How to Enable 2 Screens on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Many Xiaomi smartphone owners often wonder how to implement the functionality of the “two screens” on their device. In Xiaomi terminology, this most often means creating an isolated Second Space environment that completely separates personal data from working files. It is not just a folder hidden by a password, but a full-fledged copy of the operating system with its own set of applications and accounts.

This allows you to significantly improve privacy and structure digital content, so you can keep two different WhatsApp or Telegram accounts on the same device without having to clone apps through third-party utilities, and it works stably and is built directly into the MIUI or HyperOS shell.

An alternative is split-screen mode, where the display is divided into two active zones to work with two applications simultaneously. However, if your goal is to create a full-fledged second desktop with its own settings, you will need the Second Space feature. Below we will discuss in detail all available options for organizing multitasking.

What is the Second Space in MIUI?

The second space is a unique feature of the MIUI shell, which creates an isolated software environment, which looks like connecting a second physical device to a system, even though virtually all data is stored in the memory of a single smartphone, and is ideal for those who want to separate their work and personal profiles without buying a second gadget.

The main advantage is that you can use different system settings and passwords, so you can set your fingerprint so that when you unlock one finger, you open the main space and the other one opens the secret space, and this allows you to access the content you want instantly without having to switch to the menu.

All data in the Second Space is encrypted separately, and even when you connect your smartphone to your computer, files from a hidden profile will not appear in the shared file system without authorization, creating a strong barrier for prying eyes and protecting against the accidental deletion of important documents.

It is important to understand that some heavy games or specific banking applications may not work properly in the second profile due to Android security limitations. However, for most standard tasks - instant messengers, browsers, office suites - there are almost no restrictions.

Step-by-step activation of the second profile

The process of enabling the function takes no more than a minute and does not require root rights. Before you start manipulating, make sure that there is enough free space on your device, since creating a new profile will require additional memory for cache and application data.

To start the process, you need to go to the basic settings of the smartphone. Find a section that in different versions of the firmware can be called "Advanced Settings" or "Special features." That's where the space control center you're looking for hides.

Once you click the power button, the system will suggest setting up a quick switch method, you can choose a floating shortcut on your desktop or assign a specific combination of actions, and you will also need to specify a pattern lock or a digital code to enter the second profile.

Once you've completed the setup, you'll see a clean desktop, reminiscent of the phone you just bought, and you can install apps, log in to Google accounts, and customize the interface regardless of your primary profile, and switch between them instantly.

Setting up a quick switch

The convenience of using two profiles depends on the method of switching, the standard label in the notification curtain is the most obvious, but not always the fastest way, and the system offers several alternatives for more ergonomic control.

One of the most convenient methods is to use a side button or a designated gesture. In the Second Space settings, you can activate the option to switch by double pressing the lock button or specific tapping on the body, if the smartphone model supports such sensors.

Fingerprint switching is also available, so add a new fingerprint to the security menu and assign it to start Second Space. Now, if you put your finger on the scanner, you automatically get to the desired profile, bypassing the lock screen of the main account.

And widgets, too, can be placed on the desktop with a quick-junction widget that's always on hand, and this is especially true for models without a physical fingerprint scanner, where biometrics are built into the screen and can run slower.

Transferring data between spaces

Although spaces are isolated, Xiaomi has a secure file transfer mechanism that allows you to transfer photos, videos and documents from the main profile to the second and back, a process that does not require a computer connection or cloud storage.

To transfer files, use the built-in "Move Data" tool, which is in the Second Space settings, select the type of files you want to copy, and the system will create a copy of them in the target profile, saving the originals in place.

Note that when you copy applications, they are re-installed in the second space, and your game progress or in-app settings are not automatically synchronized unless the program itself uses cloud-based account synchronization.

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Use Mi Drop or Quick Share to quickly transfer large video files between spaces without making full copies if the feature is supported by your version of MIUI.

Deleting the Second Space leads to the complete erasure of all data contained in it. Before deactivating the function, be sure to transfer all important files to the main profile, otherwise it will be impossible to restore them even through service centers.

Screen split mode as an alternative

If you don’t want complete data isolation, but you just need to work with two applications simultaneously, use split-screen mode, which allows you to display the content of two programs on the same display, separating it horizontally or vertically.

To activate, open the menu of running applications (swipe from the bottom up and hold or menu button). Click on the app icon from the top or select "Share split". After that, select the second app from the list.

You can move the boundary between windows by changing the proportions of the space you occupy, which is convenient for watching videos while chatting or working with documents when you open your browser, but not all applications support this mode due to developer limitations.

⚠️ Warning: In split-screen mode, both applications are active and consume processor resources, which can lead to rapid battery discharge and body heat, especially on mid-range models.

Some users confuse splitting the screen with floating windows. A floating window is a small window on top of the main application that you can move around. It can be activated in the multitasking menu by selecting the appropriate icon next to the program name.

Frequent problems and their solution

When using the dual screen function, users may encounter a number of typical problems, most often they are associated with a lack of RAM or a conflict of application versions. If the second space is slow, try to close the background processes in the main profile.

Another common problem is that some banking applications cannot be installed in the second space, due to security policies that prohibit fintech applications from running in isolated environments or on devices with modified system files.

⚠️ Note: Notifications from applications in the Second Space may not come if the profile is closed.

If you encounter an error "Not enough space" when creating a profile, clear the system cache and delete unused files. For stable operation of the function, it is recommended to have at least 5-10 GB of free memory on the internal drive.

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The stability of Second Space depends not only on the version of MIUI, but also on the amount of free RAM. On devices with 3 GB of RAM or less, the function can work with delays.

In rare cases, resetting the second space without deleting it completely helps, clearing the temporary files and cache, returning performance, and you can do this from the Second Space Management menu by selecting "Clean Data".

Data security and privacy

The main question that users are concerned about is how securely the data is hidden: the second space is protected by a separate password, but physical access to the unlocked phone gives the theoretical possibility of resetting via the Recovery menu, although this will require a complex procedure.

For maximum security, it is recommended to use complex graphic keys and not to enable the display of the content of notifications on a locked screen, and it is also worth turning off debugging over USB in developer mode to prevent data from being read through the computer.

Hide applications in the main profile is not analogous to Second Space; it only hides icons, but does not protect data with encryption. Use an isolated profile or specialized safe applications to store sensitive information.

Back up your critical data regularly. Despite the reliability of the system, software failures do occur, copying contacts and photos to the cloud takes a couple of minutes, but saves you from losing important information in case of unforeseen circumstances.