Second space on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: a complete guide to using

If you’re a Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 owner and you notice a mysterious “Second Space” item in your settings but don’t understand why you need it, this article is for you. The second space feature (or Dual Apps) often raises questions among users, especially when it takes up precious smartphone memory with no obvious benefit. It’s actually a powerful tool for separating personal and work data, testing apps, or even circumventing some restrictions.

In this article, we'll look at what the second space on the Redmi Note 7 is, how it differs from guest mode, what apps can be duplicated, and why it's sometimes better to turn it off, and how to configure the second space properly to keep important data intact, and what to do if it starts to glittle.

Importantly, the Redmi Note 7 has a different space than the new Xiaomi models, which has unique limitations and features related to the MIUI version and hardware specs. If you upgraded the firmware after 2021, some of the settings may have changed, we’ve taken that into account in the manual.

What is the second space and why is it necessary?

Second Space is a virtual sandbox in Xiaomi smartphones that creates an isolated copy of the system with separate:

• 📱 Applications (you can duplicate messengers, social networks, games)
• 📁 Files and media (photos, videos, documents do not overlap with the main space)
• 🔑 Accounts (different logins in one app, such as two WhatsApps)
• ⚙️ Settings (wallpaper, sounds, brightness - all independent)

The Redmi Note 7 feature was introduced in MIUI 10 and was originally positioned as a tool for:

• 👔 Separation of work and personal data (e.g., one Telegram for work, one for friends).
• 🛡️ Protecting your privacy (guests or children will not see your primary accounts).
• 🧪 Testing applications without risk to the host system.
• 🎮 Bypassing restrictions in games (e.g., multiple accounts in Genshin Impact).

The difference from the guest mode: the second space is a full copy of the system with the ability to install applications, while the guest mode simply hides your data, but does not allow you to duplicate software.

⚠️ Warning: On the Redmi Note 7, the second space takes up a minimum of 2-3 GB of storage even when empty. If you have less than 10 GB of free space left, the feature may not work smoothly.

How to Enable and Configure Second Space on Redmi Note 7

Activation of the second space takes 5-10 minutes. Follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Click on “Create a Second Space” and come up with a separate password (you can use a fingerprint).
3. Select applications for duplication (the list is limited – see the table below).
4. Wait for the setup to be completed (the smartphone will reboot).

After activation, you can switch between spaces:

• 🔄 Through the notification panel (Two People icon).
• 🔒 When unlocking (select the space on the lock screen).
• ⚙️ In settings (Settings → Second Space → Switch).

Memory storage (minimum 3GB free)

Battery charge (at least 30%)

List of duplicate applications (not all supported)

Backup of important data (in case of failure)-->

If the desired application is not in the list, try:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version (on the Redmi Note 7 current - MIUI 12.5).
2. Install APK- file manually through Settings → Applications → Install unknown applications.
3. Use Parallel Space from Google Play (alternative to the built-in feature).

The hidden capabilities of the second space that 90% of users do not know

The second space on the Redmi Note 7 is more than it looks. Here are some life hacks:

• 🔄 Cloning of system applications: You can even duplicate a Gallery or a Camera to hide individual photos from the main user.
• 📡 Different network settings: In the second space, you can use another VPN or proxy without affecting the main connection.
• 🎨 Separate themes: Set up different wallpapers, icons and fonts for each space.
• 🔋 Battery savings: If the second space does not use background processes, it consumes almost no charge.

Little-known fact: in the second space, you can roll back the MIUI version if the main system is upgraded to unstable firmware.

1. Download the MIUI version you want for Redmi Note 7 (e.g., xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
2. Move to second space.
3. Install firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Select a firmware file.

⚠️ Warning: If you roll back the firmware in the second space, the main system will remain intact, but there is a risk of losing data in the second space itself. Back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

Separation of work and personal life|Application testing|Overcoming restrictions in games|Hiding Data from Other Users|I don't use it.-->

How to remove second space and free up memory

If the second space is no longer needed, it can be removed by freeing up to 5GB of storage (depending on the installed applications).

Method 1: Through settings (without data loss)

1. Go to Settings. → Second space.
2. Click on “Delete the second space”.
3. Confirm the action with a password.
4. Wait until the phone is finished (the phone will reboot).

Method 2: Recovery (if the space is “hang”)

If the standard method does not work:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe & Reset → Erase Second Space.
4. Confirm the action and restart.

After removal:

• 🗑️ All data from the second space will be permanently deleted.
• 📱 Applications installed in the second space will disappear.
• ⚙️ The settings for the second space will reset.

💡

Before removing the second space, export your important data (photos, chats) to the cloud or PC. Use Settings → Google → Backup or manually copy files through Explorer in the second space.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Redmi Note 7 users often encounter the following second-space bugs:

If the second space started to “glutch” after the MIUI update, try:

1. Clear the system cache: Settings → Apps → All applications → Three points → Clear the cache.
2. Reset the space settings (without deleting data): Settings → Second space → Reset.
3. Roll back the firmware to a stable version (e.g. MIUI 12.0.2.0 for Redmi Note 7).

⚠️ Warning: On some firmware for the Redmi Note 7 (such as custom Pixel Experiences), the second space is not working correctly or even missing. Check compatibility on the 4PDA or XDA forums before you run the firmware.

Alternatives to the second space on the Redmi Note 7

If the built-in feature doesn’t suit you, consider alternatives:

• 📱 Parallel Space: An app from Google Play with similar features but more flexible settings. Supports cloning of Instagram and other apps not available in the second space MIUI.
• 👤 Guest mode: A lightweight alternative for temporary access (does not duplicate apps but hides personal data). Enables via Settings → System and Device → Additional → Guest mode.
• 🔒 Hidden folders: To protect files without duplicating applications, use the Xiaomi Gallery (Secure Storage feature) or KeepSafe.
• 🌐 Virtual Machines: UserLAnd (installation of Linux environment) or VMOS (virtual Android) can be used to test applications.

Comparison of alternatives:

If you only need to duplicate messengers (like WhatsApp or Viber), it’s easier to use the built-in Dual Apps feature:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
2. Select the messenger and click “Create a duplicate”.
3. The second account will appear on the home screen with the icon “2”.

💡

Dual Apps takes up less memory than the second space, but doesn't provide complete system isolation. Use Dual Apps for instant messengers, and the second space for complex data sharing.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions