Xiaomi smartphone owners often use the “Second Space” feature to separate personal and work data or to create a safe zone for children. However, over time, this isolated environment can take up a significant amount of internal memory, slow down the device or simply stop being relevant. Deleting this partition requires care, since the process is irreversible and affects all files inside the isolated system.
Before we take any drastic action, we need to be clear about the difference between simply switching profiles and completely erasing data. Many users mistakenly believe that removing the shell application will solve the problem, but the architecture of MIUI and HyperOS is different. The second space is a full user profile with its settings, accounts and cache, which requires a specific approach to uninstallation.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the steps in preparation, backup and deletion, and learn how to avoid common errors when the system blocks access to reset functions, and what to do if standard methods do not work.
Preparation for deletion and backup of data
The first and most critical step is to save important information. Since the process of deleting the Second Space involves completely formatting its partition, it will be impossible to restore files after the operation is completed.
Check the gallery, voice recorder and download folder. Users often forget that screenshots taken in isolation are stored there, not in the main profile. It is also worth checking the list of installed applications, as some of them may contain local data that is not synchronized with the cloud.
⚠️ Warning: Deleting the Second Space will result in the irretrievable loss of all data inside it.Make sure you copy all the necessary photos, videos and documents to your computer or to Xiaomi Cloud/Google Drive cloud storage before starting the procedure.
Use a built-in Explorer to transfer files. Select the objects you want, select Send, and transfer them via Bluetooth or Mi Drop (ShareMe) to your Main Profile. Alternatively, connect to your PC via USB, but in this case the phone may appear as two different devices or require you to switch access modes.
☑️ Checklist before removal
Standard method of removal through system settings
The safest and most correct method of deactivating an isolated profile is built directly into the MIUI shell interface, which ensures that system files are deleted correctly and that there are no registry errors. First, go to the Main Space, as the second profile is managed from there.
Open the settings menu and find the optional section. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. You'll need to find Second Space. If you're using a new HyperOS, the icon may be called differently or hidden in the Special Opportunities menu.
Inside the menu, you'll see the profile switch and delete button. By clicking on the cart icon or the "Delete Second Space" button, the system will request confirmation. This is the final barrier to prevent accidental erasure. Once you enter the unlock password or the pattern lock, the cleanup process will begin.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Second Space (or through the Security App»).
- 🗑️ Click on the settings icon (cog) or the menu button in the corner of the screen.
- ❌ Select the option “Delete the second space” and confirm the action with a password.
- ⏳ Wait until the process is complete, the phone can restart automatically.
After the reboot, the system will report a successful deletion, and you will notice that the amount of free memory has increased, and the profile switching shortcuts have disappeared from the application list. If the delete button is inactive (gray), this may mean that parental controls are enabled or corporate profile restrictions are in place.
What to do if the removal button is inactive?
Removal through the Security App
Some versions of Xiaomi’s firmware have access to space management in the system’s Security app, which is designed to make it easier for users who are used to cleaning the memory and speeding up the phone through the tool, a method that is completely similar to the settings, but the interface can be more understandable.
Run the green shield app on the icon. Scroll down to the "Second Space" section, and you'll see a quick stat on how much space the profile takes up and how many apps are installed.
The interface will tell you to either switch or delete your profile. Choose to delete. The system will warn you about the risks again. This method is especially useful if the standard settings menu is bugged or not opened due to a system error in the interface.
Importantly, the Security app also allows you to manage permissions for Second Space before you delete it, and you can pre-disable microphone or geolocation access if you suspect that there is malware left in the isolated profile, although this is no longer critical if you remove it completely.
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If you can’t find the feature through search in settings, try typing the phrase “Second Space” or “Second Space” in English in the search box, as some global firmwares may have different translations.
Problem Solving: What to do if you can’t remove it
It is not uncommon for a system to refuse to delete a profile, which can be caused by a system process called sec (Second Space Controller) or a conflict of access rights. If standard methods do not work, try to force the service to stop.
Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Find Second Space (may be called Second Space or have a system icon) on the list. Click Stop and Clear Data. Then try to start the deletion procedure again through the settings.
Another common problem is a forgotten password, and if you don't remember the password or pattern lock for Second Space, the system won't let you delete it for security reasons, and then only a complete reset of the phone to factory settings will help, which will remove the data from the Main Profile too.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Remove button gray | Do Not Disturb or Restrictions Mode Enabled | Check the restrictions and parental controls settings |
| Error in removal | Systemic process employment | Restart the phone and try again |
| Forgot the password. | Prolonged non-use of profile | Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset) |
| Profile not removed until the end | File system errors | Use Recovery Mode to Clean Up |
In extreme cases, when software methods are powerless, you can use the ADB-commands to force the user to be removed, but this requires a computer and debugging skills. --fg 999 (where 999 — ID The second user may force the profile to be erased, but use it with caution.
Differences in the procedure on different versions of MIUI and HyperOS
The interface and layout of features in Xiaomi smartphones are constantly changing. On older versions of MIUI 12 and MIUI 13, space management was more explicit and was on the top of the settings menu. With the release of MIUI 14 and the new HyperOS, the company began to hide this feature deeper so as not to overload the user interface.
With HyperOS, the memory algorithm has been changed, and deleting a profile may take longer because of more thorough virus screening before erasing, and the visual component has also changed, with deletion animations smoother and warnings more detailed.
On some global firmware versions (Global ROM), the Second Space feature can be completely hidden or replaced with Guest Mode, which works differently. In Guest Mode, data is not isolated so tightly, and it is deleted simply by logging out of the guest account, which takes seconds.
Chinese firmware (CN ROM) owners have advanced options for setting up Second Space, including installing separate wallpapers, melodies and even different system fonts for each profile, and when deleting themes on such devices, it is important to reset the themes so that the Main Profile does not remain with “broken” links to resources.
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The firmware version directly affects menu layout and function speed. Always specify the current path for your specific model and regional version of the software.