How to completely remove the second space on Xiaomi Redmi 8: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s second-space feature was originally intended as a convenient tool for separating personal and work data. However, in practice, many Redmi 8 users find that the extra space takes up precious memory, slows down the device or simply interferes, and this is especially true if you accidentally activate it or get a phone with a double set up.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to remove the second space, from standard MIUI settings to radical methods like factory resets. We’ll look at the nuances of different firmware versions (MIUI 12, 13, 14) and the typical errors that can occur in the process. If you want to return the phone to a single space without losing data, read on.

Why is the second space interfering with the Redmi 8?

On Xiaomi Redmi 8, the second space feature is implemented at the MIUI firmware level, which means that it doesn't just create a separate folder, it actually duplicates the entire system.

First, there's a marked reduction in available memory, and even if you don't install apps in both spaces, the system reserves space for them. On Redmi 8 with 32/64 GB of memory, this is critical, users lose up to 8-12 GB only on the second profile's service files.

Second, the processor is getting more loaded. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 in Redmi 8 is not the most productive, and the constant synchronization of two spaces can cause lags, especially when switching between profiles or running heavy applications.

Finally, settings get lost, for example, if you have disabled application auto-update in the main space, it may remain active in the second space, which leads to uncontrolled traffic and battery consumption.

Method 1: Disable the second space through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to deactivate through the phone menu, which is suitable if you haven't removed system applications or changed firmware to custom. MIUI 12–14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Special Opportunities section → Second space.
3. Click on Remove the second space (or Disable if the option is not available).
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the main profile (if requested).
5. Wait until the process is completed (the phone will restart).

⚠️ Note: If the Remove button is inactive, the second space is password protected or linked to your Mi Account. In this case, first remove the protection in the security settings of the second profile.

Make sure that the main space is not blocked

Save important data from the second profile

Battery charge of at least 30%

Disable VPN (may interfere with synchronization)

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After you restart, check if the space switch icon in the notification curtain has disappeared. If so, the procedure has been successful. If not, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Resetting the second space to factory settings

If standard deletion doesn't work, try resetting the second space separately from the main one, and this won't affect the first profile, but all apps and settings in the second one will be lost.

Algorithm of action:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset second space (in some versions of MIUI, the option is called Delete second user data).
3. Confirm the reset, wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8 with firmware MIUI 12.5 and below, after resetting the second space, an "empty" profile may remain. To completely remove it, additional cleaning through Settings is required. → Annexes → Application management (find Second Space and clear cache/data).

Method 3: Remove via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have not worked, you can use the ADB debugging bridge. This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Redmi 8 Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB drivers (you can download from the XDA Developers website).
4. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
5. Enter the command to delete the second space: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.secondspace

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI This team can cause a mistake. DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER. In this case, first disable the device administrator in the second space (Settings). → Security → Device administrators).

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If the adb command doesn't work, try first restarting the phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down) and running fastboot oem unlock.This will reset some of the limitations of MIUI.

Method 4: Manually delete files of second space (root access)

For users with root rights, there is a radical method of manually deleting second-space files, which can lead to unstable system operation if critical files are deleted, and only use it if other options have not worked.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /data/system/users/ Find a folder with the second space ID (usually 10 or 999).
3. Delete the entire folder or only the files: secondspace.xml secondspace_db
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting system files without a backup can make the phone inoperable. Create a backup through the phone before you act TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

Method 5: Completely reset your phone to factory settings

If neither method worked, the last option is hard reset, which will remove all data from the phone, including both spaces, and return the Redmi 8 to the “out of the box” state.

How to reset:

1. Save important data (photos, contacts, messages) to an external drive or to the cloud.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data (or Factory Reset).
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account (if tied).
5. Wait until the phone is finished (it will reboot several times).

Once reset, the phone will turn on with the initial setup. At the language selection stage, don't activate the second space - just skip this step.

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Factory reset is the only way to guarantee that you will remove the second space if it was created at the firmware level (e.g., in enterprise versions of MIUI).

Typical errors and their solutions

When you delete the second space on Redmi 8, users often face typical problems.

• 🔄 Phone freezes in the removal phase: Wait 15 to 20 minutes. If the screen doesn't change, press the power. + Volume up 10 seconds for forced reset.
• 🔒 Requires a password from Mi Account, but you don’t remember it: Restore access via account.xiaomi.com or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
• 📱 After removal, the switch icon remained: Clear the cache of system applications (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Systemic → Clear the cache).
• ⚠️ A second space error notification has appeared: Reset via Fastboot (see Method 5) or flash your phone again.

If after all the manipulations, the second space continues to appear, there may be a hardware problem (for example, damage to the memory partition).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Redmi 8