Removing Second Space on Xiaomi Mi8: The Complete Guide

Owners of Xiaomi Mi8 smartphones often face the need to distinguish between personal and work information, which uses the function of Second Space. This tool allows you to create an isolated environment on the device, effectively turning one phone into two independent gadgets with different passwords and a set of applications. However, during operation, users may find that standard deactivation methods do not work correctly, or the system requires a complete deletion of the profile to free up resources.

The procedure for disabling this feature on MIUI has its own nuances, which depend on the version of the Android operating system and the shell installed on your Mi8. Unlike simple switching between profiles, complete deletion requires care, since all data in the Second Space will be irretrievably lost. Below we will discuss in detail the algorithms of actions that will help to safely remove the excess environment and return the system to its original configuration.

It is worth noting that sometimes users are looking for a way to remove space because they have encountered sync bugs or want to improve the performance of the device. Second Space removes up to 2-3 GB of RAM and CPU time that were previously reserved for isolated profile background services. Before starting any manipulations, make sure that you have access to the main administrator account, as without it it it it will be impossible to make changes to system settings.

Preparing for the removal of the Second Space profile

Before we take any drastic action to uninstall the virtual environment, we need to do a number of preparatory steps, which is critical because the deletion process is irreversible for the data stored inside the insulated container, and if you just switch to the main profile and start deletion, all the information in the second space will be erased forever.

First of all, you need to log into Second Space using a previously installed password, a pattern lock, or a fingerprint attached to that profile. Only by being inside that environment will you be able to estimate the amount of data that needs saving. Check the gallery, contacts, notes, and installed applications that may have been created or downloaded exclusively for this mode.

It is recommended to use built-in MIUI tools or third-party cloud services for backup. You can manually transfer photos and documents to the main space through the file manager if the system provides such access, or upload them to Google Drive or Mi Cloud. It is also worth writing passwords from important applications, since after deleting the profile, you will have to log in again.

⚠️ Note: After confirming the removal of the Second space to restore deleted photos, correspondence in messengers and setting up applications will be impossible by any standard means.

Standard method of deactivation through settings

The most secure and provided by the developers of Xiaomi, the way to disable the feature is in the system menu settings. the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (whether it is a global version or a Chinese build), but the logic of actions remains the same for the Mi8 model. First, make sure that you are in the Main Space, as the management of the second profile is from there.

Go to the settings menu of your smartphone. You need to find the section responsible for additional system functions. In current versions of firmware, the path usually looks like this: Settings → Additional features → Second space. In some cases, this item can be displayed in a separate application with an icon that resembles two intersecting circles or squares.

Once you log into the control menu, you'll see the current status of the function and the switch button, but we don't just need to switch, but we need to delete the profile. To do this, look for the gear icon or the three-dot menu in the upper right corner of the screen. By clicking on it, you'll open a drop-down list where the option to delete the second space will be available.

The system will issue a warning message that all data will be destroyed, a standard measure of protection against random user actions, you will need to confirm your consent by clicking the appropriate button, and possibly enter the screen unlock password or the password from the Mi Account to confirm the administrator's rights.

Removal through the Security App

An alternative, but equally effective method is to use the system application Security, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi Mi8 smartphones. This method is especially useful if direct access through the settings menu is for some reason difficult or hidden in the deep submenus of your shell version.

Launch the Security app (green shield icon). In the bottom menu or tool list, find the Second Space section. If you can't see it on the app's home screen, click on the "More" button or scroll down the tool list. Inside, you'll find the memory information with the second profile and the control buttons.

The interface inside the Security app often offers more detailed statistics, so you can not only remove space, but also clear it of debris before removing it. Press the delete button, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen or in the settings menu inside this section, and the system will request confirmation of the operation.

• 📱 Open the Security app on the home screen.
• 🔍 Find the icon or section Second space in the tool list.
• 🗑️ Click on the delete button or basket icon in the profile management interface.
• ✅ Confirm the operation of entering a password or biometrics.

Using this method ensures that you activate a system cleaning mechanism that will properly untie accounts and free the file system. Once the process is complete, the smartphone can automatically restart, which is normal for the system to behave in case of major configuration changes.

Problem Solving: If Space Is Not Removed

Xiaomi Mi8 users sometimes face a situation where standard methods do not work: the delete button does not respond, the process freezes, or the system gives an error. This can be due to software failures, file indexes corruption or running processes in the Second Space conflict.

One common reason for blocking deletion is the active use of applications within the profile, for example, if the second space is loading a file, synchronizing large amounts of data or running a navigator, the system can block deletion to prevent data loss, in which case you must force the closure of all applications.

To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Switch to view all applications (including system ones if you have one, or filter through the second space if the menu allows). Find active processes and stop them. If that doesn't help, try to force the device to restart by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.

⚠️ Note: If the standard removal is suspended during the stage 90-99%, Do not remove the battery (if it is not removable) or try to reset the settings via Recovery immediately. 10-15 minutes, the process can be completed in the background.

In rare cases where a software failure is profound, it may be necessary to clear the cache of the system application responsible for the operation of the profiles. This is done through the Settings menu → Apps → All applications → Second space → Memory → Clear the cache. After this procedure, try to try again to delete.

Comparison of disposal methods: table

To make it easier to deactivate the function, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you understand which method is best for your situation, whether it is a regular shutdown or a solution to freeze problems.

As you can see from the table, standard methods are the most preferred. the use of Hard Reset is recommended only in extreme cases when the system is completely locked and does not respond to profile management commands, as this will remove all data from the device, not just from the Second Space.

System Restore after Remove

After successfully removing Second Space on the Xiaomi Mi8, the system performs a number of background optimization operations, and you may notice that the phone is a little slower in the first minutes, file indexing and memory redistribution are going on, which is normal behavior that doesn't require user intervention.

Check the device storage. Go to Settings → Memory and make sure that the amount of space occupied has decreased in proportion to the size of the remote profile. If the space has not been vacated, there may be temporary files left, in which case use the built-in cleaner in the Security application to remove residual debris.

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After removing the Second Space, it is recommended to restart the smartphone, even if the system did not request it, which will help to correctly redistribute the CPU resources and clear the RAM from the remaining service processes.

It’s also worth checking notification and permission settings for apps in the main space. Sometimes, after deleting an isolated profile, some file associations or notification settings for apps that have been installed in both spaces may be lost, and make sure all important messengers and social networks work correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The main purpose of removing the Second Space is not only to free up space, but also to eliminate the background load on the processor, which is especially important for devices that have been in use for several years.