How to completely disable the second space on Xiaomi Poco X3: 3 proven ways

The second space feature in Xiaomi Poco X3 smartphones (and other MIUI devices) allows you to create an isolated work environment with separate applications, settings and data, which is convenient for separating personal and work information or testing programs without risking the main profile. However, many users face the need to disable the second space - whether due to a lack of memory, application conflicts or simply because the feature was unnecessary.

In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden ways to remove the second space on the Poco X3, including the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14).

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of important data from both spaces, and removing the second space will result in the permanent loss of all the applications installed there and their data (except files on internal memory, if they are not encrypted).

Why the second space may not be removed through settings

On the Poco X3 (and other Xiaomi/Redmi smartphones), the standard way to remove the second space is through the Settings menu → Special Options → Second Space – it doesn’t always work. Here are the main reasons why the Delete button may be inactive or absent:

• 🔒 If you switched to the second space and didn't return to the main space, the system will block the deletion.
• 📱 Update MIUI without resetting. After updating the firmware (e.g., with MIUI 12 on MIUI 13) the settings of the second space may be confused.
• 🔄 If the space is tied to a Xiaomi account, additional authentication will be required.
• 🛠️ System errors: In rare cases, firmware bugs block access to the feature (relevant to beta versions) MIUI).

If you encounter one of these issues, don’t try to remove space through ADB or third-party utilities without understanding the process – this can result in data loss or soft-brick (when the phone turns on but doesn’t boot the system).

Method 1: Remove the second space through standard settings

This is the simplest and most recommended method, and works 90% of the time.

1. Go to the main space (if you are in the second, swipe down from the top edge of the screen and click on the profile avatar → Main space).
2. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
3. Click on Remove Second Space (or Disable in Older MIUI versions).
4. Confirm the action by entering the screen unlock password (if required).
5. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

If the Remove button is missing or inactive, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and try again.
• 📶 Connect to a Wi-Fi network (sometimes the system requires a license check).
• 🔐 Sign in to your Mi Account if you are not logged in.

Switch to the main space

Backup data from the second space

Connect to the charger (recommended)

Ensure a stable Internet connection-->

Method 2: Resetting the second space to factory settings

If standard deletion doesn't work, you can reset the second space without deleting the main profile, which will clean all the data and applications in the second space, but will preserve the main system.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space → Space Management.
2. Select Reset second space (or Reset factory settings).
3. Confirm the action by entering the password from the lock screen.
4. After the reboot, the second space will be empty (like after buying a phone).

⚠️ Note: This method does not remove the space itself, but only resets it. If you need to turn off the function completely, go to Method 3.

If there is no reset option, try an alternative route:

Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate developer mode)


Settings → Additional → For developers → Local reset of the second space

Method 3: Complete removal via Recovery Mode (for power users)

If the first two methods fail, the second space must be removed through the recovery mode, a method that requires caution, as the wrong actions can lead to loss of data in the main space.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Poco X3.
2. Press the buttons Volume up + Power before the MI logo appears (Recovery Mode).
3. Select a language (if required) and go to Wipe Data → Wipe Second Space (or similar).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
5. Restart the phone (Reboot).

⚠️ Warning: If you don’t have Wipe Second Space in Recovery Mode, don’t choose Wipe All Data, which will delete all data on your phone, including the main space!

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you delete the second space on the Poco X3, users face typical problems.

• 🔴 "Failed to delete second space": Reason: not enough free space on the internal drive. Free up at least 1-2 GB of memory and try again.
• 🔴 "Operation not supported": Reason: outdated version MIUI. Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔴 Phone freezes when removed: Solution: wait 10-15 minutes. If the getting stuck continues, force the phone to restart (clip the power for 10 seconds) and repeat the process.
• 🔴 After deleting the space reappears: Reason: sync with Mi Cloud. disable backup in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup.

If none of the methods worked, check if your Poco X3 has custom firmware installed (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), in which case removing the second space may require special ADB commands or firmware re-runs.

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Before removing the second space, open Settings → Memory and check how much space it takes up. If the volume is greater than 5 GB, after removal, you will get a noticeable increase in free space.

How to Recover Data After Deleting Second Space

If you forgot to back up and deleted a second space with important data, the chances of recovery depend on how the deletion was performed:

• 📁 Internal memory files (photos, videos, documents): You can try to recover them using programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (you need to connect your phone to a PC.
• 📱 Application data (save games, chat messengers): It is almost impossible to recover, since they were stored in an isolated environment. The exception is if you synced data with the cloud (for example, Google Drive for some games).
• 🔑 Passwords and settings: If saved in Mi Account, you can restore them after re-entering your account.

For the future: To avoid data loss, use the built-in MIUI backup feature:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backup and create a copy for the second space.
3. Save the backup file to your PC or the cloud.

Alternatives to the second space on the Poco X3

If you deleted the second space but still need to split the data, consider alternative solutions:

• 🔐 Private Mode (Safe Folder): In MIUI There is a built-in Safe Folder function (in Settings) → Privacy, which allows you to hide files and applications under a password.
• 📱 User Profiles (Android): Starting with Android 10, in Poco X3 You can create an additional user through the settings → System system → Additionally. → Users. It's a lightweight alternative to the second space.
• 🔄 Cloning of applications: Dual applications in MIUI It allows you to duplicate messengers (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram) without creating a second space.
• 🛡️ Sandbox apps: Utilities like Shelter or Island (require root) create isolated environments for individual applications.

If you need to separate work and personal data, but the second space seemed too cumbersome, try user profiles. They take up less space and don't require rebooting when switching.

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The second space on the Poco X3 takes up at least 3 to 5 GB of storage, even if you haven’t installed apps, and removing it will make room for the main system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing second space