Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to isolate personal data from workers or hide certain applications from prying eyes, using the MIUI shell as a “Second Space” feature that creates a virtually separate phone inside the main device. However, when the need for such isolation disappears, users wonder how to properly disable this option so as not to lose important files and not disrupt the system.
The deactivation process is not always obvious, as the settings menu may vary depending on the version of the HyperOS or MIUI firmware. Incorrect actions can lead to the fact that data from the hidden profile will be irretrievably lost, and the system will remain in an unstable state. In this article, we will discuss in detail all ways to exit and delete the Second Space, paying special attention to the safety of your information.
We will explore standard methods through system settings, manually deleting profiles, and solving typical problems when the delete button is inactive or hidden, and will also touch upon the nuances of password and biometrics, which often become a barrier for ordinary users.
What is the Second Space and Why Shut It Down
The second space is a unique feature of the MIUI shell, which creates an isolated environment on your smartphone. In fact, the device works like two independent phones: each space has its own galleries, contacts, installed applications and settings. Switching between them instantly through a special shortcut or fingerprint, which is convenient for separating work and personal life.
However, there are good reasons why users choose to turn off Second Space, primarily to free up internal memory, as duplicate system files and applications take up a significant amount of storage. In addition, the second profile background processes can consume RAM and battery power, reducing Xiaomi’s overall performance.
Often, the abandonment of the feature is associated with changing the habits of using the gadget or switching to other methods of protecting privacy, for example, using the “Guest” mode or third-party launchers. It is important to understand that simply removing the shortcut does not deactivate the function completely - the profile continues to exist in the system, consuming resources.
Preparation before removal of the Second Space
Before proceeding with the deletion procedure, it is critical to assess the amount of data stored in the second profile. APK-The system will warn you about this, but it's better to be safe and manually check the contents.
It is recommended to transfer important media files in advance to the cloud storage Xiaomi Cloud, Google Photos or computer, and export contacts and notes if they were created exclusively within an isolated profile, ignoring this step is the most common reason for loss of valuable information by users.
☑️ Checklist before removal
Another important aspect is knowing the password or pattern lock set to enter the Second Space, and without proof of identity, the system will not allow you to delete the profile for security reasons, and if the password is forgotten, the procedure will become more complicated and may require a complete reset of the smartphone settings.
💡
Tip: Before deleting, take screenshots of the list of installed applications in the Second Space, so that you do not guess what programs you need to download again in the main profile.
Method 1: Standard removal via MIUI settings
The most correct and safe method of disabling the feature is built into the system menu, which allows you not only to delete the profile, but also if necessary, to transfer some data.
In the list of options, find a section that may be called Second Space or Special Features. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same: login to profile management, and this displays the current status of the function and the control button.
Once you log into the management menu, you'll see a button called "Delete Second Space" or "Switch Off," and the system will request confirmation of action and alert you of consequences, which is a standard script that ensures that system files are deleted correctly and the registry is cleaned.
| Action. | The result | Data retention |
|---|---|---|
| Switching to First | Temporary exit | Complete. |
| Deletion of profile | Complete deactivation | No (backup required) |
| Resetting phone settings | Removing everything | No. |
In some firmware versions, the deletion process can take anywhere from 10 to 60 seconds, during which the screen may go out or blink. This is normal system behavior, indicating that file managers are working to clean up memory sectors.
Method 2: Remove by switching profiles
There is an alternative, faster way, available directly from the switch interface: If you are inside the Second Space, there is often a special shortcut in the notification bar or lock screen to change your profile, and clicking on it allows you to go to the First Space (main).
While in the main profile, you can initiate deletion directly from the control menu. Often users are unaware that deletion is only possible from the main profile. Trying to delete the second space while inside it is technically impossible, since the system cannot delete itself in the active state.
⚠️ Note: If you try to delete a profile from inside it, the system will simply prompt you to switch.Make sure you are working from under the main account of the phone owner.
Sometimes the switching shortcut is hidden in the notification curtain, so you have to go to the Second Space settings to activate the shortcut, which is a useful feature for those who often use both profiles but want quick access to control.
Hidden labels
Problem Solving: What to do if you can’t remove it
Users often experience a situation where the delete button is inactive or disappears. One common reason is an active session in the application or a system process that blocks changing the profile configuration, in which case forced rebooting of the device before trying again helps.
Another problem is access rights: If a phone has parental control apps or corporate MDM profiles installed, they may prevent you from changing your system security settings, and you need to check if there are any restrictions imposed by the device administrator.
It is also worth considering the bugs of a particular version. MIUI. In some builds, there was an error when the profile was listed as deleted but occupied space, in which case it helps to clear the cache of the Security application or reset the settings of the Second Space application itself through the Applications menu» → «All applications».
⚠️ Note: If the system writes an error when deleting, do not attempt to manually delete system files through root-righted file managers, which will result in a cyclic bootloop).
Impact of removal on system and data
Once the procedure is completed, the second space disappears completely from the system, freeing up all the disk space available for use in the main profile, which can significantly speed up the smartphone, especially on models with a small amount of internal memory.
Apps that were installed only in the second profile will be removed, however, if you used the same Google or Mi Account account in both spaces, download history will be found in the Play Market or GetApps store under the Library section.
System settings such as wallpaper, notification sound and the location of widgets in the main profile will remain unchanged. the function is deactivated cleanly, leaving no “junk” files if the process went well, which confirms the effectiveness of Xiaomi’s built-in tools for managing the multiplayer environment.
💡
Main Bottom Line: Removing Second Space is a safe operation that returns the phone to its original performance and frees up gigabytes of memory, but requires prior data backup.