How to Include Second Space on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: guide

Xiaomi Redmi Smartphone 9A — One of the most popular budget devices, but few users know that it hides a useful feature of the second space. It is a separate work environment with its own applications, settings and data, which is ideal for separating personal life and work, testing programs or protecting sensitive information. Unlike guest mode, the second space works as a full copy of the system, but with isolated data.

You can turn on this function in a few minutes, but there are nuances: on Redmi 9A The procedure differs from Xiaomi’s flagship models due to memory and version limitations. MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all the activation methods, possible errors and give tips on optimizing the operation of two spaces on a device with 2-3 GB of RAM. If you have never used this feature, do not worry: our guide is suitable even for beginners.

What is the second space and why is it necessary?

The second space (or Dual Apps in some firmware) is a virtual copy of the operating system that runs parallel to the main one.

• 📱 Own set of applications (you can duplicate messengers, social networks, banking programs)
• 🔒 Isolated data (files, photos, passwords do not overlap with the main space)
• 🎨 Unique settings (wallpaper, themes, sounds, notifications)
• 🔄 Independent updates (you can test beta versions of the software without risk to the main system)

At Xiaomi Redmi. 9A function is particularly useful:

• 💼 Separation of work and personal life (for example, two WhatsApp or Telegram accounts)
• 🛡️ Protecting confidential data (the second space can be blocked with a separate password)
• 🧪 Testing applications or custom firmware without risking “breaking” the main system
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sharing the device (for example, a child can be allocated a separate space with limited rights)

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A The second space takes up an additional 2-4 GB of memory (depending on the number of duplicate applications) If you have less than 10% of the available space, the system can block the creation of a virtual environment.

Distinction from guest mode:

Preparing the smartphone before turning on the second space

There are several steps that you need to take before activating the function, or the system may fail to create a virtual environment or fail to produce an error.

Check the vacant space (minimum 3 GB)|Update MIUI last-minute|Remove unnecessary apps and cache|Turn off the power saving mode|Charge the battery at least 50 times%-->

The most common problem when creating a second space on Redmi 9A — Lack of memory: The device comes with 32 or 64 GB of internal memory, but after installing the system and preinstalled applications, there is little free space:

• 🗑️ Remove the application cache in Settings → Annexes → Clear the cache
• 📁 Transfer photos and videos to a memory card or cloud
• 🔄 Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play

Also check the version MIUI. On the Redmi. 9A The second space function is stable only on firmware MIUI 12.0.5 and later. You can find your version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If you have an older firmware, update it:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update
2. Click Check Updates and wait for the download
3. Install the update and restart the device

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 9A purchased in China or has custom firmware, the second space function can be disabled at the system level, in which case you will need to manually edit the build.prop file (only for power users!).

For work and personal matters|For testing applications|To protect confidential data|For the child/relatives|Other-->

Step-by-step: how to turn on the second space

Now, let's get to the main thing: activation. 9A There are two ways to do this: through standard settings or through hidden developer menus.

Method 1: Through the basic settings (recommended)

This method works for most devices with MIUI 12+ It does not require additional manipulation:

1. Open Settings (cog icon on the main screen)
2. Scroll down and select Special Opportunities
3. Slip on the item Second space (on some firmware - Dual Apps)
4. Click Create a Second Space and Confirm the Action
5. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 2-5 minutes)
6. After rebooting, select the Second Space in the screen lock menu.

If the second space is not in the settings, it means:

• 🔄 Your version. MIUI It is outdated (update it as described above)
• 📱 The device does not support the function (rarely, but it happens on some regional versions)
• 🔧 The function is hidden (try method 2)

Method 2: Through the Developer Menu (alternative)

If the standard method didn’t work, try enabling the second space through the hidden settings:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone Tapneta 7 times on the item Version MIUI (A notice will appear saying, “You have become a developer")

For developers

Second space

Multiple Users

Activate the switch and confirm the creation

After successful activation:

• 🔑 Set a separate password or pattern lock for the second space
• 📲 Set up duplicate apps (like two WhatsApp apps)
• 🔄 Restart the device for stable operation

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If after creating the second space, the smartphone began to slow down, reduce the number of duplicate applications or turn off animation in the developer settings (Settings) → For developers → The scale of window animation → No animation).

Configuring and optimizing the second space

So, you have to create a second space, half the battle, and you have to set it up properly so you don't have to run into lags or memory shortages. 9A:

1. Application management

By default, the second space copies all applications from the main one, but on a budget smartphone this leads to an overload of RAM.

• 📌 Leave only the necessary duplicates (for example, messengers and banking applications)
• 🚫 Remove unnecessary system programs through Settings → Annexes
• 🔄 Turn off auto-start for background processes

To add or remove a duplicate application:

1. Open the Settings. → Second space → Application management
2. Select the applications that you need to copy
3. Confirm the changes and restart the device

2. Saving memory and battery

On the Redmi. 9A With 2GB of RAM, the second space can reduce battery life by 15-20% due to additional background processes:

We also recommend:

• 🔋 Enable energy saving mode for the second space
• 📶 Disable automatic update of applications in it
• 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Memory.

3. Security and confidentiality

One of the key benefits of the second space is data isolation, to make it more secure:

• 🔐 Set a separate password or fingerprint to log in
• 🚫 Disable notifications from second space on the main screen
• 🔗 Disable access to contacts and files of the main space

Common mistakes and their solutions

When working with the second space on Redmi 9A And users often have typical problems, and we've collected the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. "Insufficient memory" error

This error occurs if the device has less than 2.5 GB of free space.

• 🗑️ Delete large files (video, games) or transfer them to a memory card
• 🔄 Clear the cache of all applications through Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache
• 📁 Use a file manager to find and delete unnecessary data

2. Second space is not created.

If the Create Second Space button is inactive or the process is interrupted, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 An outdated version MIUI (firmware update)
• 📱 Regional restrictions (in some versions for India or China, the feature is disabled)
• 🔧 Damaged system files (will help reset to factory settings)

To check the regional firmware:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Look at the line Version MIUI — if there is IN (India) or CN (China, the function may be blocked
3. In this case, the flashing to the global version will help (MIUI Global)

Lags and brakes when switching

On the Redmi. 9A With 2GB of RAM, simultaneous operation of two spaces can lead to hanging:

• 🔄 Close all background applications before switching
• 📱 Turn off animation in the developer settings
• 🔋 Reboot the device once a day to clean the RAM

⚠️ Note: If after activation of the second space, the smartphone began to warm up strongly, check the processor load in Settings → Battery → If you're uploading more than 70% in idle, delete the second space and free up the memory.

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At Xiaomi Redmi. 9A The second space is stable only if three conditions are met: the current version. MIUI (12+), 3 GB of free memory and no more than 7 duplicate applications.

How to remove the second space

If the function is no longer needed or takes up too much space, it can be deleted. Importantly, all the data in the second space will be permanently erased!

Instructions for removal:

1. Open Settings → Second Space
2. Select to delete the second space
3. Confirm the action by entering the password (if installed)
4. Wait for the process to be completed (1–2 minutes)
5. Reset the device

After removal:

• 🗑️ 2-4 GB of memory freed up
• 🔄 All duplicate applications and their data will disappear
• 📱 The smartphone will return to the standard mode of operation

If the removal button is inactive, try:

• 🔄 Restart the device in safe mode (hold the power button) → Safe regime)
• 🔧 Reset settings through Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings (main space data will be retained)

Comparison with alternatives: what is better for Redmi 9A

Second space isn’t the only way to share data on a smartphone. Consider the alternatives and their pros/cons for Xiaomi Redmi 9A:

Cloning applications (e.g. Parallel Space or 2Accounts) This can be a good alternative if:

• 📱 You don’t have enough memory for the second space.
• 🔄 You want to duplicate only 1-2 apps (like WhatsApp and Viber)
• 🛡️ You don’t need complete isolation of the system.

But they have disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Can show ads in the free version
• 🔒 Less security (data is stored in the application itself)
• 🔄 Often require additional permits

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For complete data isolation (for example, for banking applications or corporate email), the second space is more reliable than third-party cloners, but if you just need to duplicate messengers, Parallel Space is enough.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Xiaomi Redmi 9A