How to completely disable the second space on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: 4 proven methods

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.

It’s 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), we’ll 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 – 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.

  • πŸ“± Separate desktop with applications
  • πŸ” Accounts (Google, Mi Account)
  • πŸ“ Isolated files and media library
  • βš™οΈ 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:

  • 🐒 Slowing down – space consumes resources even in the background.
  • πŸ“‰ Busy memory – duplicate cache and application data.
  • πŸ”„ Conflicts in the update β€” MIUI may require removal of space before installing a new firmware.
  • πŸ”’ Synchronization errors – For example, notifications in the main profile do not work.

⚠️ 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:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Special Opportunities β†’ Second Space
  2. Select Remove Second Space (or Turn off Second Space in English).
  3. Confirm the action by entering the password of the main profile (if requested).
  4. 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 didn’t work, try resetting the second space through Recovery Mode, which doesn’t require root rights, but deletes all the data from the second profile without the possibility of recovery.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the Redmi Note 7.
  2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
  4. Go to Advanced β†’ Delete Second Space (or similar).
  5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
  6. Choose Reboot. β†’ Reboot to System.
MIUI versionThe Way to Option in RecoveryPassword required
MIUI 10–11Advanced β†’ Delete Second SpaceNo.
MIUI 12–12.5Mount β†’ Format Data β†’ Delete Second SpaceYes (Mi Account password)
MIUI 13+Wipe Data β†’ Delete Second SpaceYes (password) + SMS-code)

⚠️ 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:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
  • πŸ“± 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).
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
  2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
  3. Follow the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your Redmi Note 7.
  4. 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
  5. Reboot the device: adb reboot
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
1. Make sure that Xiaomi drivers are installed (download from the official website). 2. Try another one. USB-cable or port. 3. Enable the debugging option in the developer settings USB (security parameters) and allow debugging (ADB). 4.Reboot both the PC and the smartphone.

If the commands didn’t work, it’s 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:

  1. Back up your important data (via Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup or manually).
  2. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Reset settings.
  3. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
  4. If required, enter the password from Mi Account (on the associated devices).
  5. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-15 minutes).

πŸ’‘

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 unauthorizedNot 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 RecoveryAn outdated or modified version of Recovery.Install official Recovery via Fastboot.

Another common problem is data loss after deletion, so to avoid this:

  • πŸ“‚ Create a backup through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ”„ Transfer important files from the second space to the main (via Files) β†’ Second space).
  • ☁️ Sync contacts and photos with Google Drive or Mi Cloud.

πŸ’‘

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:

  • πŸ”„ Guest mode – temporary profile without binding to accounts (Settings) β†’ System system β†’ Guest mode).
  • πŸ“± Cloning applications (e.g. Parallel Space or 2Accounts) β€” allow you to duplicate messengers and social networks.
  • πŸ”’ Secured folders – Hidden directories with passwords (Files) β†’ Personal. β†’ Secure folders).
  • 🌐 Virtual machines (e.g. UserLAnd) – 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.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I recover data from the second space after deletion?
Not if you used standard deletion or reset.Data from the second space is stored in an encrypted partition that is cleared when deleted.The only way to return the information is if you have a backup created before deletion (via Settings β†’ Backup or manually).
Why did the second space get slower after the smartphone was removed?
This is a temporary effect associated with re-indexing files and cache. Reboot the device and wait for the background processes to complete (may take up to an hour). If the lags persist, clear the cache through Settings β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the cache or reset the cache to Recovery (Wipe Cache).
Can I recreate the second space after removal?
Yes, the feature remains available. Go to Settings β†’ Special Features β†’ Second Space β†’ Create. Note: MIUI 14 and later may require confirmation via Mi Account and SMS.
Will the removal of the second space affect the warranty?
No, if you used standard methods (through settings or Recovery), however, if you resorted to ADB, unlocking the bootloader or firmware, this may void the warranty (depending on the service center policy).
How do you check if the second space has been removed?
Open Settings β†’ Memory and see if the Second Space partition is still there. Also check through ADB with the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep secondspace If the command does not return results, the space is deleted.