How to turn off the second space on the Xiaomi phone: 3 proven ways

Dual space on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature for separating personal and work data, but users often face the need to disable it. The reasons range from memory shortage to accidental activation. In this article, we will discuss all working methods for removing second space, including hidden MIUI settings and solutions for cases when the standard method does not work.

It’s important to understand that the second space on Xiaomi can be of two types – regular (with separate apps) and secure (with a password). The methods of disabling them are different. We will look at both options, and also tell you how to return the main space if the second phone starts to glitches after removing the second one.

The instructions are valid for all modern models: Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 13/14 and other devices on MIUI 12-14. If your firmware version is older, use alternative methods from the last section.

What is the second space on Xiaomi and why to turn it off

The second space function in MIUI creates an isolated copy of the system with separate:

• 📱 Applications (you can set duplicate messengers)
• 🔐 Data (photos, contacts, messages do not overlap)
• 🔄 Settings (wallpaper, sounds, fonts)

The main reasons for disconnection:

• 📉 Lack of memory: the second space takes up to 5-15 GB depending on the model.
• 🔄 Conflicts: Some applications (e.g. banking) block work in a “duplicate” environment.
• 🔓 Forgotten password: if you lose access to a secure space.
• 📱 Phone Sale: All Data Must Be Deleted Before Transferring the Device.

Before you turn off the second space, make sure that:

1. You have saved all the important data from it (photos, chats, documents).
2. You know the password if the space is secure.
3. There is enough free space in the main space (at least 3-5 GB).

Method 1: Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14, suitable for an unsecured second space (no password).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Select the Second Space (some firmwares call it Double Space).
3. Click Remove the second space (or Disable).
4. Confirm the action by entering the screen lock password (if required).
5. Wait until the process is completed (it will take 1-3 minutes).

Once deleted, the phone will automatically restart, and all data from the second space will be permanently deleted.

⚠️ Note: If the Remove button is inactive, the space is password protected.

Method 2: Removing the second password-protected space

If you set a password to the second space and you forgot it, the standard method won't work, and you'll have to use a Recovery reset or MIUI Unlock Tool.

Recovery (works for all Xiaomi)

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action (this will delete all data from both spaces!).
5. After resetting, the phone will boot in its pure form without a second space.

An alternative way for advanced users is to use ADB:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.secondspace

This command removes the second space application, but requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights.

⚠️ Warning: Recovery removes all data from your phone, including the main space.If you need to save data, first make a backup through Mi Cloud or Google Account.

Method 3: Disconnect via hidden settings (for MIUI 14)

In the latest versions of MIUI 14, developers hid some of the settings of the second space to access them:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click the MIUI version 7 times in a row until you become a developer!
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the developer mode switch.
5. Now in the main settings will appear the item Special features → Second space with advanced options.

You'll find this menu:

• 🔄 Ability to disable space without deleting data (only for the purpose of MIUI 14).
• 🔧 Automatic switching between spaces.
• 📊 Memory usage statistics for each space.

If the second space did not appear after activating the developer mode, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version.
• 🔍 Use search by settings (magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen).

💡

If you often switch between spaces, add a shortcut for a quick transition: clamping the empty space on the home screen → Widgets → Second space.

Table: Comparison of methods for disconnecting the second space

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you turn off the second space, you're faced with typical problems, and here's how to solve them:

1.The Remove button is inactive

Reason: The space is password protected or linked to a Xiaomi account.

Decision:

• 🔑 Enter the password from the second space (if you remember).
• 📱 Untie your Mi Account in Settings → Accounts. → Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Use reset via Recovery (see Method 2).

2. After removal, the phone brakes

Reason: Memory fragmentation or data conflict.

Decision:

• 📵 Reboot the phone.
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (if the brakes do not pass).

3 The second space appears again after the update.

Reason: firmware bug or automatic recovery from backup.

Decision:

• 📥 Reverse to the previous version MIUI.
• 🔧 Turn off automatic recovery in Settings → Google → Backup.
• 📵 Remove space immediately after the update without waiting for the reboot.

⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, the second space continues to appear, check the phone for viruses using Mi Security or Malwarebytes.

💡

Before any manipulations with the second space, be sure to untie your Google account in the settings, otherwise, after reset, the phone may require an old password (FRP-blocking).

Alternatives to the second space on Xiaomi

If you need data isolation but a second space seems inconvenient, consider these options:

1. Private mode (Private mode)

Available on Samsung and some Xiaomi via Settings → Privacy. Allows you to hide files without creating a full second space.

2. User profiles (Android)

Standard Android feature: Settings → System → Multiple users. Less resource-intensive than the second space, but with limited capabilities.

3. Application containers

Applications like Island or Shelter create isolated sandboxes for selected programs without duplication of the entire system.

4.Two phones (Dual Apps)

MIUI has a built-in cloning feature for messengers: Settings → Apps → Dual Apps. Suitable if you just need to duplicate WhatsApp or Telegram.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions