A forgotten password from the second space on Xiaomi smartphones is a common problem that can block access to important data, such as work chats, personal files or apps. Unlike the main account, the second space (Secondary Space in MIUI) is not always tied to Mi Account, which makes recovery difficult. In this article, we will discuss all working methods of unlocking, from standard methods through settings to technical solutions using ADB and Fastboot.
Itβs important to understand that the second space on Xiaomi is encrypted separately from the main profile, so resetting the phone to factory settings does not always help β the data can remain encrypted. We analyzed methods for devices on MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Poco X3/X4, Mi 11/12) and identified those that work without losing information. If you are not sure about your technical skills, we recommend starting with the simplest options.
1. Recovery via Mi Account (if space is tied)
The safest way is to use a Mi Account that is tied, and it only works if you've previously logged in to a second space through that account.
- π Go to Settings. β Accounts. β Mi Accounts in the main space.
- π± Make sure your smartphone is displayed in the Devices section (this confirms the binding).
- π Restart your phone and try to log into the second space via Forgot Password? β The system can offer recovery via SMS email.
If you have forgotten your password? is not available, then the space is not tied to your account. In this case, move to the next method.
β οΈ Please note: Do not enter your password more than 5 times β MIUI It can block the second space for 24 hours, and if you see a message that says "Too many tries," wait until the time is specified or use alternative methods.
2. Reset password through recovery mode (Recovery Mode)
If Mi Account didnβt help, try resetting your password through Recovery Mode.This method works on most Xiaomi devices with the bootloader unlocked, but deletes all data in the second space (the main profile will remain intact).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears (on some models β Volume Up + Volume Down + Power).
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset β Reset Second Space Password (the item name may vary).
- Confirm the action and restart the device.
After reset, the second space will be available without a password, but all applications and files installed in it will be deleted.
Disable your Google account in the main space (Settings β Accounts β Google)
Battery charge > 50%
Download the official firmware for your model (in case of errors)
Save it. IMEI (Type *#06# in the main space)-->
3.Use ADB to unlock (for advanced users)
If you're familiar with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can try to delete a password file through the command line. This method doesn't guarantee data security, but sometimes allows you to bypass the lock without completely resetting.
Step-by-step:
- Enable USB Debugging in the main space (Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version (click 7 times) β Additional β For developers β Debugging over USB).
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/users/1/lock
rebootIf the su command doesn't work, the device doesn't have root rights, and then it won't work.
β οΈ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data loss in the main space or a device to "brick" if you're not sure about commands, skip this method.
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
4. Unlock via Fastboot (for unlocked bootloader)
If the bootloader on your Xiaomi is unlocked, you can try reflashing the password section through Fastboot.
- π Unlocked bootloader (checked by the fastboot oem device-info command - look for Device unlocked: true).
- π» Installed Fastboot and Xiaomi drivers on PC.
- π Official firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi website).
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC and check the connection with the command:
fastboot devices- Scroll through the userdata section (this will delete all data in the second space!):
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot rebootAfter the reboot, the second space will be available without a password, but empty.
π‘
Before you run your firmware through Fastboot, back up your main space using the Mi PC Suite or TWRP app (if installed).
5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If none of the methods worked, the official way is to contact the service center, and Xiaomi can help unlock the second space if you have:
- π Check or warranty card (confirms possession of the device).
- π Access to Mi Accounts Linked to Phone.
- π± Correct. IMEI (software-free).
The cost of the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and region, and in some cases, the service may offer a complete reset of the device, if the data in the second space is not critical.
| Unlocking method | Data security | Difficulty | Conditions required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account | Preserve. | Low. | Space is tied to the account |
| Recovery Mode | Removed | Medium | No binding to the Mi Account |
| ADB | Partial loss | Tall. | Debugging by USB, root rights (optional) |
| Fastboot | Removed | Very high. | Unlocked loader |
| Service centre | Depends on the case. | Low. | Phone ID, Mi Account |
6. How to avoid future data loss
To avoid encountering the problem of a locked second space again, follow these tips:
- π Attach the second space to Mi Account in settings (Settings) β Second space β Mi Account).
- π Write down your password to your password manager (e.g. Google Password Manager or Bitwarden).
- π Regularly back up important data from the second space through Settings β System system β Backup.
- π± Use a fingerprint or facial recognition to enter (if supported).
If you often work with sensitive data in a second space, consider alternatives:
- π Encrypted containers (applications like Cryptomator or VeraCrypt).
- π User profiles in Android 12+ (On some Xiaomi models, you can use Settings β System system β Multiplayer mode).
π‘
The second space in MIUI is not a full-fledged Android multiplayer system, but an add-on above the main profile, so its settings and security depend on the main account.