How to turn off the Second Space on Xiaomi Redmi 9: Step-by-step instructions

Many Xiaomi smartphone owners, including the popular Redmi 9, are faced with the need to use the split workspace feature, which allows you to create an isolated environment inside a single device, hiding certain applications, photos and contacts from prying eyes. However, when the need for secrecy disappears, users often wonder how to correctly and safely turn off Second Space on Xiaomi Redmi 9 to avoid losing important data and free up system resources.

The process of deactivating this feature is not always obvious, since the settings menu in the MIUI shell can be confusing for beginners. Incorrect actions can lead to the deletion of all files stored in a hidden profile, so it is extremely important to follow the algorithm clearly. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps of disabling the function, consider alternative methods through system settings and answer frequently asked questions.

We'll also discuss why you should delete your profile completely if you're not planning to use it anymore, because it takes up a lot of internal memory. Understanding how to turn off the second space will help you optimize your device and speed up your response. Let's move on to the direct guide.

Preparation for profile removal

Before we start drastically removing Second Space, we need to make sure that all the important data is saved. The splitting function creates a virtual second smartphone inside your Redmi 9, with its own gallery, voice recorder and file system, and if you just turn off the feature without any pre-preparedness, all the files inside it will be permanently lost.

It is recommended to transfer all necessary photos, videos and documents from the Second Space to the Main Space in advance, you can use built-in copying tools or third-party cloud storage, and be sure to check the list of installed applications: there may be important programs in the hidden profile that you do not remember passwords from.

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Before deleting your profile, make sure to back up your contacts and photos on Google Drive or Mi Cloud to avoid accidental data loss.

Make sure your Xiaomi battery is at least 30-40% as the data transfer and system overhaul process can take some time.A stable internet connection also doesn't hurt if you plan to sync your data through the cloud before clearing.

Direct removal through system settings

The most reliable and standard way to turn off Second Space on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is to use the standard settings menu, which is guaranteed to delete all hidden profile data and return the system to its original state with one workspace.

Open the Settings menu for your smartphone. In the list of basic options, find a section that is usually called Second Space or Special Features, depending on the version and regional firmware of MIUI. On Redmi 9, this item is often at the top of the list or in the System Applications and Services group.

Once you log into the control menu, you will see a deletion button or a switch that allows you to deactivate the function. The system will warn you that all data will be destroyed. This is a critical point: removing the Second Space irreversibly erases all information inside it. If you agree, confirm the action and, if necessary, enter the screen unlock password or pattern lock.

Once confirmed, the system will start the cleanup process. The screen may go out for a few seconds, and the device may reboot. This is normal behavior, indicating a deep restructuring of the file system. Once turned on, you will find that the space switch icon has disappeared, and the space that has vacated has returned to the shared memory pool.

Use of the Security App

In the MIUI shell installed on Redmi 9, many system functions, including Second Space management, are integrated into the standard Security app (green shield icon), which may be more convenient for those who are used to managing permissions and cleaning through a single center.

Run the Security app and scroll down to the Second Space section, where you'll find not only the profile switch button, but also access to settings. By clicking on the gear or menu button in the corner, you'll be taken to the control panel where the uninstall option is available.

• 🛡️ Open the Security app on the home screen.
• 🔄 Find the Second Space icon in the tool list.
• ⚙️ Click on the settings icon or menu in the upper right corner.
• 🗑️ Select the option “Delete the second space” and confirm the action.

This method is completely identical in the result of removal through system settings, but the path to it can be shorter.The Security app can also suggest clearing the cache or optimizing the system immediately after deleting the profile, which is useful to do for maximum performance Redmi 9.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password for the Second Space, you will not be able to log in to copy the data, in which case deleting through the Main Space is the only way to get rid of the blocked profile, but the data inside will be lost.

Comparison of methods of disabling a function

Users are often confused about the many ways to manage Android system functions. There are several ways to achieve one goal at Xiaomi. Understanding the differences between the two will help you choose the most suitable option for your situation.

Below is a table comparing the basic techniques for managing Second Space on Redmi and Xiaomi devices.

As you can see from the table, standard methods through settings or a security application are the safest and easiest for the average user. The use of ADB commands or a complete reset is only required in exceptional cases when the system is not working properly.

Memory problems after removal

One of the main reasons users decide to turn off Second Space on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a lack of free memory.A built-in 32 or 64GB drive may not be enough, especially if the profile has been actively used.

After deleting the profile, you may notice that the amount of free memory is not immediately released or fully released, which is due to the fact that the Android operating system and the file system take time to defragment and redistribute blocks, and some temporary files may remain in the cache.

For complete vacancy of the place, it is recommended to perform the following actions:

• 🧹 Clear the system cache through the "Storage" menu in the settings.
• ♻️ Use the built-in Cleanup app to remove junk files.
• 📂 Check the Downloads folder for residual files from the remote profile.
• 🔄 Reboot the device to complete background processes.

If the memory didn’t go free after all the manipulations, it could be that some files were transferred to the Main Space automatically or left in hidden system folders, in which case manual analysis of the storage will help.

Alternatives to the Second Space

If you have opted out of the Second Space because of its complexity or resource consumption, but the need to separate data remains, it is worth considering alternatives.Dual Apps allows you to run two copies of a single messenger or social network without creating a separate profile.

This method is much less demanding of Redmi 9 CPU and memory resources, so you can create a copy of WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber for a second SIM card right in the app settings, and it solves the problem of separating personal and work correspondence without having to switch between spaces.

You can also use the Hide Apps feature to protect sensitive information, which allows you to remove the icons of selected programs from the desktop and hide them in a special folder, accessed through a special gesture or code in dialer-e. This is less reliable than a full-fledged Second Space with a separate password, but is more convenient for quick access.

⚠️ Attention: App cloning doesn't create an isolated environment. If a virus gets into the system, it will gain access to both accounts, unlike Second Space, where the isolation is higher.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Deleting the Second Space completely is the best way to get your budget smartphone back on track if you don’t use the data sharing feature daily.