The second space feature in Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 7) allows you to create an isolated account with separate applications, files and settings. This is convenient for separating work and personal data, but over time may become unnecessary β especially if space is occupied by memory or interferes with updates. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable the second space on the Redmi Note 7, including hidden methods through ADB and reset settings.
Itβs important to understand that the uninstall procedure depends on the version of MIUI and the status of the device (whether the bootloader is unlocked, whether there are root rights), weβll look at options for standard users (without technical skills) and advanced users who are ready to work with the command line, and explain why simple uninstallation through settings does not always work on MIUI 12 and later β and what to do about it.
What is the second space and why turn it off
Second Space is a virtual profile in MIUI that runs parallel to the main one.
- π± Separate desktop with applications
- π Accounts (Google, Mi Account)
- π Isolated files and media library
- βοΈ Unique system settings (sound, network, wallpaper)
On the Redmi Note 7, the feature appeared in MIUI 8 and is preserved in all subsequent versions, but over time, users face problems:
- π’ Slowing down β space consumes resources even in the background.
- π Busy memory β duplicate cache and application data.
- π Conflicts in the update β MIUI may require removal of space before installing a new firmware.
- π Synchronization errors β For example, notifications in the main profile do not work.
β οΈ Note: If you used a second space to circumvent regional restrictions (e.g., Google Play installation in China), deleting it may result in the services being blocked in your main profile.
Method 1: Standard removal via MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in option in the MIUI menu, which works on most firmware versions, but may not be available if:
- The device with MIUI Global is older than 12.5 and the space is password protected.
- The second space is created through ADB or third-party utilities.
- The smartphone is in Developer Mode mode with active experimental functions.
Instructions:
- Open Settings β Special Opportunities β Second Space
- Select Remove Second Space (or Turn off Second Space in English).
- Confirm the action by entering the password of the main profile (if requested).
- Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes) and restart the device.
Backup data from the second space|Close all applications in both profiles|Connect the charger (battery) > 50%)|Ensure a stable Internet connection (for synchronization after removal)-->
If the Delete second space option is inactive or missing, proceed to the next method. on MIUI 14 and later, additional authentication via Mi Account may be required.
Method 2: Remove through Recovery Mode
If the standard method didnβt work, try resetting the second space through Recovery Mode, which doesnβt require root rights, but deletes all the data from the second profile without the possibility of recovery.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the Redmi Note 7.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
- Go to Advanced β Delete Second Space (or similar).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
- Choose Reboot. β Reboot to System.
| MIUI version | The Way to Option in Recovery | Password required |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10β11 | Advanced β Delete Second Space | No. |
| MIUI 12β12.5 | Mount β Format Data β Delete Second Space | Yes (Mi Account password) |
| MIUI 13+ | Wipe Data β Delete Second Space | Yes (password) + SMS-code) |
β οΈ Note: Some firmware may not have Delete Second Space, so try doing Wipe Cache first and then try again. ADB.
Through MIUI | Through Recovery Mode| With ADB | Never deleted |Another way-->
Method 3: Remove via ADB (for advanced users)
If previous methods have failed, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) option remains, requiring the smartphone to be connected to the computer and commands executed in the terminal, a method suitable for MIUI 12 and later, where standard uninstall options can be blocked.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- π± Redmi Note 7 with enabled debugging USB (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Press 7 times, then additionally β For developers β Debugging by USB).
- π Cable USB (preferably original).
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Follow the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your Redmi Note 7.
- Enter the command to delete the second space: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.secondspace If an error occurs, try the alternative command: adb shell cmd package uninstall com.miui.secondspace
- Reboot the device: adb reboot
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
If the commands didnβt work, itβs possible that your device has locked the bootloader or MIUI modified by the manufacturer (relevant to Chinese versions of smartphones), in which case only a full reset or firmware will help.
Method 4: Complete reset (Hard Reset)
The last method is factory reset, which removes all data from both spaces, including apps, photos and accounts.
- Other ways didn't help.
- The device is unstable due to conflicts between spaces.
- You plan to sell or transfer a smartphone.
How to perform the reset:
- Back up your important data (via Settings β Additional β Backup or manually).
- Go to Settings β About the phone β Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
- If required, enter the password from Mi Account (on the associated devices).
- Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-15 minutes).
π‘
After reset, Redmi Note 7 may request re-activation via Mi Account. If you forget your password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.
If the reset does not remove the second space (this happens on custom firmware), you will have to reflash the device via Fastboot or EDL. This is a complex procedure that requires a separate instruction.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you remove the second space, you have a typical problem, and we're going to look at the most common ones.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Failed to remove space (in settings) | The space is password protected or linked to the Mi Account. | Reset your password through account.xiaomi.com or use ADB. |
| ADB: device unauthorized | Not confirmed debugging on USB on the smartphone. | Turn off/connect the cable and confirm the resolution on the Redmi Note 7 screen. |
| After removal, the space reappears again. | There are cache files or firmware with an error. | Reset the cache via Recovery (Wipe Cache). |
| Second Space is not available in Recovery | An outdated or modified version of Recovery. | Install official Recovery via Fastboot. |
Another common problem is data loss after deletion, so to avoid this:
- π Create a backup through Settings β Additionally. β Backup.
- π Transfer important files from the second space to the main (via Files) β Second space).
- βοΈ Sync contacts and photos with Google Drive or Mi Cloud.
π‘
If you use the second space to work with two SIM-cards (for example, personal information) + working), its deletion will not affect the physical maps (APN, Roaming) will have to be reconfigured.
Alternatives to the second space on Xiaomi
If you deleted the second space but still need to separate the data, consider the alternatives:
- π Guest mode β temporary profile without binding to accounts (Settings) β System system β Guest mode).
- π± Cloning applications (e.g. Parallel Space or 2Accounts) β allow you to duplicate messengers and social networks.
- π Secured folders β Hidden directories with passwords (Files) β Personal. β Secure folders).
- π Virtual machines (e.g. UserLAnd) β to run isolated Android environments.
For business users, MIUI for Work, an enterprise firmware version with Android Enterprise support, allows you to separate work and personal data at the OS level, but requires configuration through the Mi Admin Console.