Cleaning the second space on Xiaomi: all ways and life hacks

What is Xiaomi’s second space and why do you want to clean it?

Second Space is a proprietary MIUI feature that allows you to create an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, files and settings. Useful for separating work and personal life, but over time, such space can take up tens of gigabytes of memory, slow down a smartphone or simply become unnecessary. Especially for models with limited storage — Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 NFC or Mi 11 Lite, where every gigabyte is on the account.

Cleaning the second space is not always a trivial task. Depending on the version of the MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the device model, the process can be different: a few taps on the menu will be enough somewhere, and you will need to connect to a PC and an ADB command. In addition, incorrect deletion can lead to loss of data in the main space or even cyclical reboot of the device. So it is important to choose the right method and follow the instructions without improvisation.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to clean the second space - from standard to advanced, as well as tell you how to avoid typical errors and what to do if something went wrong.

Method 1: Remove the second space through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools.It is suitable for most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones on MIUI 12-14 firmware. The main condition is that you must have access to the main space and password from the second one (if installed).

Instructions:

1. Open the settings and go to the Special Opportunities section (on some models – Additional).
2. Select Second Space (or Second Space in Global Firmware).
3. Slip on Delete Second Space (also known as Delete Second Space).
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the second space (if required).
5. Wait for the process to be completed – the smartphone will restart automatically.

⚠️ Note: If after removing the second space in the settings remained tick activation, but the space itself is not created – reset settings through Settings → The phone. → Resetting. This will eliminate the system file conflict.

Check the MIUI version (settings → about the phone)

Make sure the second space is not active (icon in the curtain)

Save important data from both spaces

Charge your phone at least 50%

Disable screen locking (if possible)-->

Method 2: Cleaning through Recovery Mode (if the standard method doesn't work)

If the second space is not removed through settings (for example, due to a system failure or outdated firmware), you can use Recovery Mode.This method is suitable for devices on MIUI 11 and older, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to the loss of all data.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the button combination Volume up + Power (on some models – Volume up + Volume down + Power) before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English by default).
4. Go to Wipe Data → Wipe Second Space (or similar).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
6. Select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Wipe Second Space may not be available, in which case, try doing Wipe Cache first and then try again to delete via the settings.

Method 3: Remove second space through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods fail and the second space takes up a critical amount of space, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and basic command line knowledge. Suitable for all Xiaomi models, but especially for devices with MIUI 10 and below, where there is no built-in uninstall option.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
2. Activate USB Debugging in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Tap 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command line (or PowerShell) and type:

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.secondspace




exit




adb reboot

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell


rm -rf /data/system/users/10




rm -rf /data/media/10




exit




adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: Removal through ADB This can cause the system to be unstable if the second space was active at the time the commands were executed!

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If the second space reappears after being deleted via ADB, check for MIUI updates. In some firmware versions (e.g. MIUI 12.5 Enhanced), the second space function can be automatically restored. The solution is to upgrade to the latest stable version or disable automatic space creation through the system settings editor (requires root).

Errors in cleaning the second space and their solutions

Even with the instructions, users often face problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

If your problem is not described in the table, check the error logs via ADB logcat or contact the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums, specifying the device model and MIUI version.

Through MIUI settings

Through Recovery.

Through ADB

Nothing, just reading the instructions.

Another way.-->

How to Free Up After Removing Second Space

Deleting the second space doesn't always immediately free up memory. Often, you'll find junk files -- application cache, temporary data, and system traces -- and to clear the storage completely, follow these steps:

• 🧹 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Annexes → All apps, select Second Space (if left) and click Clear Cache.
• 🗑️ Residual File Deletion: Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager) and manually check folders: /storage/emulated/10/ (if there is) /data/media/10/ (requires rooting ADB)
• 🔄 Reboot: After removing the space, restart the device – this will help the system correctly recalculate the free space.
• 📊 Storage Check: Go to Settings → Storage and run memory analysis, and the system will show you which files can be safely deleted.

If after all the manipulations the free space has not increased, check the /data partition through ADB: sometimes the second space takes place at the system level, and its traces remain even after removal, in which case only a complete reset or flashing will help.

Frequent questions about the second space on Xiaomi

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If the second space is not deleted by any means, the problem is likely to be the corrupted system files, in which case the only reliable option is to run the firmware through Fastboot with complete data cleanup.