Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
On a supported Xiaomi phone, open Settings > Additional settings > Second space > Turn on Second space, then follow the setup prompts to create a separate environment for apps, accounts and data. You can switch spaces with a password, a home-screen shortcut or the switch control in Second space settings. Availability and labels vary by model, region and MIUI or HyperOS build, so a missing menu does not necessarily indicate a setup error. This guide explains setup, switching, storage, shared settings, compatibility, Dual apps differences, deletion and recovery limits.
What is Second Space on a Xiaomi phone?
Second Space creates another user environment on one Xiaomi phone. Xiaomi describes it as a space independent from the original system, with its own applications, accounts and data. You can use different unlock credentials and install a different set of apps in each space, which is useful for separating personal and work use, sharing a phone temporarily or keeping a second account out of the main environment.
Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 Security White Paper describes separate encryption protection and compares the feature with a sandbox. That is Xiaomi’s product description, not an independent security test or a promise that every hardware component and system control is isolated. Some settings and services remain shared or restricted, as explained below.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How do I turn on Second Space?
The documented setup path on supported models is Settings > Additional settings > Second space > Turn on Second space. The exact wording can differ by software version or translation.
Popular on Amazon
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Additional settings.
- Select Second space.
- Tap Turn on Second space (or the equivalent button shown on your phone).
- Read the introductory screens and continue.
- Create the requested unlock method for the new space. If the phone offers separate passwords, use credentials that are not identical if you need a meaningful separation between users.
- Complete the remaining on-screen setup, such as choosing whether to switch immediately or add a shortcut.
Check storage before creating it
Creating the environment consumes some storage, and every app, photo, video, document and cache added there consumes more. On a nearly full phone, remove or move unnecessary files first and leave enough free space for system updates. Second Space does not provide a separate storage quota that prevents it from competing with the first space.
An alternate entry on some HyperOS phones
A Xiaomi HyperOS support page for the REDMI Note 13 Pro 5G also documents opening Second space through the Security app. Treat that as a model-specific alternative, not a universal HyperOS path. If Settings does not show the feature, open Security and look for a Second space tool, then verify that the exact model and build support it.
How do I switch between the first and second spaces?
You have three documented ways to change spaces:
- From the lock screen: enter the password or unlock credential for the space you want to open. The credential determines which environment loads.
- With the home-screen Switch shortcut: tap the shortcut to move to the other space, then authenticate when prompted.
- From Second space settings: open the feature’s settings and choose the switch action.
If the home-screen shortcut is missing, enter Second space settings and enable the option to show the shortcut. Menu names can differ by locale, but the control is normally described as a home-screen shortcut or Switch icon.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchHow do I move an app between spaces?
Xiaomi documents app placement controls at Settings > Additional settings > Second space > Move data > App settings. Depending on the build, you can choose the first space, the current space or both spaces for an app.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Additional settings > Second space.
- Tap Move data, then App settings.
- Select the app and choose whether it belongs in the first space, the current space or both.
- Follow any confirmation or sign-in prompt and check the destination space before removing anything from the original.
This control is about app placement. Do not assume that it automatically merges every document, photo, download or account session belonging to that app. Review the app’s own export, backup or share options when you need to transfer particular files.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which settings are shared between spaces?
Second Space separates user data, but it is not two completely independent phones. Xiaomi’s FAQ identifies several settings that synchronize or have cross-space restrictions.
| Setting or service | What Xiaomi documents | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| Language and region | Synchronize between spaces. | Changing these in one space can change the display language or regional format in the other. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi settings synchronize. | Saved network configuration is not a private list for only one space. |
| VPN, NFC, hotspot and mobile network | Have cross-space constraints. | Do not plan on independently controlling these radios and network functions as if each space were a separate handset. |
| Bluetooth | Paired-device information is shared, while Bluetooth behavior switches with the active space. | A headset or car system paired in one space may still be known to the other. |
| Appearance | Some choices, such as wallpapers and selected display settings, can be independent; other appearance settings are shared. | Visual separation is partial and depends on the specific setting. |
| Calls and SMS | Can be used in Second space, but configuration options may be limited. | Check the available dialer and messaging controls on your model before relying on it for a fully separate communications setup. |
These limits matter if you need strict separation. Second Space is better understood as separate app and account areas layered on one device, not as two phones with two independent radios, network stacks and system profiles.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Can notifications from the other space be hidden?
Second space settings let you enable or disable notifications from the other space. Xiaomi says notifications can be shown in the current space and can optionally appear on the lock screen.
- Open the active space’s Settings.
- Go to Additional settings > Second space.
- Open the notification controls.
- Choose whether notifications from the other space are displayed and whether they may appear on the lock screen.
Review this after setup if the purpose of Second Space is privacy. A notification preview, sender name or badge can reveal activity even when the app itself remains in the other space.
Which Xiaomi phones support Second Space?
Support is model-specific. Xiaomi lists both supported and unsupported phones, so you should not assume that every Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device includes the feature.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Model example | Status in Xiaomi documentation | How to use the example |
|---|---|---|
| REDMI Note 14 | Listed as supporting Second space. | Use it as an example only; verify the exact regional model and installed software. |
| POCO X7 | Listed as supporting Second space. | Availability can still change with a software build or regional variant. |
| REDMI 9 | Listed as not supporting Second space. | A missing menu on this model is consistent with Xiaomi’s support information. |
| Xiaomi 13T | Listed as not supporting Second space. | Do not try to force-enable the feature based on instructions for another model. |
The list is not exhaustive. To check your own phone, search Settings for “Second space,” inspect Settings > Additional settings, and check the Security app if you use a HyperOS model whose documentation provides that route. Confirm the exact model number, region and software version in Xiaomi’s current support material before treating the result as definitive.
What about RAM and carrier-customized phones?
A MIUI 12-era Xiaomi Security White Paper states: “Mobile phones with a RAM of 4 GB or less will no longer support this function.” That statement belongs to the MIUI 12 document and is not a current universal RAM threshold for every HyperOS phone. The same paper says carrier-customized phones do not support the function; treat that as historical guidance and verify the specific carrier model today rather than applying it to every current device.
What is the difference between Second Space and Dual apps?
Choose Second Space when you need a broader second environment. Choose Dual apps when you only need another instance of a particular app and your model and that app support cloning.
| Decision point | Second Space | Dual apps |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Creates a separate environment with its own app set, accounts and data. | Creates another instance of a selected app. |
| Best for | Separating work and personal app collections or handing over a broader phone environment. | Running two accounts in one supported app without creating a whole second environment. |
| Data separation | Apps and their data are kept in the respective spaces, subject to shared system settings. | Only the cloned app’s data is separated. |
| Availability | Depends on the exact Xiaomi model and software build. | Depends on the model and the individual app; Xiaomi notes that some apps cannot be cloned. |
| Storage impact | Uses storage for the environment plus its installed apps and files. | Uses additional storage for each cloned app and its data. |
| Controls inside Second Space | Provides the space-level settings described in this guide. | Xiaomi says the cloned system inside Second Space does not offer the Dual apps toggle. |
If your only goal is a second messaging or social account, Dual apps may involve less setup. If you need separate launchers, app collections, accounts and files, Second Space is the more appropriate feature.
How much storage does Second Space use?
There is no single fixed size stated for every model. The base environment consumes some storage when it is created, then usage grows with installed apps, updates, photos, videos, downloads, offline maps and caches in the second space.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Also popular on Amazon
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Widely Compatible: Transform any USB-C port into a USB-A port and USB-A port into a USB-C port, and connect up a wide range of USB-C(including MacBook, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, iPhone models with USB C ports, Samsung Galaxy series, and Google Pixel series. ) and USB A devices(including external hard drives, phones, mice, printers, and more)
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Check free storage in the phone’s storage settings before setup.
- Keep extra headroom for app updates and the next system update.
- Inspect large downloads and media inside Second Space if the phone becomes full.
- Remember that deleting a file in one space does not automatically mean an identically named file in the other space is removed.
Because both spaces use the same physical phone, a full second space can contribute to low-storage warnings in the first space.
How do I delete Second Space safely?
Deleting Second Space can delete the apps and data stored there. Back up anything you need before confirming, and read the migration choice shown on your phone.
Deleting from inside Second Space
- Switch into Second Space.
- Open Settings > Additional settings > Second space.
- Choose the delete or remove option.
- Review the warning and any offer to move data to the first space.
- Select only the data you want to migrate, if that option is offered, then confirm deletion.
Deleting from the first space
- Open the Second space controls from the first space.
- Choose the option to delete Second Space.
- Authenticate with the requested Xiaomi account credentials or other verification.
- Read the final warning, confirm any migration choice, and wait for the process to finish.
The exact prompts are authoritative for your software version. If the phone offers no migration for a particular category, copy that data manually from within the second space before removal.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should I do if Second Space is missing?
First determine whether the phone supports the feature. Xiaomi’s support material lists unsupported examples, and a missing menu can therefore be normal rather than a fault.
- Confirm the exact model and regional variant in Settings > About phone.
- Search Settings for Second space and inspect Additional settings.
- If you use a HyperOS model with Xiaomi’s documented alternative, check the Security app.
- Install normal official system updates, then check the menu again.
- If the model is carrier-customized or has modified software, verify current support with Xiaomi for that variant.
Do not use a guide for another model to force-enable hidden system components. Unsupported-device examples include REDMI 9 and Xiaomi 13T, while REDMI Note 14 and POCO X7 are examples Xiaomi lists as supported; these examples do not replace a model-specific check.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
What if I cannot enter an existing Second Space?
There is no documented non-destructive password bypass in the Xiaomi material described here. Xiaomi’s troubleshooting guidance says that deletion may be necessary and warns that the data in Second Space will be deleted.
- Try the correct space-specific credential and the normal lock-screen switch before taking destructive action.
- Check whether the phone has been rooted or has third-party security software installed; Xiaomi identifies these as possible causes of built-in MIUI function abnormalities.
- If access remains impossible, back up anything reachable from the first space and decide whether deleting the second space is acceptable.
- Read every deletion prompt for a move-data option, but do not assume it can recover all app data.
Resetting the phone or deleting the space without a backup can permanently remove the second space’s local data.
Is Second Space a complete privacy boundary?
It provides meaningful separation for apps, accounts and user data, and Xiaomi documents separate encryption protection and different unlock passwords. However, shared language, region, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and network controls show why it should not be described as a completely independent device or guaranteed isolation from every system service.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesUse a strong, unique credential for each space, review lock-screen notification visibility, and avoid leaving sensitive previews enabled. For regulated or enterprise data, follow your organization’s approved device-management policy rather than treating Second Space as a substitute for a managed work profile.
Which setup should I choose?
- Use Second Space when you need a separate collection of apps, accounts and files on one handset.
- Use Dual apps when one supported app needs a second login and the rest of the phone should remain unchanged.
- Do not rely on either feature to create independent Wi-Fi, VPN, NFC, hotspot, Bluetooth or mobile-network hardware environments.
- Check compatibility first when the menu is absent, especially on older, carrier-customized or region-specific phones.
- Back up before deletion because removing Second Space can erase its local apps and data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move one photo or document between Xiaomi spaces?
Xiaomi’s documented Move data screen focuses on app placement, not a universal file-transfer command. For an individual file, use the originating app’s own export, share or cloud-sync function when available, then confirm that the copy arrived in the intended space before deleting the original.
If I uninstall an app in one space, is it removed from the other?
The spaces maintain separate app installations and data, so an uninstall action applies to the copy in the active space. Check both spaces if you are trying to reclaim all storage, because the other installation and its data may remain.
Does Second Space copy my existing accounts automatically?
No automatic account migration should be assumed. The second environment has its own app sessions; open the app there and sign in or restore data using that service’s normal process.
Can Xiaomi recover Second Space data after a forgotten password?
Xiaomi’s published troubleshooting guidance does not document a non-destructive password bypass. It says deletion may be necessary and warns that data stored in Second Space will be deleted, so a backup made before the problem is the dependable recovery route.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
