How to add a folder to the Xiaomi desktop: all the ways for MIUI 12, 13 and 14

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based desktop offers flexible options for organizing applications, but it’s not always obvious how to create a folder for grouping icons. Unlike iOS or standard Android, where it’s enough to drag one app to another, MIUI’s algorithm can vary depending on the firmware version and smartphone model. This article covers all the current methods, from basic folder creation to solving typical problems when folders suddenly disappear after updating or resetting.

The MIUI feature is that the desktop interface here is controlled by the Mi Home launcher (or POCO Launcher for the POCO line), which means that some features can be hidden in the launcher settings, rather than in the standard system settings, and we will analyze not only the obvious ways, but also alternative ways - for example, through editing mode or even using third-party launchers if the standard methods do not work.

It is important to note that after major updates (for example, from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), the logic of interaction with the desktop may change. If you are faced with a situation where folders are not saved or automatically unfolded, there is a separate section in the article with solutions to such bugs.

Method 1: Standard Dragging Folder Creation

The most common method that works on most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12T, POCO X5 Pro, etc.) is simple, but there are nuances for different versions of MIUI:

1. Activate editing mode. To do this, press the free desktop space for a long time (not the icon!) and select Edit (or screen settings in older versions).
2. Drag the icon. Hold your finger on any application and move it to another icon without letting go. In 1-2 seconds, a translucent circle will appear, which is a sign of successful folder creation.
3. Name a folder. When you release your finger, you open a field to enter your name (the default folder is the unnamed folder), and type in your desired name (e.g., Social Media or Games).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite with a MIUI 13) the folder is only created if you drag and drop the icon up -- horizontal movement can work as a rearrangement of applications. If nothing happens, try changing the direction of the gesture.

Once you create a folder, you can:

• 📌 Locate on the desktop (long pressing) → Secure).
• 🔄 Change the colour (in) MIUI 14 available in folder settings).
• 🗑️ Delete – drag all the icons out, and swipe the empty folder into the basket.

Long press activates editing mode|Icons are not blocked (no icon) 🔒)|There is a free space on the desktop (minimum) 2×2 cell)|Shell MIUI not in "light mode" (check in Settings) → Special opportunities)

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Method 2: Through the launcher settings menu

If drag and drop doesn't work (a common problem after updates), folders can be created through hidden launcher settings, which works even on customized firmware devices:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type Mi Home (or POCO Launcher for the POCO line).

On devices with MIUI 14 Global, this option may be hidden, in which case use method 3 or 4.

Once activated, try to create the folder again by drag and drop. If the problem persists, restart the smartphone - sometimes the launcher settings apply only after the reboot.

Standard Mi Home|POCO Launcher|Nova Launcher|Other third-party|I don't know what it is.-->

Method 3: Using the Childhood Regime for Forced Grouping

Little-known life hack: the MIUI children's mode automatically groupes applications into categories (games, learning, entertainment), and these groups can be pulled to the desktop as ready-made folders:

1. Go to Settings → Special. opportunities → Children’s mode.
2. Activate the mode and set up the profile (you can skip setting the restrictions).
3. Return to the desktop and the Children's profile folder will appear.
4. Open it, then long-click on any category (such as Games) and drag it to the desktop.

⚠️ Warning: This method creates folders with predefined names (they can not be renamed) After disabling child mode, the folders will remain, but will stop updating automatically.

The advantage of the method is that it works even on devices with MIUI for Russia, where some launcher functions are disabled, a disadvantage: you can not add applications manually, only those that are recognized by the system as belonging to the category.

Method 4: Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If the standard methods don’t work or you need advanced features (for example, nested folders or customization of icons), install an alternative launcher:

After installation:

1. Assign a new default launcher to Settings → Apps → By default.
2. Click on the desktop → Add → Folder (in Nova Launcher).
3. Drag apps into a folder or create an empty folder for future use.

💡

In Nova Launcher, you can create a folder inside a folder, drag and drop one folder to another, a feature that is not available in the standard MIUI launcher.

Method 5: Combination with the folder widget (for MIUI 14)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 have a separate folder widget that solves the problem with the “invisible” folders after the updates:

1. Long press on the desktop → Widgets.
2. Find the folder widget (usually in the Tools section).
3. Drag it to the screen and select apps for grouping.

Difference from the standard folder:

• 🔹 Widget-Park supports scrolling (useful for a large number of icons).
• 🔹 You can change the size (1×1, 2×2, 4×1 etc.).
• 🔹 It is saved after the launcher is reset (unlike regular folders).

⚠️ Warning: The widget box doesn't sync with the Mi Cloud, and when you transfer data to a new phone, you'll have to recreate it.

Problem Solving: Folders disappear or don’t save

Typical causes and ways to eliminate them:

If the folders disappeared after the update:

1. Check if the guest mode is turned on (Settings → Accounts → Guest mode).
2. Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → Mi Home → Storage → Reset.
3. Restore backup via Settings → About Phone → Backup (select a file marked launcher).

💡

If folders continue to disappear, the problem is the corrupted file. launcher_db. The only solution: completely reset the phone or manually delete this file through ADB (requires root rights).

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi