How to Include Second Space on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: full-length instruction

Xiaomi Redmi 9A — One of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it has features that many users don't know about. MIUI) It allows you to create an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, files and settings, it is the ideal solution for those who want to separate work and personal data, test applications without risking to the main profile or simply provide an additional level of privacy.

Unlike the guest mode, the second space on Redmi 9A It works as a full-fledged second account with its own desktop, settings, and even the ability to link another Mi Account, but the feature is hidden in the depths of settings and requires proper activation. In this article, we will discuss not only how to turn on the second space, but also how to configure it, what restrictions are on Redmi. 9A, How to avoid common mistakes when using.

Important: The second space function is only available on devices with MIUI 12 and newer. 9A box-only MIUI 12.0.8 or higher, but if your version is older, upgrade to Settings first. → The phone. → Update MIUI.

What is the second space and why is it needed on the Redmi 9A?

The second space is not just a separate folder or profile, but a fully-fledged, isolated copy of Android running parallel to the main system.

• 📱 Own desktop with a unique set of applications and widgets
• 🔒 Individual accounts (Google, Mi Account, social networks)
• 📂 Isolated Storage – Files from one space are not visible in another
• 🔄 Independent settings (Wi-Fi, sound, wallpaper, fonts, etc.)

On the Redmi. 9A This feature is especially useful because of the device's limited resources. Instead of buying a second phone or using guest mode (which does not save data after a reboot), you get a new phone:

• 🛡️ Protection of personal data when transferring a phone to colleagues or children
• 🧪 Secure testing of new applications or firmware without risk to the main profile
• 💼 Separation of work and personal life (for example, separate accounts WhatsApp, Telegram, mail)
• 🔄 Backup profile in case of locking the main space

But there are limitations. Second space on Redmi. 9A It does not support installing applications on a memory card, all programs will take up space in internal storage, and some system functions (such as Game Turbo or Second Space inside the second space) may not work properly.

Requirements and preparations before the second space is included

Before you activate the feature, make sure your Redmi is available. 9A meets the minimum requirements:

If there is less than 1.5GB of free space, the system may refuse to create a second space or it will work with lags. → The phone. → Warehouse. If necessary, clear the cache or delete unnecessary files.

Free up at least 1.5 GB of memory|Update MIUI last-minute|Backup of important data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Shut down. VPN (may interfere with activation)-->

An important nuance for Redmi 9A: version MIUI The second space function can be hidden. If you don't find it in the settings, try it:

1. Go to Settings → Special facilities → Useful features and find the second space there.
2. Use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner) and enter the query "second space".
3. Update the Security app through Google Play, as the feature is sometimes managed through it.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 9A custom-made firmware (not official) MIUI), The second space function may not work at all or may not work at all, in which case it is recommended to return the stock firmware.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the second space on Redmi 9A

Now, let's get to the immediate activation. Follow the instructions carefully, because skipping the steps can lead to errors.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select the Special Opportunities section.
3. Inside, find the second space (on some versions) MIUI If you don't have one, you can search by settings.
4. Click Create a Second Space (or Add Space).
5. The system will suggest setting a password for the second space, which is a mandatory step: you can't create space without a password, come up with a reliable code (at least 4 digits) or use a pattern lock.
6. Wait until the process is completed (may take a while). 1-3 The phone will reboot.
7. When you reboot, you'll see a new desktop, which is the second space, so to switch between spaces, use the icon in the notification bar, or press the power button and select Switch space.

If you don’t find the Second Space section in step 3, try an alternative path:

Settings → Accounts → Synchronization → Second Space

Important: When you first enter the second space, the system may suggest setting it up as a new phone (language selection, Wi-Fi connection, etc.) That's OK - just follow the hints, like when you first turn on Redmi. 9A.

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If after creating the second space, the phone began to slow down, try to turn off animation in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers and disable Windows animation and transition animation).

The second space: what can and can not be done

Once you've created the second space, you need to set it up properly.

What can be set separately:

• 📱 Desktop: wallpaper, themes, app icons
• 🔊 Sound: ringing melodies, notifications, volume
• 🌐 Network: Wi-Fi, mobile data, VPN (regardless of the main space)
• 🔒 Security: Fingerprint, Face Unlock, Application Passwords
• 📧 Accounts: You can link another Google account or Mi Account

Second Space Limits on Redmi 9A:

• ❌ It is impossible to install applications on SD-card only in internal memory.
• ❌ Some system applications (e.g. Security or Themes) will be shared across both spaces.
• ❌ Limited access to files: files from one space are not visible in another (even through a file manager).
• ❌ There is no separate battery management: if you activate a saving mode in one space, it will work in another.

Use the following to manage spaces:

Settings → Second Space → Management of Spaces

Here you can:

Delete the second space (all data will be erased!)

- Change the password for switching

Set up notifications (show notifications from the second space mostly and vice versa)

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may block the second space as an “unsafe environment” in which case use the main financial transaction space.

How to Transfer Applications and Data to Second Space

By default, the second space is created empty, with no applications or data, to move the desired programs:

Method 1: Installation via Google Play

1. Switch to the second space (via the notification panel or power button).
2. Open Google Play and sign up for a different account (or the same, if not the same one).
3. Install the required applications as usual.

Method 2: Cloning applications (for messengers)

Some applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) support cloning directly into the Internet. MIUI:

1. In the main space, open Settings. → Annexes → Cloning of applications.
2. Select the app you want to duplicate (such as WhatsApp).
3. After cloning, the app will appear in the second space with a separate account.

Method 3: Manual file transfer

Files (photos, documents, music) can only be transferred manually:

1. Connect Redmi 9A to your computer via USB.
2. Copy files into internal memory (SecondSpace folder is created automatically).
3. In the second space, the files will be available in the Download folder or MIUI.

Important: Don’t try to transfer files through the file manager directly on your phone – the spaces are isolated and you won’t see files from one space in another.

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Application cloning only works for supported programs (a list can be seen in Settings). → Annexes → Cloning applications. For other applications, you'll have to reinstall them in the second space.

Typical problems and their solutions

When using the second space on Redmi 9A Users often face the following problems:

1. The second space is not created (button is inactive)

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Insufficient memory: free up at least 1.5 GB.
• 🔄 Outdated. MIUI: Update the system to the latest version.
• 🛠️ Damaged system files: reset settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).

2.The phone brakes after creating a second space

Redmi 9A It has just 2GB of RAM, so the second space may be short of resources:

• 🗑️ Close the background applications in both spaces.
• ⚙️ Turn off animation in the developer settings.
• 🔄 Remove unnecessary apps from the second space.

3. I can't switch between spaces

If the switch icon has disappeared:

• 🔑 Check if the password of the second space has changed.
• 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes the notification bar is reset.
• 🔧 Reset the second space (Settings) → Second space → Remove, then recreate).

4. Applications in the second space are not updated

This is due to a conflict of Google accounts.

1. In the second space, open Settings. → Accounts. → Google.
2. Delete your current account and add it again.
3. Update your apps through Google Play.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 9A unlocked loader or custom recavery (TWRP), creating a second space can lead to the phone looping on the boot, in which case you have to reset the settings through the Recovery.

Security: How to Protect Data in the Second Space

The second space itself provides basic insulation, but for complete safety, follow these guidelines:

1. Password and lock setting

• 🔐 Use different passwords for the main and second spaces.
• 👆 Enable your fingerprint or Face Unlock for quick switching (Settings) → Password and security).
• 🔄 Set up automatic lock after 30 seconds of inactivity.

2. Notification management

By default, notifications from the second space are displayed mainly to hide them:

1. Go to Settings. → Second space → Management of notifications.
2. Turn off the option to show notifications from the second space.

3. Backup

The data in the second space is not automatically backed up, so that it can be stored:

• 📱 Use Mi Cloud (Link your account in the second space and enable backup).
• 💾 Regularly copy important files to your computer USB.
• 📧 Set up automatic photo sending to email (for example, through Google Photos).

4.Surveillance protection

If you use the second space for confidential tasks:

• 🚫 Turn off geolocation for unnecessary applications.
• 🛡️ Install. VPN (For example, ProtonVPN in the second space.
• 📵 Turn off the adverts. ID In Settings → Google → Advertising.

Important: the second space is not a full-fledged sandbox (as in Samsung Knox), a skilled root user can get data from both spaces. → Additionally. → Encryption).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions