Where to find a second space on Xiaomi: detailed instructions with pictures

You bought a Xiaomi smartphone and heard about the "second space" feature, but you don't know where to look for it? Or you tried to turn it on, but it didn't work? This article will help you understand all the nuances of finding a feature in the menu to the subtleties of setting up two accounts on the same device.

The second space (or Dual Apps) is Xiaomi’s proprietary technology, which allows you to create an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, settings and data, useful for separating work and personal data, testing programs or hiding confidential information. Not all models support this feature, but in newer versions. MIUI The location often changes.

We will discuss in detail where to look for the second space on different versions. MIUI, What devices support it, and what to do if the feature is lost after the update, and also tell us about the hidden features that the official documentation is silent about.

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

Second Space is a virtual sandbox inside your smartphone, and you basically have two independent desktops with:

• 📱 Individual applications (you can duplicate messengers, social networks)
• 🔑 Different passwords and accounts (such as WhatsApp personal and work)
• 📁 Isolated files (photos, documents are not mixed)
• 🎨 Unique settings (wallpaper, sounds, themes)

The main difference from guest mode is that the second space is a full copy of the system, not a stripped-down version. You can install any application, change system settings and even update it. MIUI independently.

Who needs it?

• 👔 Employees sharing work and personal data on the same phone
• 🔍 App testers who need clean conditions
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents who wish to restrict children’s access to certain programs
• 🔐 Paranoids who want to hide confidential information

Importantly, the second space is not a replacement for Google’s full Work Profile; it doesn’t have enterprise-level encryption, but it does work without corporate policies.

What Xiaomi models support second space

The feature is not available on all Xiaomi devices, here are the main criteria:

The second space has been officially removed from the MIUI European-style (EEA) due GDPR. If you have a global version of your smartphone, the feature may not even be available on supported models.

Support can be checked in two ways:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Use the command adb shell pm list features | grep secondspace

Where to find the second space in the settings Xiaomi

The location of the function has changed in different versions. MIUI. Here are the current ways to update the latest updates (2023-2026 garland.):

Method 1: Through the basic settings (MIUI 14/15)

The easiest method for modern smartphones:

1. Open the settings (cog icon)
2. Scroll down to the Special Opportunities section
3. Select Second Space
4. Click Create Space and Follow the Instructions

Method 2: Through the notification panel (fast access)

Some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) have a quick button:

1. Swipe down to open the notification panel
2. Swipe left for additional tiles
3. Find the icon Second Space (two circles)
4. Tap and hold for adjustment.

Method 3: For older versions MIUI (up to 12.5)

On the firmware 2020-2022 year-round:

Settings → Advanced settings → Privacy → Second space

Stock up. 3-5 GB of free memory

Connect to Wi-Fi (you will need to download data)

Close all applications

Battery charge > 50%-->

If none of these methods worked, it means:

• 📵 Your model doesn’t support your function.
• 🌍 You have European firmware (EEA)
• 🔄 Function disabled after update

Step-by-step instructions for creating a second space

Once you find a feature in the settings, you just have to follow the creation wizard, but there are nuances that are not covered in the official guides.

Step 1: Setting up your password

The system will require that:

• 🔐 Basic password (PIN/graphical key/fingerprint)
• 🔑 A separate password to enter the second space

Tip: Use different types of lock (e.g., use different types of locks, PIN This will make it harder for unauthorized access to the main space and the print for the second.

Step 2: Selecting applications for duplication

The system will suggest copying:

• 📱 Applications (select only the necessary ones – each takes place)
• 📂 Files (photos, documents - you can skip)
• 👤 Accounts (Google, Mi Account – required for the store)

💡

Don't duplicate system applications (like Settings or Phone) because it can cause conflicts.

Step 3: Optimizing Memory

Second space takes up 2-4 GB on the disk, to save space:

1. Stop copying unnecessary files
2. Remove the app cache after creation
3. Use lighter versions of software (e.g. Facebook Lite)

Step 4: First launch

After creation:

1. Reset the device
2. Go to the second space through the notification panel
3. Set up your desktop and widgets again

💡

Don't remove apps from the main space, it will remove them from the second space, and use the second space settings to remove them.

How to Switch Between Spaces

There are three main ways to change spaces:

Method 1: Through the notification panel

The fastest method:

1. Swipe down to open the curtains
2. Find the tile Second Space
3. Switch slippers

Method 2: Through the lock screen

If the option is enabled in the settings:

1. Unlock the phone.
2. Swipe left/right on the lock screen
3. Choose the right space

Method 3: Through Security Settings

For devices without quick access:

Settings → Passwords and security → Second space → Switch

Important: when switching, all notifications from the current space are hidden. To see notifications from both spaces simultaneously, turn on the option to Show notifications from the second space in the feature settings.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even supported devices can cause errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The function is gone after the update

This often happens when you move to MIUI 13/14.

• 🔄 Try resetting your settings through Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings
• 📥 Install manual firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (for experienced ones)
• 🔧 Use it. ADB-The command for forced inclusion: adb shell settings put global second_space_enabled 1

Problem 2: Lack of memory

The minimum requirements are 3 GB of free space.

• 🗑️ Clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clean up
• 📁 Transfer files to SD-card (if supported)
• 🔄 Remove unnecessary applications from both spaces

Problem 3: Applications do not work in the second space

Typical of banking programs and games.

• 🔄 Reinstall the application directly in the second space
• 🔑 Turn off Mi Protect in the security settings
• 📋 Check permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions

⚠️ Note: Do not use the second space to bypass bans in games or social networks. Many platforms (such as TikTok or Facebook) block accounts for suspicious activity from virtual environments.

The Hidden Possibilities of Second Space

The official documentation is silent about several useful tips:

1. Various wallpaper and themes

You can customize a unique look for each space:

1. Move to the second space
2. Open the Settings. → Screen. → Wallpaper.
3. Choose a different theme or upload your own image

2. Separate sound settings

For example, it may be done that:

• 🔔 In the main space there was a silent mode.
• 🎵 In the second, music was played in the incoming messages.

Configured in Settings → Sound and vibration for each space separately.

3. Hidden access through gestures

On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 2) you can configure:

• 👆 Double touch on the lock screen to switch
• 🔄 Swipe gesture from the bottom edge for quick transition

Activated through Settings → Display. → Gestures.

4. Backup of the second space

The data in the second space can be stored separately:

Settings → About Phone → Backup → Select Second Space

💡

Hidden space is not encrypted by default. Use third-party encryption applications (such as Cryptomator) to protect sensitive data.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions