How to Install Second Space on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide with Nuances

Why you need a second space on a Xiaomi smartphone

The dual app feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to create a completely isolated copy of the system with separate applications, data and settings. It's not just cloning messengers, but a full-fledged second user profile with a unique desktop, accounts and even system parameters. MIUI It does not require the rights of a superuser.

The main use cases are work-life separation, risk-free application testing for the main profile, simultaneous logging into multiple social media accounts or messengers, such as WhatsApp with personal chats in the main space and WhatsApp working in the second, both of which will work in parallel, receiving notifications independently of each other.

It's important to understand that the second space is not the same as guest mode on Android. Here you get two full desktops with the ability to quickly switch between them through the notification curtain or lock button. All the data in the second space is encrypted and stored separately, which provides an additional level of privacy.

Requirements for the device and version of MIUI

The second space feature is not available on all Xiaomi devices, but here are the key requirements:

• 📱 Smartphone models: all devices on MIUI 8 and newer (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark: Exceptions are budget models with 2GB of RAM (e.g. Redmi). 5A), where the function may not be.
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: minimum MIUI 8.5. Nana MIUI 12/13/14 The interface of creating space has changed, but the essence remains the same.
• 🔒 Firmware region: the function works on global (Global), Chinese (China) and European (EEA) version MIUI. On custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) may not be available.
• 📦 Free space: The second space takes up between 1.5GB and 3GB depending on the number of cloned apps.Make sure there is at least 5GB of free space on the device.

Check out the MIUI version in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have MIUI 14 or later installed, the second space creation interface will be integrated into the Features section (previously – Additional).

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader) and installed TWRP creating a second space can cause malfunctions in Magisk and Xposed modules. Before setting up, it is recommended to disable all modifications.

Step-by-step instructions for creating a second space

The setup process takes no more than 5 minutes. Follow the instructions for your version of MIUI:

MIUI 12/13/14 (relevant for most devices)

1. Open Settings and go to Features (or additionally on older versions).
2. Select Second Space (Dual Apps & Clone on some firmware).
3. Click Create a second space and confirm the action.
4. Enter the name for the second profile (e.g., “Work”) and set a password (optional, but recommended for security).
5. Wait until the process is completed (it takes 1-3 minutes).

MIUI 8/9/10 (Older versions)

On the old firmware, the path to setting up is different:

1. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Second Space.
2. Click Create and follow the system's prompts.
3. After creating, switch between spaces through the Notification Curtain → User Icon.

After creating the second space, an additional profile will appear on the lock screen. You can configure a separate profile for it. PIN-code, fingerprint or pattern lock.

Configuring applications in the second space

By default, the second space is created with a basic set of system applications (Settings, Phone, Messages). To add other programs, follow the following steps:

1. Switch to the second space through the notification curtain.
2. Open Settings → Applications → Cloning applications.
3. Select the apps you want to duplicate (e.g. Telegram, Viber, Instagram).
4. Confirm cloning. Apps will appear on the desktop with a badge 👥 corner.

Some apps (like the Google Play Store) can't be cloned, so you'll have to install them. APK-files manually or use alternative stores such as APKMirror or Aptoide.

⚠️ Note: Cloned apps in the second space don’t automatically update via Google Play, you’ll have to manually check for updates or use third-party tools like APKUpdater.

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To quickly distinguish between cloned apps, install unique icons for them through the Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher launcher.

Data management and synchronization

Every space on Xiaomi has its own file system, but the physical data is stored on one device.

Shared folders and files

By default, the second space does not have access to the main profile files.

• 📁 Transfer files: through the Explorer → Second space → Shared files.
• 🔗 Use the cloud: Mi Cloud or Google Drive to sync between spaces.
• 📎 Send via messengers: for example, send a file to yourself in Telegram from one space and download it in another.

Synchronization of contacts and calendar

Calendar contacts and events are not synchronized between spaces by default, to avoid duplication:

• Use Google Account for the main space and Mi Account for the second (or vice versa).
• Export contacts to a.vcf file and import them to another space.

Note that SMS and call log are also isolated. If you need to save your call history, use backup apps like Super Backup.

Optimizing productivity

The second space consumes the additional resources of the device, so that you don't slow down.

• 🔋 Limit background activity: in battery settings (Settings) → Battery → Battery Optimization: Turn off Auto-Run for cloned apps.
• 🗑️ Clear cache: Regularly delete temporary files through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Reboot the device: once in a while 2-3 Day to free up the working memory.
• 📉 Monitor the load: use the application CPU Monitor to track processor load.

On devices with 4 GB of RAM or less, it is recommended to clone no more than 5-7 applications, otherwise, you may slow down when switching between spaces.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors 4xx (Like Redmi. 9A) The second space may not work properly due to virtualization restrictions, and in this case, use alternatives like Island or Shelter from F-Droid.

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For maximum performance, disable interface animation in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times on "Version" MIUI", Then go to the developer settings. → The scale of the animation and set 0.5x).

Removing the second space and resetting settings

If the second space is no longer needed, it can be removed without affecting the main profile.

1. Switch to the main space.
2. Open Settings → Features → Second Space
3. Select Remove the Second Space.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 1-2 minutes).

All data in the second space will be deleted without recovery, and if you need to save files, transfer them to the main space or to an external drive.

In case of failure (for example, if the second space does not open), reset via Settings → Memory → Reset to factory settings by selecting the option to Clean only the second space.

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Before removing the second space, export important data (such as WhatsApp chats) through built-in app backup features.

Alternative ways to create a second space

If your device does not support the built-in Dual Apps feature, consider alternative solutions:

• 🛡️ Island (by Oasis Feng): an application to create an isolated profile based on Android Work Profile. Works without root, but requires manual configuration.
• 🔐 Shelter: Open-source Island fork. Supports app cloning and tracker blocking.
• 🤖 Parallel Space: a popular application for creating virtual space, but contains advertising and can slow down on weak devices.
• 🔧 Root solutions: Xposed + App Cloner or Magisk + MultiUser Mod. Requires unlocking the bootloader.

Comparison of alternatives with the built-in Xiaomi feature:

For most users, Xiaomi’s built-in solution remains the best choice due to its stability and integration with the system. Alternatives should only be considered if your device does not support Dual Apps or you need advanced isolation features.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Xiaomi