How to unlock the second space on Xiaomi: full instructions with solutions to problems

The second space feature on Xiaomi smartphones is a unique opportunity to create an isolated work environment with separate apps, settings and even data, perfect for separating personal and work information, testing apps or providing additional privacy.

In this article, we will look at all the ways to activate the second space, from standard methods through the MIUI/HyperOS menu to alternative solutions for devices with limited settings, how to get around common errors (for example, failed to create space), which models support the function, and how to properly synchronize data between the primary and secondary profiles. And if you have tried to enable the option but failed, at the end of this article there is a section on solutions to the most common problems.

What is the second space on Xiaomi and why is it necessary?

Second Space is a virtual, isolated environment that runs parallel to the main system, and is essentially a dual operating system on a single device where:

• 📱 Applications are installed and run independently (you can duplicate instant messengers, social networks, games)
• 🔒 Files, contacts and settings do not overlap with the main profile
• 🛡️ Additional protection of personal data (useful for work phones)
• 🎮 App betas can be tested without risk to the host system

The feature is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI 8+ or HyperOS. However, on some models (especially budget or for specific regions), the option may be hidden or disabled by the manufacturer.

⚠️ Warning: The second space takes up additional space in memory (from 1 to 5 GB depending on the model).If the device has less than 10 GB of free space, the system can block the creation of the second profile.

Official method: enable via MIUI/HyperOS settings

If your smartphone supports the function, the easiest way to activate it is through the standard menu, the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS 1.0+:

1. Open Settings → Special features (or additionally on some firmware).
2. Select Second Space (Parallel Space may be called Parallel Space on HyperOS).
3. Click Create a second space and follow the system prompts.
4. Set your password (required!) and wait until the setup is completed (it will take 1-3 minutes).

After creating the second space, you can switch between profiles:

• 🔄 Through the notification panel (Double Space icon)
• 🔐 Through the lock screen (up/down swipe + password input)
• ⚙️ Through Settings (Second Space → Switch)

If the Second Space item is not in the settings, go to the next section - there we will consider alternative methods of unlocking.

Alternative methods of unlocking the second space

On some devices (e.g., the Redmi Note 10 for the European market or the POCO X3 Pro), the second space feature is hidden in the firmware, but it can be activated manually.

Method 1: Engineering menu (for experienced users)

This method requires access to the engineering menu and works on most devices with MIUI 11-14.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##6484##.
2. In the menu that appears, select MIUI Version (or Version info).
3. Tap 7-10 times on the Stable version (or Developer version) until the Second Space enabled notification appears.
4. Restart the device and check for the option in the settings.

⚠️ Warning: Not all combinations of the engineering menu are safe. Avoid changes to the Hardware Testing or RF Test sections, which may result in communication loss or system failure.

Method 2: Through ADB- commands (universal method)

If the engineering menu didn’t work, try enabling the function via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → tap 7 times → return to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global second_space_enabled 1
3. Reset the device.

After that, the option should appear in the Special Options menu. If not, try the additional command:

adb shell am start -n com.miui.secondspace/.SecondSpaceMainActivity

Method 3: Install custom firmware (for advanced)

If neither method worked, the option is to run a custom recavator firmware (e.g., TWRP) and install a modified version of MIUI with the second space unlocked, a risky method that requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader)
• 📱 Device support by XDA Developers community
• 🛠️ Fastboot skills and ADB

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), the second space function is locked at the kernel level, in which case even custom firmware may not help.

Comparison of second space and other insulation features on Xiaomi

In addition to the second space, MIUI/HyperOS has other tools for data separation, and to choose the best option, compare them in the table:

As you can see from the table, the second space is the most powerful tool for complete isolation, but it requires more resources and is not always available. If you just need the ability to run two accounts on instant messengers (like WhatsApp or Telegram), dual apps will suffice.

💡

The second space is the only way to create a completely isolated environment with separate system settings, files and applications. Other features (Dual Applications, Private Mode) provide only partial isolation.

Typical errors and their solutions

When creating or using a second space, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

Mistake: "We failed to create a second space"

Causes and solutions:

• 📱 Insufficient memory: Free up at least 3GB (check in Settings → Storage).
• 🔋 Low battery power: Connect charging (requires ≥30%).
• 🔄 System failure: Reboot the device and try again.
• 📲 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI/HyperOS to the latest version.

The error is: "Second space does not respond."

If, after creation, the space does not start or freezes:

1. Remove the space through Settings → Second Space → Delete.
2. Clear the system cache: Settings → Applications → Application management → Three points → Clear the cache.
3. Create the space again.

Problem: No "Second Space" option in the settings

If the item is not available even after using the ADB or the Engineering Menu:

• 📌 Check the device model: on Redmi Go, POCO C-series and some budget models, the feature is missing at the firmware level.
• 🌍 Make sure the firmware region supports the feature (e.g., the global version MIUI may not have the option, and the Chinese version may not have the option).
• 🔧 Try changing the region through Settings → Additional → Region (risky, may cause crashes!).

How to transfer data between the main and second space

By default, the second space is completely isolated, but there are ways to share files between profiles:

Method 1: Through Cloud Storage

The safest method:

1. In the main space, upload files to Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or Yandex Disk.
2. Switch to the second space and download the files from there.

Method 2: Through USB- drive or PC

If the cloud doesn't fit:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in File Transfer mode.
2. Copy the necessary files to the computer.
3. Switch to the second space and connect the phone again (the system will identify it as a new device).
4. Move the files back.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use external SD- cards to exchange data between spaces. On some firmware, this may damage the card file system.

Method 3: Through Exchange Applications

Some applications (such as ShareMe or Xender) allow you to transfer files between spaces over Wi-Fi:

1. Install the app in both spaces.
2. In the main space, select files and click Send.
3. Switch to the second space and accept the files.

💡

If you want to migrate applications (not just files), back up through Settings → Apps → Backup. Create a backup in the main space, and then restore it in the second.

Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know

The second space provides a high level of insulation, but there are nuances that many are unaware of:

• 🔐 Password: If you forget the password from the second space, you can't recover it, you have to reset the space with the data lost.
• 📡 Network: Both spaces use the same IMEI and MAC- address, so they can be linked together (e.g., via Wi-Fi connection history).
• 🛡️ Vulnerabilities: On root-access devices, the isolation can be compromised through system utilities (e.g., su or Magisk).
• 🔄 Updates: When you reset your phone to factory settings, the second space will be removed automatically.

For maximum confidentiality:

• Use different SIM- cards in each space (if the phone supports Dual SIM).
• Turn off sync with Mi Account in the second space.
• Do not install applications from unverified sources (the risk of data leakage between spaces).

On HyperOS devices, the second space has improved insulation compared to MIUI, but still does not guarantee 100% anonymity.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Xiaomi