Double space on Xiaomi devices is a feature that creates an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, settings and data, most often used to separate work and personal profiles or test programs without risk to the main system. However, many users are faced with a situation where the second space appears unexpectedly - after updating the firmware, resetting settings or experimenting with the new system. ADB. In some cases, it even blocks access to the main desktop, showing an empty copy without apps.
If you find yourself in this situation, don't panic, you can remove unnecessary space in a number of ways: through standard settings, using the help of the user's own personal data. ADB-The main thing is to correctly determine the type of space (guest, work, cloned) and choose the appropriate method. MIUI and teams for experienced users.
β οΈ Important: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or the rights of the superuser.If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center.
1 What is the second space on Xiaomi and why does it appear
The second space function was first introduced in the MIUI 8 is analogous to the "Guest" mode on Android, which allows you to create a completely isolated copy of the system with the help of the user:
- π± Individual applications (you can install duplicates of messengers, games, etc.)
- π Different accounts (e.g. two Google profiles or Mi Accounts)
- π Isolated storage (photos, files and settings do not overlap)
- π Ability to block access with a password or fingerprint
However, sometimes the space is activated independently after updating the firmware to MIUI 12-14, especially on Mi TVs TV Or the Redmi Note series of smartphones:
- π Update failure β the system backs up as a second space.
- π€ Experiments with ADB β Incorrect commands can duplicate the desktop.
- π οΈ Resetting to factory settings via Fastboot sometimes leaves "junk" spaces.
- π¦ Install custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience).
How do you know if you have a second space activated?
- π Two desktops with a swipe down/up.
- π± Lack of apps β as if a smartphone after a reset.
- π Requesting a password when switching between spaces.
- βοΈ Settings β Special facilities β Second space (if the item is active).
2. How to remove the second space through settings MIUI
If you MIUI 12-14 on a smartphone or PatchWall on a Xiaomi TV, try the standard way:
- Open the Settings. β Special facilities.
- Find the Second Space section (on some models, Double Machine or Private Space).
- Slip on Remove Space (or Exit) β Delete).
- Confirm the action by entering the password (if it was set).
β οΈ Attention: On Mi TVs TV (Like Mi. TV 4S/5X) The path may be different: Settings β Accounts and security β Private space.
If the item is not deleted or is inactive:
- π Try switching to the main space (swipe down on the lock screen or through the notification bar).
- π Make sure you are logged in to Mi Account β without an account binding, some features are blocked.
- π± On smartphones. POCO Black Shark may need to enable Developer Mode (7 taps per version) MIUI phone).
βοΈ Preparation for removal of the second space
3. Removal through ADB: step-by-step instructions for experienced users
If the standard settings do not help, you will have to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method is suitable for:
- πΊ Xiaomi TVs (where there is no graphical interface to remove).
- π± Smartphones with custom firmware or locked settings.
- π§ Devices after a failed update when the system "hangs" in the second space.
You'll need:
- π» Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- π Cable USB (for smartphones or access to ADB over Wi-Fi (for TVs).
- π οΈ Established ADB Tools.
- βοΈ Included Developer Mode and Debugging by USB.
Steps to remove:
- Connect the device to your PC and open the terminal (cmd or PowerShell).
- Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Run the command to delete the second space: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.secondspace
- If the command fails, try the alternative: adb shell am start. -n com.miui.secondspace/.SecondSpaceDeleteActivity
- Reboot the device: adb reboot
β οΈ Note: On Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV 4/5) You may need another team:
adb shell pm clear com.droidlogic.secondspaceIf after the reset the space remains:
- π Repeat commands by getting root access (on some firmware).
- π± On smartphones, try resetting your settings via Fastboot (see Section 5).
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
4. Resetting to factory settings: a radical method
If neither of these methods works, you'll have to reset completely, and that will delete all the data, including both spaces, so:
- π Backup important files (photos, contacts, messages).
- π Remember the username and password from Mi Account β after reset, authorization will be required.
- π Charge the device at least 70% (for smartphones).
Instructions for smartphones:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
For Xiaomi TVs:
- Press the power button. + Loudness down on the remote (or TV box) for 10 seconds.
- In the Fastboot menu, select Recovery β Wipe Data.
- After resetting, set up the TV as a new device.
β οΈ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3) After the reset, there may be a ghost of the second space:
- π§ Use the Mi Flash Tool for clean firmware installation.
- π₯ Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
π‘
Before reset, check if your Mi Account is tied to the device. After Wipe Data, you may need to enter a login / password, and when you lock your account (for example, due to a forgotten password), the phone will turn into a βbrickβ.
5. Features of removal on Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV, Mi Box)
On Xiaomi TVs and set-top boxes, the second space often appears after upgrading to PatchWall 3.0.+. Removing it is more difficult due to the limited interface, but there are several working methods:
| Model of the device | Deleting method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4S/5X | ADB-Command: Adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.tv.secondspace | Requires to activate debugging USB developer-setting. |
| Mi Box S | Reset via Recovery:Settings β The device β Resetting settings | After reset, the space will disappear, but all applications will be deleted. |
| Mi TV Stick | Disconnection through Settings β Accounts. β Private space | If there is no item, update the firmware to the latest version. |
| Mi TV A2 (2023) | ADB + Manual file deletion:adb shell rm -rf /data/system/users/10 | Root rights are required. Risk of damaging the system. |
For Google TVs TV (Like Mi. TV Q2):
- Go to Settings. β Accounts and entrance.
- Select Remove Space (may be called Remove Profile).
- Confirm the action with a password from Google Account.
If the interface is in Chinese (firmware for the CN-region):
- π Use Google Translate with Camera to Translate Menus.
- π Look for characters (second space) or (delete).
π‘
On Xiaomi TVs, the second space is often disguised as "Children's Mode" or "Guest Profile." Before removing, check if you are using these features.
6 How to prevent the reappearance of a second space
To prevent the problem from returning after removal, follow these recommendations:
- π Update the firmware only through official channels (Settings) β Updating the system).
- π οΈ Avoid unofficial firmware (for example, ported from other devices).
- π§ Don't use it. ADB-System modification teams, if you donβt understand their actions.
- π± Check the Special Opportunities section regularly for new space.
If you frequently test apps or need an isolated environment:
- π€ Use virtual machines (such as Genymotion or Android Studio Emulator).
- π¦ Install a sandbox via Island or Shelter (applications to create isolated profiles).
- π Set up guest mode in standard Android settings (Settings) β System system β Multiplayer mode).
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the function of the second space may be automatically enabled when:
- π Connecting to corporate Wi-Fi networks (security policy).
- π± Install parental control apps (e.g. Google Family Link).
- π Activation of the Private Regime DNS network-setting.
7. Frequent errors and their solutions
Letβs look at the common problems that users face when removing the second space:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| adb: device unauthorized | There is no confirmed access to debugging on the device. | Connect the device to the PC and confirm the request to Allow debugging? on the screen. |
| No "Second Space" in the settings | The function is hidden in regional firmware. | Use it. ADB-Command or update firmware to the global version. |
| After the reset, the space remained. | Incomplete data deletion in Recovery. | Repeat the reset or flash the device through the Fastboot. |
| No such file or directory when deleted by ADB | Wrong path to the space files. | Check the correct command or use adb shell ls /data/system/users file-find. |
If after all the manipulations, the space remains:
- π§ Check your device for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes.
- π‘ Update. MIUI up to the latest version - in new builds, bugs with duplicate desktop are often corrected.
- π οΈ Contact Xiaomi Service Center β Perhaps the Problem Is Hardware Failure.