Desktop management on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a key aspect of user-friendly use. Many users face a situation where standard app group names such as Tools or Social Networks no longer reflect their content or simply do not suit the owner. The Android-based MIUI operating system provides flexible options for customizing the interface, but the renaming algorithm may not be obvious to beginners.
Changing the folder name allows you to quickly navigate the installed applications, especially if there are many shortcuts on the screen. Unlike some other shells where editing is done automatically when created, in Redmi 8 this process requires the executed actions with the icon. Understanding the logic of the launcher interface will help you avoid confusion and make the lock screen more personalized.
In this guide, we will take a look at the nuances of renaming, look at possible problems with displaying text, and offer solutions for standard situations. You will learn how to effectively manage screen space and why sometimes the system can block editing of certain system groups.
Features of the MIUI interface on Redmi 8
Xiaomi Redmi 8 runs a MIUI shell that has its own unique features of workspace organization. Unlike pure Android, folders are often created automatically when you drag and drop one application to another, and they are assigned standard names. These names are taken from the category of applications, which is convenient, but not always functional for a user accustomed to their classification system.
The launcher interface in this model responds to long-term clicks and swipes, which is the main method of interaction. However, editing text fields, such as the folder name, requires activation of a special editing mode. The MIUI security system can limit the change of the names of system folders intended for standard Xiaomi services, which is important to consider when trying to rename.
⚠️ Note: Attempting to rename the Tools system folder in some firmware versions may be blocked by the manufacturer, in which case the only solution would be to delete the folder and create a new one from scratch.
To manage the desktop effectively, you need to understand the difference between regular user-generated folders and system groups: the former can be edited with little or no restrictions, the latter can require additional actions or a complete reset of the launcher settings to change their properties, which is due to the protection of the integrity of the default system settings.
Step-by-step instructions for renaming
The process of changing the folder name to Redmi 8 is quite simple, if you know the exact sequence of actions. First you need to find the folder on the desktop that you plan to edit. Make sure that the screen does not start editing wallpaper or widgets, as this may conflict with the allocation of the folder.
The main method is to use long-term pressing. You need to touch the folder name (the text area under the icons) and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds. At this point, a pop-up with a keyboard should appear, allowing you to make changes to the text field. If the window does not appear, try clicking just below or above the text to activate the input area.
☑️ Algorithm of renaming
Once you have a keyboard, type your desired name using the Latin or Cyrillic alphabet, depending on your preferences and the system language settings. MIUI supports emoji and special characters in the names, which allows you to create visually distinct groups. After you enter the text, be sure to confirm the action by clicking on the tick or the "Done" button on the screen, otherwise the changes may not persist.
Alternative methods and settings of the launcher
If the standard long-press method doesn't work, you can try to enter desktop editing mode. To do this, pinch two fingers in the free space of the screen or hold your finger on an empty area until the menu appears at the bottom. In this mode, all folders become accessible for manipulation, and sometimes double-tap on the name in editing mode activates the text field.
Also, check the launcher settings. Go to Settings → Desktop and make sure that features that block the change in structure, such as Desktop Fix (if such an option is present in your version of MIUI), do not enable fixing.
In some cases, temporary change of the theme helps. Using a standard Classic or Default theme can reset some interface bugs that interfere with text editing. After changing the theme, try again to perform the renaming procedure described in the previous section.
The secret of double tap
Addressing common problems
Xiaomi Redmi 8 users often face a situation where the keyboard does not pop up when you click on the name.This can be caused by a temporary failure in the system process System UI. In this case, it is recommended to restart the device. Once the phone is turned on, the problem usually disappears and the input field becomes active.
Another common problem is cropping long titles. Redmi 8 screen has a certain resolution, and the launcher automatically shortens too long names by adding an ellipsis. To read the title fully, try to use short wordings of no more than 10-12 characters. This will provide a neat look of the desktop.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard doesn't appear | Launcher failure | Rebooting the smartphone |
| The name doesn't change. | System folder | Remove and recreate |
| Text is cut off | Long name. | Use abbreviations |
| You can't press text. | Protective glass/film | Check sensitivity. |
If you use a third-party launcher, such as a Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, the algorithm may be different: in such applications, usually one tap by name is enough after installing the application in the folder, or the renaming occurs through the settings menu of the folder itself, which is called by a long tap.
Optimization of the working space
The correct name of folders is just the first step to order. For owners of Redmi 8 with its HD+ screen, it is important not to overload the desktop. Use the clear abbreviations: "Fin" instead of "Finance", "Connection" instead of "Communication", which not only saves space, but also speeds up the visual search for the desired application.
Group applications logically. Don't create too large folders, because in MIUI, opening a crowded folder can take a fraction of a second longer, which is noticeable on weak processors. The optimal number of applications in a single folder is from 4 to 9 pieces. If there are more applications, it's better to break them into two thematic groups.
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Use emoji at the beginning of the folder name (for example, 🎮 Games, 💰 This allows you to instantly category applications without even reading the text, which greatly speeds up navigation.
Regularly review installed applications, remove shortcuts for games you no longer play, and clear folders of unused software, not only speeding up the interface, but also freeing up RAM, which is critical to the stable operation of the Xiaomi Redmi 8.
Systemic restrictions and access rights
It's important to understand that MIUI has a strict hierarchy, and some pre-installed folders, like Google or Tools, are part of the system image, and trying to rename them can be viewed by the system as a potentially dangerous action, even though it's often just a software constraint on the interface.
If you have Root rights (which on Redmi 8 requires unlocking the bootloader), you can access the launcher configuration files and force the name change, however, for the average user this is redundant and can lead to unstable system operation or loss of warranty.
⚠️ Note: Getting Root rights and unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi results in a reset of all data and may block some banking applications and security features (Find My Device).
For most users, it is safer and easier to use standard personalization tools without interfering with system files. If a standard folder name does not suit you, it is easier to delete its contents on the desktop, delete the folder itself, and create a new one with the desired name.
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With standard MIUI tools, you can rename any user folder, and system folders require either workarounds or new analogues.