How to Include Second Space on Xiaomi Redmi 9: The Complete Guide

Smartphones are no longer just call devices, becoming universal tools for work, entertainment and storing personal information. Owners of the popular Redmi 9 often face the need to separate work and personal files without buying a second gadget.

Enabling this option on Xiaomi devices with MIUI shell takes only a few minutes, but requires careful setting of passwords and data transfer. In this article, we will discuss in detail the activation process, the features of working with two profiles and answer questions that users often have.

What is the Second Space and Why is it Necessary?

Second Space technology is about creating a virtual copy of the operating system inside your main interface. Basically, your Redmi 9 starts to work as two different phones: each profile has its own desktop, its own installed applications, its gallery and contacts. It's not just a hidden folder, but a fully isolated environment with its own access rights.

This feature is especially relevant for those who want to separate work from their personal lives, and you can install corporate messengers and email clients in the second profile, leaving the main one clean for entertainment, and it’s a great way to keep personal photos and documents safe from prying eyes if children or colleagues use the phone occasionally.

⚠️ Note: When you turn on the second space, you use up additional memory of the device. 9 less 2-3 GB of free memory, the system can work slower or completely refuse to create a new profile.

It's important to understand that apps in two spaces work independently, so if you install a game on the main profile, the second one won't be there until you download it again, which allows you to have two different social media or messenger accounts without using third-party clone programs.

Preparing a smartphone for creating a new profile

Before you start setting up, make sure your Redmi 9 is ready to work with two profiles at once.First of all, check the Android operating system version and the MIUI shell. The feature should be present in all current firmware versions, but in older builds it could have been removed or moved.

It is also critical to assess the state of the storage, because the second space creates duplicate system libraries and allows you to install applications again, it takes a significant amount of space, and it is recommended to free up 5 GB of free space for comfortable operation without constant notifications of memory shortages.

Remember to back up your important data before any major changes to the system structure.While the profiling process is safe, an accidental failure or user error can lead to unintended consequences.Save contacts and photos to the Mi Cloud cloud or to your computer.

Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on the function

The activation process in the MIUI shell is standardized and does not require root rights or a computer connection. All actions are performed through the standard settings menu. Follow the algorithm carefully so that you do not get confused with access passwords.

To start, open the main settings menu of your Redmi 9. Find a section that can be simply called “Second Space” or be inside the “About Phone” or “Advanced Settings” category depending on the firmware version. In newer versions of MIUI, the settings search works great — just type in the name of the feature.

After you go to the menu, the system will suggest familiarizing yourself with the features of the function. Press the button "Enable second space." Then you will be asked to configure how to switch between profiles. You can use a special shortcut on the desktop, a button in the notification curtain or, most conveniently, a fingerprint.

Settings → Second Space → Enable

If you use biometrics, it would suggest that you assign different fingers to enter different spaces, like the thumb of your right hand opening the main profile, and the thumb of your left opening the hidden one, which is the fastest and safest method of access.

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Use different fingerprints for each space – this is the fastest way to switch, without requiring passwords or screen shortcuts.

Security settings and access methods

Security in the Second Space is a priority, because that's where users most often hide sensitive information. PIN-It is recommended not to use the same combinations to maintain the separation logic.

Special attention should be paid to configuring the concealment of the fact that the second profile exists, in the security settings, you can turn off the display of the switching shortcut on the desktop. In this case, you can get into the second profile only through settings or, more effectively, using a fingerprint or a special one. USB-keys (if supported).

If you forget the password from the second space, it will be almost impossible to restore access to data without resetting the device. Xiaomi does not store these passwords on its servers for security reasons. So use passwords that you can remember accurately, or write them down in a safe place.

⚠️ Note: Resetting the second space password through the Mi Account is only possible if synchronization was previously enabled.

Data portability and application installation

Once you have successfully created a profile, you will have a clean desktop that resembles a smartphone you just bought, so you don't have to spend time manually setting up your profile, and you can move your data from the main space, and you can copy your contacts, photos, music, and even a list of installed apps.

The transfer process is done through the built-in tool. In the second space interface, find the data port icon. You will be asked to select file categories. Note that large amounts of data (for example, 4K video) can be copied for a long time and take up a lot of space.

• 📸 Photos and videos: Copyed in full quality, taking up space in both profiles.
• 📞 Contact: You can choose specific groups or all at once.
• 📱 Apps: Reinstall, but the settings inside may not be saved.
• 🎵 Files: Documents and downloads are transferred to the appropriate folders.

Importantly, applications that require deep integration with the system or have cloning restrictions (such as some banking applications) may not run in the second space or require additional configuration, in which cases banking applications often block virtual environments for security reasons.

Memory management and profile removal

The two active profiles are double the RAM and Redmi 9 processor. While modern processors do this well, background processes can be more active in consuming battery power.

If the second profile is no longer necessary, it can be easily deleted, and if you delete all the data inside the second space (photos, apps, files) will be permanently destroyed, the main space and its data will remain intact, and this is a convenient way to quickly clear the phone of temporary data.

To delete, go to the second space settings and select the appropriate item in the menu. The system will warn you about the consequences again. Once confirmed, the profile will disappear, and the vacated space will return to the device's shared memory pool.

⚠️ Warning: Before deleting your profile, make sure to check if there are any important files or passwords left.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The second space on Redmi 9 is a powerful tool for sharing digital life, which does not require the installation of third-party software and works at the system level.