Redmi smartphones have long been synonymous with accessibility and functionality, but even in advanced models such as the Redmi 9 NFC, users often face the need to distinguish between personal and working use of the device. The built-in Second Space feature in the MIUI shell allows you to create an essentially separate phone inside your gadget with its own apps, accounts and files, which is especially true for those who do not want to carry two devices or use dubious clones of applications.
Activating this option on Redmi 9 requires careful attention, as MIUI can hide some important settings in the depth of the menu, and the presence of the NFC module imposes its own features on the management of access rights and data security. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of creating an isolated environment, discuss the nuances of data transfer and find out how to properly configure the system so that it works stably and does not consume excess battery energy.
It’s worth noting that creating a second profile isn’t just about installing an additional launcher, it’s about fully cloning system space that requires you to allocate additional space to the device’s memory. Second Space on Redmi 9 NFC creates a separate encrypted partition of the file system, making the data in it inaccessible from the main profile without entering a special password or fingerprint. Prepare for the initial setup process to take several minutes, and the system can reboot the interface to apply changes.
Preparing the device for creating a new profile
Before you start directly turning on the feature, you need to make sure that your Xiaomi Redmi 9 device is ready to work in extended mode. First of all, check the availability of free space in internal storage, as the system will reserve a certain amount for the new profile, even if it is still empty. It is recommended to have at least 2-3 GB of free memory to avoid errors when installing heavy applications in the second space.
It is also important to update the MIUI shell to the latest available version, as older builds may have bugs affecting the stability of the space sharing function. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click the Update Check button. If the system offers to download a new package, agree and wait for the installation to be completed, after which the smartphone will restart.
Remember to create or recall the screen unlock password, as you will definitely need a reliable authentication method to activate the second space. PIN-The code may not be enough to provide an adequate level of security, especially if you plan to store sensitive information there.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Make sure your Mi Account is activated and synced, although this is not strictly a requirement for the second space to work, having a cloud account will allow you to quickly restore settings and contacts in a new profile if necessary.
Step-by-step activation instructions for Second Space
The process of enabling a second space in Redmi 9 NFC is standardized by developers, but has a few hidden steps that can confuse the inexperienced user. To begin, open the main settings menu of your smartphone and scroll down to the Special features section. This is where the tools for customizing the interface and expanding the functionality are concentrated.
In the list that opens, find Second Space and click on it. The system will show you a welcome screen with a brief description of the features of the feature, where it will indicate that you can use two different sets of applications and wallpapers. Press Enable the second space located at the bottom of the screen to start the customization wizard.
In the next step, you'll be asked to choose how to switch between profiles, you can use a shortcut in the notification curtain, a separate password, or, most conveniently, a fingerprint. If you choose to unlock from a fingerprint, the system will ask you to attach a finger that will be used to instantly log in to the second space, which allows you to switch between personal and work mode with one touch.
⚠️ Note: When using a fingerprint to switch, make sure you register a finger that is not yet assigned to enter the main profile, otherwise the system may not know what space you want to get into.
Once you select the access method, the system will create a virtual copy of your desktop, a process that can take anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes depending on the memory rate of your Redmi 9. Upon completion, you will automatically be in a clean second space, where there will be no photos of you or previously installed applications.
What to do if the "On" button is inactive?
Access settings and switching methods
The flexibility of the MIUI shell allows you to adjust the switching between spaces in the most convenient way for you. The most effective method is the use of biometrics, but on the Redmi 9 NFC model, the fingerprint scanner is located on the back, which requires changing the usage habit of the smartphone. You can assign different fingers for the main and second space, which will eliminate the accidental hitting the wrong profile.
Alternatively, you can use passwords, you can set different digital codes or graphic keys for each space, for example, unlocking the code "1234" will lead to a personal profile, and the code "5678" will immediately open the workspace, which is convenient if you want to hide the presence of the second profile from prying eyes, because when you enter the "wrong" password, the phone will simply not let you into the main profile, but will open the second one.
For those who prefer visual control, a special switch appears in the notification curtain of the second space, but it can be hidden to increase privacy. To adjust these settings, go to the settings of the second space (usually through the top bar or shortcut on the desktop) and select Switching Settings.
| Switching method | Convenience | Security | Speed of access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint. | High. | Tall. | Instantly. |
| Different passwords | Average. | Tall. | Quickly. |
| Label in the curtain | Low. | Low. | Middle-Average |
| Team's on the phone. | Average. | Medium | Slowly. |
Remember that notifications from second-space apps won’t show up in the main profile until you switch there, which helps keep your focus on your current tasks and avoid being distracted by work chats in your personal time.
Transfer applications and data between profiles
Once you create the second space, you will be faced with the question of filling it with the necessary content. Redmi 9 provides a convenient application portability mechanism that allows you to copy installed programs from the main profile to the second without re-downloading from the Google Play store or GetApps.
It will prompt you to select the apps you want to see in your new profile. It is important to understand that when you transfer, only the installation file of the application is copied; the data inside it (logins, game progress, cache) is not always transferred. Social networks and messengers such as WhatsApp or Telegram will require re-authorization, as they perceive the second space as a new device.
For media files (photos, videos, documents), there is also a portability feature, you can choose specific albums or folders that should be available in the second space, which is especially useful for photographers or people working with documents who need to separate personal photos and work materials.
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When transferring large amounts of data (more than 5 GB), it is recommended to connect to a Wi-Fi network, since some cloud services can use traffic for synchronization, and the copying process itself can take a long time.
If you need to move a file manually, use the built-in MIUI file manager. It has a dedicated partition or button to move files between spaces. Just select the files you want in the main profile, select Move, and specify the target space. The files will disappear from the source and appear at the destination.
Features of NFC and payment systems
Presence of the module NFC In the Redmi 9 model NFC adds an important aspect to using the second space, especially if you plan to use contactless payment via Google Pay (or its analogues such as Mir Pay). MIUI It can handle access differently NFC-chips, depending on the active profile.
NFC settings are usually global, so turning on a module in one space activates it in another. However, tied bank cards and payment system tokens are stored in isolation. This means you'll have to re-add cards in the second space if you want to use them there for payment. Bank applications may also require re-entry.
In some cases, users are faced with a situation where after switching space, NFC no longer responds to readers, this is solved by simply toggling the function in the notification curtain or rebooting the smartphone, and it is also worth checking whether the enhanced security mode in the second space is turned on, which can block access to the chip for third-party applications.
⚠️ Note: When using banking applications in the second space, make sure that the device does not have suspicious applications installed in the main profile, as some antivirus and bank protections scan the entire system, not just the active space.
For users using a smartphone as an access key (for example, to a hotel or office via a mobile phone). NFC-tags, it is worth testing the work of tags in both spaces in advance, since applications for emulation of cards can conflict with each other.
Removal and management of the second space
If you don't need a second profile, or you decide to make room on your device, you can easily turn it off, but unlike activation, the deletion process requires confirmation and leads to a complete loss of all the data accumulated in the second space. You can't delete only part of the data - the space is deleted entirely.
To delete, go to Settings → Second Space (located in the main profile). At the top of the screen, find the menu icon (three dots) or the Remove Second Space button. The system will warn you that all apps, photos and settings will be permanently deleted. Confirm the action by entering a password from the main profile.
There's also a pre-deletion data export feature, so if you've decided to give up the second space but want to save some files, use the second space management menu and select Move files, which will allow you to re-post important documents and photos back to your main profile before the final demolition.
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Removing the second space is an irreversible operation that erases all data in an isolated profile, so always back up important information before deactivating.
After removal, the system will return to its standard state, the memory occupied will decrease, and the switching shortcuts will disappear from the interface.