How to rename a folder on the Xiaomi Redmi Note desktop: the full guide

Modern Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones have evolved into powerful multimedia centers that store hundreds of apps, documents and media. To maintain order in the digital space, users often create thematic groups of applications, but over time their names may become outdated or no longer correspond to the content. The standard launcher MIUI, and now HyperOS, offers an intuitive, but not always obvious interface to manage these elements.

Many owners have difficulty changing the name of the group they created, because the usual long tap in text does not always work as expected. In this guide, we will detail all the nuances of renaming folders on the desktop, look at the differences between the versions of the shell and offer solutions to typical problems, you will learn not only to change the text, but also to optimize the structure of the workspace for maximum productivity.

Features of the MIUI and HyperOS interface when working with folders

The MIUI shell that is installed on Xiaomi Redmi Note devices has a unique desktop interface logic that differs from pure Android. Unlike a stock system where editing is often available immediately, it requires a sequence of actions to be executed. Understanding these features is critical to successfully managing the launcher file structure.

In recent firmware versions, including the transitional HyperOS, developers have changed the algorithms for folding applications. Now the system more often offers automatic grouping, but manual renaming remains a user priority. The interface has become more minimalist, which sometimes hides important control buttons under additional menus.

Note that the visual style of folders depends on the design theme chosen. Some third-party themes may block standard editing functions, returning the user to the basic design when trying to change the name.

  • πŸ“± Standard launcher MIUI Allows you to create folders by dragging one app icon to another.
  • 🎨 The appearance of the folder (form, background) depends on the active theme of the design in the application "Themes".
  • πŸ”„ In desktop editing mode, additional sorting functions are available inside folders.
  • βš™οΈ Deep setting of the grid and indentations affects the size of the displayed folder on the screen.
πŸ“Š What version of the shell are you using?
MIUI 12
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
HyperOS 1.0

The basic method of renaming through a long press

The most common and quick way to change the name of the group of applications on the Xiaomi Redmi Note is to use a long press.This method works in most cases on current versions of the software and does not require a connection to a computer or the use of third-party software.

To start, unlock the device and go to the main screen where the target folder is located. Find the desired group of applications that you need to rename and make sure it is not in animation or download mode. Touch accuracy is important, since randomly shifting your finger can start the application instead of opening the editing menu.

Once you hold your finger on the folder for about one second, the editing mode opens, at which point the screen background is usually darkened or grided, and a toolbar appears at the bottom of the display, and this is where the renaming button is hidden, which is often indicated by a pencil or a text field.

β˜‘οΈ Algorithm of renaming

Done: 0 / 4

It is important to press confidently, but without undue effort, so as not to damage the touch layer of the screen. If the device is covered with a low-quality protective glass, the sensitivity may be reduced, and a slightly longer retention will be required. In some cases, light touching of the area directly under the text of the folder name helps.

Alternative methods through the desktop editing menu

If a standard long-press fails or causes an application to open, you should use the Global Desktop Editing mode, which is especially relevant for older versions of MIUI, where the logic of the operation may differ, and allows you to access all display settings, including hidden grouping parameters.

To activate this mode, you need to pinch two fingers in the free space of the screen or hold a blank area of the desktop for a long time. Open a menu where you can access widgets, screen settings and wall settings. In this mode, all folders become available for interaction, and the risk of accidentally launching the application is completely eliminated.

⚠️ Note: In Global Editing mode, do not remove system widgets or shortcuts marked with the lock icon, as this may disrupt the interface.

Within the edit mode, click on the folder itself. Often, this action immediately puts the title into the input mode without further confirmation. If this does not happen, look for the "Change" or "Edit" button in the bottom toolbar that appears when you select the object.

This method also allows you to rename folders that were automatically created by the system when you install updates. Sometimes these groups have standard names like "Google" or "Tools", and change them with a simple click is impossible due to access restrictions in a particular context.

Use of third-party launchers for advanced management

For users who don’t have enough shell functionality, installing a third-party launcher is a great solution. Apps like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher provide much more flexible naming and rendering options for folders, ideal for those who want to fully customize their Xiaomi Redmi Note.

Once you have an alternative launcher, the renaming process becomes unified and predictable, and you can not only change the text, but you can also adjust the transparency of the background of the folder, the animation of the opening and even the number of lines for the title, and this allows you to create truly unique workspaces that are impossible in stock MIUI.

However, it is worth considering that third-party launchers consume more RAM and may conflict with some Xiaomi system features, such as control gestures or a second space.

LauncherDifficulty setting upName flexibilityResource consumption
MIUI (Stock)Low.BasicOptimized.
Nova LauncherMediumTall.Average.
Smart Launcher 6Tall.Automatic.High.
Microsoft LauncherLow.MediumAverage.
How do I get the stock launcher back?
If you have installed a third-party launcher and want to return to the original Xiaomi interface, go to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ All apps. Find the installed launcher in the list, click on Default and select Reset. Then, when you access the desktop, the system will ask which application to use, and you will need to select System Launcher.

Common Errors and How to Resolve Them

During the renaming process, users often face a situation where the keyboard does not appear or the typed text is not saved.This can be caused by a temporary failure in the system process System UI. Most often, the problem is solved by simply restarting the device, which clears the cache of temporary interface files.

Another common mistake is to use banned characters in the title. Although modern versions of Android are loyal to special characters, some MIUI system fonts may incorrectly display emojis or rare characters in folder names, turning them into squares.

If the folder is not renamed and the save button is inactive, check if the name is filled with spaces. The system can perceive a line consisting of only space characters as empty and block the change. Also make sure that there is free space on the disk, since it requires minimal memory to save the desktop configuration.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to rename system folders such as Google or Mi Tools unless you are sure of the consequences.

In rare cases, the problem is that the launcher configuration file is damaged, and if nothing helps, you can try to clean the Desktop application data in the settings, which will return the icons to the factory appearance, but eliminate software errors that interfere with editing.

πŸ’‘

Before cleaning the launcher data, take a screenshot of the current location of the icons, then quickly restore the usual structure of the desktop.

Optimizing the workspace after renaming

Once you have successfully renamed your folders to Xiaomi Redmi Note, it makes sense to review their content. Logical name structure helps you find the right applications faster, especially if there are more than 50 programs on the screen. Group the applications not only by type, but also by frequency of use.

Use short, capacious titles that are read in a split second. Long titles on a small smartphone screen are often cut with an ellipsis, losing their meaning. The optimal folder name length is up to 10-12 characters, allowing you to see the full text even on compact displays.

Regularly delete empty or unused folders to avoid cluttering the interface. A clean desktop not only looks more aesthetically pleasing, but also has a positive effect on the speed of the device, reducing the load on the GPU when rendering elements. Files are order in the head, and digital hygiene is as important as physical hygiene.

πŸ’‘

Regularly cleaning and renaming folders is not just cosmetics, but a way to speed up access to the frequently used functions of a smartphone.

Why can’t you rename the folder on the locked screen?
Rename folders are only possible after the device is fully unlocked and logged in. On the lock screen or in Pocket mode, access to desktop editing is limited for security reasons to prevent accidental changes by an attacker or when the phone is in your pocket.
Can I use emoji in the name of the folder?
Yes, modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS support the use of emoji in folder names. However, be careful: some system fonts may not display them correctly, and in older versions of Android this may have caused crashes.
What to do if the folder icon is missing after renaming?
If the icon is missing, try restarting the launcher or the device itself, often a temporary render glitch, and if the problem persists, check if the folder is hidden in the Hidden Space settings or if a theme is applied that hides certain interface elements.