How to change the name of folders on the Xiaomi desktop: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based desktop allows you to group apps into folders — a convenient way to save space and keep things in order. But what if a standard name like “New Folder” or an automatic name from the first app booklets (“WhIn” for WhatsApp + Instagram) doesn’t suit you? Unlike iOS or “pure” Android, there’s no obvious “Rename” button on long press.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the folder name - from basic (via the MIUI interface) to advanced (using ADB and third-party applications). We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of the shell (MIUI 12/13/14) and models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.).

If you tried to rename a folder with a long tap, but nothing happened, don't be too quick to blame yourself. In MIUI, the logic of working with folders changed several times. For example, in MIUI 12.5, it required you to open the folder and tap on its name at the top, and in MIUI 14 the algorithm was simplified.

1. Standard method: via MIUI interface

The simplest method works on most Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices with MIUI 12.5–14. Importantly, if you have a third-party launcher installed (like a Nova Launcher or HyperOS Launcher), this method won’t work – use the methods from Sections 3 or 4.

Instructions:

1. Touch the folder on your desktop with one finger and hold for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.
2. In MIUI 14, select Rename (pencil icon) and in MIUI 12.5, open the folder first, then tap the name at the top of the screen.
3. Enter a new name (up to 20 characters, including spaces). Do not use special characters like /,,:, *,?, ", <, >, | - they can cause malfunctions.
4. Click on “Ready” or “OK” (depending on the shell version).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Pad 6) once renaming, the folder may “reset” to the standard name when rebooting. MIUI 13.0.6–13.0.9, corrected in newer versions. Check firmware relevance in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Make sure the folder is not empty (contains at least 1 app)

Disable third-party launchers (if you use)

Check if the Light Desktop mode is enabled (in the launcher settings)-->

2.Why can't you rename the folder?

If the standard method does not work, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 An outdated version MIUI. Nana MIUI 11 and below renaming folders through the interface is not available – you need to update or use ADB (section).
• 🎨 Third-party launcher: Apps like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher block features MIUI. Return the standard launcher to Settings → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.
• 🔒 Data Protection mode: Some regional firmware (e.g. India or the EU) have limited customization features. → Special facilities → Data protection.
• 📂 System folder: Tools or Google folders created MIUI automatically, you cannot rename it.

💡 Useful tip: If a folder is stuck with an old name, try pulling all the apps out of it, removing it (dragging it to the basket at the top of the screen), and then re-create it. 80% of the time, this solves the problem.

MIUI 14

MIUI 13

MIUI 12.5

MIUI 12 or lower

I don't know.-->

3. Rename through File Manager

This method is suitable for users with root rights or those who are not afraid to work with system files. Attention: incorrect actions can lead to a launcher failure! We recommend you to pre-create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup.

Algorithm:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders, such as MiXplorer or Solid Explorer (enable Root mode).
2. Cross the path: /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/ This is where the launcher settings are stored. MIUI.
3. Find the file com.miui.home.preferences.xml and open it in the text editor.
4. Look for lines of view: <string name="folder_name_12345">Old name.</string> where 12345 — unique ID Replace the text between the tags with a new name.
5. Save the file, restart the device.

⚠️ Note: If after editing the launcher stopped working, clear its data in Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data. Desktop folders will reset, but the device will remain operational.

4.Using ADB to rename folders

If previous methods didn’t work and you don’t have root rights, try ADB. This method works on all versions of MIUI, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times), then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB.
2. Connect the device to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb shell am start -n com.miui.home/.launcher.UninstallShortcutActivity This command will open a hidden shortcut management menu.
4. In the window that appears, find the folder you want to rename and select the “Edit” option.

📌 Key conclusion: Method with ADB It is versatile, but requires initial setup. If the command doesn't work, check if the Xiaomi drivers are installed. ADB/Fastboot Tools on PC.

Third-party launchers: an alternative approach

If you're tired of MIUI restrictions, install an alternative launcher from Google Play.The best options for Xiaomi are:

• 🏆 Nova Launcher – supports folder customization, gestures, desktop backup.
• 🎨 HyperOS Launcher (from Xiaomi) – optimized for brand devices, but with advanced settings.
• ⚡ Lawnchair – a lightweight open source launcher, supports renaming folders with one tap.

After installation:

1. Assign the new launcher as standard in Settings → Applications → By default → Launcher.
2. Create a folder, tap its name – an editing field will appear.
3. In Nova Launcher, you can also change the folder icon and its background through a long tap → “Edit”.

⚠️ Attention: POCO F4 GT redmi K50 Gaming may miss game accelerations (Game Turbo function) when using third-party launchers. To return them, switch back to the standard launcher before launching games.

Features for Xiaomi tablets (Pad 5/6)

On the Xiaomi Pad 5 and Pad 6 tablets, the logic of working with folders is different due to the adaptive interface MIUI for Pad.

• 📱 Folders can only be renamed in landscape screen orientation.
• 🔄 After updating to MIUI 14 on Pad 6, the “Mental Folders” feature appeared – they automatically group applications into categories (for example, “Social Networks”) and are not subject to renaming.
• 🖥️ In DeX mode (desktop), folders on the home screen are renamed via the context menu with the right mouse button (if the keyboard is connected).

💡 Useful tip: Xiaomi tablets are comfortable with folder gestures, like swiping up the folder opens it in the full screen, and swiping left/right scrolls through the content. Set this up in Settings. → Desktop → Folder gestures.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even after successful renaming, users face challenges. Consider typical scenarios:

• 🔙 The name dropped after the reboot. Cause: conflict with the Mi Cloud cloud backup. Solution: disable desktop sync in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Desktop.
• 📵 No new name is displayed. Cause: launcher cache. Solution: clear cache in Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🚫 You can't type Cyrillic. Reason: regional firmware restrictions. Solution: change the language to English (USA), rename the folder, then return Russian.

🔧 Technical nuance: On devices with MIUI 14 Global Stable (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite) when renaming a folder via ADB This is due to Google Play Protect policies. To circumvent the restriction, temporarily disable Play Protect in Google Play settings.

💡

If the folder contains system applications (such as Settings or Phone), its name may be reset after the MIUI update. To avoid this, transfer the system applications to a different folder before renaming.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions