Using the Second Space split feature is a great way to separate personal photos from work files, but sometimes it becomes necessary to completely disable this mode. Users often face a situation where an additional profile is no longer needed, takes up memory or simply confuses the file structure. Deleting this partition requires care, since the process affects important system data.
Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones should know that simply removing the application will not help, as it is a system component of the MIUI or HyperOS shell. Complete removal of the second profile will lead to the irretrievable loss of all data stored inside it, including contacts, photos and installed applications.
This article details the process of deactivating the function, explains how to transfer information to the main space, and warns about possible risks. We will break down the nuances of working with different versions of firmware so that you can safely clean your device from unnecessary partitions.
What is the Second Space and Why Delete It
The second space is an isolated environment inside the Android operating system that works like a separate phone inside your smartphone, and it has its own settings, Google accounts, gallery and app list, and it creates a virtualization effect, allowing you to have two different data sets on the same physical device without having to install third-party launchers.
However, this feature is not always justified: many users notice that the background processes of the second profile consume RAM, which can slow down the main interface, and the presence of two profiles complicates the process of updating the system and backing up data.
The main reasons for refusing to use this option are:
- π Desire to free internal device memory from duplicate system files.
- π The need for increased battery life as second-space background services consume battery power.
- π Simplify navigation and file management so you donβt get confused between two galleries and two sets of settings.
β οΈ Note: Deleting the second space is an irreversible operation. Once confirmed, you will not be able to recover deleted files using standard system tools.
Preparing for Deletion: Data and File Transfer
Before you start eliminating an additional profile, it is critical to save all the necessary files. The system will not offer automatic data transfer when deleted, so this procedure must be performed manually. You can be in any of the spaces, but it is most convenient to manipulate the profile that is planned to be deleted.
There are several proven methods for transferring photos, videos and documents: The easiest way is to use cloud storage, such as Google Drive or Mi Cloud. Upload files to the cloud from the second space, then download them to main memory. Alternatively, transfer over Bluetooth or over Wi-Fi Direct, if both profiles are active at the same time.
You can also use a built-in Explorer to move files, and do the following:
- π Open the Explorer app in the second space.
- π€ Select the folders you want and click βSendβ or βShareΒ».
- π₯ Select a transfer method, such as βMi Dropβ or sending yourself in the messenger.
β οΈ Note: Do not forget to check the Downloads folder and hidden folders of messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), as there are often important documents that users forget about.
Contacts and notes require special attention. Make sure your Google account is synced, or export your contacts to a.vcf file and upload them to the main storage, and it's best to copy notes from a standard application manually or send them to a cloud clipboard.
βοΈ Preparation for profile removal
Step-by-step: how to disable the second space
The uninstall process is built into the system settings of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. The interface may vary slightly depending on the Android version, but the logic of actions remains the same for all models of Redmi Note, Xiaomi and Poco. It is important to act consistently so as not to get confused in the menu.
First, you need to go to the main settings menu, find the section that is responsible for additional functions, depending on the location of the firmware, it can be called "Special capabilities" or "Additional", and that's where virtual profile management hides.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Open the settings of your smartphone.
- Go to the Special Opportunities section (or additionally).
- Find and select the second space.
- In the menu that opens, click on the gear icon or the menu button in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Select the option to Remove the second space.
The system will issue a warning that all data will be destroyed, you will need to confirm the action by entering the unlock password or fingerprint if it is configured for this profile, and after confirmation, the cleaning process will begin, which can take from a few seconds to a minute depending on the amount of data accumulated.
What if the βDeleteβ item is not on the menu?
Deletion Nuances on Different Versions of MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi shells are constantly updated, and the menu layout can change. On older versions of MIUI (for example, 11 or 12), management was often in the βAdvanced Settingsβ section. In newer versions, such as MIUI 13, 14 and the new HyperOS, this functionality was moved to unify the interface.
Users of new firmware may notice changes in the logic of the work, for example, HyperOS emphasizes security, so the system can request a re-authorization through Mi Account before removing the system partition, which is protection from accidental deletion of data by attackers who access the phone.
Comparison of paths to settings in different versions of firmware:
| Shell version | The path to settings | Features of removal |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 11 / 12 | Settings β Advanced settings β Second space | Classic menu, removal through the gear |
| MIUI 13 / 14 | Settings β Special Opportunities β Second Space | Added synchronization warning |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings β Additional functions β Second space | Requires confirmation via Mi Account |
| Android 14 (Global) | Settings β Privacy protection β Special app access | It can be called Dual Apps in some regions. |
If you've recently updated and can't find a new item, search by settings. Type the word "Second" or "Second" in the search bar, and the system will redirect you to the desired section, which is the fastest way to navigate the confusing menus of new versions.
Problems in removal and ways to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes encounter errors: the system may give a message that deletion is impossible, or the process may freeze during the cleaning phase, most often due to active background processes or a lack of free memory for temporary operations.
One common problem is blocking the deletion of applications in the second profile, if a program is actively using the network or files, it can prevent the closure of space, in which case it is recommended to forcefully stop all applications or simply restart the smartphone before trying again.
It is also worth paying attention to the following possible difficulties:
- π Forgotten password: If you don't remember the password from the second space, you can't delete it in the standard way.
- πΎ Memory Lack: The system needs a little space to work properly. Free up at least 500MB.
- π± System failure: In rare cases, the settings interface may freeze.Try clearing the cache of the Settings appΒ».
β οΈ Note: If the system writes an error when deleting, do not attempt to delete system files through third-party file managers with Root rights.
In case of critical errors, when standard methods do not work, you can use the ADB-It requires a computer connection and the appropriate drivers. For most users, it's easy to restart the device and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can we restore the remote space?
Does the deletion of the profile affect the main space?
Do I need to remove applications installed in the second space separately?
Why is the Remove button inactive (gray)?
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Main result: Removing the Second Space is a safe operation for the system, but requires a mandatory prior backup of important data, since recovery is impossible.
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Tip: After removing the second space, it is recommended to restart the smartphone, which will help the system to redistribute the freed memory and update the file indexes for correct operation.