Removing Second Space on Xiaomi Mi 9: A Complete Guide with Nuances

Xiaomi Mi 9 is one of the most popular flagships of the brand, but its dual app feature is often confusing. Users face problems: the system creates a copy of applications without a request, takes up excess memory or interferes with the main profile. In this article, we will discuss how to completely remove the second space on the Mi 9 without damaging the basic data, and what to do if standard methods do not work.

The second profile in MIUI is not just a duplicate of apps, but a separate, isolated environment with its own settings, files, and even accounts. Its creation can be useful for separating work and personal data, but many users activate this feature accidentally (for example, through Settings → Applications → Dual Apps). Unfortunately, Xiaomi does not provide an obvious “Delete Space” button, so you have to use workarounds.

It's important to understand that removing the second space is not like resetting your phone, and we'll look at three methods, from simply turning off the phone to completely removing it through hidden MIUI settings, and how to avoid common mistakes, such as losing data in your main profile or locking your device.

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

The second space (or Second Space) feature first appeared in MIUI 8 and was designed to create an isolated copy of the system. It is not the same as Dual Apps (duplicates of individual applications), but a full-fledged second profile with:

• 📱 Separate screen, sound and notification settings
• 🔑 Own Google, Mi Account and Social Media Accounts
• 📁 Isolated files (photos, documents, downloads)
• 🔄 Ability to quickly switch between profiles

On the Xiaomi Mi 9, this feature is activated via Settings → Special Features → Second Space. However, many users turn it on accidentally, for example, trying to configure Dual Apps for instant messengers. The main problem is that MIUI does not offer a direct option to delete: you can only turn off space, but its data will remain in the device’s memory.

Why is this important? The second profile takes up to 3 to 5GB of storage (depending on the applications installed) and may conflict with the main system, for example, some users complain about:

• ⚠️ Automatic switching between profiles when calling
• ⚠️ Duplicate notifications from the same applications
• ⚠️ Slowing down the phone due to second space background processes

Preparing for removal: what to do in advance

Before you remove the second space, be sure to follow these steps:

1. Save data from the second profile (if it is important). Once deleted, it will not be possible to restore it. Use Mi Cloud or manual copying through Files → Second Space.
2. Check out the MIUI version. The current version of the Mi 9 is MIUI 12/13/14. The deletion process may be different in older versions (below MIUI 10).
3. Charge the phone at least 50%, and if the deletion goes wrong, the battery may interrupt.
4. Make sure you're not in the second space.Switch to the main profile through the notification bar (the two-circuit icon).

A critical mistake many users make is to try to remove the space from within, and that will lead to the main profile being blocked, and all manipulations must be done from the main space.

Also check if the applications from the second profile are used for:

• 🔐 Two-factor authentication (e.g. Google Authenticator)
• 💳 Banking applications with device-related
• 📧 Workmail with limited access

Method 1: Standard Disconnection through MIUI settings

The easiest way is to disable the second space (not delete it completely), which is suitable if you want to temporarily deactivate the profile, but leave it to restore.

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Click on Turn off the second space.
3. Confirm the action by entering the password (if installed).
4. Wait until the process is completed (the phone will restart).

After the shutdown:

• ✅ The profile switch icon will disappear from the notification panel.
• ✅ Applications from the second space will be unavailable.
• ❌ These spaces will remain in memory and will take place.

To completely remove the second space (along with the data), move on to the next method.

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If the "Disable" button is inactive, try restarting the phone and trying again. Sometimes MIUI blocks the action due to background processes.

Method 2: Complete removal through resetting of second space

This way you can erase all the data in the second profile, freeing up memory, but it doesn't delete the function itself -- you can create a new space later.

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Second Space.
2. Select Clear Data (or Reset Space in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Confirm the action by entering the password from the main profile.
4. Wait until it is completed (it can take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🧹 All applications, files and settings of the second space will be deleted.
• 📉 Free up to 3-5 GB of memory (depending on the number of installed applications).
• 🔄 The second space function will remain available for re-creation.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Don't panic. Wait 10 to 15 minutes, or forcefully reset with the power button pressed for 10 seconds. MIUI Cleaning up big data.

If you need to completely deactivate the second space function (so it doesn’t even appear in the settings), go to method 3.

Method 3: Removal through Developer and ADB modes (for experienced)

This method is suitable for those who want to permanently remove the possibility of creating a second space, requiring a PC connection and the use of ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Warning: Incorrect ADB commands can cause the system to crash.If you're not sure about your actions, skip this section.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Click on version 7 times until the notification “You are a developer” appears.
2. Enable USB debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (CMD or Terminal).
4. Enter the commands: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.secondspace
5. Reboot the phone.

After completion:

• 🔧 The "Second Space" will disappear from the settings.
• 🚫 The ability to create a second profile will be disabled.
• ⚠️ The function can be restored only through a full reset of the phone.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you delete the second space, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

1. Error: "Can't turn off second space" Reason: background processes block the action. Solution: Reboot your phone. Close all apps through Recent → Close everything. Try again.
2. The phone has been frozen since the reset, and the reason is that MIUI is processing large amounts of data. Solution: Wait 15 to 20 minutes. If it doesn't work, press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds to force the reset.

ADB issues a "device unauthorized" error

Reason: the phone doesn't trust the PC. Solution:

• Turn off and reconnect the cable.
• On the phone, confirm the debugging request (pop-up window).

⚠️ Note: If your contacts or messages are lost after the second space is deleted, check if they were linked to the second profile account and can only be restored from a Mi Cloud or Google backup.

Another common problem is that the second space reappears after the MIUI update, so you can avoid this:

• Before updating, turn off the second space.
• Do not use MIUI beta unless you are ready for failure.

Alternatives to the second space on Xiaomi Mi 9

If you need to separate work and personal data, but the second space seems inconvenient, consider the alternatives:

• 🔄 Dual Apps (for individual applications): Allows you to create a copy of messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) or social networks without full system duplication. → Annexes → Dual Apps.
• 📱 Profile of work (in new versions) MIUI): A lighter alternative to the second space, designed for enterprise users. → Google → Profile of work.
• 🔐 Container applications: Third-party solutions like Island or Shelter (require root) create an isolated environment for selected applications without duplication of the entire system.

If you only need to duplicate messengers, Dual Apps is the best choice. To completely isolate working data, you should use the Profile (if it is available in your version of MIUI).

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Before choosing an alternative, check if your version of MIUI supports the Work Profile. On Mi 9, it only appeared in MIUI 12.5+.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second space on Xiaomi Mi 9