How to Rename a Folder on Xiaomi’s Desktop: The Complete Guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI shells or the new HyperOS provide users with a huge opportunity to customize the interface. One of the basic but often difficult functions is the organization of the desktop, in particular, creating and editing application shortcuts. When you combine several applications into one group, the system automatically assigns it a name that may not be obvious or too long, for example, a folder with games can be called “Games and Apps”, and a set of banking programs is simply “Finance”.

Many users are faced with a situation where the standard group name does not correspond to their logic of sorting or just cuts their eyes. Unfortunately, the Xiaomi shell interface has its own peculiarities, and the usual method of long tap by name, running on pure Android, often does not work here or does not work as expected, which causes confusion and search for third-party solutions where you need to know the right algorithm of actions.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the nuances of renaming folders on the Redmi and Poco desktops, how to get around system limitations, why the name may not change, and what hidden launcher features will help bring perfect order to your interface, and we will also look at alternative ways to organize space if standard methods are not flexible enough for your tasks.

Standard algorithm to rename MIUI and HyperOS

The process of changing the folder name in the MIUI shell is different from stock Android, which often confuses new smartphone owners. The main action is not a long press, but a short but accurate touch. You need to find on the desktop an already created group of applications. Make sure that you are on the home screen, and not inside the menu of all applications, as the logic of the work there may differ.

Make one quick tap (short tap) directly through the folder's name text field or the group header area itself. Unlike a long tap that opens the edit or move menu, a short click activates the editing mode, the virtual keyboard should appear on the screen, and the cursor will stand at the end of the current title, allowing you to make edits.

If nothing happens after a short tap, try tapping the empty space inside the open folder, but not the application icons. In some firmware versions, this action can also activate the name input field.

• 📱 Make a single tap by the folder name to activate the keyboard.
• 📝 Use a virtual keyboard to enter a new name.
• ✅ Click the “Done” button or click in the free screen area to save.
• 🔄 If the keyboard doesn’t appear, try tapping a little to the left or right of the center of the name.

What to do if the name does not change: solving problems

It's not uncommon for users to experience a situation where the standard method doesn't work, and it could be due to a launcher bug, a particular version of MIUI, or a conflict of design themes. If a single tap doesn't cause the keyboard to appear, maybe the folder itself is considered an active window, not the header, so try opening the folder first and then clicking on the name at the top of the window that opens.

Another common reason is a third-party theme installed. Some visual modifications completely change the code for displaying desktop elements, making standard gestures inactive. In this case, renaming is possible only after returning to the standard Classic or Default theme. It is also worth checking whether the Simple Mode (for older people) mode is turned on, which often blocks the ability to edit the interface.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher), Xiaomi’s standard methods will not work, in which case you need to clamp the folder and select “Edit” in the context menu of a particular launcher.

In some cases, cleaning the cache of the system application "Themes" or "Desktop" helps. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All applications, search in the list "Desktop" (or Launcher) and select "Clear Cache." This action will not delete your data, but will reset temporary files that may have caused the interface to malfunction.

Features of renaming in the mode "All applications"

The MIUI shell offers two options for displaying the desktop: the classic (only widgets and folders on screens) and the All Apps mode (app menu, like on an iPhone or Pixel). In all apps mode, folders on the desktop are created the same way, but their behavior may differ. Often in this mode, folders have a fixed font size or a limit on the length of the name due to the nature of the grid.

If you can't rename your folder in All Apps mode, try temporarily switching to the classic desktop view. Go to Settings → Desktop and select Classic. After switching, try changing the folder name. If the operation is successful, you can return the desktop view to the old desktop view - in some versions of the firmware the name will remain.

It’s also worth noting that in All Apps mode, the folders in the menu itself (within the app curtain) and the folders on the home screen are different entities. Renaming a folder on the home screen doesn’t always automatically change its name in the shared list if you’ve created a duplicate group within the app menu.

Using third-party launchers for flexible setup

If you don't like the built-in capabilities of Xiaomi, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher, applications like Nova Launcher, Smart Launcher or Microsoft Launcher provide much more freedom, where you can not only rename folders, but also change their color, transparency, opening animations and even hide the names completely.

To install an alternative launcher, download the application from Google Play, launch it and follow the instructions on the screen. Android will request permission to use this application as its main one. Once confirmed, the new interface will replace the standard MIUI. In such launchers, renaming usually occurs after a long press on the folder and select Edit.

However, it is worth considering that third-party launchers can consume more battery resources and do not always integrate perfectly with Xiaomi system features, such as control gestures or notifications.

Organization of space without renaming

Sometimes the problem is not the ability to rename, but the standard names are too long and do not fit into the designated area, in which case you can use emoji for visual coding. 📱 or ✈️ (It saves space and looks stylish.

Another effective method is to use split widgets, where you can download transparent icons or widgets from the MIUI theme store or through third-party apps that allow you to create empty space or visual dividers on your desktop, and this helps you structure applications without having to create complex folder hierarchies.

Also, keep in mind the Hidden Apps feature, which means that if you need a folder to get the extra out of your sight, you might want to use the built-in app hiding feature in Xiaomi's security settings, which will free up your desktop by leaving programs with a special gesture or password.

• 🎨 Use emojis instead of long text titles to save space.
• 📐 Use transparent widgets to create visual boundaries between groups.
• 🔒 Hide rarely used apps through security settings instead of creating folders.
• 🗑 Regularly remove unused applications so as not to breed unnecessary groups.

⚠️ Note: When using emojis in titles, make sure they show up correctly on the lock screen and in notifications. Some older versions of Android may show squares or question marks instead of emojis.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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The main secret of successful renaming is the use of a short single tap on the text field, rather than a long press, which is used for other actions.

To sum up, renaming folders to Xiaomi is a simple task, but one that requires understanding the logic of the MIUI shell. The main difference from other smartphones is the type of click: short click instead of long click. If standard methods do not help, there is always the possibility of resorting to third-party launchers that offer unlimited customization opportunities.

Not only is it fun to see, but it also makes your smartphone more efficient, you find the right apps faster, you spend less time finding the right features, and don't be afraid to experiment with names, emojis, and folder structure to create the interface that's perfect for you.