How to Move Apps to Second Space on Xiaomi Redmi 7: Complete Guide

Why do you need a second space on Xiaomi Redmi 7?

The second space (or Dual Apps) on Xiaomi smartphones is a unique MIUI feature that allows you to create an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, accounts and data. On Redmi 7 (2019 model), this option is especially useful for those who want to separate work and personal accounts, test applications without risk to the main system or simply hide sensitive data from outsiders.

Moving applications to a second space doesn’t require root rights or complex manipulation, but it has its own nuances: for example, not all applications support duplication, and some (for example, banking) can block work in an isolated environment. In this article, we will discuss three official methods of porting, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

Important: The second space feature is only available on MIUI 10 firmware and later. If your Redmi 7 is running on an earlier version, update the system first via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Preparing the phone for a second space

Before you move applications, you need to activate the second space itself, which takes 5-10 minutes and requires free space on the device (at least 1-2 GB depending on the number of duplicate applications).

Follow the steps:

1. Open Settings and go to the Application section → Second space.
2. Click Create a second space and confirm the action.
3. Select the unlock method (PIN, pattern lock or password) – it will only be used to log into the second space.
4. Wait for the setup to be completed (the phone will restart).

After creating the second space, a switch button will appear on the lock screen between the main and additional profile. If the button does not appear, check the lock screen settings in the Settings → Lock screen → Additional.

Method 1: Transfer applications through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature, which is suitable for most popular applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, etc.), but does not work with system utilities or cloning-protected games.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
2. In the list, find the app you want to duplicate and activate the switch next to it.
3. Confirm the creation of a copy - a second icon with an icon will appear on the desktop ⚪➡️⚫.
4. Launch a copy of the application and log in to your account (main profile data is not automatically transferred!).

Limitations of the method:

• 🔴 Not all apps support duplication (e.g. Google Pay or SberBank Online).
• 🔴 Copies of applications take up additional space in memory.
• 🔴 Notifications from the second space may be duplicated or displayed with a delay.

Check the space available (minimum 1 GB)

Update MIUI to the latest version

Create a backup copy of the main profile data

Remember the password to enter the second space-->

Method 2: Manual transfer APK-Files (for experienced users)

If the desired application does not appear in the list of Dual Apps, it can be manually transferred through the APK-This method requires care, because wrong actions can lead to failures.

Algorithm:

1. Download. APK-Application file from a trusted source (e.g., APKMirror).
2. Switch to the second space (via the lock screen).
3. Install. APK-file as usual (allow installation from unknown sources in Settings) → Security).
4. Launch the application and perform the initial setup.

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK Google Play Protect may violate the security policy of third-party sources. Check the hash file on VirusTotal before installing it.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, VK Or Instagram, they block the entrance from the unofficial builds, and then you need to use bypass methods (such as MicroG), which complicates the process.

Method 3: Using Island (SandBox) for advanced users

For those who need to do more than just duplicate applications, but create a completely isolated environment, Island (based on Work Profile) is a good application.

• 🔒 Freeze applications in the main space.
• 📱 Hide notifications from the second space.
• 🔄 Automatically switch between profiles on schedule.

How to set up:

1. Install Island from Google Play (requires Android 8.0+, which is available on Redmi 7).
2. Activate Work Profile in the application settings.
3. Move the apps you need to an isolated profile through the Island → Apps menu.
4. Set up data access rules (for example, deny access to contacts or geolocation).

Island is more flexible than the standard second MIUI space, but requires manual adjustment, such as:

1. Remove the main version of the application.
2. Install WhatsApp via Island.
3. Log in to your account and confirm your phone number.

💡

If the app doesn’t update in the second space after transfer, check the Google Play settings in an isolated profile. Sometimes you need to manually add a Google account to Settings → Second Space Accounts.

Application compatibility table with the second space

Not all applications work properly in duplicate form, and here is the compatibility table for popular services on Xiaomi Redmi 7 (relevant to MIUI 12.5):

If your application is not in the table, check its compatibility experimentally.

1. Create a backup copy of the main profile data.
2. Move the app to the second space.
3. Check the working capacity (authorization, notifications, synchronization).

Errors and their solutions when transferring applications

Even if you follow the instructions, Redmi 7 users may encounter problems, and consider common errors and how to fix them:

1.The app does not appear in the list of Dual Apps

Decision:

• Check if the app supports cloning (list above).
• Update the app to the latest version.
• Use Island or manual APK installation.

2.The second space does not open after creation

Decision:

• Reboot the phone.
• Check if the lock screen settings have reset (Settings → Lock screen → Unlock method).
• If the problem persists, reset the second space through Settings → Apps → Second Space → Delete and recreate it.

3. Applications in the second space are not updated

Decision:

• Add your Google account to the second space (Settings → Accounts → Add an account).
• Clear the Google Play Market cache in both spaces.
• Check your internet connection (some apps block updates when using a VPN).

💡

If the application is unstable in the second space after transfer, try turning off battery optimization for it in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.

How to delete a second space without losing data

If the second space is no longer needed, it can be deleted, but it is important to save data from duplicate applications, such as WhatsApp or Telegram chats do not sync automatically between spaces.

Step-by-step:

1. Save important data (chat screenshots, contact exports, etc.).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Second Space.
3. Click Remove the second space and confirm the action.
4. The phone will reboot, after which all data from the second space will be deleted.

It is not possible to recover data after the second space is deleted, so transfer important information to the main profile or cloud storage in advance.

⚠️ Note: When you delete the second space, all the applications installed in it and their data will be irretrievably erased, this also applies to files stored in the local storage of the second profile (for example, uploaded to Telegram media files).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Xiaomi Redmi 7