Xiaomiβs second-space feature is a unique way to create an isolated work environment on one device, essentially two independent accounts with different apps, settings, and even data that donβt overlap, and is especially useful for separating work and personal data, testing apps, or providing additional privacy.
However, many users have difficulty entering the second space for the first time β the system may require additional confirmations, hide the option in the settings, or even block access after unsuccessful attempts. In this article, we will discuss all the official and alternative ways to activate the second space on Xiaomi in 2026, including solutions for cases where the standard method does not work.
It is important to understand that the second space feature is not available on all Xiaomi models and depends on the version. MIUI. For example, on devices with global firmware, the option may not be available, whereas on Chinese versions it is often available by default.We will also look at how to circumvent regional restrictions and what risks informal activation methods pose.
What is the second space on Xiaomi and why is it necessary?
Second Space is a virtual environment that runs parallel to the main system, but with completely isolated data. Think of it as two separate smartphones in one enclosure.
- π± Installed applications (you can duplicate messengers, social networks)
- π Accounts. Google/Mi (Different logins in the same device)
- π Files and media (photos, videos, documents are not mixed)
- βοΈ System settings (wallpaper, sounds, brightness are adjusted separately)
Main use cases:
- πΌ Work and personal life: Keep your business data in one space and your personal data in another.
- π Privacy: Hide sensitive information from prying eyes (for example, when handing a phone to children).
- π§ͺ Testing: Check beta versions of apps or dangerous ones APK without risk to the main system.
- π Regional Restrictions: Use different accounts to access geo-blocked services.
However, the function has limitations:
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete isolation of data between spaces | Takes up extra space in memory (3-5 GB) |
| Support two Google accounts at the same time | Some system applications are duplicated forcefully |
| Quick switching between spaces | Some models are not stable. |
| You can set different passwords for each space. | The function is not available on all firmware |
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the second space may conflict with the App Cloning function. If you use cloned messengers, they may disappear after the second space is activated.
The official way to include the second space
If your device supports the function, the safest way to activate is through standard settings. MIUI. The instructions are relevant for most models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO firmware MIUI 12-14:
- Open the settings (cog icon).
- Go to the Special Features section (or additionally on some versions).
- Select the Second Space (Second Space).
- Click Create a second space and follow the system prompts.
- Set a password for the new space (you can use a fingerprint).
- Wait until the setup is completed (may take up) 5-10 minute).
Once you have created the second space, you can switch between the two:
- Through the notification panel (swipe down) β Icon Second Space).
- Through the lock screen (swipe left/right on some models).
- Through the Settings menu β Second space β Switch over.
Free up 5+ GB of memory
Connect to charging (energy-intensive process)
Remember the password from the main Mi Account
Disable VPN (may block activation)
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If the option Second Space is not in the settings, it can mean:
- π± The device does not support the function (see below for a list of compatible models).
- π You have global firmware (in Chinese versions, the feature is more often available).
- π System needs to be updated (check Settings) β The phone. β Update MIUI).
β οΈ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11) may be lost after the second space is created NFC It's a famous bug. MIUI 13.5, which has been corrected in newer versions.
List of Xiaomi models with support for second space
The second space feature is not available on all Xiaomi devices, and here is a current list of models that officially support this option on firmware. MIUI 12-14 (as 2026 Please note that on the Global Versions (Global) ROM) The function can be disabled even if the model is on the list:
| Series | Supported models | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 | 13, 13 Pro, 13 Ultra, 13 Lite | 13 Lite is required MIUI 14.0.5+ |
| Xiaomi 12 | 12, 12 Pro, 12X, 12S, 12S Ultra | Nana 12X function is not stable |
| Redmi Note | Note 12 Pro+, Note 11 Pro+, Note 10 Pro | Note 10 only on Chinese firmware |
| POCO | F5, F5 Pro, X5 Pro, X4 GT | Nana POCO X3 function |
| Xiaomi Civi | Civi 2, Civi 3 | Requires MIUI 13.1+ |
If your model isn't listed, it doesn't mean it's not exactly available. Some devices get support for second space after updates. For example, the Redmi Note 11 didn't originally have this option, but it appeared in the app. MIUI 13.0.4 for the Chinese region.
To check the support on your device:
- Open the Settings. β The phone.
- Find the line Version MIUI and remember her.
- Check for the Second Space option in Special Features.
- If you donβt have an option, try updating your firmware or installing a Chinese version. MIUI (see section below).
Yeah, it's stable.|Yeah, but with bugs.|No, no option in the settings.|I don't know. I haven't.|I have another device.-->
Activation of the second space on global firmware
If you are using the global version MIUI (Global ROM), There's a good chance that the second space option is hidden, because of Xiaomi's regional restrictions, but there are a few ways to get around this restriction without completely changing the firmware.
Method 1: Use of hidden menus (for experienced users)
Some models allow you to activate the second space through the engineering menu.
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##6484### (on some models ##64663###).
- In the menu that appears, select Second Space and activate the option.
- Reset the device.
Method 2: Install Chinese firmware via Fastboot
This is a more radical way that requires unlocking the bootloader and potentially leads to data loss. If you're willing to take risks, follow the instructions:
Step-by-step instructions for installing Chinese firmware
Method 3: Use ADB-team
For users familiar with the ADB, There's a way to enable a second space through the console. Connect the device to the PC and do it:
adb shell
settings put global second_space_enabled 1
rebootAfter the reboot, the option should appear in the settings. If the command does not work, try the alternative:
adb shell am start -n com.miui.secondspace/.SecondSpaceMainActivityβ οΈ Attention: Use ADB-The commands can lead to unstable operation of the system if the firmware does not support the second space at the hardware level. POCO F3 redmi K40 After such manipulations, cases of hanging on the logo were recorded. MIUI.
Solving problems when entering the second space
Even if you've successfully created a second space, you can still get errors when you enter, and let's look at some of the most common problems and their solutions.
1. Hanging on the loading screen
If after switching to the second space, the device hangs on the logo MIUI:
- π Hold the power button. 10-15 second-on-second forced reboot.
- π Connect the charger β sometimes the problem is low battery charge.
- π οΈ If the freeze is repeated, reset the second space through Settings. β Second space β Delete.
2. "Failure to enter the second space" error
This error often occurs due to:
- π Wrong password (try resetting it through the main space).
- π± Damaged system files (will help to recreate space).
- π Update conflict (check for updates in Settings) β The phone).
3.Data disappears after restart
If applications or files in the second space are reset after rebooting:
- π Check the vacant space β the second space requires a minimum of 3 GB.
- π§ Disable Battery Optimization for System Applications in Settings β Battery.
- π Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.
4.The mobile internet is not working in the second space
Sometimes the second space loses access to mobile data.
- πΆ Reset the device.
- π Turn on and off the aircraft mode.
- βοΈ Check the settings. APN In Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- π± If the problem persists, remove and recreate the second space.
π‘
If the second space is unstable, try disabling the data migration function in its settings. This often solves the problems with hanging.
The Hidden Possibilities of Second Space
Beyond basic data isolation, the second space on Xiaomi has a few hidden features that few people know about, which could significantly expand the scope of the virtual environment:
1. Different versions of Android in the same device
On some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Mix Fold 2 β The second space can work on a different version MIUI, It's a system that's more than a basic system. MIUI 14, and the second on MIUI 13.This allows you to test new features without risking to the main firmware.
2.Isolated Safe Mode
If a critical error occurs in the second space, you can download it to Safe Mode by holding the power button when you switch, and only system applications will be available in this mode, which will help diagnose problems.
3. Hidden developer settings
In the second space, you can activate the Developer Mode separately from the main one.
- Go to Settings. β On the phone in the second space.
- Press 7 times on the MIUI version.
- Go back to the basic settings and open Additional β for developers.
You can turn on the debugging here. USB Allow location simulations for second space only.
4. Automatic switching on schedule
On the firmware MIUI 14, you can set up automatic time-switching between spaces, for example, you can set up the transition to the workspace from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays:
- Open the Settings. β Second space β Automatic switching.
- Set the activation days and times.
- Choose which space should be active during the period.
5. Hidden gestures for quick switching
Some models (Xiaomi 13, Mix 4) support hidden gestures to switch between spaces:
- π Swipe up with hold on the lock screen (3 seconds).
- βοΈ Double touch of the fingerprint sensor (configured in Settings) β Lock screen).
- π Triple press of the power button (requires activation in special features settings).
π‘
The hidden functions of the second space may differ depending on the model and version. MIUI. Before experimenting, back up the data in the main space.
Security and privacy: how to protect the second space
One of the main reasons for using the second space is to increase privacy, but the feature alone does not guarantee complete data protection.
1. Set separate passwords
Always set up different passwords (or biometrics) for each space, which will prevent access to personal data if someone learns the password from the workspace.
- Go to Settings. β Locking the screen in the second space.
- Choose Add Fingerprint or Set a pattern lock.
- Create a unique password that does not match the main one.
2. Disabling data synchronization
By default, the second space can synchronize some data to the main one (such as contacts or calendar) to avoid:
- Open Settings β Accounts and Synchronization.
- Turn off sync for all accounts in the second space.
- Delete unnecessary accounts (Google, Mi Account) if they are not required.
3. Encryption of the second space
Starting with MIUI 13, it's possible to encrypt the second space separately from the main space, which protects the data even when you physically access the device:
- Go to Settings β Additional β Encryption and credentials.
- Select Encrypt the second space.
- Set a complex password (at least 8 characters with numbers and special signs).
The encryption process may take 30-60 Don't interrupt him!
Limiting access to notifications
Notifications from the second space can be displayed on the main lock screen, which violates privacy, to hide them:
- Open the Settings. β Notifications in the second space.
- Select the Privacy Notices.
- Activate the option to Hide content on the lock screen.
5. Prohibition of screenshots and screen recording
In the second space, you can block the ability to create screenshots and record the screen for additional protection:
- Go to Settings. β Confidentiality.
- Choose Privacy Protection.
- Activate Prohibit Screenshots and Prohibit Screen Recording.
β οΈ Note: If you use a second space to store sensitive data (such as work documents or financial information), backup regularly. In the event of a firmware failure or hardware damage, data from the second space is harder to recover than from the main one.