Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They often use the splitting function to create an isolated environment with separate applications and a gallery, but users often face a situation where they need to remove this additional shell or simply switch back to the main profile. The exit process may differ depending on the version of the operating system MIUI or a new HyperOS.
There are several ways to do this, from switching profiles to completely removing the function through settings. In some cases, if you forget your password or lose access to your main account, more radical measures are required, such as a complete device reset. Carefully study each method to choose the most suitable for your situation and not lose important data.
This guide covers all current firmware versions and offers solutions for both standard and non-standard situations. We will look at the regular system tools, access recovery methods and how the file system works when using a dual profile. Deleting the Second Space will completely erase all the data stored inside it (photos, contacts, applications), so create backups in advance.
What is the Second Space and Why Shut It Down
The second space is the functionality of the operating system, which allows you to create two independent user profiles on a single physical device, which is technically similar to having two different phones in the same case, where each profile has its own set of applications, its own settings and its own gallery, which is convenient for separating work and personal life, but can create difficulties when managing memory or trying to sell a device.
Often users want to exit this mode because they forget passwords, get confused about switching or simply stop needing data isolation. Sometimes the function is turned on accidentally, and the person does not understand where their icons and contacts have gone. Disabling the function returns the system to a standard state with one active owner profile.
It's important to understand the difference between simple switching and complete deletion. Switching takes seconds and doesn't require complex combinations if you remember a pin or a fingerprint. Deletion is an irreversible operation for additional profile data. If you plan to keep your phone but just want to remove the extra shell, choose complete deletion through settings.
The standard way to switch and exit through settings
The easiest and safest way to return to the main profile is to use built-in system tools. This is suitable if you remember the password to unlock the main space or access it through biometrics. The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the general logic remains the same for all Xiaomi smartphones.
First, you need to unlock the device and go to the main menu. Find the standard Settings app, which usually looks like a gear, find the section in the list of parameters that is responsible for additional system functions, in new versions of the firmware it can be called "Extended Settings" or simply "Additional".
Inside this menu, find the "Second Space" option, and when you click on it, the system will give you two options: switch or delete. If your goal is simply to return to your main files and applications, select the switch option. The system will ask you to confirm the action, perhaps by requesting a password or a primary profile fingerprint.
☑️ The algorithm of the standard exit
Once confirmed, the phone will turn off the screen for a few seconds and reboot the interface, and you will be on the desktop of the main profile with all your usual widgets and data. If you want to completely get rid of the function, select “Delete the second space” from the same menu, the system will warn you about the loss of data and require you to enter a password to confirm the operation.
Use of the Security Application for Management
In the Xiaomi and Redmi ecosystem, the system application Security plays a key role, combining antivirus, memory cleaner and permission management functions, and this is where shortcuts are often hidden for quick access to hidden system functions, including space management.
Run a green app with a shield on the icon. Scroll down to the Tools or Utilities block. There you can find the Second Space icon. If the icon isn't on the app's home screen, click the menu button (three dots or stripes) in the corner and select Settings or Add Shortcutes.
Inside the space management menu, you'll see the current status of the function. If it's active, an exit button will be available. This method is especially useful if the settings shortcut is lost in the depths of the phone's menu. The security app works at the system level, so access through it is possible even with some interface failures.
⚠️ Note: If you try to log in through the Security app, the system asks for a password you don't remember, don't try to guess it repeatedly. After a few errors, access may be temporarily blocked, which will complicate the recovery process.
Sometimes the second space shortcut is displayed directly to the desktop as a separate icon (usually a square with a number 2 or a human silhouette), and a long tap on such an icon can trigger a context menu with the option to delete or Settings, which is the fastest way if you previously created this shortcut for convenience.
What to do if you forget the password from the main profile
The situation where the user is stuck in the second space and does not remember the password from the main one is one of the most difficult. Android and MIUI security system does not allow you to simply go to another profile without authorization, this is done to protect the personal data of the owner of the main account from unauthorized access.
If you're inside the second space, you're technically a restricted guest, and trying to find a password can lock your device, and the only regular way to get around that restriction without losing your primary profile is to use your Mi Account if it's been linked and synced.
Try to enter the wrong password several times. Some firmware versions, after 5-10 failed attempts, will show a link “Forgot your password?” or “Reset via Mi Account.” By clicking on it, you can log in through Xiaomi’s cloud service and reset the access code. However, this feature does not work on all devices and depends on the security settings set by the owner of the main profile.
Can I crack my password through ADB?
If you can't recover through your account, the only option left is a full Hard Reset, which will remove all data from your phone, including the contents of both spaces, but will give you full control of the gadget.
Full reset of the device (Hard Reset) in case of access problems
If the standard methods don't work and the password is lost, you have to resort to radical measures. Hard Reset is a procedure for completely cleaning the internal memory of the smartphone. It returns the device to the "out of the box" state. It is a guaranteed way to get out of any software deadlock, including problems with the second space.
Before starting the procedure, make sure that the battery is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the firmware or reset process due to battery discharge can lead to irreversible damage to the software (bricking the device). Also make sure you remember your Google account details, as after the reset, the system will require them to confirm ownership (FRP protection).
To enter Recovery Mode, most Redmi Note and Xiaomi smartphones use a key combination. Turn off the phone completely. Then press both the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button while you keep the volume.
In the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up-down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to select a language (English), then go to Wipe Data and select Wipe All Data. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. After the process, select Reboot -> Reboot to System.
| Action. | Combination / Menu item | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance to Recovery | Volume + and Power (with the phone switched off) | Download the recovery menu |
| Choosing a language | English | Interface in English |
| Clearing the data | Wipe Data -> Wipe All Data | Complete deletion of all files |
| Confirmation | Confirm | Starting the formatting process |
| Reboot. | Reboot -> Reboot to System | First launch as a new device |
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Hard Reset is the only way to get your phone back when you lose your passwords completely, but it requires a Google account to unlock once you turn it on.
Remove the function through hidden settings and ADB
For advanced users who don’t want to reset the entire phone but can’t find the standard delete button, there is a method of forcing a system component to be disabled, which requires connecting the smartphone to a computer and using tools. ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method works if debugging is enabled USB.
First, you need to activate the developer mode. Go to Settings -> About the phone and quickly press 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI» or "Version" OS». Then in the advanced settings, turn on “Debugging by” USB». Connect your phone to your PC with a cable.
On a computer in the command line (after installing the ADB drivers), type a command to find the package responsible for the second space, usually called com.android.secondspace or similarly.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.secondspaceThis command does not physically remove the application, but makes it invisible and inactive to the user, effectively “getting out” of the function and blocking the ability to turn it on again without flashing or resetting settings. Be careful: improper use of ADB commands can disrupt the operation of other system components.
⚠️ Attention: Use of teams ADB Disabling system packages that are not connected to the second space can cause the phone to run unstable or cyclically reboot.