e.g. Redmi Go)

To check the availability of the feature on your device:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Scroll down and find the Second Space section.
3. If there is no item, your model does not support the function.

Step-by-step instructions for creating a second space

The setup process takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires attention to detail.

1. Open Settings: Go to Settings → Special facilities → Second space. Some models may have different paths: Settings → Confidentiality → Second space.
2. Click "Create a Second Space": The system will prompt you to select the security method: Password, Fingerprint or Face ID. We recommend setting a separate password other than the main one.
3. Select memory: Minimum volume is 1 GB, but for comfortable work it is better to allocate 8-16 GB. Note that this space will be reserved forever and will not return to the main storage after the second space is deleted.
4. Wait for the setup to be completed: The process can take up to 10 minutes depending on the model.The phone will reboot automatically.
5. Configure the second space: After rebooting, select the Second Space in the lock menu. The system will prompt you to go through the initial setup, as when you first turn on the phone.

Once you have created the second space, you can switch between the two:

• 🔄 Through the lock menu (swipe up on the lock screen).
• 🔄 Through the notification panel (the icon Two people).
• 🔄 Voice command (if Google Assistant is configured): "Open second space".

⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Account for sync, the second space will require you to create a new account or log into an existing one as an additional profile!

Configuring and optimizing the second space

Once the second space is created, it needs to be set up properly to avoid performance and safety issues.

1. Application management

By default, the second space is empty, and you'll have to re-install all the applications, so you can save time.

• 📲 Use Cloning Applications in Settings → Annexes → Cloning for duplicate messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 📲 Install. APK-files directly if the application is not available in the Play Market for the second space.
• 📲 Turn off auto-update apps in the Play Market → Settings to save traffic.

2. Security and confidentiality

To protect the data:

• 🔐 Set different passwords for the main and second spaces.
• 🔐 Turn off notifications on the lock screen: Settings → Notifications → Confidentiality.
• 🔐 Configure Smart Lock for the main space only.

3. Optimization of productivity

The second space can slow down the phone, to minimize the lag.

• ⚡ Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Optimization.
• ⚡ Turn off animation: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (5 times to tap) → For developers → The scale of animation (off).
• ⚡ Use the light theme instead AMOLED-dark, if you have LCD-screen.

💡

If the second space does not have mobile Internet, check the settings. APN: Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) Add your operator’s parameters manually.

4. Data synchronization

By default, the spaces are completely isolated, but there are workarounds:

• 📁 Use Mi Share or cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) to transfer files).
• 📁 Set up dual apps for instant messengers to see notifications from both spaces.
• 📁 For contacts, export them to VCF-file in the main space and import in the second.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

When using the second space, users often encounter common errors, and here's how to fix them:

1. Lack of memory to create second space

If the system is running a "Lack of memory" error:

• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary files through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🗑️ Transfer your photos/video to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🗑️ Reduce the volume of the second space to 2-4 GB (minimum possible).

2. Applications do not work in the second space

Some applications (e.g. banking) can block work in an isolated environment.

• 🔧 Try to install it. APK manually (download from the official website).
• 🔧 Turn off Google Play Protect in Play Market Settings.
• 🔧 Use Cloning Apps Instead of Full Installation.

3.The phone brakes after creating a second space

This is normal for devices with 4/64 GB or less, to speed things up:

• ⚡ Turn off animation (see section above).
• ⚡ Set a lightweight theme in the design settings.
• ⚡ Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Optimization → Manual control.

4. Mobile Internet or Wi-Fi is not working.

Network problems in the second space are solved as follows:

• 📶 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.
• 📶 Manually add it. APN your operator (options can be found on the provider’s website).

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM-maps, in the second space by default active only SIM 1. To change, go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice SIM data-data.

How to remove second space from Xiaomi

If the function is no longer needed or takes up too much space, it can be deleted, and importantly, all the data in the second space will be erased forever.

Instructions for removal:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Select Remove the Second Space.
3. Confirm the action by entering the password from the main space.
4. Wait until the process is completed (the phone will restart).

After removal:

• 📉 The vacated space will return to the main storage facility.
• 🔄 All settings and applications of the second space will be removed.
• 📱 The space switch icon will disappear from the lock screen.

If the phone is slower after removal, optimize:

1. Clear the cache: Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Reset the device.
3. Check the space available – if it is less than 10%, delete the files that are not needed.

💡

Deleting the second space does not affect the main user’s data, but all files and settings from the isolated zone will be lost forever.

The Hidden Possibilities of Second Space

Few people know, but the second space on Xiaomi has a few hidden features that can be activated:

1. different wallpaper for each space

To visually distinguish spaces:

1. Move into the right space.
2. Hold your finger on the desktop → Wallpaper.
3. Choose a unique image for this space.

2. Quick switching through gestures

On some models (Xiaomi) 13/14, POCO F5) You can set up the switching of spaces by gesture:

1. Open the settings → Additional → Gestures.
2. Turn on the option to switch spaces.
3. Select a gesture (e.g., double tap on the lock screen).

3.Use of the second testing space

If you are a developer or tester, the second space can be used to:

• 🐞 Testing beta versions of applications without risk to the main system.
• 🐞 Checking the application on different versions MIUI (If there is another firmware installed in the second space).
• 🐞 Virus isolation: If malware appears in the second space, it will not infect the main one.

4. Separation of accounts in games

Gamers can use the second space to:

• 🎮 Playing on multiple accounts (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile).
• 🎮 Cheat testing (risky but possible).
• 🎮 Sharing progress in Google Play Games.

For this:

1. Set the game in the second space.
2. Sign in to another Google account or Mi Account.
3. Set up the Game Turbo separately for each space.

💡

To speed up the loading of the second space, turn off automatic data synchronization in Settings. → Accounts. → Synchronization. It'll cut the switching time by 20 to 30%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Xiaomi