The second MIUI space is a unique opportunity to turn one smartphone into two independent devices. For owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi 9, this tool is a real salvation, allowing you to clearly separate your personal life and work without having to carry a second gadget with you.
Creating such a profile does not require root rights or complex programming, everything is done with the regular tools of the system. However, to ensure that the process goes smoothly and you do not get confused with passwords, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the nuances of this feature on Redmi 9. In this article, we will analyze every step from activation to fine-tuning security.
Dual profiles are not just about separating work and leisure, but many users create separate spaces for children, restricting access to important files, or using them as "guest mode" when handing over their phone to friends, and automatically switch between profiles, keeping each person's data safe.
What is the Second Space on MIUI?
Technically, Second Space is a full-fledged clone of the operating system inside your main interface. When you switch to it, Xiaomi Redmi 9 actually changes the user account. Apps installed in the main profile are not visible in the second one, and vice versa, unless you allow the data transfer yourself.
The main advantage is that if a heavy application is running in the working profile, it will not affect the performance of the personal space, since the CPU and RAM resources are distributed dynamically, which is especially important for the Redmi 9, which, with its budget hardware, requires rational use of resources.
⚠️ Note: Applications that take up a lot of space (such as navigators or games) will have to be installed twice in each space separately.
The system allows you to flexibly adjust notifications, so you can either have calls from your work profile coming to the main screen, or you can hide them completely, leaving the sound only for important contacts, and this gives you unparalleled control over information noise.
Redmi 9 Prepares for New Profile
Before you start cloning a system, you need to make sure your Redmi 9 is ready for it. First of all, check for free space in the internal memory. Since the actual copy of the system files and libraries is being created, the system will need a backup.
It is recommended to free up at least 3-5 GB of free space. If memory is scarce, the creation process can be delayed or ended in error, and it is also worth making sure that the battery charge is at least 40% so that the device does not turn off at a critical time of setting up.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
It is important to know your current screen unlock password, the system will require it to be confirmed to authorize the administrator's actions, and if you only use a pattern lock or a fingerprint, it is better to set the digital or alphanumeric code in the basic security settings in advance.
Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on the function
The activation process in the MIUI shell is standardized, but on different versions of the firmware, the names of items may differ slightly. On the Xiaomi Redmi 9, the algorithm of actions looks like this:
- Open the main menu and find the Settings app.
- Scroll down and select About Phone or immediately look for Second Space (often in a separate menu or in the Special Features section).
- Press the button Enable the second space.
- The system will offer to familiarize yourself with the features and show the approximate weight of the profile you create.
Then you start copying system files. On Redmi 9, it can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the speed of the drive, and don't interrupt or lock the screen at that time.
What if the "second space" item is not on the menu?
Once you've finished the preparation, the system will suggest you set up your login, and you'll be asked to create a separate password or set up your fingerprint login for a quick switch, which is a critical step for the security of your data.
Security settings and entry methods
Security in Second Space is implemented through unique unlock combinations, so you can assign different fingerprints to the primary and secondary profiles, like the thumb of the right hand opening "Personal" and the thumb of the left opening "Worker".
A numerical password often uses a password-switch method, and you set the primary password (e.g., 1234) and the password for the second space (e.g., 5678), and you type 1234 and you enter 5678 into the main profile, and you type 5678 into the second one, which hides the fact that there is extra space from prying eyes.
| Entry method | Main space | Second space | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| pattern lock | Pattern A | Pattern B. | Should be different. |
| Pin code. | 1234 | 9999 | Code entry switches profile |
| Print. | Finger 1 | Finger 2 | Instant switching |
| Face ID | Face of the owner | Not supported* | * Depends on the MIUI version |
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the Second Space, it will be impossible to recover the data inside it without resetting.
It is also recommended to set up a quick switching shortcut in the notification curtain, so you don't need to enter passwords every time you're in a safe environment, but for maximum privacy, you'd better use biometrics.
Application portability and data exchange
Once you have a clean profile, you have to install the software, and the Xiaomi Redmi 9 has a portable mechanism, and you can copy the installed apps from the main profile in the second one touch.
To do this, in the Second Space interface, find the app add icon (usually a plus or add button). The system will show a list of the software installed in the main profile. Choose the one you want and click Move or Clone.
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When you transfer messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), the history of correspondence is not automatically copied. You will have to re-authenticate and restore a backup from the cloud inside the new profile.
Files (photos, documents) are exchanged between spaces via a special folder or a "Move" function. You select a file in the main profile gallery, click "Send to second space," and it appears in the corresponding folder of the cloned system. The reverse process works similarly.
It is important to understand that clipboard can also be isolated: copied text in one profile can not always be inserted into another without the use of special clipboards or third-party keyboards that support this function.
Managing Notifications and Calls
One of the most useful features is the flexible setting of notifications, so you can allow notifications from the Second Space to be displayed in the main profile to keep an important call from being missed, or you can prevent them from being fully focused on the task at hand.
The settings are in the Second Space Control menu, where you can select:
- 🔔 Show notifications of calls and messages.
- 🔕 Do not show notifications (complete silence).
- 📞 Show only incoming calls.
When an incoming call to a number assigned to the Second Space will appear on the lock screen, the corresponding notification will appear, if the phone is unlocked, the pop-up window will allow you to take the call while remaining in the main profile, or switch.
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Properly configured notifications allow you to use a single phone for two SIM cards with full functionality, without getting confused in contacts and call history.
How to delete or switch between profiles
Switching between spaces is done through settings, a special icon on the desktop (if added) or through the lock screen (swipe or password). To delete the Second space, you need to go to the profile management menu.
Select Remove the second space, and the system will warn you that all data, applications and files created within this profile will be permanently deleted, and the main space and data in it will remain intact.
The process of deleting on Redmi 9 takes a few seconds, and then the phone will return to the "single user" state. If you decide to recreate the profile, the process will begin from scratch, as with the first activation.
⚠️ Note: Removal of the second space does not affect the main space SIM-Android card or system files. This is a safe operation if you are sure that the data in the second profile you no longer need.