How to make folders on the Xiaomi desktop: 5 proven ways + hidden chips MIUI

Why Xiaomi folders are a must-have for every user

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based desktop is like an office desk: if it’s a mess of app icons, widgets and shortcuts, finding the right thing takes a long time. Folders solve this problem radically: they turn chaos into an orderly system where every application is on shelves. But not everyone knows that Xiaomi can create a folder in not one but five different ways, from basic drag and drop to hidden features for advanced users.

In this article, we'll look at not only the standard methods, but also the little-known tricks, like how to make a folder invisible to prying eyes, how to automatically sort apps into categories, or how to return a accidentally deleted folder. And you'll also learn why, after upgrading to MIUI 14, some folders can break -- and how to fix it without resetting. Ready to clean up the screen?

Method 1: Classic folder creation (works on all versions of MIUI)

It's the most versatile method that works even on older Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 9. The algorithm is pretty simple, but many users manage to make mistakes in the first step.

1. Unlock the screen and go to the main desktop (not in the app menu!).
2. Find two app icons you want to combine, like WhatsApp and Telegram.
3. Hold one icon with your finger, and drag it to the other one without letting go, and hold your finger on the screen until you see a black circle with a white frame.
4. Release your finger – the system will automatically create a folder with the default name (usually “Folder” or “New Folder”).

Now all you have to do is rename the folder.

• 📝 Put the name of the folder (it will light up).
• 🖊️ Enter a new name (for example, "Messenger" or "Social networks").
• ✅ Click Ready on the keyboard or just tap outside the input field.

⚠️ Note: If you just swapped the icons when you drag and drop, and the folder didn't create, you have Screen Editing Mode on. Get out of it (click on the checkmark or the "Done" button at the bottom of the screen) and try again.

Complete screen editing mode

Make sure that the icons are not blocked (no icon) 🔒)

Use the main screen, not the All Apps folder

Turn off the “Double Touch for Sleep” gestures (they may interfere)

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Method 2: Create a folder through the All Apps menu (for MIUI 12 and later)

The newer versions of MIUI (starting with the 12th) have the ability to create folders directly from the menu of all apps, which is handy if you don't want to fill the home screen with icons. Here's how it works:

1. Swipe up the screen to open the All Apps menu.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Edit.
3. Tick the apps you want to combine (you can choose up to 16 at a time).
4. Click on the folder icon in the top menu (or select Create a folder in the context menu).

The folder will appear on the home screen, and this is especially useful if you:

• 📱 Use Xiaomi with a small screen (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M3).
• 🗃️ Want to quickly sort dozens of applications by category.
• 🔄 You often reinstall programs and don’t want to drag and drop icons every time.

Classic drag and drop

Through the "All Apps" menu.

With the help of a launcher from a third-party developer

I don't create folders, I've got enough search.

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Method 3: Automatic sorting with "Category" (hidden MIUI function)

Few people know, but MIUI has a built-in automatic folder sorting feature called Categories, which is powered by artificial intelligence, and it analyzes your applications and distributes them into thematic folders: Social Networks, Games, Work, etc. Here's how to turn it on:

1. Click on the empty space on your desktop and select Screen Settings (or Launcher Settings in older versions).
2. Go to Application Categories (in some firmware it is hidden – see spoiler below).
3. Activate the Automatic Sorting Switch.
4. Choose which categories you want (you can turn off unnecessary ones, such as Finance or Health).

Once activated, the system will create folders on the desktop and distribute applications there.

• ⚡ Save time – you don’t have to manually drag and drop every icon.
• 🤖 Considers your habits: If you use YouTube and TikTok frequently, they will be placed in the Entertainment folder".
• 🔄 Folders are updated automatically when new applications are installed.

The downsides of auto sorting: sometimes the system gets it wrong and puts Google Maps in "Games" or Zoom in "Social Networks," in which case you have to manually transfer the application to the desired folder.

Method 4: Hidden folders for privacy (only for the MIUI 13/14)

If you have apps on your smartphone that you don't want to show to others (like banking programs or personal diaries), MIUI 13/14 has a Hidden Folder feature that doesn't show up on your desktop, but stays accessible through a special menu. Here's how to create them:

1. Create a regular folder in any of the ways described above.
2. Press the folder and in the context menu, select Hide (or Hide the folder).
3. Confirm the action with a password/fingerprint (if requested).

Now the folder will disappear from the screen, so you can access it.

• 🔍 Swipe down the desktop with two fingers (guest to call a search).
• 🔑 Enter the request for hidden folders or click on the eye icon in the upper right corner.
• 📁 Select the folder you want and enter the password (if installed).

⚠️ Attention: Hidden folders are not encrypted, they are simply hidden from prying eyes. Use Google’s Safe Folder or Keepsafe app to protect your sensitive data completely.

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To quickly hide the folder without opening the context menu, swipe up the icon with two fingers. This will only work if the Quick Hide option is enabled in the gesture settings (Section Additional → Gestures).

Method 5: Folders with third-party launchers (for advanced users)

If standard MIUI features don’t suit you, you can install an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, which offer advanced folder functionality:

To install a third-party launcher:

1. Download it from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Open the app and follow the setup instructions.
3. In Xiaomi settings, go to Applications → By default → Launcher and select a new launcher.

Warning: Some Xiaomi models (especially those with MIUI for Russia) may lose weather and calendar widgets after installing a third-party launcher, and you will have to temporarily return the standard launcher to return them.

Frequent folder problems on Xiaomi and how to fix them

Even after you create folders correctly, users are plagued with bugs, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

• 🔄 Folders spontaneously disappear after rebooting. Cause: Launcher cache failure. Solution: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher, press Clear cache and restart phone.
• 📱 You can't move the application to the folder (the icon returns to the place). Reason: Application Protection mode is enabled in Security Settings. Solution: Turn off protection for the desired application or temporarily deactivate the function.
• 🔒 The folder has turned gray and won't open. Reason: Damage to the folder's data. Solution: Delete the folder and recreate it. If it doesn't work, reset the launcher settings to Settings. → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Reset.

⚠️ Note: If after updating to MIUI 14 all folders have been reset to standard names (Folder 1, Folder 2), don't try to rename them one at a time. → Additionally. → Backup, then reset the launcher settings, and when you recover the backup, the folder names will return.

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If folders on Xiaomi started to glittle after the update, the first thing to do is to clear the launcher cache, which in 80% of cases solves the problem without resetting the settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Folders