How to create a folder on the Xiaomi desktop: instructions for MIUI 12/13/14

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based desktop allows for flexible app layouts, but many users have difficulty creating a folder to organize icons. Unlike pure Android, where drag and drop icons are enough, MIUI’s algorithm may vary depending on the firmware version and smartphone model. This article will help you figure out how to group apps into folders correctly, avoiding common bugs.

We will look at current ways for MIUI 12/13/14, including hidden launcher features, and give recommendations for optimizing the workspace. Particular attention will be paid to the problems faced by owners of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi’s flagship series 12/13/14 – from the lack of folder options to the sudden disappearance of already created groups. If you want to clean up the home screen but do not know where to start, read further.

Why can’t Xiaomi create a folder in the standard way?

The main reason for the difficulties lies in the features of the MIUI Launcher. Unlike the Google Pixel Launcher or Samsung One UI, where folder creation is intuitive, in MIUI this process can be hidden behind additional gestures or settings.

• 🔄 Version. MIUI: In the firmware older MIUI 12 the algorithm for grouping icons is different. MIUI 11 required to hold your finger on the icon longer than in the newer versions.
• 📱 Smartphone model: On devices of the series POCO (especially with custom firmware), an alternative launcher can be installed, where the rules for creating folders are different.
• ⚙️ Launcher settings: Disabled option “Icon Grouping” in the desktop settings blocks the ability to create folders.
• 🖱️ Incorrect gesture: Many users try to drag and drop icons too quickly or into the wrong screen area.

In addition, MIUI 14 introduced the Smart Grouping feature, which automatically offers to create a folder with a long click on the icon, but this option does not work stable on budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) due to performance limitations.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a third-party launcher (such as a Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher), instructions for the standard launcher are available. MIUI Launcher won't work. In this case, folder rules depend on the settings of the launcher you choose.

Method 1: Standard folder creation (for MIUI 12/13/14)

This is the most versatile method that works on most Xiaomi devices, suitable for smartphones with a clean MIUI without third-party launchers.

1. Press and hold the icon of the application you want to add to the folder until it starts to “shake” (editing mode).
2. Drag the icon to another icon you want to group. Importantly, don't throw it to any other place on the screen, just another icon!
3. Release your finger when a gray contour appears around the second icon – this is a signal to create a folder.
4. Name a folder (by default, the system will offer a name based on application categories, such as “Social Networks”).

If the folder is not created, check:

• 📵 Are there any active gestures (e.g. Double touch to lock in Settings) → Lock screen) that may conflict with folder creation.
• 🔧 Is the grouping option enabled in the launcher settings: Settings → Desktop → Icon grouping.

Hold the icon for at least 1 second |

Drag strictly to another icon |

Turn off gestures that interfere with the screen |

Update. MIUI last-minute-->

Method 2: Create a folder through the application menu

If the standard method doesn’t work (e.g., on the POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 11), try the alternative through the list of all apps:

1. Open the app menu (swipe up the desktop or click on the All Apps icon).
2. Find the first folder app, click on the three dots next to its name and select Add to desktop.
3. Return to the desktop, hold the added icon and drag it to the second icon (which was already on the screen).

This method is useful if:

• 🔍 There are few icons on the desktop, and there is no way to group existing ones.
• 🔄 Launcher does not respond to long presses (frequent issue after upgrade) MIUI).

💡

If a folder is created but disappears, check if Light Desktop mode is activated in Settings → Special Features. This mode simplifies the interface but hides the folders.

Method 3: Use the folder widget (for MIUI 14)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 have a hidden folder widget that is more stable than the standard method, and activates it:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop, then select Widgets.
2. Scroll down the list and find the folder widget (may be called the App Group).
3. Drag the widget to the desktop and select the apps for grouping from the proposed list.

Advantages of this method:

• 🛡️ Folders created through the widget are less likely to be “reset” after updates MIUI.
• 🎨 You can select the color of the folder icon (in the standard method, this option is not available).

How to Rename or Remove a Folder to Xiaomi

Once you create a folder, you can manage the contents and the look and feel of the folder.

• 📝 Rename: Open the folder, click on the name at the top and type in a new name. MIUI 14 also selects the color of the text.
• ➖ Remove folder: Drag all icons from the folder back to the desktop - the folder will disappear automatically. Alternatively: hold the folder and select Delete.
• 🔄 Changing the icon: B MIUI 14 You can change the folder icon through a long press → Change the icon.

Please note:

• 🚫 Deleting a folder doesn’t delete apps – they stay in the app menu.
• 🔒 On some devices (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro) renaming option may be blocked due to performance limitations.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successfully creating a folder, Xiaomi users face unexpected challenges, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The folder disappeared after the reboot

Reason: MIUI Launcher malfunction or memory optimizer conflict.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Launcher.
2. Select Warehouse → Clear cache and Clear data (Warning: this will reset the location of the icons!).
3. Reset the device.

Problem 2: You can’t add an icon to your folder

Reason: The folder already has the maximum number of applications (the limit depends on the model: 12-16 icons).

• Create a second folder for the remaining applications.
• Use the folder widget (see Method 3) where the limit is higher.

Problem 3: Folders are not synchronized with the second space

Reason: Second Space in MIUI isolates desktops.

• Create folders separately in each space.
• Use cloud sync via Mi Account (set up in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sync → Desktop).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI folders have turned into separate icons, do not try to restore them manually – use the backup of the desktop through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.

Standard drag and drop |

Through the app menu |

The Widget "Folder" in MIUI 14|

Using a third-party launcher-->

Advice on the organization of the working table

Creating folders is just the first step to a convenient desktop, and here are some optimization tips:

• 📁 Category: Create folders not by random principle, but by purpose (for example, “Work”, “Social networks”, “Games”). This will speed up access to the desired applications.
• 🎨 Color markings: B MIUI 14 you can assign colors to folders. Use green for work tools, blue for messengers, etc.
• 🔍 Folder Search: Click on the magnifying glass in the dock panel and type in the folder name (such as “photo”) to quickly find it among others.
• 📱 Backup: Keep the icons positioned periodically through Settings → Additionally. → Backup to restore them after resetting.

For owners. POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T and other devices with AMOLED-screens:

• Use dark folder icons (saves battery power).
• Disable the animation of opening folders in Settings → Design → System animation.

💡

Check folders regularly for unnecessary applications. Removing unnecessary icons speeds up the launcher and reduces the load on RAM.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions