Why users lose access to the second space and what to do about it
The second space on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a convenient tool for separating personal and work data, but its password protection often becomes a source of problems. According to service centers, one in five Redmi owners at least once forgot the password from the second profile, especially if they use it rarely. Unlike the main lock screen, there is no recovery function via email or SMS β the system requires you to enter exactly the code that was originally specified.
The main reasons for loss of access: prolonged inactivity (for example, after moving to a new smartphone), accidental change of password by children or colleagues, or failure of sync after updating MIUI. It is important to understand that the second space is not just a folder, but a full-fledged isolated environment with its own settings, applications and data.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock the second space on Redmi, including official and alternative methods, taking into account the features of MIUI 12-14. Particular attention will be paid to data security - many instructions on the Internet suggest resetting the device to factory settings, but this is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in less than 10% of cases.
Method 1: Recovery through the main space (official method)
If you remember the password from the main space, but you forgot the code of the second one, this is the simplest scenario. Xiaomi has a built-in reset mechanism, but it only works if two conditions are met:
- π You have access to the main profile (screen unlocked).
- π± The device was not restarted after the last failed password attempt (otherwise, re-authentication will be required).
Instructions:
- Open Settings β Special Opportunities β Second Space
- Click on the gear icon (βοΈ) top-right.
- Select Remove the Second Space (donβt be afraid β the data will be saved!).
- Confirm the action with a password from the main space.
- Create a new space with the same name β the system will prompt you to restore data from a backup (if it was created automatically).
Check that the main space is unlocked |
Make sure the device does not restart after the last failed attempt.|
Connect to Wi-Fi (required to verify your Mi Account)|
Charge your phone at least 30% |
-->
β οΈ Note: If the system did not offer to restore data after deleting the space, then an automatic backup was not created, in which case all applications and files of the second profile will be lost, but the smartphone itself will remain functional.
Method 2: Use a Mi Account (if linked to a device)
If you forget the password from the second space, but your Redmi is tied to your Mi Account, you can try to restore access through the cloud. MIUI 13 and newer, but has limitations:
- π A stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network) is required).
- π The device should be enabled sync with Mi Cloud (check in Settings). β Mi Account β Cloud).
- β³ The last time the second space data was synchronized was 30 days ago.
Step-by-step:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account.
- In the Devices section, select your Redmi.
- Press Find the device. β Management of spaces.
- The system will offer to reset the password of the second confirmation space via SMS or email.
Yeah, everything syncs automatically.|
Contacts and photos only |
Disabled due to privacy concerns |
I don't know what that is.|
β οΈ Note: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the device (2FA), You will need to enter a code from the Mi Security application or SMS. Without this access, recovery through the cloud is impossible.
π‘
Before attempting to recover via Mi Cloud, check if the "Second Space Sync" option is enabled in the cloud settings. If not, the data was not saved and the method will not work.
Method 3: Reset via Recovery Mode (without loss of core space data)
If the first two methods fail, you will need to use Recovery Mode, which is suitable for devices where the second space was created without linking to the Mi Account, but requires caution: improper actions can lead to a complete reset of the smartphone.
Important: This method does not delete the main space data, but resets all the settings of the second profile, including the installed applications. Files (photos, videos, documents) will remain intact if they are stored on internal memory, rather than in an isolated storage of the second space.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language, then Wipe Data β Wipe Second Space.
- Confirm the action with the Power button.
- Restart the device (Reboot) β Reboot to System).
| Model Redmi | Combination of buttons for Recovery | Does the second space support resetting? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Food + Volume up | Yes. |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | Food + Volume up | Yes (only on MIUI 12+) |
| POCO X3/X4 | Food + Volume up | Yes. |
| Redmi K40/K50 | Food + Volume up | Yes (requires unlocking the bootloader) |
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi K-series) may have Wipe Second Space hidden, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader first through the Mi Unlock Tool, which cancels the warranty.
Method 4: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced users)
If you're familiar with USB debugging (ADB), you can try resetting the second space password via the command line, which works on MIUI 12-14, but requires prior preparation:
- π§ The phone should be on debugging. USB (In Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI Press 7 times, then return to Additional β For developers).
- π» Drivers must be installed on the computer ADB and Fastboot.
- π Cable USB Type-C with data support (not all charging cables are suitable!).
Step-by-step teams:
adb shell
su
pm clear com.miui.secondspace
rm -rf /data/system/users/10/
rebootOnce the second space is reset, it will be reset, but all the data will remain in it.
- β οΈ Nana MIUI 14 may require root access.
- β οΈ Some applications of the second space may not work properly after resetting.
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
Method 5: Complete reset of the device (last resort)
If none of the methods work, you only have to completely reset your device, which will remove all data from the device, including the main and second space, so only use this method as a last resort.
How to reset Redmi to factory settings:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
- Choose Wipe Data β Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action.
- After restarting, set your phone as new.
β οΈ Note: Devices with a locked bootloader may need to enter the data of the Mi Account that was previously linked after reset. If you do not remember the username / password, the phone will become a βbrickβ (you will not be able to use it).
π‘
Before the complete reset, be sure to remove SIM-card and memory card β they are not affected by the process, but it is better to be safe.
How to avoid losing access to a second space in the future
To avoid the problem of forgotten password, follow these recommendations:
- π Use a password manager (such as Bitwarden or KeePass) to store the second space code.
- π± Attach the second space to the Mi Account (the space settings have the option "Synchronization").
- π Regularly (once every 1-2 months) log into the second space so you donβt forget your password.
- π Write down the password hint in your notebook (donβt store it on your phone!).
It's also useful to know:
- MIUI 14 has a biometric unlocking feature for the second space (fingerprint or Face ID) activate it in the security settings.
- If you switch between spaces frequently, turn on the Quick Switch option in the second profile settings.