The second space on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a useful feature for separating personal and work data, but what to do if you forget your password? This situation is especially unpleasant because standard password reset methods (as in the main space) do not work here. Unlike screen locking, where you can use Mi Account or a pattern lock, the second space requires a separate approach.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of unlocking β from official (via Xiaomi account) to technical (via Fastboot and ADB). It is important to understand that some methods will lead to complete loss of data in the second space, so first try the safe options, and we will also tell you how to avoid similar situations in the future and set up backup.
If you are not sure of your technical skills, you should contact the service center - the wrong actions can lead to a complete locking of the device or damage to system files.
1. Method: Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use a Mi Account attached, which only works if:
- πΉ The device was authorized in the Xiaomi account before the creation of the second space.
- πΉ Mobile Internet or Wi-Fi is enabled on the smartphone (to check account data).
- πΉ You remember the username and password from Mi Account (or you can restore them through the email/phone).
Instructions:
- On the lock screen of the second space, click Forgot the password? (if there is no such option, the method is not suitable).
- Choose Restore through Mi Account.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
- Confirm the entry via SMS or code from the mail.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to reset your password.
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If the "Forgot Password?" option doesn't appear, try restarting your phone and trying again. Sometimes a system glitch blocks the display of the button.
β οΈ Note: If you have previously untied a Xiaomi account or used an unofficial firmware, this method will not work. Xiaomi may also request additional verification (such as a linked phone number) if the account has not been used for a long time.
2. Method: Reset second space through settings (without loss of core space data)
If the official method doesn't work, you can only reset the second space without affecting the main one, and this way will remove all data and applications from the second space, but save them mostly. MIUI 12β14.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Settings β Special Opportunities β Second Space.
- Select Remove Second Space (or Reset Second Space in Newer MIUI versions).
- Confirm the action by entering the password from the main space (not the second!).
- Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 1-2 minutes).
Check that the main space is unlocked |Save important data from the second space (if available) |Plug the phone to charge (the process can drain the battery) |Make sure the phone has enough free memory (minimum 500 MB)
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β οΈ Warning: Once reset, the second space will be completely removed and will have to be reconfigured. If you used it for work, move important files to the main space or cloud in advance.
Yes, regularly |Tryed, but didn't come in handy |No, I don't know what it is |I don't know if it's on my phone-->
3. Method: Removal of the second space through Recovery Mode (full reset)
If the previous methods didn't work, you'd have to use Recovery Mode, which will remove all the data from the second space, but it will retain the main one.
- πΉ No access to the main space (forgot password).
- πΉ The phone does not respond to the sensor in the second space menu.
- πΉ MIUI Issuing an error when trying to reset through settings.
Instructions:
- Turn off Redmi 9.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have an option).
- Go to Wipe Data β Wipe Second Space (or similar, depending on the version of MIUI).
- Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
- Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.
| Action. | The result | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Reset via Recovery | Removes only the second space. | If you choose Wipe All Data, everything will be erased. |
| Use of Mi Account | Saves the data. | It does not work without an attached account. |
| Removal through settings | Quickly and safely. | Requires access to the main space |
β οΈ Note: In some versions MIUI Wipe Second Space may not be available, so you'll have to use Fastboot, and don't confuse it with Wipe All Data, because it will remove everything from your phone!
4. Method: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)
If standard methods don't work, you can try removing the second space through Fastboot mode, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot. The risk of system damage is high β only use if there are no other options.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- π Original. USB-cable (will not damage ports!).
- π₯ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website).
- π Charging the phone at least 50%.
Instructions:
- Turn off Redmi 9.
- Press Power + Volume Down to Enter Fastboot Mode.
- Connect the phone to the computer.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
- Run the command to delete the second space: fastboot erase userdata_second
- Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot
What to do if the team is not working?
β οΈ Attention: Incorrect commands in Fastboot can lead to a device blink (completely inoperable). If you are not sure, do not experiment.
5. Method: Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all previous methods have failed, the last option is to contact the official Xiaomi service center, which is the most reliable, but also the longest way.
- π‘οΈ Guarantee of data security (if possible).
- π§ Professional Unlocking Equipment.
- π Official documentation (if the phone is warranty).
What needs to be done:
- Find the nearest service center on the official Xiaomi website.
- Check by phone if they are unlocking the second space (not all centers provide this service).
- Take it with you: π± Phone with a charge of at least 30%. π Checks or warranty card (if any). π Data from Mi Account (if linked).
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The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the region and the complexity of the case. Some services may offer a full reset as the only option - check this in advance.
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The official service is the only way to unlock a second space without the risk of damaging the phone, but it can be paid and lengthy.
How to avoid losing access to a second space in the future
To avoid this problem again, follow the following simple rules:
- π Use the same password for the main and second spaces (or write it in a secure location).
- π± Attach Mi Account and enable data synchronization.
- π Regularly back up the second space through Settings β System and device β Backup.
- π Make a habit of writing passwords to a password manager (like Bitwarden or KeePass).
You can also set up automatic login to the second space without a password (but this will reduce security):
- Go to Settings β Special Opportunities β Second Space.
- Select Security Settings.
- Turn off the option to request password at the entrance.
If you often forget passwords, consider alternatives to the second space:
- π Use encrypted folders in the file manager.
- π Install password-protected apps (such as AppLock).
- π Store your data in cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).