Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, have powerful functionality that often remains hidden from the eyes of the average user. One of these features is the “Second Screen” feature, which allows you to turn the device into a full-fledged working tool with expanded space. This is not just duplicate images, but a full-fledged environment that can work independently of the main interface.
Activating this mode allows access to unique use cases, from running games in the background to creating a secure profile for personal data. However, the process of enabling can vary depending on the version of the operating system and regional firmware. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of the configuration.
Before we get to the specific steps, it is worth noting that the second screen on Xiaomi devices is a software add-on that requires certain system resources, so owners of budget models with low RAM should be prepared for possible performance declines while working two active spaces.
What is the “Second Screen” function in MIUI and HyperOS
The term “Second Screen” in the Xiaomi ecosystem most often refers to the Second Space feature, which is an isolated environment inside a smartphone that has its own desktop, apps, gallery and accounts, and essentially you get two phones in the same case, switching between them with a single touch or fingerprint.
This technology is based on the mechanism of virtualization of user profiles of Android, which means that the data in the main and second space are stored in different parts of memory and do not overlap. You can install the same game or messenger in both profiles and use different accounts at the same time without resorting to cloning applications.
It’s important not to confuse Second Space with Split Screen, which simply divides the display into two parts, and Second Space creates a completely independent file system and security environment, making it the perfect tool for separating work and personal life, or for handing the device over to children without the risk of accessing your photos.
- 📱 Complete data isolation: applications in the second space do not see the main profile files.
- 🔒 Individual passwords: different fingerprints are used to log in to different spaces or PIN-code.
- 🚀 Independent work: heavy processes in the second profile do not always affect the background tasks of the main profile.
Preparation of the device for activation of the mode
Before you start setting up, make sure your device is ready to work with advanced features. First of all, check the version of the operating system. Second Space is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones starting with Android 6.0 and higher, but the menu interface may differ.
Make sure that the internal drive has enough free space. Creating a new user profile requires backing up disk space for system files and application cache. It is recommended to have 5-10 GB of free memory for comfortable work.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use the second screen for games or heavy applications, make sure that the battery is at least 30.
It’s also worth checking for system updates. Sometimes the feature may be hidden or not work properly on older versions of MIUI. Go to settings and check for updates to ensure that all components are stable.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Step-by-step: how to turn on the second screen
The process of activating the second MIUI shell space is fairly standardized, although menu item names may vary slightly. To start, open the standard Settings app and find the Additionals section or immediately look for the Second Space item in the general list.
Once you enter the menu, you will be asked to familiarize yourself with the features of the feature. Click on the "Enable Second Space" button. The system will alert you that a new environment will be created. Confirm the action, and the initialization process will begin, which can take from 30 seconds to several minutes depending on the memory speed of your smartphone.
At the setup stage, you'll be asked to choose how to switch between profiles, so you can use a separate fingerprint to instantly log into a second space, or set up a password combination, which provides a high level of security and privacy.
| Parameter | Main space | Second space |
|---|---|---|
| Access to files | Complete. | Isolated. |
| Notifications | All right. | Only selected |
| Battery consumption | Standard. | Additional |
| Deletion of data | It doesn't affect the second. | Not affecting the main |
Once you have setup, you will be on a clean desktop, and you can install apps, customize widgets, and change wallpaper regardless of your main profile, switching through a notification curtain or a special shortcut on the lock screen.
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Use different wallpapers for the main and second screens to visually distinguish what space you are in at the moment, which will help to avoid confusion when working with notifications.
Switching and safety settings
The key advantage of the feature is the flexibility of access control. In the second space settings, you can set a specific finger to enter, for example, the thumb of the right hand opens the main profile, and the thumb of the left - the second, which makes the switching instantaneous and invisible to others.
Second Space Shortcut is also available, so you can add a floating button to your main profile desktop for a quick transition, but for maximum privacy, it's best to hide that shortcut and only use biometrics or special password combinations.
You can set up notifications in the security section, you can allow notifications from the second-space apps to be displayed in the main profile, or hide them completely, which is important if you use the second screen to work with corporate email or financial applications.
- 🔐 Set a complex password for a second space other than the main one.
- 👆 Assign a separate fingerprint for instant access.
- 🔕 Set up the rules for displaying notifications so as not to mix personal and work.
Alternative ways to split the screen
If the classic Second Space doesn’t suit you, Xiaomi offers other multitasking tools: Split Screen allows you to run two apps simultaneously on the same display. To activate it, open the menu of recent apps, click on the app icon and select the appropriate item.
Another useful feature is Floating Windows, which allows you to run an application in a small window on top of the main interface, which is convenient for watching video while chatting or using a calculator when working with tables, activated by long-term clicking on the application in the menu of recent tasks.
For owners of tablets Xiaomi Pad and smartphones with support for image output, Desktop Mode is available. When connected to the monitor via USB-C, the interface is transformed into a kind of window operating system, which can also be considered a form of a second screen for professional activities.
The Hidden Possibilities of Floating Windows
Frequent problems and methods of their solution
Despite the stability of the system, users may encounter difficulties, and one of the common problems is that you can't find the "Second Space" menu item, which can be hidden or renamed in some Global ROMs. Try searching by settings by typing "Second" or "Space."
Another problem is the fast battery drain and the heating of the device, because the system actually serves two active profiles, the load on the processor increases, and if you don't use the second screen's functions all the time, it makes sense to turn it off or delete it when it's not needed.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the second space, all data, photos and applications inside it will be permanently destroyed.
If switching between profiles causes a phone to restart or freeze, try clearing the system cache or resetting to factory settings, and the problem may lie in a conflict of third-party launchers that replace the standard MIUI interface.
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If the second screen feature is not on the menu, it may be hidden in your firmware version. Check the region of the device - in Chinese versions (CN ROM), the functionality is often expanded compared to the global ones.
Conclusion and recommendations for use
Using the second screen on Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful way to increase productivity and protect personal data. Competent setting allows you to create the perfect environment for work, study or entertainment without mixing digital streams.
It is recommended to check system updates regularly, as Xiaomi engineers are constantly optimizing multitasking. Remember to monitor the free space on the drive so that both spaces work quickly and without delay.
Experiment with security settings and shortcuts to find the most convenient use case for you. Your smartphone can do more than just calls and social networks, if you properly unleash its potential.