Why you can not create a second space on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a full analysis of the problem

Youโ€™re 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.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ 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.
  • ๐Ÿง  Redmi 9 is powered by MediaTek Helio G80, which in some firmware revisions does not support driver-level virtualization (required for the second space).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ 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 modelMemory volumeSupport for 2nd SpaceNotes
Redmi 9 (3/32 GB)32GBโŒ No.Locking at the level MIUI 12.5+
Redmi 9 (4/64 GB)64GBโš ๏ธ Partially.Required. >15 GB of free space
Redmi 9 (4/128 GB)128GBโœ… Yes.There may be lags while working simultaneously
Redmi 9 Prime64/128 GBโœ… Yes.Upgrade to MIUI 13+ is required

โš ๏ธ Note: If your model falls into the category "โŒ 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:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Outdated firmware: In versions MIUI 11 and below, the function of the second space was unstable or absent. MIUI 12.5+ necessarily.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Mi Account Limitations: Some firmware requires a linked and verified Xiaomi account (especially on global platforms). ROM).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Conflict with other features: For example, Game Turbo or Second Space cannot be used simultaneously with the second space (on some regional firmware).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏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.

๐Ÿ“Š What version? MIUI It is installed on your Redmi 9?
MIUI 11 or older
MIUI 12/12.5
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
I don't know.

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:

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ A minimum of 8GB is free on the internal drive (to create a base second space).
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ 12+ GB is free if you plan to install applications in both spaces.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Employment over 90% automatically blocks the creation of a second space (even if there is enough space).

How to make the right place:

  1. Remove the app cache through Settings โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear the cache.
  2. Transfer the media files to SD-map (if supported) or to the cloud.
  3. Turn off automatic backup in Settings โ†’ Mi Account โ†’ Cloud.
  4. Use the built-in Optimizer (Settings) โ†’ Special facilities โ†’ Optimization) for garbage disposal.

โš ๏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:

  1. When creating space, select the option Minimum Size (if available).
  2. Refuse to synchronize data between spaces.
  3. 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.

  • ๐Ÿ” App Lock: If a lock is enabled for system applications (e.g. Settings or Security), the creation of a second space may be blocked.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game Turbo: Accelerate game mode uses the same system resources as the second space.
  • ๐Ÿ‘ค Multiplayer mode: Some firmwares cannot use a second space and multiple user profiles at the same time.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ 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 codeReason.Decision
ERROR_SPACE_INSUFFICIENTThere 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_SUPPORTEDYour model or firmware does not support the functionUpdate. MIUI Or use alternatives (e.g. Island)
ERROR_SECURITY_VIOLATIONConflict with security settings (e.g., Find Device enabled)Turn off Settings. โ†’ Mi Account โ†’ Find Device during the creation
ERROR_SYSTEM_BUSYThe 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:

  1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
  2. Enable USB debugging in Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For developers.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm enable com.miui.secondspace
  4. Reset the device.

โš ๏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:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Guest mode: Less functional, but allows data isolation. โ†’ System system โ†’ Guest mode.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Container applications: Island (requires root), Shelter (runs without root based on Work Profile) Parallel Space (does not require root, but is less reliable)
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Encrypted folders: Use a Private folder in MIUI (Files. โ†’ Private) for file isolation.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Second user: Multiplayer mode is available on some firmware (Settings) โ†’ System system โ†’ Users).

Comparison of alternatives:

DecisionRoot is required.Data isolationSupport for two SIMsStability
Second space (native)โŒ No.โœ… Complete.โœ… Yes.โœ… Tall.
Islandโœ… Yes.โœ… Complete.โŒ No.โœ… Tall.
ShelterโŒ No.โš ๏ธ PartialโŒ No.โœ… Medium
Guest modeโŒ No.โŒ Minimumโœ… Yes.โœ… 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 youโ€™re willing to go to extremes, here are ways to force the second space to activate:

  1. 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 doesnโ€™t 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
1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to the 72 hours). 2. Download the latest version of Xiaomi.EU for Lancelot (Redmi) 9) official website. 3. Go to Fastboot (click Power) + Vol Down with your phone turned off). 4. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img 5. V TWRP Make a backup of the current firmware, then swipe the downloaded ZIP-file. 6. Clean it up. Dalvik/ART Cache and reboot.

โš ๏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.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Redmi 9

Can you create a second space on Redmi 9 with 32GB of storage?
Officially, no. Xiaomi is blocking the feature on 32GB models because of a lack of space for an isolated environment. Bypasses (like custom firmware) can work, but often lead to unstable system operation.
Why After Updating MIUI second space is gone?
This is a common problem when updating through OTA. Causes: Second space reset due to changes in system files. Conflict with new security policies MIUI 13/14. Try: Reboot your phone. Clear the Settings app data (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ Settings โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clean up the data. Create the second space again. If it doesn't work, reset the settings (data backup is mandatory!).
Can I transfer the second space to SD-map?
No, MIUI It doesn't support transferring the second space to external drives. All data is stored in internal memory in encrypted form. SD-cards to part of internal memory, but this will reduce performance and may cause errors.
Why is the second space slowing down on Redmi 9?
Causes of lags: MediaTek Helio G80 Not optimized for two isolated environments simultaneously. Lack of RAM (3 GB in the base version) Background data synchronization between spaces. Solutions: Turn off synchronization (Settings of the second space) โ†’ Synchronization โ†’ Turn it off. Don't install resource-intensive applications (like games) in both spaces. Use Light Mode in the second space (Settings) โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Light mode).
How to delete the second space if it is not created and hangs "error"?
If the creation process has stalled or ended with an error, but the space did not appear, and the settings are an error message: Reboot your phone. Clear the data of the SecondSpace application: adb shell pm clear com.miui.secondspace If it does not help, reset settings (Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Reset settings. Do not delete the folder. /data/secondspace manually โ€“ this can cause data loss in the main space!