Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, has become one of the most popular budget smartphones due to balanced characteristics and proprietary firmware. MIUI. Among its unique features is the ability to create a second space (Second Space), which allows you to divide data on the device into two isolated zones. This solution is ideal for those who want to separate work applications from personal ones, hide sensitive information or test settings without risking the main profile.
In this article, we will go into detail about what the second space on Redmi 7 is, how to activate, configure and manage it. We will pay special attention to the nuances of how the function works on this particular model, since the interface and capabilities may differ from newer Xiaomi devices.
What is the second space and why is it necessary?
Second space in the MIUI — It's an isolated environment on a smartphone that runs parallel to the main profile:
- 📱 Applications (you can set duplicates of messengers, social networks and other programs)
- 📁 Files and media (photos, videos, documents do not overlap with the main space)
- ⚙️ Settings (wallpaper, sounds, screen brightness are adjusted independently)
- 🔒 Accounts (you can link another Google account or Mi Account)
Main use cases:
- 💼 Separation of work and personal life: in one space - corporate mail and Slack, in the other - social networks and games.
- 🔐 Hiding confidential data: for example, you can hide correspondence or photos from prying eyes.
- 🧪 Settings testing: experiment with the theme or root rights without risking the main profile.
- 👨👩👧 Family Use: Give a Smartphone to a Child with a Limited App App.
It's important to understand that the second space is not a separate user account (like Windows), but a virtual environment within the same account. Both zones run on the same hardware, but the data between them is not automatically synchronized. On Redmi 7, this feature is implemented using Multi-ROM technology, which emulates the second profile without the need to reboot.
⚠️ Warning: Second space takes up extra space in the device's memory. 7 s 32 GB storage can become critical - it is recommended to release at least 3-5 GB before creation.
How to create a second space on Xiaomi Redmi 7: Step-by-step instructions
The process of setting up the second space on Redmi 7 takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires compliance with several conditions:
- 📱 The smartphone should work on MIUI 10 or later (on Redmi 7 out of the box installed) MIUI 10, but it’s best to upgrade to the latest version available).
- 🔋 Battery charge – at least 50% (the process of creating can take up to 10 minutes).
- 📶 Stable Internet connection (you need to download additional system files).
Instructions for establishment:
- Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
- Click Create a second space and confirm the action.
- Select the unlock method for the second space (you can install another one). PIN graphical).
- Wait for the process to be completed (the smartphone will restart) 1-2 once).
- After the reboot, a space selection screen will appear - tap the second profile avatar.
- Go through the initial setup (as when you first turn on your smartphone).
Free up 3-5 GB of memory
Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)
Connect the charger
Make sure you have a stable Internet
Remember the password from the main space-->
If the second space is not on the menu, it can mean:
- 🔄 You have an outdated firmware version (update via Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
- 📱 The device does not support the function (on some regional versions of Redmi 7, the option is disabled).
- 🔧 Developer mode with system services disabled is enabled (check Settings) → Additionally. → For developers).
Separation of work and personal life
Hiding identity
Application testing
Family use
Other-->
How to Switch Between Spaces and Manage Them
After creating a second space on Redmi 7, you can switch between profiles in several ways:
| Switching method | How to use | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Through the lock screen | Click on the profile avatar in the lower right corner and select the desired space. | It only works if different unlock methods are installed. |
| Through the notification panel | Swipe down and tap the Second Space icon (if added to Quick Settings) | You can add a shortcut to Settings → Notification panel → Change. |
| Through settings | Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second space → Switch over. | The most reliable method when others do not work |
| Voice assistant | Say “OK Google, switch to second space” (setting required) | The Redmi 7 is not stable due to iron limitations. |
Space management is carried out in the Settings menu → Special facilities → Second space. Options are available here:
- 🔄 Switching between profiles.
- 🗑️ Remove the second space (all data will be erased!).
- 🔒 Change the password for the second profile.
- 📱 Application cloning (not available for all programs).
⚠️ Note: When you delete the second space, all data (photos, messages, accounts) will be permanently deleted!
Redmi 7 has a limitation: you can't use the second space and dual apps at the same time, and if you want to duplicate things like WhatsApp, you have to choose one of the options.
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To quickly distinguish spaces, set different wallpapers and themes for each profile, which will help avoid confusion when switching.
Limitations and problems of the second space on Redmi 7
Despite the convenience, the second space on the Redmi 7 has a number of limitations related to the hardware features of the model and the version. MIUI:
Main problems:
- 🐢 Performance: on Redmi 7 Snapdragon-powered 632 and 2/3 GB of RAM second space can slow down, especially when the simultaneous operation of heavy applications.
- 📦 Memory: Minimum second space size is 2GB, which is critical for the 32GB version.
- 🔄 Updates: when updating MIUI Sometimes the settings of the second space are reset.
- 🔒 Security: Second Space Data is not encrypted by default (unlike Xiaomi’s newer models).
Frequent mistakes and decisions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| You don't create a second space. | Insufficient memory or outdated MIUI | Free up the space and update the firmware |
| Apps fly out in second space | Lack of RAM (2 GB on the model 2/32) | Close the background processes in the main space |
| No notifications from the second space | Disabled in notification settings | Check Settings → Notifications → Second Space |
| Google Play is not working in the second space. | Not tied to Google account | Add an account in the second profile settings |
One of the most frustrating limitations is that you don't sync data between spaces, for example, if you download a file in the main profile, it won't appear in the second one.
- 📎 Through File Manager: Copy files manually into a folder /sdcard/SecondSpace/.
- ☁️ Using cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
- 🔌 Through OTG-storage-storage.
How to transfer files between spaces without a computer?
How to remove the second space and what to do if it is not removed
If the second space is no longer needed, it can be removed via the settings menu, but Redmi 7 sometimes has problems removing it, especially if:
- 🔄 The space was created on an outdated version. MIUI It is not synchronized with the new firmware.
- 📱 It has system applications that conflict with the main profile.
- 🔧 Access rights have been changed (for example, through the ADB root).
Standard disposal:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
- Select Remove the Second Space.
- Confirm the action and enter the password (if installed).
- Wait until the process is completed (the smartphone will restart).
If the space is not removed:
- 🔄 Reset via Recovery: Turn off your smartphone. Squeeze power + Volume up to enter Recovery. select Wipe & Reset → Erase Second Space. Confirm action and restart the device.
Through ADB
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.secondspaceWarning: This command will delete all data from the second space without the possibility of recovery!
⚠️ Note: If after removing the second space, the smartphone began to brake or fly into the bootloop, reset to factory settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. on Redmi 7 This may be necessary in 10-15% Incorrectly delete the virtual profile.
Alternatives to the second space on Xiaomi Redmi 7
If the second space is not suitable due to limitations or errors, consider alternative ways to split data into Redmi 7.
1. Dual applications (App Cloning)
- 📱 Available for most messengers and social networks.
- 🔧 Configured in Settings → Annexes → Dual annexes.
- ⚠️ Does not separate files and system settings, only clones selected programs.
2 Guest mode
- 👥 Allows you to temporarily hide personal data when transferring your phone to another person.
- 🔧 Included through Settings → System and device → Additionally. → Guest mode.
- ⚠️ All changes in guest mode are reset after exit.
3. Insulation applications (Island, Shelter)
- 🛡️ Create a sandbox for selected applications (root or work profile required).
- 📱 Supports data separation without rebooting.
- ⚠️ They may conflict with MIUI Redmi 7.
4.The second Google account
- 🔑 Allows you to share data in apps (e.g., two Gmail accounts).
- ☁️ Synchronizes with the cloud.
- ⚠️ Does not isolate files and system settings.
Comparison of alternatives:
| Method | Data isolation | Root is required. | Impact on productivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second space | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | 📉 Average. |
| Dual annexes | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | 📊 Minimum |
| Guest mode | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | 📊 Minimum |
| Island/Shelter | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | 📉 Average. |
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The second space is the most reliable way to isolate Redmi 7, but if you only need duplicate messengers, the dual apps feature is enough.
Tips for optimizing second space on Redmi 7
To ensure that the second space is stable and does not slow down the main profile, follow these recommendations:
1. Memory optimization
- 📁 Clean the cache regularly in the second space through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
- 🗑️ Remove unnecessary applications, especially heavy ones (games, video editor).
- ☁️ Move your media to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
2. Performance management
- 🔋 Turn off auto-update apps in the second space.
- 📴 Limit background activity through Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery management.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone once in a while. 2-3 day (this clears the RAM).
3. Security
- 🔒 Set up different ones. PIN-codes for each space.
- 🛡️ Enable device encryption in Settings → Lockdown and protection → Encryption.
- 📡 Turn off automatic Wi-Fi network login in the second space.
4. Data synchronization
- 📎 Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive to back up important files.
- 🔄 Set up automatic contact and calendar synchronization.
- 📱 Use the file transfer between spaces ES Conductor or Total Commander.
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If the second space starts to slow down, try turning off the animation interface. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to enable Developer Mode, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Scale of animation and set the value Animation disabled.