Many users who upgraded their smartphones to the latest HyperOS shell or received the latest security patches based on MIUI 14, faced an unpleasant surprise: the usual “Second Space” function disappeared from the settings menu, a change that caused a wave of questions in the technical communities, as the tool was extremely popular for separating work and personal data without the need to buy a second device.
Xiaomi engineers have not made big announcements about the removal, simply removing the option from system libraries in certain regions and on specific models of processors. The main reason lies in the deep redesign of the system architecture and the transition to new security standards for Android, which require stricter control of the access of applications to isolated data containers.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the technical and political reasons that prompted developers to abandon the native feature and propose current methods for separating profiles that work steadily in 2026-2026.
Technical causes of disappearance of functions
Removing Second Space is not just a whim of designers, but a consequence of major changes under the hood of the operating system. With the release of Android 13 and 14, Google has implemented strict restrictions on the background work of processes and access to the file system, which directly affected the mechanism of virtual profiles.
The feature used to be a full-fledged guest account, but with its own shell. Now, to comply with Google Mobile Services (GMS) and new certification rules, Xiaomi has had to simplify the structure of system partitions. The complex access rights system needed to isolate the two spaces has begun to conflict with new security protocols, causing the instability of notifications and geolocation services.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to manually restore files of the deleted Second Space from a backup on a new firmware version can lead to a cyclic smartphone reboot (bootloop).
Also worth noting is the optimization of resource consumption: the dual profile put a significant strain on RAM, constantly keeping two sets of system services in the background, which allowed to improve the performance of RAM Expansion and the overall smoothness of the interface on mid-range devices.
HyperOS’s impact on system functions
The move to HyperOS marks the unification of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, where the smartphone becomes just one of the nodes of the network, and Vela’s new core philosophy prioritizes cross-platform interaction over local sharing of resources of a single device.
Developers have redefined the approach to multitasking, instead of creating isolated environments on a single screen, the focus has shifted to fast profile switches and cloud synchronization of different accounts within a single application, requiring less processing power and providing better synchronization with the brand’s tablets and laptops.
In addition, HyperOS is actively using artificial intelligence to sort through notifications and content, making the need for manual space sharing less pressing from the point of view of the company’s marketing strategy.
Connection with the Chinese version of MIUI
Data security and privacy issues
One of the hidden but critical reasons for removing the feature was the biometrics vulnerability, which in older implementations of Second Space sometimes involved a fingerprint conflict where unlocking one profile allowed access to another's files under certain conditions.
Modern encryption standards require a unique key for each data container, making it difficult to change users quickly. Simplifying the profile system allowed Xiaomi engineers to ensure that data from banking applications and enterprise chats could not be compromised through interprocess vulnerabilities.
Now, security focuses on Private Safe, which encrypts individual files and applications rather than creating an entire virtual machine, a more robust method, tested by time and security audits.
Alternatives: App cloning regime
For most users who only needed Second Space to run two instant messenger accounts, the ideal replacement was App Cloning, which is built into HyperOS and runs more stable, consuming less battery.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Applications → App Cloning. Here you can create a copy of almost any social application. The system creates a separate container for the data of the cloned application, isolating it from the main one.
- 📱 WhatsApp and Telegram: Allows you to work with two numbers at the same time without switching profiles.
- 🎮 Games: You can run different game accounts in the same client, although this depends on the support from the game developer.
- 🛍️ Marketplaces: It is convenient to have separate applications for personal purchases and purchases for business.
The main advantage of the method is transparency. You see all the notifications on one screen, and you don't have to enter a password or scan your finger every time to switch between worlds, as you did in Second Space.
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Use desktop widgets for quick access to cloned apps so you don’t confuse them with the mainstream ones.
Use of the Guest mode and profiles
If you want complete isolation, like giving a phone to a child or colleague, use the standard Android profile engine, which is not as convenient for everyday use by the owner, but it does a great job of temporary separation.
You can activate guest mode through the notification curtain or in System → Multiple Users settings. This mode creates a clean environment without your photos, contacts or browser history. It is a safe way to transfer the device to another person.
| Characteristics | Second space (old) | Guest mode / Users | Cloning of applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data isolation | Complete. | Complete. | Partial (only within the application) |
| Notifications | Only in an active profile | Only active users | All on the same screen. |
| Switching speed | Medium (password/fingerprint) | Low (user change) | Instant. |
| Battery consumption | High-pitched | Low (not working in the background) | Medium. |
It is worth considering that in guest mode, some applications may not work correctly due to the lack of binding to the main Google account of the device, but for basic tasks (calls, YouTube, browser) this is an excellent solution.
☑️ Verification of alternatives
Third-party solutions for splitting profiles
For advanced users who are critically lacking native functionality, there are third-party parallelizer apps, and solutions like Parallel Space, Island, or Shelter use Android’s capabilities to create work profiles.
Shelter, for example, uses the official Android API to create an isolated work profile, the closest it comes to Xiaomi’s remote feature running at the software level, allowing applications to freeze in the second profile, saving battery life.
⚠️ Note: Third-party parallelizers may not work smoothly with messengers that have strict protection against modifications (for example, WhatsApp can block accounts when using unofficial clients).
Installing these applications requires careful permission settings, and you’ll need to give them permission to manage other applications, which formally reduces the overall security level of the device, although it opens up new possibilities.
Prospects for return of function in future versions
The return of the classic Second Space to HyperOS is unlikely in its former form, with the architecture moving towards modularity and cloud services. However, user demand is high, and developers can implement a lightweight version of the feature, perhaps as part of a paid Xiaomi Cloud subscription or enterprise solutions.
The company is now focusing on improving its “Private Safe” feature, where you can hide not only files, but also launch apps, the only official alternative Xiaomi is actively developing, adding biometrics and concealment support from a list of recent apps.
Users are encouraged to get used to the new method of organizing the digital space, as the era of heavy virtual machines inside the smartphone, apparently, is a thing of the past, giving way to smart software isolation.
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Native Second Space has been removed due to Android 13/14 security requirements and HyperOS optimization; the best replacement is cloning apps for everyday tasks and Guest mode for temporary access.