How to transfer applications to the second space Xiaomi: full instructions with nuances

The second space feature in Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, Poco and Black Shark) allows you to create an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, settings and data, which is convenient for separating work and personal accounts, testing programs or protecting confidential information. However, many users have difficulty migrating existing applications between the main and second spaces. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to migrate applications, including hidden settings. MIUI, Avoiding limitations and solving common mistakes.

It is important to understand that the second space in Xiaomi is not just a folder or profile, but a full-fledged virtual environment with its own Android. ID, storage and settings. So direct copying APK-We're going to look at the official methods through Settings, alternative solutions using the ADB, and also nuances for different versions MIUI (Particular attention will be paid to account-based applications (e.g. banking or instant messengers) where the transfer may require re-authorization.

If you're just planning on creating a second space, first consider its limitations. MIUI 14/15 You can’t use the same application in both spaces at the same time (except for system utilities), and some vendors (like Google or Meta) block their services from running in virtual environments due to security policies.

What is the second space in Xiaomi and why is it necessary?

Second Space is a technology feature. MIUI, Allows you to create two independent copies of Android on one device with different:

• 📱 Applications (you can duplicate messengers, social networks, games)
• 🔑 Accounts (different Google, Mi Account, social networks)
• 📁 Files (isolated storage for each space)
• 🎨 Settings (themes, wallpaper, sounds do not overlap)

Main use cases:

• 💼 Work. + Personal life: differentiation of corporate and personal data.
• 🔒 Security: Storing confidential information in an isolated environment.
• 🎮 Testing: Verifying beta versions of applications without risk to the main system.
• 🛡️ Child Protection: Creating a Sandbox with a Limited Package of Programs.

Technically, the second space is implemented through the Work Profile mechanism (based on Android for Work), but with advanced features. APK-Files, not just enterprise applications, but there are limitations:

⚠️ Note: Cloning-protected apps (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram number-binding) can block an account while using both spaces.

Preparing a smartphone before transferring applications

Before migrating applications, there are several critical steps to take to avoid data loss or crashes:

1. Update. MIUI until the last version. MIUI 12 and older, the second space algorithm has been significantly refined. → The phone. → Updating the system.
2. Create a backup of the main space through Settings → Memory. → Backup: This will save application settings that cannot be transferred directly (e.g., game progress).
3. Clear the cache for the applications you plan to port, which will reduce the size of the data you transmit and reduce the risk of errors. → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
4. Check the space. Second space requires a minimum of 1.5 to 2 GB of free memory for stable operation. Optimal to have 5.+ GB.

Pay special attention to applications with two-factor authentication (2FA). When transferring, they may require re-entering the code from SMS Prepare backup codes in advance or disable them. 2FA, if possible.

If you plan to port save games, note that not all titles support cloud-based saving via Google Play Games or Mi Cloud. /Android/data/[package_name]/files).

⚠️ Attention: Annexes C DRM-protection (e.g. Netflix, Disney)+) They may stop working after transfer to the second space due to a change in the device identifiers.

Official way of transfer through settings MIUI

The easiest way is to use built-in tools. MIUI. It is suitable for most standard applications, but has limitations for system utilities and high-security programs.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Second space.
2. Click Switch to the second space (you will need to enter a password if it is set).
3. Go back to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
4. Select the application you want to migrate and click Clone (if available) or Install in the second space.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

List of applications that cannot be transferred in an official way:

• 🔒 System utilities (Settings, Phone, Contacts)
• 🛡️ Applications with SafetyNet (Google Pay, banking clients)
• 🎮 Anticheat games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact)
• 📱 Programmes linked to IMEI (Mi Fit, some of them. VPN)

These applications will require alternative methods, which we will discuss later, and note that after the transfer, some programs may lose data (for example, WhatsApp will require re-authorization via the service). SMS).

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If the app doesn't show up in the portable list, try removing it from the main space first, then installing it again in the second one, which will work for most Google Play apps.

Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)

If the official method did not work or you need to move the system application, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to bypass most of the limitations. MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the developer mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep "package:"

This command will display a list of all packages installed, find the desired application (for example, com.whatsapp for WhatsApp) and do:

adb shell pm install-existing --user 11 com.whatsapp

Where 11 is ID Second Space (may vary depending on version) MIUI). To find out the exact ID, use:

adb shell pm list users

Once you execute the command, the application will appear in the second space, but note that some programs (especially those with SafetyNet) may not start or may be running in error.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB transferring banking applications or programs from DRM For example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff recognize the change in the runtime environment and require re-authorization with confirmation via the SMS.

Transfer of application data (saves, settings, cache)

Simple transfer. APK-The file is often not enough — many programs store user data in isolated folders, for example, in games it is progress, in messengers it is history of correspondence, in browsers it is bookmarks.

Where application data is stored:

• 📂 /data/data/[package_name] — basic settings and cache (root rights required to access).
• 📁 /Android/data/[package_name] — files available without root (save games, downloads).
• 🖼️ /Android/obb/[package_name] — Additional game files (usually weighing a few gigabytes).

Instructions for transfer:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable File Transfer (MTP).
2. Copy the folder with data from the main space (for example, /Android/data/com.supercell.clashofclans).
3. Switch to the second space through Settings → Second space.
4. Insert the copied files into a similar folder in the second space.
5. Restart the phone and check the app’s performance.

For root data applications (folder) /data/data/) need:

• 🛠️ Root access (for example, via Magisk).
• 📲 Root Explorer (Root Explorer, Solid Explorer).
• 🔄 Backup via Titanium Backup (if available).

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To migrate game saves, use cloud services (Google Play Games, Mi Cloud) or specialized tools like Helium. Manual file copying can lead to loss of progress due to differences in device identifiers between spaces.

Solving typical problems when porting applications

Even if you follow instructions correctly, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

It is particularly difficult to port device-based applications such as:

• 🏦 Bank clients (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB) – require re-activation.
• 🎵 Streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music) – can block an account.
• 📡 VPN Antiviruses (Kaspersky, Norton) - lose their license.

SafetyNet verification applications (e.g. Google Pay or Google Pay) Pokémon GO) They won't work in the second space without further manipulation of Magisk and SafetyNet Fix, because the virtual environment changes the fingerprints of the device, which is recognized as a root sign.

1. Clear the application data in the second space.

2. Remove it and install it again through Google Play.

3. Use Parallel Apps instead of the second space for duplication.-->

Alternative ways of duplicating applications

If transferring through a second space is not possible (for example, because of an application lock), consider alternative methods:

• 🔄 Parallel Apps (Dual Applications): Built-in feature MIUI, So, it allows you to clone messengers and social networks without creating a second space. → Annexes → Dual annexes.
• 📱 Island (Sandbox): Application for creating an isolated environment based on Work Profile. Supports data transfer and runs without root on Android 9+.
• 🔧 App Cloner: A utility for creating independent copies of applications with separate data. Requires manual transfer APK second-space.
• 🌐 Web versions: For some services (e.g. Telegram or Telegram) VK) can be used PWA via browser in second space.

Comparison of methods:

For banking applications, Island is the best solution, as it creates an isolated environment with original device certificates, but some banks (such as Alfa Bank) can still block access by detecting a virtual environment.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's second space