Transferring photos to the second space on the Xiaomi phone: all ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer a unique “Second Space” feature, an isolated environment with separate apps, settings and files, useful for separating work and personal data, testing apps or ensuring privacy. However, many users face the challenge of how to transfer photos from the main space to the second (or vice versa) if they are not synchronized automatically.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to move photos between spaces on Xiaomi, including manual methods, cloud services and third-party applications. We will focus on the nuances of MIUI 12-14, function limitations and typical errors. If you tried to copy files through Explorer, but they “disappeared” after switching space, here you will find a solution.

Before you start, make sure that your device has a second space activated. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space. If you don’t have an option, upgrade to the current version of MIUI (at least 12th).

Why are the photos not visible in the second space?

The main reason for the problem is the MIUI architecture: the second space is a completely isolated environment with a separate file system, and even if you copy the photos to the DCIM folder through the Explorer, they won't show up in the second space gallery, which is because:

• 📁 The folders of spaces are physically separated – each space has its own set of directories that are not available to the other.
• 🔒 gallery MIUI It is tied to the current space – it scans only “its” folders.
• 🚫 Direct copying through Explorer doesn’t work – files “disappear” after switching due to access rights restrictions.

Another nuance: if you're using Google Photos or Mi Cloud, sync may only work for the main space, and in the second space, these services often require re-authorization, and previously uploaded photos are not displayed.

⚠️ Note: Do not try to transfer files through ADB Or root access without experience, which can cause spaces to crash. MIUI 14 for such manipulations, the system may block access to the second space.

Method 1: Moving through cloud services (most reliable)

The most universal method is to upload photos to the cloud from one space and then download them to another. Any service like Google Photos, Mi Cloud, Yandex Drive or Telegram (as a temporary storage) will do.

1. In the main space, open the Google Photos app and log in.
2. Select the photos you want, click Share → Save to Google Photos (if they are not already uploaded).
3. Switch to the second space through the notification panel.
4. Log in to Google Photos with the same account and download the photo to your device.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI.
• ✅ Does not require technical skills.
• ✅ Stores metadata photos (date, geotags).

⚠️ Note: If in the second space Google Photos does not sync albums, check your account settings. MIUI 13+ Sometimes back-sync permissions are reset.

Method 2: Using a file manager with two-space support

Some third-party conductors, such as the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer, can work with multiple MIUI spaces.

1. Install Solid Explorer from Google Play in both spaces.
2. In the main space, open the explorer, find the folder with the photo (usually /storage/emulated/0/DCIM).
3. Select files and select “Copy”.
4. Switch to the second space, open the Explorer and paste files into /storage/emulated/0/DCIM.

Important: Once copied, the photos may not show up in the gallery.

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📂 In Explorer, create a.nomedia file in the photo folder, then delete it – this will force the media scanner to update.

Install Solid Explorer in both spaces | Check free space in the second space | Disable battery optimization for the conductor | Make backup photo on PC-->

Method 3: Computer Transmission (for large volumes)

If you need to transfer hundreds of photos, it is more convenient to use a PC. Connect your phone in file transfer mode (MTP) and follow the instructions:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB-cable.
2. In the main space, copy the photo from your phone to your PC (for example, to a folder on your desktop).
3. Switch to the second space (via the notification panel).
4. Connect the phone to the PC again, and the second space file system will now be displayed.
5. Copy the photo from your PC to the DCIM/Camera folder on your phone.

A critical nuance: when connected to a PC, the second space can appear as a separate device (e.g., "Xiaomi Second Space"). If Windows can't see the phone after switching, try another one. USB-port.

Method 4: Using Telegram or messengers

If cloud services are not available, and the conductor can not cope, you can use Telegram or other messengers:

1. In the main space, create a chat "Saved messages" in Telegram.
2. Send photos there (you can in packs of 10-20 pieces).
3. Switch to the second space, log in to the same Telegram account.
4. Download photos from the Save Messages chat to the gallery.

Advantages:

• 📸 Photo quality is maintained (unlike some cloud services).
• 🔒 Data is transmitted over a secure channel.
• 📱 No connection to the PC is required.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 when switching spaces, Telegram may require re-entering a password. If you use two-factor authorization, prepare the access codes in advance.

💡

If the photos are not downloaded from Telegram to the second space, try saving them to Downloads and then manually move them to the DCIM/Camera folder through the Explorer.

Mistakes and Solutions: Why Are Photos Unstoppable?

Even when following the instructions, users face typical problems.

1.The photo disappears after switching space

This happens if you copy files through a standard MIUI Explorer.

• Use Solid Explorer or another third-party manager.
• Check that the files are copied to the correct folder of the second space (/storage/emulated/1/DCIM for MIUI 13+).

2. The gallery does not see the transferred photos

Reasons:

• The media scanner has not updated the database.
• The files are copied to a folder with the.nomedia file.

Solution: Install the Rescan Media app from Google Play and run the scan.

3. There is not enough space in the second space

By default, the second space has a limited volume (usually 5-10 GB) to make room:

• Remove unnecessary applications through Settings → Apps.
• Clear the cache in Settings → Storage.
• Move some of the files to SD-card (if supported).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on the number of photos, MIUI versions and available tools.

💡

The best way to transfer a large number of photos (100+) is through a PC. If you need to move 10-20 pictures, use the cloud or Telegram.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space and photos