How to completely remove the second space Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: 5 working ways

Xiaomi’s second-space feature was originally intended as a convenient tool for separating personal and work data. However, in practice, many Redmi Note 4 users face problems: the system slows down, memory runs out twice as fast, and applications are duplicated without need. If you decide to get rid of an unnecessary second profile but do not know how to do it safely, this article is for you.

Unlike Xiaomi’s new models, where it takes a couple of clicks to remove space, Redmi Note 4 (especially with MIUI 8-10 firmware) can be complicated by bugs and no direct menu options. We tested all the current methods and selected those that work on this model without the risk of bricking, and we will also discuss why standard removal through settings sometimes does not work and what to do in such cases.

Before you start, make sure you have:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge of at least 50% (to avoid failures during resetting).
  • πŸ“± Backup of important data (second space will be deleted permanently).
  • πŸ”‘ Access to your Mi Account if your device is tied.
πŸ“Š You are using the second space on Xiaomi?
Yes, actively.
Yeah, but I want to delete.
No, I've never tried.
I've already deleted it.

1. Remove the second space through standard settings

On the Redmi Note 4 with MIUI 9/10, the option to remove the second space may be hidden or unavailable due to the firmware features.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Advanced Settings β†’ Second Space
  2. If the button "Delete the second space" is active, press it and confirm the action.
  3. Wait for the reboot (it will take 2-5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If after clicking on the deletion system gives an error "Can not remove space", this means that:

  • πŸ”„ The space is currently in use (close all applications in it).
  • πŸ”’ Device locked with Mi Account (unlock required).
  • πŸ› οΈ Firmware modified (reset via Recovery needed).

If the standard method didn’t work, go to the alternative methods below.

πŸ’‘

Before deleting, check if there are any important files left in the second space, such as photos from the gallery or saved passwords in the browser - they will be lost!

2.Reset second space via Recovery Mode

When deletion through settings is not possible, hard resetting of the second profile will help, which does not affect the main space, but requires accuracy:

  1. Turn off your smartphone.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset β†’ Erase Second Space (navigation with volume buttons, confirmation with power button).
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

⚠️ If you don’t have Erase Second Space in Recovery, you’ll be able to:

  • πŸ“± Your firmware does not support separate removal (you need a full reset).
  • πŸ”§ Recovery is replaced by custom (for example, TWRP β€” The instruction will be different).

On some versions of MIUI for Redmi Note 4, the "Erase Second Space" option only appears after trying the standard settings removal. If it's not, try the method from Section 1, then re-enter Recovery.

3. Removal via ADB (for power users)

If the previous methods didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge:

  1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional β†’ For Developers).
  2. Connect the Redmi Note 4 to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd).
  3. Enter the commands in order: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 1 com.miui.secondspace
  4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB If you have left space after the second run and applications start to fly out, reset through Recovery (see Section 2).

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging on USB| Check connection (team `adb devices`) | Download the latest version of ADB-->

4. complete reset of the device (last resort)

If neither method works, you'll have to reset completely, which will delete all data from both spaces, so use it only as a last resort:

  1. Make a backup through Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Recovery and Reset β†’ Resetting.
  3. Select "Erase Everything" and confirm.

Once reset, the device will boot from a clean MIUI, and there will be no second space, but this method requires reconfiguring the smartphone from scratch.

Deleting methodDifficultyTime.Risks.Efficiency
Through settings⭐2-5 minutesLow.50%
Recovery Mode⭐⭐5-10 minutesAverage.80%
ADB⭐⭐⭐10-15 minutesTall.90%
Total reset⭐⭐15-20 minutesLoss of data100%
Why can't the second space be removed?
On some of the firmware for Redmi Note 4 (especially custom) the second space function is integrated into the system at the kernel level. In such cases, even resetting through Recovery does not help - it requires flashing the device to the stock MIUI via Fastboot. This is a risky procedure that can lead to the loss of IMEI or "brick" of the phone if performed incorrectly.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you delete the second space on Redmi Note 4, users face typical problems.

  • πŸ”„ "Space is being used" β†’ Close all applications in it through Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Select the application β†’ Stop it.
  • πŸ”’ "Password Mi Account is required" β†’ Unlock the device through the official website or reset the password.
  • πŸ“± "Insufficient memory to remove" β†’ Free up 1-2 GB in the main space and try again.
  • βš™οΈ "Removal option inactive" β†’ Update. MIUI before the latest version or use it ADB.

If after removing the second space, the smartphone began to slow down or overheat, do:

  1. Cache clearing via Recovery (Wipe Cache Partition)
  2. Virus testing (for example, through Malwarebytes)
  3. Reverse to factory settings (if the problem persists).

πŸ’‘

On the Redmi Note 4 with firmware older than MIUI 11, removing the second space often requires a combination of methods: first try through settings, then reset to Recovery, and only in extreme cases - a full reset or ADB.

6. How to avoid problems in the future

To avoid having to deal with duplicate space again, follow these tips:

  • 🚫 Don’t create a second space unnecessarily – on the Redmi Note 4, it takes up to 10-15 GB of storage.
  • πŸ”„ Update regularly MIUI β€” In new versions of the space removal bugs fixed.
  • πŸ“ Use user profiles to separate work and personal data (in Android 9)+ They're more stable).
  • πŸ”§ If you need app isolation, consider alternatives: Island, Shelter, or Work Profile.

If you still decide to use the second space, limit its size in the settings (Settings β†’ Second Space β†’ Memory) and do not install heavy games or messengers in it - this will reduce the load on the system.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I recover data from the second space after deletion?
No, deleting the second space irrevocably erases all the data in it, and if you want files, transfer them to the main space first, or to a PC via Explorer or Mi PC Suite.
Why did some applications disappear after the second space was removed?
Chances are, these apps were only installed in the second space: Reinstall them in the main profile from Google Play or Mi App Store. If the apps were pre-installed (like Facebook or Mi Video), they will recover after the reboot.
Will this method work on the Redmi Note 4X or Redmi Note 5?
On the Redmi Note 4X, the instruction is identical, as it is a hardware modification of the same model. For the Redmi Note 5 (and later), the process is simplified - in MIUI 11+, the option to delete the second space is always available in the settings without additional manipulation.
Can you delete the second space without losing data?
Yes, if you use the methods in Sections 1-3 (settings, Recovery or ADB). A complete reset (Section 4) erases everything, so it should be avoided if the main space contains important files.
What if the phone does not turn on after the second space is removed?
This can happen if: The process has been interrupted (e.g., battery has run out). ADB-Script. Firmware was damaged. Solution: Press Volume up. + Power to log in to Recovery. Select Wipe Data. If it doesn't work, reflash the device via Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode.