Second Space on Xiaomi: How to Get In, Configure and Use

The second-space feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to create an isolated work environment with separate applications, settings and data. It is the perfect solution for those who want to share personal and work lives on the same device, test applications without risk for the main profile or just experiment with system settings.

Many owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They donโ€™t even know that this possibility exists โ€“ it is hidden in the depths of settings. MIUI And HyperOS. Meanwhile, the second space runs on most of the latest models. 5 years, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5. The main thing is to know where to look and how to activate it correctly.

In this article, we will explore all the ways to enter the second space, including hidden methods for devices with locked settings, and you will also learn how to transfer data between spaces, reset the second profile settings, and solve typical access problems.

What is the second space on Xiaomi and why is it necessary?

Second Space is a full-fledged copy of the operating system running parallel to the main profile.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ A separate desktop with a unique set of applications
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Own system settings (wallpaper, sounds, themes)
  • ๐Ÿ“ Isolated file storage (not visible from the main profile)
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Ability to quickly switch between spaces

The main advantage is complete data isolation, for example, you can set up a second workspace and leave the main one for personal use, or vice versa: test beta applications in a second space without risking the stability of the main profile.

Itโ€™s important to understand that the second space is not multiplayer (like on tablets), but itโ€™s tied to a single Mi Account, but allows you to create two independent work environments on the same device.

๐Ÿ“Š Why do you want to use the second space?
Separation of work and personal life
Application testing
Confidentiality
Experiments with settings
Other

Requirements for activation of the second space

Before you try to enter the second space, make sure your device meets the minimum requirements:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Version. MIUI: 8 or later (HyperOS is also supported)
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Free space: at least 2 GB on internal storage
  • ๐Ÿ” Unlocked bootloader: Not required for most models
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Supported models: all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO on a chip Qualcomm or MediaTek (except for the most budgetary)

On some devices, the feature may be hidden by the manufacturer, such as Xiaomi for the European market (EEA ROM) The second space is sometimes disabled by default, and in this case, alternative activation methods will be required (discussed below).

โš ๏ธ Note: On devices with corporate security policies (e.g., service phones), the second space function may be blocked by the administrator, in which case it cannot be activated without removing the restrictions.

Model of the deviceSupport for second space supportFeatures
Xiaomi 14/13/12โœ… Yes.Full support including HyperOS
Redmi Note 12/11โœ… Yes.You may need to upgrade to the latest version of MIUI.
POCO F5/X5โœ… Yes.On global firmware, the function is sometimes hidden
Xiaomi Mi A3 (Android One)โŒ No.No support due to โ€œcleanโ€ Android

Official way: how to enter the second space through settings

If your device supports the function, the easiest way to activate is through the standard settings menu.

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to the section Special features (on some firmware - Additional).
  3. Select Second Space (may be called Second Space in English firmware).
  4. Click Create a second space and confirm the action.
  5. Wait until the setup is completed (it will take). 1-3 minute).
  6. After the reboot, you will be able to switch between swipe spaces down the notification panel (the icon with two circles).

If there is no Second Space on the menu, try searching by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner) and enter the request for โ€œsecond spaceโ€ or โ€œsecond spaceโ€.

Backup of important data |

Charge your phone at least 50% |

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|

Release 2+ GB memory|

Remember the password from Mi Account-->

Alternative methods of entering the second space

If the standard method doesn't work, try one of these methods. They're suitable for devices where the function is hidden or disabled by default.

Method 1: Through code commands

  1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##6484###
  2. In the menu that appears, select SecondSpace. โ†’ Create.
  3. Confirm the creation and wait for the reboot.

Method 2: ADB (for experienced users)

If the code doesnโ€™t work, you can try activating the feature via Android Debug Bridge:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.MiuiSecondSpaceActivity


adb shell pm enable com.miui.secondspace

This will require:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Install ADB computer
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Enable Debugging on USB developer-setting
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands in the terminal

โš ๏ธ Attention: Use ADB This method can cause system failures if the commands are entered incorrectly, and we recommend this method only to users with experience with the developer tools.

What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
If your Xiaomi device does not appear in the list when you enter the adb device command, follow the following steps: 1. Make sure that debugging is enabled. USB (Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI (press 7 times) โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers โ†’ Debugging by USB). 2.Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers on your computer. 3. Try using another one. USB-cable (preferably original). 4. Reboot your phone and PC, then reconnect.

How to Switch Between Spaces and Manage Them

Once you successfully activate the second space, you need to learn how to use it.

Switching between spaces

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Swipe down the notification panel โ†’ Click on the icon with two circles (will appear after creating the second space).
  • ๐Ÿ” Screen lock: when unlocking, select the desired space in the input menu PIN-code.
  • โš™๏ธ Through Settings: Settings โ†’ Second space โ†’ Reverse.

Data management

Each space has its own storage, but you can transfer files between them:

  1. Open Files (File Manager application)
  2. Go to the Second Space section (will appear after activation).
  3. Select the files you need and click Copy or Move.
  4. Go back to the main space and paste the files into the desired folder.

Constraints of the Second Space

  • โŒ You canโ€™t run the same application in both spaces at the same time.
  • โŒ Some system applications (e.g. Settings) will be shared.
  • โŒ System updates are installed simultaneously for both spaces.

๐Ÿ’ก

To quickly distinguish spaces, set different wallpapers and themes for each one, which will help avoid confusion when switching.

How to Reset or Remove Second Space

If you no longer need a second space or it is not working properly, you can reset it or remove it completely.

Resetting second space

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ Second space.
  2. Select Control of the Second Space.
  3. Click Reset Data and confirm the action.

Complete removal of the second space

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ Second space.
  2. Select Remove the Second Space.
  3. Enter the password from Mi Account (if required) and confirm.
  4. Wait until the process is completed (the phone will restart).

โš ๏ธ Note: Some firmware may require a hard reset after the second space is removed if the system is unstable.

๐Ÿ’ก

Deleting the second space does not affect the main profile data, but all applications and files from the second space will be permanently erased.

Solving the problems with the second space

Sometimes, when you're working with the second space, you get some mistakes, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
You can't create a second space.Insufficient memory or incompatible firmwareRelease 2.+ GB of memory or upgrade MIUI
Space switching icon missingFailure of the notification panelRestart your phone or reset the panel settings
Applications in the second space are not updatedGoogle Play Restrictions for the Second ProfileLog in to Google account in the second space
The phone brakes after creating a second spaceLack of RAMClose background applications or reduce the number of widgets

If the second space is not started

If after restarting the phone hangs on the logo or does not allow you to enter the second space:

  1. Press the power button for 10 seconds to force reboot.
  2. If it doesnโ€™t help, go to Recovery Mode (power button) + Volume up and select Wipe Second Space.
  3. In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (the data of the main space will be saved).

Error: Second Space is corrupted

This error occurs when the data in the second space is damaged, so that it can be corrected:

1. Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.


2. Find the second space and clear the cache.




3. Reboot the phone.




4 If the error persists, delete and create the second space again.

The Hidden Possibilities of Second Space

Few people know, but the second space on Xiaomi has a few hidden features that can be activated:

1.Various SIM-maps for each space

You can tie different ones. SIM-maps to each space:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Select the settings of the second space.
  3. Assign one. SIM-map to the main space and the other to the second.

2.Separate Google Accounts

In the second space, you can use a different Google account, which is useful for:

  • ๐Ÿ“ง Separation of work and personal mail
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Using different accounts in games
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Testing applications with different settings

3. Run second window space (HyperOS only)

On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), you can run a second space in a floating window:

  1. Activate Free Window mode in the settings.
  2. Switch to second space.
  3. Hold the app icon and select Open in the window.

๐Ÿ’ก

The second space on HyperOS supports simultaneous launch of some applications in both profiles, which was not the case in the previous version. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's second space

Can I use the second space without a Mi Account?
Yes, but with limitations: Mi Account is only required to sync data between devices, and the second space will work without it, but some features (such as backup) will become unavailable.
How much space does the second space take?
Minimum size - about 1 GB, but as you install applications and save files, the volume can increase to 5-10 GB. We recommend to monitor the free space on the device.
Can I transfer the second space to another Xiaomi phone?
No, transferring the second space between devices is not supported. You can only manually copy files (photos, documents) through File Manager or cloud storage.
Will the second space work after the phone is dropped?
No, when you completely reset both spaces will be deleted, but if you reset only the second space, the main profile will remain intact.
Can I hide the notifications from the second space?
Yes, for that, go to Settings. โ†’ Notifications โ†’ Settings of the second space and disable the notifications display.