How to completely remove Second Space on Xiaomi without password and login: working methods 2026

Second Space on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones allows you to create an isolated work environment with separate applications, files and settings. Useful for separating personal and work data, but what if you forget the password from the second space or lose access to your associated Mi Account? Official ways require authorization, but there are workarounds.

In this article, we will discuss 3 proven methods of removing Second Space without password and login, including working through Recovery Mode, ADB commands and hidden engineering menus. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights (root), which can affect the warranty, we will specify the risks and alternatives for each option.

If you are not sure of your technical skills, we recommend that you try the methods without losing data first (Sections 2 and 3).The complete reset method (Section 4) should be used only as a last resort - it will remove all the contents of the device, including the main space.

1.What is Second Space and why it can't be removed in the standard way

Second Space is a MIUI-based virtual environment that creates a second user profile with a unique set of applications, files and settings. The feature is available on most Xiaomi devices starting with MIUI 8 and up, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11 and others.

The problem arises when the user:

• 🔐 Forgets the password from the second space (different from the password of the main profile).
• 📱 Loses access to the Mi Account linked to Second Space.
• 🔄 Trying to remove space through settings, but the system requires authorization.

The standard deletion path (Settings → Second Space → Delete Space) asks for password or Mi Account data. Without it, the system blocks the action, citing Xiaomi's security policy. This is done to protect data, but creates problems if access is lost.

Unlike the main profile, where you can reset your password through Mi Account or Find Device, Second Space doesn't have a separate recovery mechanism. Its protection is tied to your device account, and without access to it, there are limited workarounds.

2. Method 1: Recovery Mode Deletion (without data loss)

This is a way to disable Second Space through the Recovery service menu without affecting the main space. Importantly, on some MIUI firmware (especially new ones), this method may not work due to changes in the structure of system files.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: 📱 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔧 For POCO F3/F4: Loudness down + Food (hold on) 10 seconds).

Recovery

Advanced → File Manager

/data/system/users/

userlist.xml

second_space

Save the changes, restart the device.

If Second Space disappeared after the reboot, but there were errors in the application, reset the cache via Recovery → Wipe → Wipe Cache.

Download TWRP (if standard Recovery does not support File Manager)

Backup of important data

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Connect the device to charging (during the procedure)

-->

Method 2: Disable Second Space via ADB (for Advanced)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to manage system settings via the command line, which requires USB debugging mode and computer access to be enabled, but does not need root rights. Warning: incorrect commands can disrupt the system.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version line until the notification appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Connect the smartphone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.secondspace

Reset the device.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell


settings put global second_space_enabled 0

Possible errors and solutions:

• 🚫 device unauthorized → Check the debugging resolution on your phone.
• 🔌 no devices/emulators found → Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers.
• 🔒 operation not permitted → Requires root or unlock the bootloader.

💡

If ADB does not recognize the device, try switching USB connection mode to File Transfer (MTP) in the notification curtain.

Method 3: Complete resetting of settings (extreme case)

If the previous methods didn't work, the radical option is hard reset, which will delete all data from the device, including the main and second space, applications, photos and settings, and use this method only if:

• 🔄 You have a backup of important data.
• 📱 The device is not tied to an important Mi Account (risk of locking after reset).
• 🔧 You are ready to re-set your smartphone.

How to perform the reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to Enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (on some Factory Reset models).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. Reset the device.

What happens after the reset:

💡

Resetting through Recovery removes Second Space is guaranteed, but it's the most destructive method. Use it only if other options are exhausted.

💡

Remove before resetting SIM-Card and memory card (if any) – this will speed up the process and reduce the risk of file damage.

5. Risks and Consequences of Removing Second Space

Removing the second space by unconventional methods can lead to unexpected problems, and these are the most common risks and ways to minimize them:

Possible problems:

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot – if system files are damaged, the device may freeze on the logo MIUI. Solution: Reflash the phone via Fastboot.
• 📵 Loss of loss IMEI — on some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) after discharge may be reset IMEI. You can restore it through the engineering menu (#4636##).
• 🔒 Locking Mi Account – if the device was tied to the account, after reset, you may need to enter a login / password".

How to avoid problems:

• 📱 Before any manipulations, make a backup through Settings → System system → Backup.
• 🔧 Use the official Mi Flash Tool for firmware if you need to restore.
• 🔐 Make sure you remember your Mi Account details or you risk losing access to your phone.

6 Second Space Alternatives: What to Use Instead

If you have removed Second Space due to inconvenience or access issues, consider alternative solutions to separate work and personal data:

Built-in MIUI functions:

• 🔐 Private mode (Settings) → Privacy → Private mode – hides selected applications behind a password.

Third-party annexes:

If you want a system-level insulation (like Second Space) but no lockdown risks, consider buying a device that supports dual apps (like Samsung Knox or Huawei App Twin).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you try to remove Second Space, users often encounter common mistakes, and let's look at the most common ways to solve them:

Error 1: “Not able to remove space – password required”

🔹 Reason: The system blocks deletion without authorization, even if you're logged in to the main space.

🔹 Decision:

• Try the ADB method (Section 3).
• If the device is unlocked, use TWRP to manually delete Second Space files (/data/system/users/userlist.xml).

Error 2: After Second Space is deleted, the phone will not turn on

🔹 Cause: Damage to system files when editing via Recovery or ADB.

🔹 Decision:

• Fastboot your device using the Mi Flash Tool.
• Use stock firmware for your model (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).

Error 3: No File Manager option in Recovery

🔹 Reason: Standard Recovery on new Xiaomi models (MIUI 13/14) functionally limited.

🔹 Decision:

• Install custom Recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox)
• Use ADB to remove Second Space (Section 3).

💡

If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center. Incorrect manipulation of system files can lead to a complete loss of the device’s performance.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

💡

If you plan to sell or transfer the device to another person, be sure to remove Second Space and reset to factory settings. The new owner will not be able to use the phone if there is still locked space on it.