The second space function, which has become popular thanks to the MIUI and HyperOS shells, allows you to create an isolated environment on your smartphone, essentially turning one gadget into two independent devices. However, over time, users often face the need to deactivate this mode: either due to lack of memory, or due to confusion in notifications, or simply because it is not needed. The disabling process seems trivial, but it requires care, as it affects confidential data and system settings.
Unlike simply uninstalling applications, disabling the second space implies a complete wipe of the allocated memory section. If you do not prepare in advance, all photos, contacts and correspondence stored in the “shadow” will be irretrievably lost. Before starting the procedure, it is extremely important to check exactly where your files are located and, if necessary, transfer them to the main space or to cloud storage.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of actions for different firmware versions, consider possible pitfalls and answer common questions that arise when trying to return the phone to its original state of use. We will also discuss situations where standard methods do not work and offer alternative solutions.
Preparing to delete a backup profile
Before clicking the delete buttons, you must conduct a thorough audit of the contents of the second space. Users often forget that applications installed in isolated mode are not visible in the main menu, and their data (cache, logins, game saves) is stored separately. Ignoring this step will result in the loss of important information that cannot be restored using standard system tools.
First of all, open the space switcher and enter guest or second user mode. Check the folders DCIM and Download. If there are valuable pictures or documents there, copy them to the internal memory of the main profile or upload them to the server. Remember that after deactivating the function, the partition occupied by the second profile will be formatted by the system.
It is also worth paying attention to the linked accounts. If you are logged into a Google account or Mi account in the second space, the system may request a password for the main profile to confirm the identity of the owner before deleting. Make sure you remember this data so as not to block access to your phone settings.
- 📂 Check the gallery and file manager in the second profile for hidden files.
- 🔑 Write down or remember the unlock password for the second space, you may need it for confirmation.
- ☁️ Synchronize important contacts with the cloud before starting the cleaning procedure.
⚠️ Attention: The deletion process is irreversible. After confirming the action, all data in the second space will be erased without the possibility of recovery through the recycle bin or local backups.
Before deleting the second space, make a complete backup of important data to an external drive or to a cloud service, since system cleaning will only affect the isolated partition.
Standard method of disabling through MIUI settings
The most common deactivation method is available through the standard shell settings menu from Xiaomi. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version MIUI or new HyperOS, but the logic of actions remains the same. You will need access to the main space, since the second profile is managed from there.
Open the application Settings and scroll down the list to the section Advanced settings (in some versions it may simply be called "Advanced"). Find item Second space. The system will automatically check for an active profile and offer options for managing it. If you see the "Switch" button, then the space is active.
Inside the control menu, you will find a gear icon or button Delete second space. Clicking on this element initiates the cleaning process. The system will display a warning window with a list of data that will be deleted. Read the list carefully and click the confirm button, usually it is highlighted in red to attract attention.
☑️ Removal algorithm in MIUI
Sometimes after pressing the delete button, the phone may reboot. This is normal behavior and indicates that the system is reallocating memory resources and deleting file system partitions assigned to the second user. After turning it on, you will find that the space switcher has disappeared from the lock screen and from the notification shade.
Deleting through the quick settings panel
For those who prefer to minimize the number of menu navigations, there is a faster method available through the notification shade. This method is convenient if you often switch between profiles and want to quickly remove an unnecessary function. However, it requires that the switch be previously added to the visibility area.
Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to expand the control panel. If you don't see the second space icon (it usually looks like two interlocking squares or a silhouette of a person), click on the pencil or edit button. Drag the desired toggle switch to the active zone.
A long press on the second space icon in the curtain often opens a direct link to the profile management menu. In the window that opens, select the delete option. This method works similar to the settings, but saves time on navigation. In new firmware versions, a long press may immediately prompt you to disable the function, bypassing intermediate menus.
| Action | Place of execution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Search in menu | Settings → Advanced settings |
Full access to profile management |
| Quick access | Notification curtain (swipe down) | Quick access to delete |
| Voice assistant | Command "Open second space" | Launch the switching application |
Problems with passwords and access to deletion
One of the most common problems that users encounter is the requirement to enter a password or pattern for a second space when trying to delete it. This is a security measure to prevent accidental or malicious deletion of data. If you have forgotten the access code, the situation becomes more complicated, but is not a dead end.
Some versions of the shell provide a password reset function through your Mi account. If, when you enter an incorrect code, the “Forgot your password?” link appears several times, click on it. The system will prompt you to log in using the main account of the device owner. After successful verification, you can set a new code or immediately proceed to deleting the profile.
If the recovery function through the account is not available or you do not remember the data from it, the only way out may be to completely reset the phone to factory settings (Factory Reset). This is a drastic measure that will erase all data on the device, including the main storage, so should only be used as a last resort. Before doing this, be sure to back up important files from your main profile.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to guess the password using brute force methods may lead to temporary blocking of the device for a certain time. Do not enter the code randomly, it is better to use the account recovery function.
What to do if the phone requires a password and you don’t remember it?
Try entering the password for the main space. In some versions of MIUI they may be the same. If it doesn't help, use reset via Mi Account. In extreme cases, only a Hard Reset will help with the loss of all data.
Features of disabling on different versions of Android
The implementation of the second space function depends not only on the manufacturer’s shell, but also on the version of the base operating system Android. On older versions, such as Android 9 or 10, the operating mechanism may differ from modern security standards implemented in Android 12, 13 and 14.
On devices with stock Android or shells close to it (for example, Motorola, Nokia), the second space function can be implemented through the standard “Multiple Users” system. In this case, deletion occurs through the menu System → Multiple users. There you need to select the "Guest" profile or the created user profile and click Delete user.
In the latest HyperOS updates, Xiaomi strives to unify the interface, so the path to the settings may be slightly changed. Sometimes the second space control item is moved to the section Protection and Security. If you do not find the function in the usual place, use the search in the settings by entering the request “Second Space” or “Second Space”.
It is worth considering that on some budget models with a stripped-down version of the firmware (Global Lite or regional versions for China), the interface may be entirely in Chinese or have limited functionality. In such cases, visual cues in the form of icons become the main landmarks for navigation.
The location of the second space management menu may vary depending on the firmware version, so using the internal search in the settings is the most reliable way to find the desired item.
Alternatives to the second space
After you decide to disable the second space, the question may arise: how to replace this function to separate work and personal data? The modern market offers many solutions that do not require the creation of a full-fledged isolated system profile, which saves battery and memory resources.
One of the popular solutions is to use the built-in “Application Cloning” function. It allows you to launch a second copy of the messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) with a different account directly in the main space. This is convenient for separating work chats and personal correspondence without having to switch profiles.
There are also specialized sandbox applications, such as Parallel Space or Island. They create a virtual environment within one application where you can run other apps in an isolated mode. Although the level of protection here is lower than that of the system second space, this is quite enough for most everyday tasks.
- 📱 The "Clone applications" function in the phone settings for duplicating instant messengers.
- 🔒 Sandbox applications (Island, Shelter) for isolating working apps.
- 📂 Using Secure Folder on Samsung devices as an analogue.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party cloning applications may consume more RAM and drain the battery faster compared to the built-in system solution. Monitor power consumption after installing such utilities.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are applications removed from the main space when you disable the second?
No, disabling the second space only affects the data and applications installed directly inside this isolated profile. All apps, photos and settings of the main space will remain untouched.
Is it possible to restore the data of the second space after deletion?
It is impossible to restore data after deleting the second space using standard system tools, since the selected partition is being formatted. Restoration is only possible if you have a prior backup in the cloud or on your PC.
Why is the "Delete Second Space" button inactive?
This can happen if parental controls are enabled or if the device has restrictions imposed by the administrator (for example, a corporate profile). Also check if the current profile is a guest one.
Does the second space take up space when I'm not using it?
Yes, even when inactive, the second space reserves a certain amount of memory for system files and installed applications. Disabling the function will free up these resources and return them to the general memory pool of the device.
Does the second space affect the speed of the phone?
The mere fact of having a second space does not significantly affect performance, but background processes and notifications from the second profile can consume RAM and battery power. Disabling an extra profile can slightly improve autonomy.