Xiaomi’s modern smartphones with MIUI shells and the new HyperOS offer users a wide range of customization options, but the basic logic of working with groups of applications created by developers is often puzzling for those who are used to standard Android behavior. In particular, the function of renaming folders on the desktop is implemented in an unusual way, which confuses many device owners.
The problem is that you won't find the usual menu with the "Rename" button when you press a group of applications long enough, and it offers an intuitive but non-obvious way to change the name that doesn't require a deep dive into the launcher settings. The key is to interact directly with the text field of the folder header, rather than with the icons inside it.
In this article, we will take a look at the algorithm that will allow you to clean up your menu, and we will look not only at the standard method, but also at the possible problems that users face when trying to change the name of the group, and understanding these nuances will save you time and nerves when organizing your workspace.
Features of the interface of the Xiaomi launcher
Xiaomi shells have a specific design philosophy that is different from pure Android, where the priority is given to minimalism and concealment of secondary controls. That is why the folder name edit button is not placed in a separate context menu. The launcher interface responds to specific gestures that need to be performed with a certain precision.
Many users mistakenly believe that to change the name, you need to go to the settings of the system or the launcher itself. This is a misconception. All the necessary tools are right on the desktop, but they are only active when interacting with the object. It is important to understand that the system distinguishes between short pressing, long pressing and clicking on a specific text area.
It is worth noting that on different versions of firmware (MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS) the visual style may be slightly different, but the logic of the work remains the same for all current models, whether it is a budget Redmi Note or flagship Xiaomi 14.
Step-by-step: how to change the name
The process of renaming a folder on the Xiaomi desktop requires a string of actions in strict order. If you try to do it "by eye", you may not succeed, because the area of the active element is quite small.
First, you have to create a group of apps, or find an existing folder that you want to change the name of, make sure the folder is open and you see the contents of the folder, and the header at the top of the pop-up, and then you have to press the text of the folder name directly. Don't press long, just one confident tap.
When you click on the text, the name should light up or the input cursor will appear, and the virtual keyboard will open. If that doesn't happen, try pressing again, but with a little more effort, or shifting your finger closer to the center of the text line. Activating the input field is the only way to start editing mode.
☑️ Algorithm of renaming
In some cases, especially older versions of MIUI, you need to double-click on the title text. If a single tap doesn't work, try pressing twice fast. This is a standard pattern for highlighting text in many Android applications that can be applied here.
⚠️ Note: If nothing happens when you click on the folder name, make sure you don't use a third-party launcher.Native renaming features only work on the standard System Launcher launcher.
Working with the keyboard and entering symbols
Once the input field is activated, the system keyboard will appear on the screen, where you can use all the available input capabilities. Language support depends on the input packs installed on your device, so you can easily name folders in Russian, English or any other language.
The length of the title also matters. Although the system allows you to type in fairly long lines, only a portion of the text will be visually displayed on the desktop if the name exceeds the width of the folder icon. The optimal length is up to 10-12 characters so that the title can be read in its entirety without having to look.
The use of emojis in folder names is fully supported, and it's a great way to visually highlight the category of applications «🎮 Games, and with social media — «💬 Communication. Visual navigation with emojis speeds up the search for the right applications.
💡
Use short, capacious folder names. Long text will be cropped on the desktop, and you won't be able to read the full title until you open the folder again.
Compatibility table and features of versions
Different versions of the operating system may have minor differences in the behavior of the interface. Below is a table that will help you navigate the features of renaming folders on different versions of Xiaomi firmware.
| Shell version | Activation method | Support for emoji | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 | Single tap in text | Complete. | No. |
| MIUI 13 | Single tap in text | Complete. | No. |
| MIUI 14 | Single tap in text | Complete. | You may need a double tap. |
| HyperOS | Single tap in text | Complete. | No. |
As you can see from the table, the basic method has remained the same over the years, but if you have a custom build or a global version with regional features, the behavior may be slightly different, regional settings sometimes affect fonts and special characters.
If you upgraded to HyperOS, you might have noticed changes in the animation of opening folders, but the mechanics of editing text have remained the same, so that users don't relearn when they move to a new system, and interface continuity is an important aspect of the user experience.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the ease of operation, users may find themselves in situations where renaming is impossible, often due to software failures of the launcher or configuration conflicts, and the stability of system applications is the key to the correct functioning of the interface.
One common problem is sticking the interface when the input field does not appear even after multiple taps, in which case it is recommended to restart the device, which clears the RAM and restarts system processes, including the launcher.
The problem may also be in a crowded launcher cache. If the system is slow or does not respond to commands, it is worth clearing the cache of the system application. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Applications → System Launcher → Memory → Clear the cache.
What to do if the keyboard does not appear?
⚠️ Warning: Do not delete the system launcher data (Clear All or Reset button) unless you want to lose the location of the icons on your desktop and the widget settings. Use only cache cleaning.
Organization of the working space
Rename folders correctly is just the first step to a perfect desktop, and to make navigation really convenient, it's important to group applications logically, and systematization helps you find the right programs faster and reduces visual noise.
- 📂 By functionality: group applications according to their purpose (Banks, Social Networks, Tools, Travel).
- 🎨 By colors: Create folders by combining icons of similar colors, and call them the appropriate emojis.
- 🔥 Frequency of Use: Set aside separate folders for daily tasks and for rarely used utilities.
Use the renaming option to create short code words or acronyms that only you can understand. This is especially true if you want to hide the meaning of the folder from prying eyes, although this will not provide complete privacy. Personalization makes using a smartphone more enjoyable.
💡
The ability to rename folders is a basic, but powerful customization tool that allows you to adapt the smartphone interface to your personal habits and preferences.
Alternative methods of organization
If you don't like standard folder capabilities, you might want to consider using widgets or third-party launchers, but it's worth remembering that installing a third-party launcher can change the interface and deprive you of some of the features of MIUI. The balance of functionality and appearance is the choice of each user.
Widgets allow you to display folder content or app lists directly to your desktop without having to open menus. This can be more convenient than creating multiple rebranded folders. Xiaomi's ecosystem offers many widgets for different use cases.
Remember, you can always delete an unnecessary folder by dragging all the apps from it to the desktop, and then the folder will disappear automatically, which is an easy way to reset the result if the renaming or grouping fails.