How to move photos to the second space on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi’s second-space feature is a handy tool for separating personal and work data, creating a guest profile, or testing apps in an isolated environment. However, many users face the challenge of how to move photos from the main space to the second without losing quality and disrupting folder structure. In this article, we will examine all the current ways, from standard MIUI tools to workarounds using third-party applications.

It’s important to understand that the second space in Xiaomi works as a separate account with its own storage, which means that direct file transfer between spaces is blocked by default – this is how the manufacturer protects data privacy. But there are several ways to get around this limitation, which we will discuss below. If you use the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 or newer models on MIUI 12-15, all instructions will be relevant.

Before you start, check the firmware version: go to Settings → About → About Phone → MIUI version. This depends on the availability of certain features. Also make sure that the device has enough free space – transferring large media files can take up to 30% of their volume as temporary data.

1. Method: Using MIUI Clone to Duplication Applications

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI Clone feature, which allows you to duplicate applications (including the Gallery) between spaces. This method does not require root rights and works on most Redmi models with MIUI 12 and later.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Cloning of applications (MIUI Clone).
• 🔍 In the list, find the Gallery app** and activate the switch next to it.
• 📁 After cloning, launch the cloned gallery from the second space.
• 🔄 In the cloned application settings, select Media File Import and specify the folder with photos from the main space.

Note that this method creates copies of photos, not moving the originals. If you need to make room in the main space, remove duplicates manually after importing, and note that cloned applications may consume more RAM.

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If there is no Gallery app on MIUI Clone’s list, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware or use an alternative method through Explorer.

2. Method: Transfer over cloud storage (Mi Cloud or Google Photos)

Cloud services are a reliable way to sync photos between spaces, especially if you have a slow Internet connection or little free space on your device. We recommend using Mi Cloud (for the Xiaomi ecosystem) or Google Photos (for cross-platform sync).

Step-by-step instructions for Mi Cloud:

1. 🌥️ In the main space, open Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Gallery and turn on synchronization.
2. 📤 Wait until photos are uploaded to the cloud (time depends on data volume).
3. 🔄 Switch to the second space, log in to the same Xiaomi account.
4. 📥 In the Mi Cloud settings, enable Gallery synchronization and wait for photos to download.

Advantages of this method:

• ☁️ Photos are saved in original quality (unless storage optimization is enabled).
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization when adding new files.
• 🛡️ Data protected from loss when resetting settings.

Important: the free Mi Cloud tariff only provides 5 GB of storage; if the amount of photos exceeds this limit, you will either have to clean the cloud or pay for the expansion. Google Photos from June 2021, all high-quality downloads are counted in the limit of 15 GB (common for all Google services).

3. Method: Transfer via third-party applications (File Manager+)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g. older versions of MIUI), you can use third-party fileymi managers that support access to both spaces. One of the most reliable is Xiaomi’s File Manager+, but any other Root Explorer Explorer (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer) will do.

Instructions for File Manager+:

• 📥 Install the app from Google Play or App Gallery.
• 🔓 Provide all necessary permissions (access to storage, file management).
• 📂 Go to the Category section → Images and highlight the necessary photos.
• 📤 Click Copy or Cut, then switch to the second space via the notification bar.
• 📥 Put the files in the folder. DCIM/Camera or another directory of the second space.

Warning: Some file managers may not see the second space due to MIUI limitations, in which case root access or ADB use will help (see Method 5).

Check free space in both spaces | Install File Manager+ from the official store | Grant all permissions to app | Backup important photos | Disable battery optimization for File Manager+

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Method: Through the computer (USB-cable MTP)

If you need to transfer a lot of photos (like a few gigabytes), it's most convenient to do it through a computer, and it's universal and works even on devices with damaged screens (provided that you can use a computer to do it). USB-debugging is on).

How to transfer photos via PC:

1. 🖥️ Connect Redmi to your computer via USB-cable (preferably original).
2. 🔄 On the phone, select the file transfer mode (MTP) plug-in.
3. 📂 On the computer, open the conductor: your smartphone will appear as a removable disk.
4. 📁 Go to the Internal Storage folder → DCIM → Camera (or other folder with photos).
5. 📋 Copy files to your computer, then turn off your phone.
6. 🔄 Switch to the second space on Redmi and reconnect to the PC.
7. 📥 Insert photos into the folder of the second space (for example, DCIM/Camera).

If Windows can’t see your phone, try:

• 🔌 Use the other USB-cable.
• 🔄 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times on the line with the version, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🖥️ Update Xiaomi drivers on PC via Mi PC Suite.

5. Method: Use of ADB (for power users)

If none of these methods worked, the most radical is the use of Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires command line skills and is suitable for advanced users, and the advantage of ADB is that it allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI at the system level.

Step-by-step:

1. 🖥️ Install. ADB Download Platform Tools from Google).
2. 📱 On the phone, turn on the debugging. USB (see method 4).
3. 🔌 Connect Redmi to your PC and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
4. 📋 Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices should display the serial number of the device.
5. 📁 To copy photos from the main space to the folder of the second, use: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/ C:\Temp\Photos\ adb shell "run-as com.android.gallery3d cp /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/* /data/media/0/MIUI/multi_user/1/DCIM/Camera/" Replace the paths with the ones that are relevant to your model!

Attention: improper use of ADB may result in data loss or system failure. Before executing commands, back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

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ADB is the only way to transfer files between root-free spaces, but it requires precise follow-up to instructions and understanding the command line.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a comparative table of all methods with their pros and cons:

For most users, the best solution is a combination. MIUI Clone (for a small number of photos) and cloud sync (for backup).If you need to transfer hundreds of files, you better use a PC and a computer. USB-cable.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you move photos between spaces, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If the photos are not displayed in the second space after transfer, check the folder. DCIM/.thumbnails — Sometimes thumbnails are cached incorrectly. Delete the contents of this folder and restart the phone.

Problem 1: “There is not enough space in the second space”

• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary files (cache, old apps) through Settings → Warehouse.
• ☁️ Move some of the photos to the cloud and delete local copies.
• 📱 Use a memory card (if supported) and set up saving media files on it.

Problem 2: “Photos are transferred but not displayed in the Gallery”

• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the Gallery doesn’t automatically update the library.
• 📂 Check that the files are copied to the correct folder (for example, DCIM/Camera, Not at the root of the vault).
• 🛠️ Update the Gallery app via Google Play.

Problem 3: "I can't switch to second space"

• 🔐 Make sure the second space is created (check in Settings). → Second space).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the notification bar will “hang” and won’t show you the switching option.
• 📱 If the space is locked with a password, reset it through Settings. → Lockdown and protection → Second space.

If none of the tips worked, try creating a new second space and repeating the file transfer. In extreme cases, you can use backup via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset, but it will take much longer.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions