Why you canโ€™t create a second space on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: all the reasons and solutions

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but its owners often face a problem: the function of โ€œSecond Spaceโ€ (Second Space) is either not on the menu or not created despite all attempts. In this article, we will analyze 7 key reasons why this happens, and give step-by-step solutions โ€“ from checking the version of MIUI to bypassing hardware limitations.

The second space feature in MIUI allows you to divide your data into two isolated zones: for work and personal use, for example. However, on Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender), this option may not be available for a variety of reasons, from software bugs to Xiaomi's policy for specific regions. If you see a message "failed to create a second space" or simply do not find this option in the settings, read on.

We analyzed user feedback on the 4PDA, Mi Community and Xiaomi technical documentation to gather current solutions โ€” including hidden settings, alternative methods and even firmware modifications. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which may affect the warranty.

1.The MIUI version does not support the second space

The most common reason is outdated or modified firmware, and the Second Space feature appeared in MIUI 8, but on the Redmi Note 7, it can be disabled in some builds.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Global firmware (MIUI Global: often deprived of second space due to Xiaomi's policies for European and Indian markets.
  • ๐ŸŒ Regional restrictions: in firmware for Russia (MIUI RU) Or India's function may be hidden.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience): Generally not including Second Space.

To check the firmware version:

  1. Open the settings โ†’ About the phone โ†’ version of MIUI.
  2. Compare this to the official firmware list for the Redmi Note 7.
๐Ÿ“Š What firmware are you using on the Redmi Note 7?
Official MIUI Global
Official MIUI China
Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)
I don't know what firmware is.

Solution: If you have global firmware, try switching to MIUI China (requires unlocking the bootloader).

  1. Download the official Chinese firmware for lavender.
  2. Use the Mi Flash Tool to run in Fastboot mode.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Transition to MIUI China will delete all data and could cause problems with Google services. backup is mandatory!

2. insufficient memory for the second space

Second space requires a minimum of 2-3GB of internal storage space. On the Redmi Note 7 with 32GB of storage (of which ~25GB is available), this can be a problem, especially if:

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ You have a lot of high-resolution photos or videos.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ There are many games installed (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ The system is clogged (check in Settings). โ†’ Warehouse).

How to make room:

โ˜‘๏ธ Freeing up memory for the second space

Done: 0 / 4
Type of fileHow much does it take?How to clean up
Cash app.1-5 GBSettings โ†’ Storage โ†’ Application Data โ†’ Clear the cache
Downloads (APK, PDF)500 MB-2 GBDelete through Files โ†’ Downloads
Duplicate photos300 MB-1 GBUse Google Photos or Gallery Doctor

Critical information: If less than 2 GB is free after cleaning, the second space will not be created - the system will give an error "Insufficient memory".

3. Creation error: "Can't create a second space"

If Second Space is in the settings (Settings โ†’ Special Options โ†’ Second Space), but an error appears when you try to create it, the reasons may be as follows:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Damaged system files (for example, after a failed update).
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Active antivirus or firewall (such as Avast or 360 Security).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Conflict with other functions MIUI (For example, Dual Apps or Private Mode).

Decisions of the order:

  1. Restart your phone โ€“ sometimes a banal reboot helps.
  2. Turn off the antivirus and try again.
  3. Reset MIUI settings (without data loss): Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Reset settings โ†’ Reset MIUI settings
  4. Remove conflicting features: Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Dual apps โ†’ Disable
What to do if the mistake is repeated?
If after all the actions, the error โ€œCan not create a second spaceโ€ remains, most likely the problem is in the corrupted system files, in which case only a complete reset to factory settings or flashing through Fastboot will help.

โš ๏ธ Note: If you use Magisk or other system modifications, they may block the creation of a second space.

Hardware Limitations: Why Some Redmi Note 7s Don't Have Second Space

Not all versions of the Redmi Note 7 support second hardware space, depending on:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Device modifications: ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ Redmi Note 7 for China (Model) M1901F7T) โ€” supportive. ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ Redmi Note 7 for the global market (model) M1901F7G) โ€” may not support.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ RAM capacity: 3/32 GB โ€“ often deprived of Second Space. 4/64 GB and higher โ€“ usually supports.

How to check your modification:

  1. Open the settings โ†’ About the phone โ†’ Model.
  2. Compare it to the table below:
ModelRegionSecond Space Support Support
M1901F7TChinaโœ… Yes.
M1901F7GGlobal (Europe, Russia, India)โŒ No (in most firmware)
M1901F7HIndiaโŒ No.

Bypassing the limitation: If your model does not support Second Space, you can use alternatives:

  • ๐Ÿ” Private mode (Settings) โ†’ Confidentiality โ†’ Private regime).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ User Profile (Android 9)+): Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Users.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Container applications (e.g. Island or Shelter).

๐Ÿ’ก

If you just need to hide apps, use the Hidden Apps feature in Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Hide Apps. This wonโ€™t replace the second space, but it will help separate personal and work programs.

5 Conflict with other MIUI functions

The second space may not be created if:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Double applications (cloning of messengers).
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Application protection (password for individual programs).
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Guest mode or regime for children.

How to resolve conflict:

  1. Disable Double Apps: Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Dual Apps โ†’ Remove Clones
  2. Disable application protection: Settings โ†’ Privacy โ†’ Application protection โ†’ Disable
  3. Delete the guest profile: Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Users โ†’ Delete the guest

After disabling conflicting features, restart your phone and try to create a second space again.

๐Ÿ’ก

Second space and dual applications use the same system resources, and they can't work together, you have to choose one.

6. Mistakes after MIUI update

If the second space was previously in use but stopped being created after the update, the problem is:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Incomplete update (files not fully loaded).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Version conflict (e.g. transition from MIUI 11 on MIUI 12.5).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Resetting settings after updating.

How to restore the workflow:

  1. Reverse to the previous version of MIUI: Download the old firmware from Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

Manual cache cleaning

Settings โ†’ Storage โ†’ Clean Cash โ†’

Resetting MIUI settings

Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Reset settings โ†’ Reset MIUI settings

โš ๏ธ Note: If after updating to MIUI 13/14 The second space is gone, which may be due to Xiaomi's new policy, and in this case, only the transition to custom firmware (e.g., xiaomi.eu) will help).

7. Alternatives to the second space on the Redmi Note 7

If none of these methods worked, consider alternative ways to divide data:

MethodPlusesCons
Private regimeNo root, built into MIUILimited functionality
User profileComplete data isolationWe need to switch manually.
Island AppendixIt works without root (on Android 9+)Requires customization
Dual annexesSimple cloning of messengersDoes not separate files and settings

How to set up Island (the best alternative):

  1. Download Island from Google Play.
  2. Activate the working profile mode in the application settings.
  3. Move the desired applications to an isolated profile.

Island creates a virtual space similar to Second Space, but works on the Android level and is independent of MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on the Redmi Note 7

Can you create a second space on the Redmi Note 7 with 3/32GB?
Technically, yes, but only if the firmware supports this feature (e.g. MIUI China), but due to a lack of memory (<2GB free), the system can block creation, and we recommend vacating space or using alternatives like Island.
Why did the second space disappear after the reset?
Resetting to factory settings deletes all the data in the second space. To restore it, you need to recreate it in Settings โ†’ Special Options โ†’ Second Space. If the option is gone completely, check the MIUI version (possibly after the reset, a global firmware without Second Space was installed).
Can I transfer data from the second space to another phone?
No, the second space data is device-specific and not exported. However, you can manually copy files (photos, documents) through Files โ†’ Second space and then transfer them to a new phone.
Will the second space work after flashing on custom MIUI?
Depending on build, for example, xiaomi.eu supports Second Space, but LineageOS does not. Before you run your firmware, check the custom firmware description on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forum.
How to remove the second space completely if it is glitchy?
Go to Settings โ†’ Special Options โ†’ Second Space โ†’ Delete Second Space. If the option is inactive, reset your settings via Recovery (Wipe โ†’ Format Data).