How to create a second space on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: the complete guide

Why do you need a second space on the Redmi 9A?

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a popular model among users who value the balance of price and functionality, but even on a budget device, you can implement advanced features such as a second workspace, which allows you to create a completely isolated copy of the system with separate applications, settings and data.

Imagine if you had one phone but two independent profiles, one for corporate messaging and documents, one for personal social media and entertainment, or you shared a device with a family member, while keeping it private, and the other space solved those problems without having to buy an extra gadget.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate and configure the second space on Redmi 9A, what limitations exist, and how to avoid typical errors. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 based on Android 10/11.

What is the Second Space and How Does It Work?

Second Space is a proprietary development of Xiaomi that allows you to create an isolated copy of the operating system on one device, essentially two independent user profiles with:

• 📱 Separate desktops and widgets
• 🔐 Different accounts. Google/Mi
• 📂 Isolated files and media library
• 🔄 Own system settings

Technically, the second space is implemented through the Android Work Profile mechanism, but with advanced features. It consumes additional resources (about 1-1.5 GB of memory), but does not affect the performance in the usual mode.

It's important to understand that this is not a full-fledged virtual machine, but rather a sandbox with limited access to system functions.

• ❌ Install system updates separately
• ❌ Get root rights regardless of the main profile
• ❌ Use some functions MIUI (Like the Game Turbo)

Requirements and preparations for the second space

Before activating the second space on Redmi 9A, make sure your device meets the minimum requirements:

If your Redmi 9A meets these parameters, do the following:

1. Backup important data through Settings → About Phone → Backup
2. Make sure there are no active system updates on the device.
3. Close all background applications
4. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (recommended)

Note that if your device is activated with developer mode or has unofficial firmware installed, the process of creating a second space may result in an error, in which case it is recommended to reset the settings to the factory.

Step-by-step instructions for creating a second space

Now, to the actual creation of the second workspace, follow the instructions carefully, because some steps need to be confirmed.

1. Open the settings on your Redmi 9A
2. Scroll down and select Special Opportunities section
3. Click on Second Space (Second Space)
4. Read the functional limitations warning carefully and click on Next
5. Specify the unlock method for the second space (may differ from the main one): 🔢 PIN-code (recommended) 🔑 pattern lock 👆 Fingerprint (if supported)

Ready.

The creation process will take 2-5 minutes depending on the system load, and when you complete the process, you will see a notification of successful activation, and now a new space switch will appear in the notification panel.

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If some applications don't show up after creating the second space, try restarting the device. This often solves synchronization problems.

To switch between spaces:

1. Swipe down to open the notification panel
2. Find the icon Second Space (two circles)
3. Click on it and enter the second space password.

Configuring and optimizing the second space

Once you've created the second space, you need to set it up properly.

1. Personalization of the desktop

Every space has its own desktop, so you can change it.

1. Move to the second space
2. Long press on the empty screen → Screen settings
3. Choose wallpaper, style icons and widgets

2. Application management

By default, the second space contains only the basic applications.

1. Open Play Market in the Second Space
2. Sign in with another Google account (recommended)
3. Install the required applications

To clone applications from the main space:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Cloning of applications
2. Choose the apps that should be available in both spaces

Limitations and possible problems

Despite the convenience, the second space on the Redmi 9A has a number of limitations that you should be aware of in advance:

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) may block the second space, considering it as a potentially unsafe environment.

Typical problems and their solutions:

Critical information: On 2GB RAM devices (the base version of Redmi 9A), simultaneous operation in both spaces can lead to forced application closure, in which case it is recommended to use the spaces alternately, rather than in parallel.

Alternative ways of sharing space

If the second space for some reason does not suit you, consider alternative options:

1. Guest mode

An easier alternative to temporary access:

1. Go to Settings → System → Additional → Guest mode
2. Activate the mode and set the restrictions

Annexes for cloning

Third-party solutions like Parallel Space or 2Accounts offer similar functionality, but with enhanced features:

• 🔄 Support for multiple clones of one application
• 🛡️ Additional privacy settings
• 📱 Working on devices without official second space support

However, these apps have downsides: they consume more resources and can display ads. For the limited-spec Redmi 9A, it’s better to use the built-in MIUI feature.

Security and privacy advice

When using the second space, it is important to observe safety measures:

⚠️ Warning: Do not store sensitive data (passwords, document scans) in both spaces at the same time, and if a device is lost, an attacker can access both copies of data.

Protection recommendations:

• 🔒 Use different passwords for each space
• 📵 Turn off automatic login to critical applications
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI to correct vulnerabilities
• 📱 Set up Remote Cleaning through Settings → Google → Security

For additional protection, you can activate the encryption of the device:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Encryption
2. Choose Encrypt Your Phone and Follow the Instructions

Remember that encryption can slow down your device by 5-10%, but it can significantly improve your data protection.

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The second space on the Redmi 9A is a trade-off between usability and performance, and on devices with 2GB of RAM, it is recommended to use it only for basic tasks, avoiding resource-intensive applications.

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