Changing the password in the second space Xiaomi: full instructions with nuances

The second desktop (or “second space”) on Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient feature for separating personal and work data. However, many users face the problem of how to change the password to log in to this space if it is forgotten or needs to be updated for security reasons? Unlike the main Mi Account, the password of the second space is configured locally and does not sync with the cloud.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to change a password, from the standard path through settings to bypass methods for loss of access. MIUI (from 12 before 14) model Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO, You will also learn how to avoid locking your device when you fail to enter a password and what to do if the system requires a factory reset.

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

The Second Space feature was first introduced in MIUI 8 and has since become an integral part of the firmware for most Xiaomi devices.

• 🔄 Separate system settings (wallpaper, sounds, brightness)
• 📱 Own set of applications (can be duplicated or hidden)
• 🔒 Unique password, PIN-code-key
• 📁 Isolated file storage (photos, documents, downloads)

Main use cases: Separating work and personal data (for example, for corporate messengers), testing applications without risk to the main system, or hiding confidential information from outsiders. It is important to understand that the second space is not a full-fledged multiplayer system (as on Android for tablets) - it is just a sandbox with limited rights.

However, the function has disadvantages:

• ⚠️ No synchronization with Mi Account – when you reset the device, the data of the second space is deleted irrevocably.
• ⚠️ Limited system resources – some applications may not work well.
• ⚠️ The risk of blocking – after 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the system may require a reset.

Preparing for a password change: what to check in advance

Before you start changing your password, make sure that:

Know the current password of the second space

You have enough battery power (minimum 30%)

Backup of important data from the second space

VPN and proxy are disabled (can block system requests)

Connected to a stable Wi-Fi network (for some methods)

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If you forget your current password, go to the section "[What to do if your password is lost] (#lost-password)".

• 🔋 Have at least 30% battery life – interruption of the process can cause failure.
• 📱 Use the main space - you can change the password of the second space only from there.
• 🔒 Make sure there are no active restrictions on the device (e.g. parental controls).

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, when the second space password is changed, the system can request confirmation via SMS or email linked to Mi Account, an additional security measure introduced after a wave of complaints about vulnerabilities in previous firmware versions.

Standard method: changing the password through settings

If you know the current password, the process takes no more. 2-3 The instructions are relevant to MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Special Opportunities section → Second space.
3. Select the option to Set up the second space (on some models – Space Management).
4. Tap on Change Password (or Security → Password).
5. Enter the current password, then the new password twice to confirm.
6. Click Save and restart the device (recommended).

On some devices (e.g., POCO F3 or Redmi Note 11), the path may be different: Settings → Accounts and Sync → Second Space → Security.

💡

If the system asks you to enter the Mi Account password during the save phase, that's fine, so Xiaomi checks that the device is not stolen. Use the same email as the main account.

Alternative methods of changing passwords

If the standard method doesn’t work (for example, due to a system failure), try one of these methods:

1. through the recovery mode (Recovery Mode)

This is a method that works for MIUI 13/14 and requires access to Recovery, and it won't reset the second space, but it will change the password:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select a language, then go to Advanced → Second Space.
4. Use the Change Password and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Second Space may not be available in Recovery, in which case use the following method.

2. via ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to the debugging USB (USB Debugging, you can change your password through the command ADB:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.SecondSpaceSettings


adb shell input text "current password"




adb shell input text "new password"




adb shell input text "new password"

This method doesn’t work on all devices and requires pre-configuring ADB on a PC.

3. Using the "Security" app

On some firmware (MIUI 12.5), the second space password can be changed via the Security app:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to Settings. → Second space.
3. Choose Change the way you block.

What to do if your password is lost

If you forget the second space password, there are not many options — Xiaomi does not provide an official recovery method.

1. reset second space (without loss of primary data)

This method will delete all data and settings of only the second space, leaving the main one intact:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Select Remove the Second Space.
3. Confirm the action (a password from the main account may be required).
4. After deleting, create a new space with a new password.

⚠️ Note: All files, applications and settings of the second space will be permanently deleted. If there was important data, try extracting it first through the second space. ADB (see below).

2. data extraction before reset (for advanced users)

If there are critical files in the second space, you can try copying them through ADB:

adb shell


su




cd /data/user_de/0/com.miui.secondspace




cp -r * /sdcard/SecondSpaceBackup/

This command will copy the second space data to the SecondSpaceBackup folder on internal memory. It only works on rooted devices!

3. Complete reset of the device (extreme case)

If none of the methods worked, then all that remains is Hard Reset, which will delete all data from the device, including the main and second space.

To make the discharge:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.

💡

Resetting the second space through settings is the safest way to do this if you forget your password. Use a full Hard Reset as a last resort, as it will delete all data, including your main account.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When changing the password of the second space, users often face the following problems:

Another common mistake is to use a password that is too simple, and the system can block the possibility of changing if the new password:

• 🔢 It consists of only numbers (e.g. 123456).
• 🔤 Contains repeating symbols (aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa).
• 📅 Coincides with date of birth or other personal data.

Recommended password format: 8+ characters, with capital letters, numbers and special characters (e.g. Xiaomi@2026!).

Security of the Second Space: Advice from Experts

The second space is a handy tool, but it is not a substitute for full data protection.

• 🔐 Do not use the same passwords for your primary account and second space.
• 📱 Set up automatic locking through 1-2 idleness.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, vulnerabilities are closed.
• 📌 Do not store passwords in notes or screenshots on your device.

If you use a second workspace, consider additional measures:

• 🛡️ Install a password manager application (e.g. Bitwarden or KeePassDX).
• 📡 Turn off the automatic connection to open Wi-Fi in the second space.
• 🔗 Set up. VPN Secure access to corporate resources.

⚠️ Warning: Second space doesn't encrypt data by default. If the device is stolen, an attacker can extract files through the ADB For full protection, enable encryption in the security settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions