Youโre trying to activate the second space feature on your Xiaomi Redmi 9, but the system stubbornly gives out an error or just ignores your actions? This problem is familiar to many owners of budget Xiaomi smartphones, where the manufacturer artificially limits the capabilities even in the latest versions. MIUI. Unlike flagship models, where bidimensionality works out of the box, Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) often has technical and software barriers.
In this article, we're not just going to list the possible causes, but we're going to look at specific crash scenarios, from the simple lack of memory to the hidden limitations of the firmware, and you're going to learn how to get around root-right locks, what you're settings for. MIUI And why even the official Xiaomi documentation sometimes misleads users, and for those willing to take drastic measures, we have prepared a manual to force the second space through the Internet. ADB.
Spoiler: 60% of the time, the problem is solved by cleaning the system cache, but there are deeper reasons โ for example, on Redmi 9 models with 32 GB of memory, the second space function is programmatically disabled at the kernel level MIUI 12.5+. Next โ detailed analysis with step-by-step solutions.
Hardware Limitations: Why Redmi 9 Doesn't Pull Second Space
The first and most frustrating reason is the iron limits of your device. Xiaomi is actively segmenting functionality even within the same line: what runs on the Redmi Note 9 Pro may not be available on the base model of the Redmi 9.
- ๐ The amount of internal memory: On versions with 32 The second space is often blocked by the system because it requires a minimum of 8-10 GB of space available to create an isolated environment, even if you have a 64 GB, but more busy 80% โ function may not be activated.
- ๐ง Redmi 9 is powered by MediaTek Helio G80, which in some firmware revisions does not support driver-level virtualization (required for the second space).
- ๐ฑ Regional firmware: On devices for the Chinese market (CN ROM) The function may be disabled due to local regulatory requirements.
How to check hardware limits? Go to Settings โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI Compare this with the compatibility table:
| Redmi 9 model | Memory volume | Support for 2nd Space | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 9 (3/32 GB) | 32GB | โ No. | Locking at the level MIUI 12.5+ |
| Redmi 9 (4/64 GB) | 64GB | โ ๏ธ Partially. | Required. >15 GB of free space |
| Redmi 9 (4/128 GB) | 128GB | โ Yes. | There may be lags while working simultaneously |
| Redmi 9 Prime | 64/128 GB | โ Yes. | Upgrade to MIUI 13+ is required |
โ ๏ธ Note: If your model falls into the category "โ No, attempts to enforce the ADB Or modified firmware can lead to loss of warranty and unstable system operation, in which case consider alternatives such as guest mode or container applications (for example, Island).
2. Software locks: what prevents the MIUI
Even if your hardware theoretically supports the second space, MIUI It can artificially restrict function. Here are the typical software reasons:
- ๐ Outdated firmware: In versions MIUI 11 and below, the function of the second space was unstable or absent. MIUI 12.5+ necessarily.
- ๐ Mi Account Limitations: Some firmware requires a linked and verified Xiaomi account (especially on global platforms). ROM).
- ๐ฑ Conflict with other features: For example, Game Turbo or Second Space cannot be used simultaneously with the second space (on some regional firmware).
- ๐ ๏ธ Damaged system files: If you have previously experimented with Magisk or TWRP, Critical components of com.miui.secondspace may have been removed.
How to diagnose software blockage?
Open Settings โ Special facilities โ Second space (if no point โ lock at firmware level)
Check the version of MIUI in Settings โ About the phone
Make sure your Mi Account is linked and verified
Try to create space in Safe Mode (click the shutdown button) โ "Restarting in Safe Mode")
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If the menu item Second space is not available at all, then your firmware does not support the function at the hardware level. MIUI (For example, Xiaomi.EU or the use of alternative solutions.
Lack of memory: hidden requirements for space
Xiaomi official documentation claims that the second space is enough 2-3 GB of free space. In practice, this is not true - especially on Redmi. 9 It's a budget chipset:
- ๐ A minimum of 8GB is free on the internal drive (to create a base second space).
- ๐ 12+ GB is free if you plan to install applications in both spaces.
- ๐ซ Employment over 90% automatically blocks the creation of a second space (even if there is enough space).
How to make the right place:
- Remove the app cache through Settings โ Warehouse โ Clear the cache.
- Transfer the media files to SD-map (if supported) or to the cloud.
- Turn off automatic backup in Settings โ Mi Account โ Cloud.
- Use the built-in Optimizer (Settings) โ Special facilities โ Optimization) for garbage disposal.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use third-party cleaners like Clean Master, which often delete files critical to second space (com.miui.secondspace.overlay). MIUI.
If there is not enough space after cleaning, try to reduce the size of the second space:
- When creating space, select the option Minimum Size (if available).
- Refuse to synchronize data between spaces.
- Do not install heavy applications (such as games) in both spaces at the same time.
4. Conflicts with other functions MIUI
The second space on Redmi 9 may not be created due to conflicts with other system features.
- ๐ App Lock: If a lock is enabled for system applications (e.g. Settings or Security), the creation of a second space may be blocked.
- ๐ฎ Game Turbo: Accelerate game mode uses the same system resources as the second space.
- ๐ค Multiplayer mode: Some firmwares cannot use a second space and multiple user profiles at the same time.
- ๐ Parallel Apps: This feature may conflict with the second space, as both use the app cloning mechanism.
How to resolve conflicts:
Turn off Game Turbo in Settings โ Special facilities โ Game Turbo
Remove all dual applications (Settings) โ Annexes โ Dual annexes)
Disable App Lock for System Applications
Reboot your phone before creating space
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If the conflict is caused by Parallel Apps, you have to choose between dual apps or a second space. Both features on Redmi 9 will not work at the same time due to MediaTek Helio restrictions. G80.
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Before creating the second space, check the list of running processes in Settings. โ Annexes โ Shut down all unnecessary services, which will increase the chances of successful activation.
5. Creation errors: decryption of crash codes
If you see a code error when you try to create a second space, here is a transcript of the most common ones:
| Error code | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| ERROR_SPACE_INSUFFICIENT | There is not enough space on the disk (even if it seems that there is enough space) | Release it further 3-5 GB, reboot the phone. |
| ERROR_DEVICE_NOT_SUPPORTED | Your model or firmware does not support the function | Update. MIUI Or use alternatives (e.g. Island) |
| ERROR_SECURITY_VIOLATION | Conflict with security settings (e.g., Find Device enabled) | Turn off Settings. โ Mi Account โ Find Device during the creation |
| ERROR_SYSTEM_BUSY | The system is overloaded (for example, there is an update or scanning of viruses) | Wait 10-15 minutes and try again. |
| ERROR_UNKNOWN (-1) | Unidentified error (often due to corrupted system files) | Reset the settings to the factory or re-flash the phone |
If you see a mistake ERROR_DEVICE_NOT_SUPPORTED, but are sure that your model should support the function, try forced inclusion through ADB:
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
- Enable USB debugging in Settings โ Additional โ For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.secondspace
- Reset the device.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Teams ADB They can disrupt the stability of the system if you type it incorrectly. Don't use this method unless you're sure you're doing it. For models with 32 GB of memory, forced activation most often results in looping the boot.
6. Alternative solutions: what to do if the second space is not created
If all attempts to include a second space have failed, consider the alternatives:
- ๐ Guest mode: Less functional, but allows data isolation. โ System system โ Guest mode.
- ๐ฑ Container applications: Island (requires root), Shelter (runs without root based on Work Profile) Parallel Space (does not require root, but is less reliable)
- ๐ Encrypted folders: Use a Private folder in MIUI (Files. โ Private) for file isolation.
- ๐ฒ Second user: Multiplayer mode is available on some firmware (Settings) โ System system โ Users).
Comparison of alternatives:
| Decision | Root is required. | Data isolation | Support for two SIMs | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second space (native) | โ No. | โ Complete. | โ Yes. | โ Tall. |
| Island | โ Yes. | โ Complete. | โ No. | โ Tall. |
| Shelter | โ No. | โ ๏ธ Partial | โ No. | โ Medium |
| Guest mode | โ No. | โ Minimum | โ Yes. | โ Tall. |
If you're critically interested in complete isolation (for example, to separate work and personal data), but you don't create a second space, root-rights Island is the best option, and Shelter or guest mode is enough for most users.
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On Redmi 9 with 32GB of memory, alternatives often run more stable than a forced second space. If the feature is not officially supported, don't risk system stability for a partial solution.
7 Radical measures: flashing and modifications
If youโre willing to go to extremes, here are ways to force the second space to activate:
- Install custom firmware: Xiaomi.EU - supports the second space even on 32 GB models. LineageOS - requires unlocking the bootloader, but gives full control.
Modification of system files
adb shell settings put global second_space_enabled 1(It doesnโt work on all versions. MIUI).
Use of Magisk modules
- Secondspace Enabler (for the first time) MIUI 12.5+).
- MIUI Optimizations (may conflict with other modules).
Step-by-step instructions for installing Xiaomi.EU:
Instructions for firmware Xiaomi.EU
โ ๏ธ Warning: Flashing resets all data and can lead to a loss of warranty.On models with MediaTek Helio G80 There's a risk of "bricking" if you don't have the right firmware.
After successful firmware Xiaomi.EU, the second space should appear in the settings. If not, check the settings of the region (Settings) โ Additionally. โ Region), as some assemblies are hidden from individual countries.