How to remove the second space on Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step instructions

Many owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones use the “Second Space” function to separate work and personal data, but over time, the need for this twin disappears. Deleting this section is not always an obvious process, since the standard menu can hide the necessary options depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS. Users often face a situation where the delete button is inactive or hidden in the depth of system settings, which causes confusion.

In this article, we will take a look at all the current methods of deactivating and completely deleting a virtual profile. You will learn how to properly clean a device’s memory by returning hundreds of megabytes or even gigabytes that a copy of the operating system used to take up. It is important to understand that simply turning off a function does not always mean completely erasing data, so you need to perform a series of sequential actions.

Before we start taking drastic measures, it is worth making sure that all important files from the deleted profile have been saved. The cleanup process is irreversible for the data inside the Second Space, so neglecting backup can lead to the loss of photos and documents. Next we will look at secure algorithms for actions.

What is the Second Space and Why Delete It

The second space is a unique feature of the MIUI shell, which allows you to create on one device, in fact, a second smartphone with a separate set of applications, accounts and settings. It's similar to creating a new user on the Windows or Linux operating system, but it's more mobile-friendly. The system isolates data, so the applications in the main profile do not see files in the second, which is convenient for privacy.

But there's a downside to this: having a twin consumes significant resources. RAM is loaded with background processes on both profiles, and internal storage is filled with duplicate system files and application cache. If you stop using separation, removing the extra profile is a great way to speed up the gadget.

Often users forget about the feature turned on or leave it “just in case” without realizing that it continues to work in the background, which can lead to faster battery discharge and heating of the case, as the processor has to serve two active environments, and some notifications may come with a delay due to the allocation of system resources.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting the Second Space will permanently erase all data stored inside it, and photos, contacts and messaging messages will be lost unless they are moved in advance.

There are several scenarios where deletion is the only right solution, such as selling a phone to a new owner or handing over a device to a child, where you need to make sure that hidden data is completely destroyed, and this is also true when troubleshooting performance problems, where you need to eliminate the influence of background processes.

Preparing for deletion: backup of data

The first and most critical step is to save important information, because deleting a profile erases all content without the ability to recover through the Recycle Bin, you need to manually transfer files, and the easiest way to do this is through the built-in file manager, switching to the Second Space file mode.

To do this, go to the Second Space settings and select the file port option. The system will suggest selecting data categories: images, videos, music or documents. After selecting, the files will be copied to the root folder of the main profile, from where they can be found later.

• 📸 Open the gallery in the second profile and select important images to transfer to the cloud or computer.
• 💬 Backup chats in WhatsApp and Telegram if they are installed in a deleted profile.
• 📂 Check the Downloads folder for documents that could have been saved automatically.
• 📞 Export your contacts to your Google account so they don’t disappear when reset.

Don't forget to log in to apps. If you've used a second profile to log in to social networks or banking apps, make sure you remember passwords or have access to a phone number to recover. Once you delete the profile, you'll have to log in again in the main space.

Standard method of removal through MIUI settings

The most correct and safe method of deactivation is to use the standard system interface, which ensures that system files are deleted correctly and the application registry is cleaned, and you need to go to the basic settings of the smartphone, scrolling the list to the item "Second Space".

In the menu that opens, you'll see the profile switch button and the control button. If you click on the gear icon or the three dots in the corner of the screen, you'll be taken to the control menu. Here's the key option, "Delete the second space," the system will request confirmation of action and alert you to data loss.

If the delete button is inactive (gray), this may mean that the password or fingerprint protection function is enabled to enter the second profile, in which case you first need to turn off the protection in the corresponding submenu by entering the current password or pin code.

The deletion process can take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the amount of data accumulated, during which time it is not recommended to interrupt the phone or turn off the screen so as not to damage the file system, and after completion, the device will automatically restart or return to the main profile screen.

Removal through the Security App

In some versions of the MIUI shell, hidden functions are managed in the system application Security. This is a standard Xiaomi tool that contains optimizers and privacy settings. If you can’t log in through the usual settings, it is worth checking this section.

Run the Security app and find the Second Space or Hide Apps section. The interface may vary depending on the regional firmware (Global, China, EEA), and there should also be a profile management button to initiate deletion.

Sometimes the system requires you to enter a special password or a pattern lock that was set when you created the profile, and if you forget this code, standard deletion will become impossible, and you will have to resort to more radical methods, described below.

• 🔒 Open the Security app on the home screen.
• 🔍 Find a section related to privacy or a second space.
• 🗑️ Select the removal option and confirm the action.

It is important to note that after deleting through this application, there may be “tails” in the form of empty folders in the file system, it is recommended that after the procedure, check the storage and clear the cache of the system if necessary, this will help free up some more space.

⚠️ Note: If you use third-party launchers or design themes, the Security interface may not display correctly. Return the standard theme to access all features.

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Before you delete, take a screenshot of the list of apps installed in the second space, which will help you remember to install them again in the main profile if you need them.

Radical method: full reset (Hard Reset)

If standard methods don't work, your password is lost, or your system is running with critical errors, the only way out is a complete factory reset, and this method will remove all data from your phone, including your main profile, so it's a last resort.

To do the reset, go to the Recovery menu. Turn off your smartphone completely, then press the combination of the power buttons and turn up the volume. Hold them until the Mi logo or the recovery menu appears. The interface language can be English or Chinese.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

Once the confirmation point is selected, the system will request final consent, often requiring you to press the button again or enter the code displayed on the screen. The formatting process will take time. Once it is completed, the phone will restart as new, and the Second Space will disappear along with all the other data.

This is a way to ensure that any traces of the second profile are removed, as the file markup is recreated, but it takes time to set up the phone and install the apps, and only use this method if other options are exhausted.

💡

Hard Reset is the only way to delete Second Space if you forget the login password, but it will result in the loss of all data on your phone.

Possible problems and solutions

When deleting a profile, users may encounter various errors, such as the process may be stuck in the cleaning phase, in which case you should not panic: wait at least 10-15 minutes, if the progress bar does not move, you may need to force a reboot.

Another common problem is broken links to apps, and once you delete the second space, some icons may remain on the desktop, but when you click, they give you an error, which is normal, because shortcuts are not automatically deleted. They just need to be manually removed.

There is also a situation where memory space is not released immediately after deletion, which is due to the TRIM mechanism in the Android file system, which marks the vacant cells as available for writing, and the real freeing up of space can occur after a reboot or in the background for an hour.

• 🔄 Restart the device if the interface is not working properly after removal.
• 🧹 Use a built-in cleaner to remove residual files.
• 📲 Update the system to the latest version if the error is programmatic.

If none of these things work, and Second Space keeps appearing or hanging in the process, the system files may be damaged, and then you can only flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool, which is a more complex procedure that requires skill.