How to Clean Second Space on Xiaomi Redmi

Using the MIUI Second Space feature, you can create an isolated environment that is ideal for separating work and personal tasks or transferring a smartphone to children. However, over time, this additional profile can become overflowing with cache, temporary files and unused applications, leading to a decrease in overall device performance. Many users are wondering how to properly clean or completely remove this partition to restore stability to the system and free up precious gigabytes of internal memory.

The cleaning procedure can range from simply unloading unnecessary applications to completely resetting the second profile settings to factory state.It is important to understand that standard methods of cleaning the cache in the main profile do not affect data stored in an isolated space, since they are physically separated at the file system level. Xiaomi Redmi and other brand models require a careful approach not to accidentally delete important data from the main account during manipulation with the guest profile.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the options available to optimize and remove Second Space, how to safely clean up, what system limitations exist in different versions of MIUI and HyperOS, and how to avoid common errors that can lead to loss of information. We will look at both the standard system tools and additional methods for managing memory.

What is the Second Space and Why You Should Clean It

The second space is a virtual copy of your smartphone built directly into the Android operating system with the MIUI shell. Technically, it's a separate user profile that has its own settings, gallery, contacts and installed applications. When you switch between the main and second space, the system actually launches a new user session without affecting the data of the first one.

The need to clean up arises from the fact that each space consumes resources independently. Applications in the second profile are updated separately, cache data and take up space on the disk. Over time, the accumulated β€œdigital garbage” can be a significant amount, especially if the second space was actively used messengers or browsers. Clearing the cache becomes critical if the device starts to run slower or if free space runs out.

⚠️ Attention: Data in Second Space is isolated, and cleaning or deleting your profile in Second Space will not affect your photos and files in the Main Space, but will permanently delete everything stored inside the guest profile itself.

Also, background processes in the second profile can consume RAM even when you’re in the main interface, especially on models with little RAM. Regular maintenance helps maintain a balance between the functionality of data separation and the overall speed of the smartphone.

πŸ“Š Why do you use the second space?
For work.
For children.
For games.
To hide the photo
I don't use it.

Preparation for data deletion and backup

Before embarking on radical measures to clean up or remove Second Space, it is important to ensure that important data is kept safe. Since this profile is often used as a "safe" for photos or work documents, the loss of information can come as a nasty surprise.

First of all, it is recommended to transfer important files to an external cloud service or to a computer, you can do this by temporarily logging into the Second Space and using standard file transfer tools, and you should also pay attention to synchronizing contacts and notes if they are stored locally in the profile.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for cleaning

Done: 0 / 5

The next step is to check the list of installed apps. Often users forget which programs were installed in guest mode and delete them along with the profile, losing progress in games or data in offline applications. Visual inspection of the home screen and app menu in the Second Space will help to draw up an action plan.

Step-by-step: how to remove the second space

The most effective way to clear Second Space is to remove it completely, which erases all data, settings and applications, returning the system's profiled memory, and the deletion process is built into the MIUI security settings and does not require any superuser rights.

To start, you need to go to the settings menu. Find the Settings section and scroll through the list to the Second Space (or Special features β†’ Second space). The system will suggest switching to the second space or managing it. You need to find the profile switch button, which usually looks like an icon of two squares or people in the corner of the screen, or log in through the settings.

When you're in the control interface, select the uninstall option. The path can look like this:

Settings β†’ Second Space β†’ Menu (three dots) β†’ Delete Second Space

After pressing the delete button, the system will request confirmation of the action, warning of complete loss of data, you will need to enter the screen unlock password or the pattern lock set for the main profile, this is a security measure to prevent accidental deletion.

⚠️ Attention: The deletion process can take from 1 to 5 minutes depending on the amount of data accumulated.Do not interrupt the smartphone or turn it off before the main profile desktop appears.

What to do if the removal button is inactive?
If the delete button is gray or not pressed, check if the Second Space is running system processes or updates, and the problem may occur when the Parental Control function is enabled, which must be pre-activated in the corresponding menu.

Clearing cache and temporary files without deleting profile

If you don't plan to remove the Second Space completely, but you need to make room, you can use a selective cleanup. The Standard Cleanup tool doesn't see the guest mode files in the main profile, so you need to clean from inside the Second Space itself.

Switch to the Second Profile and run the standard Security app, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi smartphones. Select Cleaner. The system scans the profile for temporary files, remnants of remote applications and browser cache.

For a deeper cleaning, you can use the table below, which shows which folders take up the most space and what is in them:

Type of dataLocation.Can I remove it?Impact on work
Cash app./data/data/[package]/cacheYes.Accelerates launch, but takes up space
Downloads (Downloads)/storage/emulated/0/DownloadYeah (selectively)Files downloaded by the browser
MIUI garbageSystemicYes.Temporary logs and reports
WhatsApp/Telegram Cash/Android/media/...Careful.Media files from chat rooms

After cleaning, it is recommended to reboot the device by switching between profiles, which will help the system to recalculate the file index and correctly display the vacant space in the storage. If you use the function Expansion of memory, cleaning the cache is especially important, since virtual memory is slower than the physical.

πŸ’‘

Use the built-in storage analyzer in Second Space to see which apps take up the most space, and remove only the heavy ones you don’t use.

Solving typical problems with the Second Space

Users often face a situation where it is impossible to switch between profiles or the delete button has disappeared.This can be caused by a software failure of the SecondSpaceDaemon service, in which cases it helps to force the service to stop through the developer menu or simply restart the phone in safe mode.

Another common problem is the β€œdisappearance” of app icons after cleaning the cache, which occurs if shortcuts were created on the Second Space desktop and the applications themselves were removed or updated with a change in signature, the solution is to manually reinstall the necessary programs.

If the system says, "Not enough memory to switch, even though there's a place to go."