How to completely remove the “First Space” on Xiaomi Redmi 4: from reset to ADB

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users are faced with the problem of “First Space”**, a protected system partition that takes up to 3-5 GB of memory and can not be removed by standard means. This feature was part of the experimental firmware MIUI for separating personal and work data, but in most cases it only interferes with the access to the usable amount of storage.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods to get rid of First Space on Redmi 4 (including Redmi 4 Pro and Redmi 4A models), from simple reset to manual removal via ADB. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader and can lead to data loss. If you are not sure about your actions, we recommend you to make a backup first.

Before you start, check if your problem is really First Space. Go to Settings → Memory and see if there is a section called First Space or Space 1 on the list. If there is none, your problem may be related to another system partition (e.g. MIUI/OEM) and the solutions in this article will not work.

1.What is the First Space and why it cannot be removed by standard methods

First Space is a secure memory partition that Xiaomi has implemented in some versions of MIUI 8-9 to implement Dual Apps and separate work/personal data, which in theory was supposed to improve security, but in practice:

• 🔹 It takes up a fixed amount of memory (usually 3-5 GB), which can not be used for files.
• 🔹 It does not appear in the file manager as a separate folder.
• 🔹 Not removed through Settings → Applications or Warehouse.
• 🔹 May cause errors when updating firmware or resetting settings.

The problem is that the partition is tied to the system partition /data at the kernel level and doesn't have a separate mount in /mnt. So standard methods like formatting through Recovery or deleting folders manually won't work. The only reliable ways are:

1. Reset to factory settings with the removal of all data.
2. Manual removal via ADB (requires unlocking the bootloader).
3. Reflashing to custom software (for example, LineageOS).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 4 is purchased in China or has firmware for the domestic market (China) ROM), «The first space may be part of Mi Cloud system services, in which case deleting it may disrupt the data synchronization.

2. Method 1: Hard Recovery Reset (without root)

The simplest, but radical, method is to completely reset your settings through Recovery mode, which will delete all user data, including First Space, but save system files, suitable for those who are not afraid of losing information or have already made a backup.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Select a language (if available) and go to Wipe & Reset (or Wipe Data).
4. Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action.
5. Once completed, press Reboot to reboot.

If the First Space disappeared after the reset, the problem was solved. If it didn't, then the partition is fixed in the firmware and requires deeper intervention.

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Method 2: Remove via ADB (requires unlocking the bootloader)

If the reset doesn’t work, you’ll need to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires an unlocked bootloader and basic command line knowledge, and the advantage is that you can delete the partition without losing data completely (but there’s a risk!).

Steps:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 72 hours).
2. Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer.
3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
4. Open the command line in the ADB folder and do:

fastboot devices

(connection check)

fastboot shell


rm -rf /data/first_space/*

(deletion of section contents)

exit


fastboot reboot

If the rm command is not working because of access rights, try:

fastboot shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /data




rm -rf /data/first_space/*




exit

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If the phone doesn't turn on after you reboot, try flashing it over the Mi Flash Tool in mode. EDL.

4. Method 3: Flashing on global or custom firmware

If First Space is part of China ROM, you can remove it by going to Global Stable.

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 4 from MIUI Downloads (select markw for Redmi 4 Pro or prada for Redmi 4A).
2. Unpack. ZIP-archived in a folder with Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and run the firmware through Mi Flash (select Clean All for full cleanup).

The alternative is to install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which will remove all MIUI system partitions, including First Space, but require:

• 🔹 Unlocked loader.
• 🔹 Established custom recovery (TWRP).
• 🔹 Backup of data (firmware erases everything!).

Instructions for installing TWRP and custom firmware for Redmi 4 can be found on the XDA Developers forum (look for themes by model code: markw, prada, santoni).

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5. Method 4: Manual editing of fstab file (for advanced)

This method is suitable if First Space is mounted as a separate partition in /data. It requires root rights and editing system files.

Instructions:

1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Go to /etc and find the fstab.qcom file (or fstab.{model}).
4. Open the file in the text editor and find the line with first_space or /data/first_space.
5. Comment on the line by adding # to the beginning or delete it.
6. Save the file, reboot the phone.

Example of a line to comment on:

/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/first_space  /data/first_space  ext4  defaults  voldmanaged=first_space:auto

After the reboot, the partition will cease to be mounted, and its place can be used for user data.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of fstab can lead to a cyclic reboot (bootloop).If the phone doesn't turn on, restore the original file via TWRP.

Method 5: Alternative solution - transferring data to SD-map

If none of these methods worked or you don't want to take risks, you can get around the problem by transferring some of the data to a microSD.

1. Insert a memory card (class 10 or UHS-I is recommended).
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
3. Choose Format as internal memory (Warning: The card will be encrypted and won’t be read on other devices!).
4. After formatting, transfer applications and files to SD to Settings → Apps → [Select App] → Storage → Change.

Cons of the method:

• 🔹 The card will work slower than the built-in memory.
• 🔹 Not all applications support the transfer to SD.
• 🔹 When you remove the card, some applications will stop working.

But it is a 100% secure way that does not require unlocking or root rights.

💡

If you use SD-The card is like an internal memory, back it up regularly, and if you damage the card, you can't recover it!

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

For most users, the best option is to reset via Recovery (if it helps) or flash to a global MIUI. The method with ADB is suitable for those who are willing to take risks, and editing fstab is for experienced users.

💡

If First Space came up after a firmware update, try rolling back to the previous version of MIUI. Often the problem disappears after a downgrade.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the "First Space" on Redmi 4