The second space on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature for separating personal and work data, but it often becomes a headache if you forget your password or Mi Account data. Things get complicated when the device is locked and access to the main space is limited. Unlike a standard Recovery reset, deleting the second space requires specific actions, otherwise you risk losing data in the main profile.
This article covers all the current methods of removing second space on Redmi, POCO and Mi (including models on MIUI 12-14), when you do not have access to either a password or a linked account. We will analyze both software solutions (via ADB, Fastboot) and hardware (using test points), and explain why some “people’s” methods can harm your device.
What is the second space on Xiaomi and why is it difficult to remove it?
Second Space is an isolated environment in MIUI that operates as a separate user profile with its own:
- 🔐 Password (may differ from the main one)
- 📱 Applications (installed independently)
- 📁 Files (storage is isolated)
- 🔄 Settings (themes, sounds, wallpapers)
The problem is that Xiaomi links the second space to Mi-account and File-Based Encryption (FBE) encryption. If you forget your password or account details, the system blocks access to space management through standard settings. Even resetting through Recovery doesn't always help - often it results in data loss in the main space if it's also encrypted.
Key causes of complexity:
- 🔒 Encryption: MIUI use FBE, space-bound.
- 🚫 Mi Account Blocking: Without a Linked Account, Deletion Cannot Be Confirmed.
- 🛠️ Lack of universal solution: Methods differ for models with Snapdragon and Mediatek.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to delete the second space via a factory reset (Wipe Data in Recovery) - this will delete all data, including the main space, if it is encrypted. MIUI 13+ This type of reset could lead to a blockage FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
Preparing for removal: what to do before the start
Before you start removing the second space, follow the mandatory preparatory steps:
Backup your main space data (if available)
Charge your smartphone at least 70%
Install Xiaomi drivers on your PC (official website)
Download Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model
Prepare. USB-cable (preferably original)
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If you have access to the main space, copy the important data to your PC or cloud.
- 📲 Mi PC Suite (official backup software)
- ☁️ Google Drive or Mi Cloud (if sync is enabled)
- 🔌 ADB Pull (for experienced users)
For models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3), you will need an EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode to activate it:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume up + Volume down and connect to the PC.
- Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 port appears in the Device Manager.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi 9, POCO M3) enter EDL You need an authorized Mi Account. If you don't have one, use the test point method (described below).
Method 1: Removal via ADB (if you have access to the main space)
If you can log into the main space but are locked in the second, try removing it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).This method works on MIUI 12-14 and doesn't require a data reset.
Instructions:
- Turn on USB Debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging and confirm permission.
Command line.
Terminal
adb devicesThe name of your device should appear.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.secondspaceadb rebootAfter the reboot, the second space will be removed and all the main profile data stored. If the command does not work, try an alternative option:
adb shell am start -n com.miui.secondspace/.SecondSpaceDeleteActivity⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 Global) this method may cause the error java.lang.SecurityException.
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If the adb device command doesn’t show your device, try reinstalling drivers or using another one. USB-Often the problem is with the unoriginal cables with damaged contacts for data transmission.
Method 2: Fastboot reset (without loss of core space data)
If you have access to the main space, but ADB didn't help, use Fastboot. This method saves the main profile data, but deletes the second space along with all of its data.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your PC and open the Command Prompt in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Check the connection: fastboot devices
- Run the command to delete the second space: fastboot erase second_space
- Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot
If the fastboot erase team second_space Not supported by your model, try an alternative:
fastboot erase userdata_secondSome devices (POCO X3, Redmi Note 8 Pro) may require OEM Unlock to unlock the bootloader.
- Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → For Developers.
- Fastboot: Fastboot Flashing unlock
- Confirm unlocking on your phone (if available).
| Xiaomi model | Supports fastboot erase second_space? | Do you need to unlock the bootloader? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/10 Pro | Yes. | No. |
| POCO F3/F4 | Yes. | Yes (unless previously unlocked) |
| Mi 11/11 Lite | No (use) user_data_second) | Yes. |
| Redmi 9/9A | Yes. | No. |
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The Fastboot method is the safest way to save the main space data, but requires an unlocked bootloader on new models (MIUI 13+).
Method 3: Removal via EDL (for locked devices)
If the phone is completely locked (no access to either the main or the second space), the only way out is through EDL (Emergency Download Mode), a method that is suitable for devices with Qualcomm processors and requires special software.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Windows PC (for Mi Flash Tool)
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable
- 📦 Firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater)
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool (official utility)
- 🔑 Authorized Mi Account (for new models)
Instructions:
- Enter EDL mode: Turn off the phone. Press Volume up + Volume down and plug in to the PC. Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 port comes on.
Qualcomm
Mi Flash Tool
Refresh
Clean All
Flash
Once the firmware is in place, the phone will reboot to the clean system without a second space, and all data will be deleted, including the main space.
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool requires authorization?
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL model MIUI 14 and later may result in a blockage FRP, If the device was linked to a Mi Account, it will require official unlocking.
Method 4: Use of Test Point (for advanced users)
If the EDL is not available because of authorization blocking, the last method is test point, which is a hardware way of entering the EDL by closing contacts on the board, only suitable for users with experience in soldering or electronics repair.
What you need:
- 🔧 soldering iron or tweezers
- 🔍 Lupa (contacts are very small)
- 📍 Test point diagram for your model (see on the 4PDA)
- 🔌 USB-cable
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone and remove the back cover (on most models it is glued – use a mediator).
- Disconnect the battery (required!).
- Find a test point on the motherboard (usually signed as EDL or TEST).
- Close the contacts with tweezers or rations.
- Connect. USB-cable to PC – Qualcomm port must be determined HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Swipe the device through the Mi Flash Tool (as in Method 3).
Examples of the location of test points:
| Model | Location of the test point | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8 Pro | Next to the battery connector, two contacts with the EDL label | Rationing is required. |
| POCO X3 NFC | Under a metal screen, next to the processor | You can lock it with tweezers. |
| Mi 9T | Right of the camera, two little contacts. | I need a magnifying glass. |
⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly closing the test point can disable the motherboard. If you've never soldered microelectronics, you'd better go to a service center.
What to do if no method has helped
If all of these methods do not work, there are several options:
- 🔧 Official service center: Xiaomi can unlock the device on documents (passport, check). The cost is from 1500 rubles.
- 💻 Specialized services: Some workshops offer the removal of the second space without data loss (price) ~3000-5000 Risk: You can run into scammers.
- 📱 Replacement of motherboard: Last resort if the device is critical.cost — 50-70% phone price.
Before contacting the service:
- Check if the data will retain the main space.
- Ask about the work guarantee (must be at least 3 months).
- Check the reviews about the workshop (especially on 2GIS or Yandex.Maps).
If the phone doesn't contain critical data, it's easier to reset it completely and configure it again. Newer models (MIUI 14+) may require you to enter data from a Mi Account that was previously linked after the reset, and if you don't remember it, restore access through the official website or contact support.