How to move data to the second space on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide with nuances

The second space feature on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones allows you to create an isolated work environment with separate applications, files and even accounts, which is convenient for separating personal and work data, testing applications or providing additional privacy.

In this article, we will discuss all available methods of transfer – from standard tools. MIUI You will learn which types of data can be transferred without restrictions and which will require additional manipulation (for example, backup or use of third-party applications). We will also reveal the nuances of working with applications, media files and settings that are often missed in brief instructions.

What is the second space on Xiaomi Redmi and why do you need it?

Second Space (Second Space) is a firmware function MIUI, which creates a separate user profile on the device with unique:

• 📱 Applications (you can set duplicates of messengers, social networks and games)
• 📁 Files (photos, videos, documents are stored in isolation)
• ⚙️ Settings (wallpaper, sounds, accounts do not overlap)
• 🔒 Account data (e.g. different Google or Xiaomi accounts)

Main use cases:

• 💼 Separation of personal and work data on one device.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Providing a smartphone to a child with limited access to basic data.
• 🧪 Testing apps or settings without risking the main space.
• 🔐 Additional level of protection of confidential information.

It is important to understand that the second space is not a separate account. MI, It's a local profile on the device, and all the data is stored in the memory of the smartphone and is not automatically synced to the cloud, which means that if you reset your device or damage your memory, you'll lose information from both spaces if you don't back up.

What data can be transferred between spaces

Not all types of data can be freely copied between the main and second spaces. MIUI It imposes restrictions on some files and settings. Below is a table with allowed and forbidden data types:

And the special case is apps and their data. You can:

• 📲 Install the same applications in both spaces (they will work independently).
• 🔄 Move over APK-Files through Files, but not application data (e.g. game saves or messenger cache).
• ☁️ Use Google Drive (Mi Cloud) to synchronize data within each space, but not between them.

💡

If you need to move saves to the game or chat messenger, use the built-in export / import function in the application itself (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp).

Method 1: Transfer files through the standard Files application

The easiest method is to use the built-in File Manager (Files), which allows you to copy media files, documents and other files. APK between spaces without additional tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Files application in the main space.
2. Go to the folder with the required files (for example, DCIM for photo or downloading).
3. Select files with a long tap → Click Copy or Cut.
4. Return to the home screen and tap the Second Space icon (usually in the upper right corner).
5. Insert the files into the desired folder of the second space.

Please note:

• 📂 Android folders, MIUI Other system directories may be hidden or blocked for copying.
• 🔄 When copying large files (video, archives) the process can take several minutes – do not interrupt it.
• 🚫 Some files (such as those with the.nomedia extension) will not appear in the Second Space Gallery.

Allocate enough memory in the second space (check in Settings) → Second space → Memory)

Close all applications that work with files (Gallery, Music)

Connect the charger if you are copying large amounts of data

Make sure there is enough room in the second space for new files.-->

If the standard File Manager doesn’t display the second space, update the app via Google Play or restart the device. In rare cases, resetting the file manager settings to Settings helps. → Annexes → Files. → Warehouse.

Method 2: Transfer applications and their data (with nuances)

You can't transfer installed applications directly between spaces, you have to install them again, but there are workarounds for transferring these applications (saves, cache, settings):

Option 1: Backup and restoration

1. In the main space, open Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
2. Select the desired application → Backup (if the function is supported).
3. Copy the backup file (usually with the.bak or.ab extension) into the second space through Files.
4. In the second space, install the application again and restore the data from the file.

Option 2: Titanium Backup (requires root)

If your device has root access, you can use Titanium Backup to port these applications:

1. Install Titanium Backup in the main space.




2. Create a backup copy of the desired application (+ data).




3. Copy the backup file (folder /sdcard/TitaniumBackup/) into the second space.




4. Install Titanium Backup in the second space and recover the data.

Not all applications work correctly after data transfer, for example, banking or device-based messengers can block an account if they detect “suspicious activity” (change of device ID).

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Porting these applications without root is only possible for programs that support export/import settings, and in most cases it is easier to reconfigure the application in the second space.

Method 3: Transferring Contacts, Messages and Calls

Contacts, SMS And call history doesn't sync between spaces automatically:

Transfer of contacts:

1. In the main space, export contacts to.vcf: Contacts → Settings → Exports/imports → Exports to the vault.
2. Copy the resulting file into the second space through the Files.
3. In the second space, import contacts: Contacts → Settings → Exports/imports → Imports from storage.

SMS and call history transfer:

This will require a third-party application, for example. SMS Backup & Restore:

1. Install the application in the main space.
2. Create a backup copy SMS/MMS and call logs (.xml file).
3. Copy the file into the second space.
4. Install the application in the second space and restore the data.

💡

If you use Google Contacts, just log in to the same Google account in both spaces – the contacts are synced automatically. SMS This method doesn't work!

Please note: when transferring messages, you may lose:

• 📎 Investments (photos, videos, documents) in SMS/MMS.
• 🔖 Message tags or categories (if they were in the main space).
• 🕒 Exact time of sending/receiving (may be lost during recovery).

Mistakes and problems in data transfer: how to avoid them

When you're working with the second space, you often encounter common mistakes, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

Advanced solutions for experienced users:

If files are not displayed in the Second Space Gallery after transferring, check:

• 📂 Having a.nomedia file in the folder (delete it if you have one).
• 🔄 Media Base Update: Open the Gallery → Settings → Update media files.
• 📱 Permissions for the Gallery application in the settings of the second space.

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Before any manipulation of the second space, back up the main profile via Settings. → The phone. → Backup. This will help you recover data when you crash.

How to optimize the use of second space

To make the second space work efficiently and not take up excess memory, follow these tips:

Memory setting:

• 📉 By default, the second space is allocated 1-3 GB. If you plan to install many applications, increase the volume in Settings. → Second space → Memory.
• 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly in the second space through Settings → Warehouse.

Data synchronization:

• ☁️ Set up cloud sync for important data (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) within each space.
• 🔄 For files that are frequently updated (such as documents), use FolderSync or Syncthing to automatically copy between spaces.

Safety:

• 🔒 Set different passwords or graphical keys for each space.
• 🚫 Do not store sensitive data (passwords, banking applications) in the second space if it is used for testing.

Performance:

• ⚡ Turn off auto-run of unnecessary applications in the second space (Settings) → Annexes → Auto-start).
• 🔄 Reboot your device every 2-3 days if you are actively using both spaces (this prevents you from hanging up).

💡

If the second space is only needed for a few apps (for example, a second account in Telegram), consider an alternative – the dual application function in the Telegram app. MIUI. It creates clones of applications without a full-fledged second profile, saving memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi’s second space