How to Move Data to Second Space on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Error Solutions

Second space on Xiaomi smartphones is a unique feature MIUI, It allows you to create an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, files and settings, most often used to separate work and personal data, test applications or increase privacy. How to transfer data from the main space to the second without loss or error?

In this article, we will discuss all available methods of transferring files, from manual copying to synchronization through the cloud, as well as consider typical errors (for example, insufficient memory or Error 5001) and their solutions. MIUI 14 and MIUI 15, where the transfer algorithm has changed.If you plan to use the second space to work with banking applications or social networks, be sure to read the security section!

What is the second space on Xiaomi and why is it necessary?

Second Space is a virtual copy of the operating system that runs parallel to the main one.

• 📁 Separate file storage (photos, videos, documents)
• 📱 Own set of installed applications
• 🔒 Unique settings (wallpaper, sounds, accounts)
• 🔄 Ability to quickly switch between spaces

Main use cases:

• 💼 Separating work and personal data (e.g. WhatsApp for work and family in different spaces).
• 🛡️ Increased privacy: In the second space, you can hide personal files or applications from outsiders.
• 🧪 Testing new applications or firmware without risk to the main system.
• 🎮 Use multiple accounts in games (e.g., Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).

It is important to understand that the second space is not a full-fledged multiplayer system (like Android for Work), it does not support simultaneous login to different Google or Mi Account accounts in the same space, and some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) will be shared for both spaces.

⚠️ Note: On devices with less than 64GB of storage, the second space can take up to 30% of the total. → Memory.

Preparing for data transfer: what to do in advance

Before you transfer data, follow a few critical steps:

1. Back up the main space. Use Settings. → The phone. → Backup or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root).
2. Check app compatibility. Not all programs support the second space, like Netflix or BankID can block startup.
3. Clear the cache. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management and clear cache for large applications (social networks, instant messengers).
4. Make sure there is free space. The second space reserves a minimum of 5-10 GB for system files.

If you plan to port banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff), consider:

• 🔐 Some banks block virtual spaces due to fraud risk.
• 📱 The application may require re-authorization or sending SMS-code.
• 🚫 In case of blocking, try using the main space for financial transactions.

For devices on MIUI 15 added a new training item: sync with Mi Cloud. If you use the cloud, data from the second space will not be automatically backed up - it must be transferred manually or through third-party services (for example, Google Drive).

How to transfer data to the second space

There are several methods of transfer, each of which is suitable for different types of data, and let's look at them in detail.

1. Manual file transfer through file manager

The easiest way to do this is to copy files manually:

1. Open Files (Standard Xiaomi Manager)
2. Select files or folders (photos, videos, documents).
3. Click Copy or Cut.
4. Switch to the second space (swipe down the notification panel) → Icon Second Space).
5. Put the files in the folder.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ No application settings are transferred.
• ❌ No synchronization – if you change a file in one space to another, it will remain old.
• ✅ Suitable for one-time transfers of small amounts of data.

2. Transfer of applications and their data

To transfer applications, use the built-in function Cloning applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Cloning of applications.
2. Select the apps you want to duplicate (such as WhatsApp, Telegram).
3. After cloning, the app will appear in a second space with clean settings.

To migrate application data (such as correspondence to Viber or progress in games), use:

• 🔄 Built-in backup (if supported by the application).
• 📁 Manual copying of data folders (for example, /Android/data/com.viber.voip).
• 🌐 Cloud services (e.g. Google Drive for WhatsApp).

⚠️ Note: When manually copying folders /Android/data/ Some apps (such as Instagram or Facebook) may require re-entry due to changing device identifiers.

3. synchronization through Mi Cloud or Google Account

Cloud services allow you to automatically transfer some data:

For synchronization via Mi Cloud:

1. In the main space, enable backup in Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. Switch to the second space and log in to the same Mi Account.
3. Restore the data from the backup.

For Google Account:

• Contacts, calendars and some application settings are synchronized automatically.
• Photos and videos can be uploaded to Google Photos in the main space and then downloaded in the second.

💡

If you use WhatsApp, back up chats to Settings before transferring them. → chat → Backup. In the second space, restore it from Google Drive or a local file.

4. Use of third-party applications

For advanced users, tools like:

• 📦 App Cloner – creates full copies of applications with data (requires root on some devices).
• 🔄 Swift Backup – Backup and restore applications (works without rooting on the app) MIUI 14+).
• 📂 Solid Explorer – file manager with support for two-panel mode for easy copying.

Example of Swift Backup Transfer:

1. Install Swift Backup in the main space.


2. Create a backup copy of the desired applications.




3. Switch to the second space and install Swift Backup there.




4. Restore the data from the backup.

⚠️ Note: Applications that use DRM-protection (e.g. Netflix or Disney)+), may not work in the second space due to altered device identifiers.

Solving Common Errors in Data Transfer

When you move data, you often have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. "Insufficient memory" error

Reasons:

• 📉 The second space is occupied by system files (minimum 5 GB is reserved for the system). MIUI).
• 🗑️ There is not enough space for temporary files.

Decisions:

• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🗃️ Transfer heavy files (video, games) to SD-card (if supported).
• 🔄 Reduce the size of the second space in Settings → Second space → Management of space.

Error 5001 ("Failure to copy files")

This error occurs when:

• 🔒 Attempting to copy protected system files.
• 📱 Conflict of Permissions Between Spaces.

How to fix it:

1. Try to copy files one by one, not a folder.
2. Use a file manager with root rights (such as Root Explorer).
3. Restart the device and try again.

3. Applications do not open in the second space

Possible causes:

• 🚫 The application blocks work in virtual environments (for example, banking applications).
• 🔄 These applications were not transferred correctly.
• 📱 The device is not certified by Google (check Settings). → Google → Certification of the device).

Decisions:

• 🔄 Reinstall the application in the second space.
• 📋 Check for updates on Google Play.
• 🛠️ For banking applications, use the main space.

4.Photos and videos are not displayed in the gallery

If the transferred media files are not shown:

1. Open the Gallery → Settings → Show hidden files.
2. Restart the Gallery app.
3. Check that the files are copied to the folder DCIM or Pictures.

Optimization of the second space after transfer

After the data transfer, it is recommended to perform several actions to optimize the work:

1. Set up autoclean the cache. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Auto Clean and enable the function for the second space.
2. Turn off unnecessary background processes. → Battery → Battery mode select Energy Saving for second space if it is rarely used.
3. Synchronize notifications. In Settings → Notifications → Second space configure notifications from both spaces.
4. Update your apps. Go to Google Play in the second space and update all the programs.

To save space:

• 🗑️ Regularly clean the Download folder of unnecessary files.
• 🎵 Transfer music and podcasts to SD-map.
• 📷 Use Google Photos to automatically upload photos/video (set up compression to save traffic).

If you are using a second space for games, pay attention to:

• 🎮 Disabling background synchronization to save battery.
• 🔊 Customization of sound – some games may conflict with system sounds.
• 📡 Use of Game Turbo (included in Settings) → Special facilities → Game Turbo).

💡

After transferring data, be sure to check the critical applications (messaging, banking) in the second space.

Second Space Security: What You Need to Know

While the second space provides basic data isolation, it is not a completely secure solution for storing sensitive information.

1. Data leakage between spaces

Despite the isolation, some data may leak out:

• 📞 Calls and SMS Common for both spaces (use Google Voice or Skype to separate).
• 📍 Geolocation works the same in both spaces.
• 📶 Network settings (Wi-Fi, mobile data) are also general.

2. Protection against unauthorized access

To improve safety:

• 🔐 Set different passwords or graphical keys for each space.
• 👤 Turn off notifications on the lock screen for the second space.
• 🛡️ Use App Lock to block critical applications (such as Telegram or Signal).

For devices with MIUI 15 The function "Private mode" is available":

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Private mode.
2. Add apps that should be hidden in the main space.
3. Activate mode – applications will only be available after entering PIN-code.

3. Risks in the use of banking applications

Many banks block virtual environments, and if you need to use Sberbank, Tinkoff or VTB Online,

• 🏦 Install the application only in the main space.
• 📱 Turn off cloning for banking applications.
• 🔄 If the bank has blocked access, contact support to request that you unlock the device (confirmation through the office may be required).

⚠️ Note: Some scams use a second space to bypass bank restrictions (e.g. installing an app on a clean device) and banks may consider this as suspicious activity and block an account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's second space