Second space on Xiaomi is not created: all the reasons and ways of solving

The second space (or Dual Apps) in Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that allows you to duplicate applications to separate personal and work lives. However, many users face a situation where the system refuses to create a second space, giving out errors or simply ignoring the command, the reasons can lie in both the software limitations and hardware features of a particular model.

In this article, we will discuss in detail 7 main reasons why the second space is not created on Xiaomi, from the banal lack of memory to hidden settings. MIUI. You will also find step-by-step instructions for fixing each problem, including working with the ADB, Resetting and circumventing regional restrictions, POCO Xiaomi flagships, where the logic of the function may differ.

If you've tried standard methods before and nothing has worked, there's a section at the end of this article that includes alternative solutions, including third-party launchers and virtual spaces, and for those who want to get into the technical details, we've prepared a Dual Apps feature compatibility table for different versions of MIUI.

1. Model or region restrictions

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support the creation of a second space, for example, the budget models of the Redmi A-series or devices for the Chinese market (China ROM) may have reduced functionality, and the feature may be blocked on firmware for some regions (for example, Global ROM for Europe is sometimes deprived of this option due to legal requirements).

To check for support, follow the following steps:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Open the Settings. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Dual Apps.
  • ๐Ÿ” If there is no point, your model does not support the function at the firmware level.
  • ๐ŸŒ Check the firmware region in Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI (It should be global, EEA Russia).
๐Ÿ“Š What is your Xiaomi model?
Redmi Note 11/12
POCO X3/X4
Xiaomi 12/13
Another model

Solution: If the feature is missing because of the region, you can try changing the firmware to Global or EEA via Fastboot. However, this is risky - incompatible firmware can lead to blocking IMEI or loss of warranty.

โš ๏ธ Note: Installing firmware for another region may disrupt mobile network performance (especially on supported models) 5G). Before the procedure, make a backup copy via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

Lack of free memory

The second space requires a minimum of 2-3 GB of storage space on the internal drive. If there is less memory, the system will give an error "Not enough space to create a second space", the problem is especially relevant for devices with 32 GB or 64 GB of memory, where most of the system files are occupied.

How to make room:

  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Remove the app cache in Settings โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear the cache.
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Remove unused games (they take up the most space).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Use the function of Storage Optimization in Settings โ†’ Warehouse.

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparation for the second space

Done: 0 / 4

If the problem persists after cleaning, check the actual free space through Files by Google or Mi File Manager. Sometimes the system reserves space for updates and it does not appear in the standard settings.

3. Mistakes in MIUI operation or system failures

If the second space was created before, but now it has stopped working, it may be the fault:

  • ๐Ÿž Failures in operation MIUI post-refresh.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Conflict with other features (e.g. Game Turbo or Second Space).

Solutions:

  1. Restart your phone to Safe Mode (press the power button โ†’ Reboot in Safe Mode) and try to create space again.
  2. Reset your MIUI settings to factory settings (Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Reset), but do not delete the data.
  3. Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings โ†’ System Update.
What if the reset didn't help?
If the reset didn't fix the problem, try flashing your phone over Fastboot with data saved. To do this, download the official firmware from Xiaomi Firmware and use the Mi Flash Tool. It's important to select the Save user data option during firmware.

If the error appears with the code com.miui.dualapp, this indicates that the Dual Apps module is damaged, in which case only a complete reset or flashing will help.

4.Conflict with other MIUI functions

There are several features in MIUI that can block the creation of a second space:

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Second Space (alternative space for privacy).

How to check:

  1. Turn off Second Space in Settings โ†’ Special Options โ†’ Second Space.
  2. Deactivate Game Turbo in Settings โ†’ Special features โ†’ Game Turbo.
  3. Remove all additional users to Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Multiplayer Mode.

If you turned off those functions, you created a second space, so the problem was the conflict of resources. Don't turn them on at the same time, because MIUI is not optimized to run multiple isolated environments at the same time.

๐Ÿ’ก

On some POCO models, the Dual Apps feature is hidden. To activate it, go to Settings โ†’ About Phone and 5 times click on the MIUI version. After that, a hidden menu with additional options will appear.

5. Restrictions on firmware or modified software

If you use custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or modified MIUI (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), Dual Apps may be disabled by developers, and the problem is also found on firmware with de-bloated system applications.

How to check:

  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Make sure you have official firmware (check in Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง If the firmware is custom, find in its description information about support for Dual Apps.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Try to return stock applications through ADB:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.dualapp

If you are using Xiaomi.eu, check if the feature is disabled in the firmware settings. In some builds, it must be activated through a hidden menu:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Enter the code ##6484##.
  3. Turn on the Dual Apps switch.

โš ๏ธ Note: Entering engineering codes on unofficial firmware may cause data loss or device locking. Use them only if you are sure of the source of the firmware.

6. Hardware limitations or memory damage

On older or budget Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 4A, Redmi 5), the second space may not be created due to a lack of RAM (RAM). The function requires a minimum of 3 GB of RAM for stable operation, otherwise the system will give an error "Inadequate resources".

The problem may also be caused by damage to the memory partition where the second space is stored.

  • โšก Unexpected power outage during data recording.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Failed firmware update.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Misuse of the right ADB or Fastboot.

Diagnosis:

  1. Check the memory status through the AIDA64 app (Storehouse section โ†’ NAND state).
  2. If there are read/write errors, reset to factory settings (Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Resetting โ†’ Delete all data).
  3. If the reset didnโ€™t help, contact the service center โ€“ you may need to replace the memory chip.
Xiaomi modelMinimum version of MIUI for Dual AppsRequired free memoryRequired RAM
Redmi Note 10/11MIUI 12.5+3GB4GB
POCO X3 ProMIUI 12.0.3+2.5 GB6GB
Xiaomi 12/13MIUI 13.0+4GB8GB
Redmi 9A/9CNot supportive.โ€”โ€”

7. Alternative solutions if the second space is not created

If none of these methods worked, consider alternatives:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Use virtual space through apps like Parallel Space or 2Accounts (They work on all models, but require more resources).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Activate Guest Mode in Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Multiplayer mode (limited functionality, but does not require additional space).
  • ๐ŸŒ Use web versions of instant messengers (such as WhatsApp Web or Telegram Web) to split accounts.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Install a launcher with support for multiple profiles (e.g. Nova Launcher) + Island for Isolating Applications).

Warning: Third-party duplicate accounts (Parallel Space, Clone App) may collect your data. Before using, check permissions in Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Permissions and disable access to contacts, SMS and geolocations if you do not need them.

๐Ÿ’ก

If your model doesn't officially support a second space, the only safe way to do this is to use multiplayer or third-party launchers. Avoid firmware modifications if you're not sure about your skills.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Xiaomi

Can you create a second space on Xiaomi with 2 GB of RAM?
No, it requires a minimum of 3GB of RAM to work properly. On 2GB devices (like the Redmi 5A), the system will either refuse to create space or it will work with permanent lags. The alternative is to use lightweight launchers like Parallel Space Lite.
Why did the โ€œDual Appsโ€ item disappear after the MIUI update?
This is a common problem after updating to MIUI 13/14. Xiaomi sometimes ports or hides features.Try: Reset app settings (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ Reset settings. Enter the search for settings to "dual applications." Install the old version MIUI Recovery (risky, can lead to blocking).
How to transfer data from the second space to the main one?
There is no official way, but you can: Back up the second space data via Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Backup. Delete the second space (Settings โ†’ Dual Apps โ†’ Delete). Restore the data from the backup to the main space. Important: Not all applications support backup (for example, WhatsApp or Viber will have to be reconfigured).
Can you use Second Space and Second Space at the same time?
No, these are mutually exclusive features. Second Space creates a completely isolated environment with a separate desktop, and Dual Apps only duplicates selected applications. If you need both, use third-party solutions like Island (requires root).
Why does the second space slow down and fly out?
Reasons: RAM shortage (close the background apps). Battery optimizer conflict (disable it for duplicate applications in Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery Optimization) Cache damage (clean the second space cache in Settings โ†’ Storage โ†’ Dual Apps). If nothing helps, delete the second space and create it again.