How to Use Second Space on Xiaomi Redmi 9: The Complete Guide

The second space feature on Xiaomi smartphones is a unique solution for those who want to share personal and work data on a single device. Redmi 9, despite the budget category, supports this feature by allowing you to create an isolated environment with separate applications, files and even settings. But how to properly configure and use this space so as not to face errors or data loss?

Many users mistakenly think that the second space is just an app folder or a second Mi Account. In fact, this is a full-fledged virtual copy of the system that runs parallel to the main one. Here you can set duplicate messengers, create a separate work profile on social networks or even hide confidential files from prying eyes. However, there are nuances: for example, the second space on Redmi 9 does not support separate software updates - when you update the systems, changes apply to both spaces at the same time.

In this article, we’ll take you through all the steps, from creating a second space to the intricacies of daily use, to learning how to switch between spaces, adjust notifications, and avoid common mistakes.

What is the second space and why is it necessary for Redmi 9?

Second Space is Xiaomi’s proprietary technology, which creates an isolated copy of the operating system on a smartphone. MIUI. You essentially get a “double” of your phone with separate phone numbers:

• 📱 Applications – you can duplicate messengers, social networks or working tools;
• 🔐 Data – Files, photos and contacts do not overlap with the main space;
• 🔄 Settings – wallpaper, sounds and even version MIUI You can customize it your way;
• 🛡️ Security – a separate password or fingerprint for login.

On the Redmi 9, this feature is particularly useful for:

• 👔 Separation of work and personal life (for example, a separate WhatsApp for colleagues);
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sharing a phone with loved ones without risking losing your data;
• 🔒 Hiding confidential information from outsiders;
• 🎮 Testing applications or settings without risk to the main system.

It is important to understand that the second space does not increase the physical memory of the phone. It simply reserves some available space (by default). ~5-10 GB) for an isolated environment.If Redmi 9 has little space, the system may limit the functionality of the second space.

⚠️ Warning: The second space does not replace the full Work Profile (as in Android Enterprise), it does not sync with corporate servers and does not support remote management. IT-department.

How to Enable Second Space on Xiaomi Redmi 9: Step-by-step Instructions

The second space takes no more than 5 minutes to activate, but several conditions must be met:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 20% (recommended 50%+);
• 📶 Stable Internet connection (needed for downloading components);
• 📱 Free space on the device (~5GB for minimum configuration).

Instructions for inclusion:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Scroll down and select the Second Space.
3. Click Create a second space and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the setup to be completed (the phone will restart 1-2 times).
5. After the reboot, a space selection screen will appear – select Second Space and complete the initial setup (as when you first turn on your phone).

If the second space is not on the menu, check:

• 📌 Version MIUI — function is available starting with MIUI 8 (on the Redmi 9 box-off MIUI 11/12);
• 🌍 Firmware region – in some global versions, the option may be hidden (resolved by changing the region to India or China via Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → tag MIUI 7 times).

⚠️ Attention: When you create a second space, all the data on the phone will remain intact, but during the process, the device will restart.

Configuring the second space: passwords, applications and memory

Once the second space is activated, it needs to be customized to suit its purpose.

1. Security and access

By default, the same password is used to log into the second space as the main one.

1. Move to second space.
2. Open Settings → Password and Security → Screen Lock.
3. Install a new one. PIN-code, pattern lock or fingerprint (if supported).

You can also set up automatic switching between spaces on a schedule (for example, the workspace is activated only on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00).

Settings → Special features → Second space → Automatic switching

2. Application management

In the second default space, there are no pre-installed applications (except basic ones: Phone, Messages, Browser) to add programs:

• 📲 Install them again through the Play Market (they will be isolated from the main space);
• 🔄 Use the Application Cloning function (available in Settings) → Annexes → Cloning applications) to duplicate messengers;
• 📁 Move it. APK-Files through the Explorer and install manually.

3.Memory and performance

The second space reserves a portion of the phone's memory. ~5GB, but this value can be changed:

Settings → Special features → Second space → Memory

Recommended settings for Redmi 9 (s 64/128 GB memory):

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If the second space lacks memory, remove unnecessary apps or clear the cache through Settings. → Memory. → Do not use the Play Market memory cleaners - they often delete important system files.

How to Switch Between Spaces and Manage Notifications

The switch between the main and second spaces is carried out through:

• 🔄 Lock screen – swipe up/down on the password entry screen;
• 📱 Notifications panel – click on the user icon in the upper right corner;
• ⚙️ Settings - Special Opportunities → Second space → Reverse.

If the switching does not work:

• 🔋 Check if the battery is running out (at the charge level) <15% system can block the switching);
• 🔄 Reboot the phone;
• 📌 Update. MIUI last-minute.

Management of notifications

By default, notifications from the second space are not displayed primarily.

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → More.
2. Enable the option to Show notifications from the second space.
3. Set notification priority for each application separately.

Note that if both spaces have the same messenger installed (e.g. Telegram), notifications will be duplicated. To avoid this, disable notifications for the duplicate application in one of the spaces.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When using the second space on Redmi 9, users often face the following problems:

Another common mistake is to lose data when you reset the second space, and many users think that resetting will bring back the factory settings, but save the files.

• 📂 Photos and documents will remain intact;
• ⚙️ Settings and accounts will be deleted;
• 📱 Applications will have to be installed again.

⚠️ Note: If you delete the second space through Settings → Special facilities → Second space → Delete, all the data inside it will be permanently erased!

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The second space on Redmi 9 isn’t designed to be permanent multitasking.If you need to work with apps from both spaces at the same time, consider dual phones or using Work Profile.

How to remove the second space and return it as it was

If the second space function is no longer needed, you can turn it off.

1. Move to the main space.
2. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
3. Select Remove the Second Space.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (the phone will restart).

After removal:

• 📱 All applications and settings of the second space will be removed;
• 📂 Files (photos, videos, documents) will remain in the SecondSpace folder in internal memory;
• 🔄 Free up occupied space (from 5 GB and more).

If after removing the second space, the phone becomes slower:

• 🔄 Reset the device;
• 🧹 Clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup;
• 📵 Check the background processes in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization.

If you're planning to create a second space again, consider that Redmi 9 only has one extra space. You can't create a second space.

Comparison of the second space with other data sharing methods

Second space isn't the only way to separate personal and work data into Xiaomi.

The choice of method depends on your tasks:

• 👔 For complete isolation of work and personal life – a second space;
• 📱 For duplicate 1-2 messengers – cloning applications;
• 🏢 For corporate use – Work Profile (if supported by the company);
• 🌐 To sync data in the cloud – two Mi accounts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Redmi 9