How to rename a folder on the Xiaomi desktop: 4 working methods + error solving

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based desktop allows you to group applications into folders, a convenient way to save space and maintain order. However, many users are faced with the problem of how to rename a folder if the standard method does not work? In this article, we will analyze all the current methods for Redmi, POCO and Black Shark smartphones (including models with MIUI 12-14), and also consider typical errors and their solutions.

It is important to understand that the renaming algorithm depends on the firmware version and device model. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the interface is different from the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5. We tested all methods on current versions of the software (2023-2026) and identified universal solutions that work even on custom firmware like Xiaomi.EU.

Why can’t you rename your folder to Xiaomi?

The problem with renaming folders to Xiaomi is most often due to one of the following reasons:

• 🔄 An outdated version MIUI: In the firmware older MIUI 11 The renaming function may have worked differently or not at all.
• 📱 Cut-off model: Some budget devices (e.g. Redmi) A1) have a simplified launcher.
• 🔒 Launcher Limitations: If you use a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher), the renaming algorithm may differ.
• 🛠️ System glitches: Launcher cache or shell errors block access to function.

Before you start renaming, check the version of MIUI in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. If your firmware is older than MIUI 12, we recommend updating through Settings → System Update – this can solve the problem without additional manipulation.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro) the interface may be visually different, but the logic of renaming remains the same. POCO Launcher, where you need a separate setup.

Method 1: Standard renaming (MIUI 12–14)

This is the basic method that works on most modern Xiaomi devices.

1. Open the folder on the desktop you want to rename.
2. Tap the folder name (usually displayed under the application icons).
3. In the window that appears, enter a new name and click Ready or OK.

If nothing happens after clicking on the folder name:

• 🔹 Make sure you touch the title text and not the folder icon.
• 🔹 Try to hold your finger on the name for 1-2 seconds – some models require a long press.
• 🔹 Reboot the device: sometimes the launcher com.miui.home hangs.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check that the folder is not blocked.

Make sure you use a standard launcher

Restart your smartphone if necessary.-->

On Xiaomi 12T and later, after renaming, a sync notification with Mi Cloud may appear.This is normal - the shell saves changes to the cloud for backup.

Method 2: Rename through desktop editing

If the standard method doesn’t work, try activating the editing mode:

1. Click and hold the empty space on your desktop (not on the icon!).
2. At the bottom of the screen, a toolbar will appear – select Widgets or Settings (depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Find the option to edit folders (may be called folder management).
4. Select the folder you want and enter a new name.

On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+), this method works more stable than the standard one.

• 🔧 Check if the editing mode is disabled in the launcher settings (Settings) → Desktop → Editing mode).
• 🔧 Try using a two-finger gesture (mixing or diluting) on your desktop.

Standard MIUI Launcher

POCO Launcher

Nova Launcher

Other-->

Method 3: Use POCO Launcher (for POCO devices)

POCO lineup devices (such as the POCO X5 Pro or POCO F4 GT) often come with a proprietary POCO Launcher, where the renaming algorithm differs:

1. Open the folder and tap its name.
2. If nothing happens, press three points (⋮) top-right corner of the folder.
3. In the menu, select Rename (Rename in English firmware).
4. Enter a new name and save the changes.

If the option to rename is not available:

• 🔄 Update. POCO Launcher via GetApps or Google Play.
• 🔄 Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → POCO Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.

⚠️ Attention: POCO M4 Pro MIUI 13 for POCO After the launcher is reset, you may not be able to create folders, in which case, restart the device or return to the standard launcher via Settings. → Desktop → Default launcher.

Method 4: Renaming through ADB (for power users)

If the software methods don’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader or root rights, but requires caution.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers and Platform Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock Developer Mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

adb shell


pm list packages | grep launcher # Find the name of the launcher package (e.g. com.miui.home)




am start -n com.miui.home/.launcher.LauncherSettings # Opens Hidden Launcher Settings

In the menu that opens, find the folder management section and rename the folder manually, which works even on custom firmware devices, but is not recommended for beginners - the wrong ADB commands can disrupt the system.

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will help restore the system in case of an error.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even after successful renaming, users face challenges.

• 🔙 The folder name is reset after rebooting: Clear the launcher cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 📛 No new name displayed: Move the folder to another screen and back again – this will force the display to update.
• 🚫 Rename option blocked: Check if Child Mode or Safe Mode is enabled (notification in status bar).
• 🔄 Folder disappears after renaming: It's a bug MIUI 13.0.4–13.0.6 Update your firmware or roll back to a stable version.

If the problem persists, try creating a new folder and migrating apps from the old one to it. You can delete the old folder with a long press → Delete.

Additional tips for working with folders on Xiaomi

To avoid folder problems in the future, follow these guidelines:

• 📁 Do not use special characters in folder names (for example, @, #, $) — This can cause synchronization errors with the Mi Cloud.
• 🔄 Clean the launcher cache regularly, especially after updates MIUI.
• 📱 Don’t create more than 20 folders on one screen – this can cause the interface to slow down.
• 🔒 Set up folder backup in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Desktop.

On devices with MIUI 14, the Smart Folders feature appeared, which automatically sorts applications into categories (e.g. Social Networks, Games) to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings. → Desktop.
2. Select Smart Folders and turn off the slider.

💡

If the folder is not renamed by any method, check the integrity of system files through Settings → About Phone → Diagnostics → System Check. In extreme cases, reset the launcher settings (without loss of data).

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi