Many smartphone users strive to separate their personal and work digital lives, and parents are often looking for ways to create a safe environment for children. The Second Space feature, originally developed by Xiaomi and picked up by other manufacturers (Huawei, OnePlus), allows you to create two isolated profiles with different applications and files on one device. However, when it comes to access control, many parents turn to the service Google Family Link. It is important to clarify a key limitation right away: these two technologies operate at fundamentally different levels and are not intended to integrate directly with each other.
Creating a second space is a local function of the operating system or vendor shell that creates a virtual sandbox within the current user account. At the same time, Google Family Link works at the Google Account Management level and cannot enforce parental control rules on a guest or second profile created within the device owner's main account. This confusion often leads to erroneous settings when the parent believes that the child is protected in a “safe zone”, although in fact bypassing the restrictions is possible in a couple of clicks.
In this guide, we will look in detail at how to technically create a second space on popular versions of Android, why Family Link this profile cannot be seen and what real alternatives exist to ensure child safety. We'll look at the settings for MIUI, EMUI, and stock Android so you can make an informed decision about which data partitioning method is right for your situation.
Technical Differences: Second Space vs. User Profile
Before getting into the settings, you need to clearly understand the architectural differences between the Android operating modes. The second space is essentially a simplified version of the multiplayer mode, but with critical differences in access rights management. It is often positioned as a “private mode” for the owner of the phone, and not as a separate account for another person.
In the classic sense of multi-user mode, each profile has its own unique Google ID, its own synchronization settings and isolated storage. Second Space The same, especially in implementations from Chinese vendors, is often tied to the main owner of the device. This means that system permissions, access to hardware functions, and even some system settings can be inherited from or controlled by the main profile without the knowledge of the user of the second space.
Google Family Link is designed to manage full-fledged children's Google accountss. The service does not have an API or system hooks for introducing third-party second spaces into the operating logic. Trying to install Family Link inside a second space as a regular app will only result in it running in the background without the device administrator rights needed to block game installations or limit screen time.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to bypass Family Link restrictions by creating a second space. Google's security system will recognize this as an unauthorized access attempt and may temporarily block the ability to control the device or require a reset.
Instructions: Creating a second space on MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco)
The most common implementation of this function is found in the MIUI shell from Xiaomi. The process of creating an isolated environment here is as automated as possible, but requires care when setting up login methods. To activate the function, you need to go to the settings menu and find the corresponding section.
The action algorithm is as follows: open Settings, scroll down the list to the item Advanced settings (or Advanced in new versions) and select the section Second space. The system will prompt you to create a new profile, simulating the process of initially setting up your phone. You will be asked to set up a fingerprint or pattern key, which will be different from the key of the main space.
After completing the setup, you will be able to switch between spaces, using different fingerprints on the lock screen or a special shortcut in the notification shade. It's important to note that apps installed in the primary space are not visible in the second space by default, and vice versa. This creates the illusion of complete isolation, but system resources remain shared.
☑️ Preparing to create space
Inside the created space, you can log into your main Google account or create a new one. However, if you sign in with a child's account that is set up with Family Link, you will encounter restrictions. Parental controls will be in effect, but only within the session of that specific space. Switching to the main space using the parent’s fingerprint will instantly take the child out of control, since Family Link does not know how to block the switching between MIUI spaces.
Setting up on Huawei and Honor (EMUI and MagicOS)
Huawei and Honor brand devices use their own implementation called “Private Space”. The operating logic here is similar to MIUI, but the interface and menu layout are different. The function is intended primarily to protect the owner’s confidential data, and not to organize a child mode.
To activate, go to Settings → Security → Private space and press Enable. The system will ask you to set a separate password and, optionally, link a different fingerprint. A unique feature of EMUI is the ability to hide the very presence of this function if you do not use a special fingerprint to log in.
Unlike Xiaomi, on Huawei devices without Google services (new models), the issue of integration with Family Link is raised especially spicy. Without full support for GMS (Google Mobile Services), the functionality of parental controls will be severely limited even in the main profile, not to mention the private space. In such cases, using the manufacturer's built-in parental controls (Health Kids) may be more effective than trying to adapt Google services.
What happens to notifications?
Notifications from applications installed in the Second Space do not appear in the main profile. You will only see the icon in the status bar, but not the content of the message, until you switch to the appropriate mode. This provides additional privacy, but may result in missing important calls if forwarding is not set up.
Why Google Family Link doesn't work in Second Space
The fundamental compatibility problem lies in Android's security architecture. The Family Link service uses the rights Device Owner (Device Owner) or Profile Owner (Profile Owner) to apply security policies. These rights are granted only during the initial setup of the device or when creating a new user through the “Users” system menu.
The second space in most shells does not create a new system user profile in the sense of the Android kernel. It rather disguises itself as it, remaining within the session of the main owner. Consequently, if you try to configure Family Link inside such a space, the application cannot obtain the necessary administrator privileges. It sees itself as a normal application installed by the user, and not as a system controller.
Even if you manage to install the application and sign in to the parent's account, the screen locking, APK blocking, and content filtering functions in the Chrome browser will not work. The child can simply switch to the main profile (if he knows the password or fingerprint) or delete the Family Link application, since he will not have rights to delete system components, but will have rights to delete user applications.
| Control function | Main profile | Second space (MIUI/EMUI) | Guest mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen lock | Works | Does not work / Easy to bypass | Not applicable |
| Screen time limit | Works | Does not sync | Resets on exit |
| Site filtering | Works in Chrome | Does not work | Does not work |
| Prohibition of installation of applications | Works | Does not work | Allowed |
If your goal is to strictly restrict your child, use the standard “Users” menu in the Android settings, and not the “Second Space” function. There, Family Link will be able to correctly seize the profile administrator rights.
Alternative: Using the "Guest" mode and multi-user mode
If your goal is not hiding files, but control, the standard Android multi-user mode is the only right solution. Unlike the "Second Space", the "Guest" mode or creating a new "User" through Settings → System → Multiple users creates a truly isolated environment.
When creating a new one user, you can set it up as a child profile. In this case, the first time you sign in to this new profile, you can activate Family Link. The system will recognize this as setting up a new device for the child and will ask for confirmation from the parent account. After this, all restrictions will be applied correctly.
However, there is a caveat: switching between users on Android requires the primary owner to unlock the device. The child will not be able to switch to your profile without entering your PIN code or fingerprint (unless the security settings allow biometric login for all users, which is rare). This creates a reliable barrier that is absent in the Second Space.
⚠️ Attention: In Guest mode, all data is deleted after leaving the session. For permanent use, create a full-fledged “User” and not a “Guest”, otherwise game progress and settings will be lost every time you switch.
Managing applications and data between spaces
One of the common problems when using separate environments is the difficulty of transferring files. Since the spaces are isolated, you can't just open a photo from your main profile in the second one. To exchange data, you have to use intermediate media or cloud services.
Some shells, such as MIUI, provide a built-in tool for transferring data. It allows you to clone applications or move files (photos, videos, documents) between spaces. Access to this tool is usually located in the settings of the Second Space itself in the section Data Transfer.
If you are using a budget smartphone, activating the Second Space can lead to a noticeable slowdown of the device in both modes due to background synchronization processes.
Second Space is ideal for separating the work and personal life of an adult user, but is absolutely not suitable for organizing reliable parental controls due to the lack of integration with system systems access rights.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to install Family Link on a second space if the phone does not support multi-user mode?
No, this is technically impossible. Without profile system administrator rights, which are only granted when creating a new user at the Android kernel level, the Family Link application will not be able to perform its blocking and restriction functions. It will work like a regular app, which the child can delete or bypass.
Will the parent see the child’s browsing history if he is sitting through the second space?
No, he won’t. Browsing history, call logs, and installed apps in Second Space are completely isolated from your main profile. A Family Link parent account installed in the primary space does not have access to data inside the sandbox of the second space.
How to delete the second space if it is no longer needed?
The deletion process depends on the manufacturer. In MIUI, you need to go to the Second Space settings, select “Delete Second Space” and confirm the action. All data inside will be permanently deleted. It is recommended to first save important files to the main space or to your computer.
Does the second space affect the operation of banking applications?
Some banking applications (for example, Sberbank, Tinkoff) may block work on devices with active second spaces or root access for security purposes. If the application gives a security error, try deleting the second space or moving the banking application to the main profile.
Can you use different fingerprints to log into different spaces?
Yes, this is the main feature of the function. You can register your right thumb to enter the primary space and your left index finger to enter the secondary space. The phone will automatically detect the fingerprint when unlocking and switch the desired profile without entering a password.