How to Include Second Space on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: Complete guidance with solutions to typical problems

The second space feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to create an isolated work environment with separate applications, settings and data. 9A (codename dandelion, this capability is implemented through the company shell MIUI, But it has some nuances related to hardware limitations of a budget device, and many users have problems activating it: it may be missing from the menu, require additional manipulation, or work unstablely.

In this article, we will discuss all ways to include a second space on Redmi. 9A (Including the global and Chinese firmware versions, we will explain how to properly configure data synchronization between spaces, and warn against common errors.

If you're planning to use the second space to separate work and personal data or test apps, this guide will help you avoid common problems. MIUI, We will show you how to unlock it without risking the device.

1.Whether Redmi supports 9A second-space?

Xiaomi Redmi Model 9A (2020 release) officially supports the second space function, but with important caveats:

• 📌 Available only on firmware MIUI 12 and newer (including MIUI 12.5 and MIUI On earlier versions (e.g., on the basis of, MIUI (11) the function may not be available.
• 🔄 On some regional versions (e.g. Indian or European) the option is hidden by default and requires activation via Developer Settings.
• 📱 Hardware limitations: Due to the small amount of RAM (2-3 GB), the second space can run slower than the main one, especially when running resource-intensive applications simultaneously.

To check the compatibility of your device:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → version of MIUI.
2. If the version is lower MIUI 12.0.1, update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
3. For Chinese versions (China) ROM) You may need to unlock the bootloader and install global firmware.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A With 16GB of internal memory, the second space will take up to 4-5GB, which can lead to a lack of space for basic applications.

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

If your device meets the requirements, follow this instruction, which takes 5-7 minutes and does not require a PC connection.

Step 1: Preparation of the device

• 🔋 Battery charge must be at least 50% (at low charge, the system will block the creation of space).
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (you will need to download additional files when you first set up).
• 🔐 Make sure there are no active restrictions on your device (such as parental controls or corporate policies).

Step 2: Activate the second space

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Click on “Create a Second Space” and confirm the action.
3. Select the method of data separation: 📱 «Standard" - only system applications are copied (recommended to save space). 🔄 «Complete" - duplicates all applications and data (requires ≥8 GB of free space).

Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes) and the device will restart automatically.

Step 3. First setup

After the reboot:

1. Select the second space in the screen lock menu (swipe down on the unlock screen).
2. Go through the initial setup, as when you first turn on your phone (choose language, connect to the network, log in to your Mi Account).
3. Set up a separate one. PIN-code or pattern lock for the second space (different from the main space is recommended).

💡

If the “Second Space” option is not on the menu, try searching for settings to search for “second space” – sometimes it helps to find the hidden feature.

3. How to switch between spaces

Switching between the main and second spaces is done through the lock screen:

1. Unlock the phone (enter the phone). PIN Or use a fingerprint).
2. Swipe down the screen and a panel with a user avatar will appear.
3. Tap the avatar and select the desired space in the list.

⚠️ Note: When switching between spaces, all open applications will be closed. Unsaved data (such as draft messages) may be lost.

For convenience, you can customize different wallpapers for each space:

1. Move into the right space.
2. Click the empty space on the main screen → «Wallpaper».
3. Choose a unique image for this space.

4. Synchronization of data between spaces

By default, the spaces are completely isolated, but MIUI Allows you to selectively synchronize individual data:

For manual file transfer:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Go to the internal drive. → MIUI → Secondspace (for second space).
3. Copy the files you want to share in a shared folder (like Download).

Important: Applications from the second space don’t show up mostly and vice versa, except for system utilities (like Camera or Phone) that are automatically duplicated.

Typical problems and their solutions

Redmi users 9A Often encounter the following errors when working with the second space:

Problem 1: The “Second Space” option is not in the settings

• 🔄 Solution: Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI through settings → Updating the system.
• 📱 If there are no updates, try resetting to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting settings).
• 🔧 For Chinese firmware (China) ROM) It may be necessary to install a Global ROM via Fastboot.

Problem 2: Second space is not created (memory is not enough)

• 🗑️ Free up space: remove unnecessary apps, clear cache (Settings) → Warehouse → Clean up).
• 🔄 Select the “Standard” option instead of “Full” when creating.
• 📱 Move the files to SD-card (if supported).

Problem 3: Applications in the second space are not working

• 🔒 Some applications (e.g. banking or with DRM-They block the second space. No solution, use it only in the main space.
• 🔄 Update apps in both spaces via Google Play.
• 📱 Check the permissions: Settings → Annexes → Permits.

💡

If the second space is unstable (hangs, errors), try to turn it off and create again. → Special facilities → Second space → Delete.

6 Security: What you need to know

The second space on Xiaomi provides basic data isolation, but is not a full-fledged “sandbox” (like Samsung Knox).

• 🔒 Security level: Second space data is encrypted but vulnerable to attacks MIUI (For example, if the device is hacked).
• 📱 Common risks: If someone gets physical access to the phone, they will be able to switch between spaces (unless a separate setup is set up) PIN). Some malicious applications can bypass isolation through system vulnerabilities.
• 🔄 Recommendations: Use different PIN-Do not store critical data (passwords, bank details) in the second space. Regularly update the firmware to close vulnerabilities.

⚠️ Warning: When you reset your phone to the factory settings (Hard Reset), both spaces will be deleted without recovery.

For additional protection:

1. Enable device encryption: Settings → Additionally. → Encryption.
2. Set up automatic lock after 30 seconds of inactivity.
3. Use Mi Account to remotely erase data when your device is lost.

7.Alternatives to the second space on Redmi 9A

If the second space function doesn’t work for you (for example, due to memory shortages or unstable work), consider alternative solutions:

1. User profiles (Android)

• 📱 Supported by Redmi. 9A through settings → System system → Multiplayer mode.
• ✅ Pros: less memory consumption, separate settings for each profile.
• ❌ Cons: No complete isolation (general contact, SMS).

2. cloning applications (Parallel Space, Island)

• 🔄 Parallel Space allows you to run duplicate applications in an isolated environment.
• 🛡️ Island (requires root) creates a full-fledged sandbox with separate data.
• ⚠️ Limitation: may conflict with MIUI freeze up.

3. Virtual Machines (UserLAnd, Termux)

• 🖥️ Allows you to run a separate Linux or Android system inside your phone.
• ⚠️ It requires technical skills and takes up a lot of space.

Comparison of alternatives:

8 Frequently Asked Questions