How to make a folder on the Xiaomi desktop: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have powerful features that allow you to install dozens and sometimes hundreds of different applications. At some point, the user faces chaos on the home screen, when the icons are scattered in a mess and finding the right program becomes a long process. It is to solve this problem that there is a folder feature that allows you to structure the workspace. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to make a folder on the Xiaomi desktop using the current versions of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS.

Organizing screen space isn't just a matter of aesthetics, it's also a way to increase your productivity. When apps are sorted logically, you spend less time finding the right tool and less time distracting yourself with unnecessary notifications. Android, in conjunction with the proprietary shell, offers intuitive mechanisms for managing shortcuts. You don't need third-party launchers or complex computer settings.

We're going to look at all the nuances of building containers for applications, renaming them, changing the look and even hiding content from prying eyes. Standard functionality allows you to do this in a few touches. Let's start with the basic principle of forming groups on the home screen of your device.

⚠️ Warning: Before you start manipulating your desktop, make sure you have editing mode on. Some firmware versions require you to unlock the screen and go to the main desktop without opening any applications.

The basic principle of creating a folder by dragging

The easiest and most common way to group apps is drag-and-drop, which works equally well on older models like the Redmi Note 9 and the flagship Xiaomi 14 series. First, you need to find two app icons on your desktop that you want to combine. It can be any program: instant messengers, games or system utilities.

Press the icon of the first application with your finger and hold your finger until the system goes into editing mode. Usually at this point, the icons begin to tremble slightly or decrease, and additional control buttons appear on the top. Without letting go of your finger, drag the selected icon right on top of the second application, which should become part of the folder. Once you release your finger, the system automatically creates a new folder.

This is the universal standard for Android. If a folder isn't created the first time, you may have let your finger go too quickly or moved the icon to the side rather than strictly in the center of the second program. Try to do the action a little slower. Once you've successfully combined, you'll see a new folder with an automatically generated name that can be changed.

• 📱 Find two apps you want to combine into one group.
• ✋ Press the first icon and drag it exactly to the center of the second icon.
• 📂 Release your finger so that the system automatically creates a container.
• ✏️ Click on the name of the folder that appears to rename it.

It's important to understand that when you create a folder in this way, it will take the place of one cell on the desktop, but it will be able to store many programs inside, which allows you to free up a significant amount of space. The maximum number of applications in a single folder is limited only by the amount of memory and the logic of displaying the grid, but usually up to 20-30 pieces.

Alternative methods through the application menu and settings

Not all users prefer drag and drop, especially if they have thumbs or use a smartphone with one hand. There is an alternative way in the MIUI shell that may seem more convenient. You can go to the App Drawer menu if you have this display mode enabled. You can also create folders in the list of all programs by clamping down the icon and dragging it to the other.

Another option is to use the Edit feature through the system menu. Some versions of the firmware, if you keep your finger on the blank for a long time, opens a menu of widgets and settings. Although there may not be a direct button, this mode makes it easier to move objects around. You can line up applications in a row and then quickly group them.

If you use a third-party launcher, such as a Nova Launcher or a Microsoft Launcher, the algorithm may be different. In such cases, it is often enough to simply drag one application to another, even if they are not nearby on the screen. However, we recommend using a regular MIUI launcher for maximum stability of the system and proper operation of widgets.

And it's worth noting that in Full-screen App Menu, folder creation is similar, so you just open the curtain with all the icons and group them there, which is especially convenient because it doesn't require any space on the main pages of the desktop, and it's created in the app menu, and you can shortcut it to the desktop later.

Customization of appearance and renaming of folders

Once you've created a folder, the system assigns a default name to it, most often the name of the first app you put inside, or a category like Tools or Social Networks. To change the name, you just click on the text box above the icons inside the open folder, type in new text and confirm the action with the "Done" button or simply tap the screen outside the keyboard.

The visual design of folders in HyperOS and the latest versions of MIUI has changed, so that when you open the folder, applications can be displayed as a grid or a list. You can adjust the font size and number of lines. This often requires you to click on the menu button inside the open folder (three dots or a gear) and select "Display Settings".

If you want to change the folder icon, it's harder to do it with standard tools. Usually, the folder icon is a collage of icons from the apps inside. However, if you put a widget inside the folder or change the theme of the entire phone through the Themes app, the folder's appearance will also change. Customization of the interface is a strong point of the Xiaomi ecosystem.

⚠️ Note: When renaming a folder, use short and clear names. Too long names may be cropped on the lock screen or in editing mode, making navigation difficult.

Content Management: Adding and Removing Applications

Creating a folder is just the beginning. When you use your smartphone, you'll have to add new programs or delete old ones all the time. To add an app to an existing folder, just drag and drop the app icon onto an open folder or on its desktop shortcut, and the system will automatically put a shortcut inside.

Deleting an application from a folder is even easier. Open the folder, find the icon you want, press it, and drag it to the top of the screen where you see "Delete" or the basket icon. It's important not to confuse deleting from a folder with completely deleting an application from your phone. In editing mode, there are usually two zones: one to remove the shortcut, the other to uninstall the program.

For mass sorting, it's convenient to use desktop editing mode. Press and hold your finger to nothing, or pinch it with two fingers (if supported by a launcher), you'll see all pages and folders in a reduced form, and you can quickly move entire folders between pages, change their order, or remove empty containers.

• ➕ To add: drag the icon to the folder label.
• ➖ To remove from the folder: drag the icon outside the folder up.
• 🗑️ To delete an empty folder: remove all applications and it will disappear by itself.
• 🔄 For sorting: use the desktop editing mode.

If a folder gets too big, the system can suggest breaking it up or hiding some of the applications in the "More" section, which helps keep the tidy look without hiding the programs deep in the menu, and the automatic sorting inside the folder often works alphabetically or in frequency of use, which can also be customized.

Hiding folders and protecting privacy

The privacy issue on Xiaomi smartphones is pretty effective, and while it’s hard to hide the folder from the desktop without third-party tools, you can hide the apps inside it, and for that, in the security settings or through the “Security” app (green zipper icon) there’s a “Hide Apps” feature.

When you hide an app, its icon disappears from the menu and from any folders on your desktop. To see hidden programs, you need to open the standard Phone app and enter a special code that you set in the settings, which is a reliable way to protect personal photos, banking applications or chats from prying eyes.

There's also a "Second Space" or "Guest Mode" feature, where you can create a separate user profile where you have your own folders and apps, switch between the main and guest profiles through a password or a fingerprint, which is a more radical but effective way to isolate data.

Using biometric protection for individual applications inside folders is also possible. You can set a password to run a particular application (like a Gallery), even if the folder it's in is open to everyone, which creates a double layer of protection.

Solution: folders are not created or disappear

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the folder is not created, or the folder created disappears after a reboot, most often due to overflowing of the launcher cache or errors in the work of the theme. If you are using a third-party theme from the MIUI Themes store, try switching to the standard theme "Classic" and check the work of the folders.

Another common problem is a system UI process failure. If the icons “float”, folders do not open or spontaneously close, try clearing the launcher cache. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps, find the System Launcher (or MIUI Home) list, and select Clear Cache. This will not delete your data, but reset the desktop display settings.

The table below shows the main problems and ways to solve them:

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If folders are constantly disappearing or acting strange, try turning off the option “Accelerate animation” in the developer settings. This often stabilizes the launcher on older models.

In most cases, a simple smartphone reboot solves 90% of interface problems. Don't ignore this simple step before you start resetting to factory settings. If the problem persists, you may need to upgrade to the current version.

Optimizing the workspace for maximum efficiency

The right folder organization is the key to convenience. You don't have to cram all your apps into one huge folder called "Miscellaneous," you'd better have logical groups like "Work," "Social Media," "Games," "Travels." On the home screen, within reach of your thumb, you can only take out the most important folders or widgets.

Use widgets inside folders with caution. While MIUI allows you to place widgets of different sizes, they can work unstablely in folders or overlap application icons, it is optimal to keep only application shortcuts in the folder, and the widgets to be put on free desktop pages.

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Regular cleaning and sorting of folders on the Xiaomi desktop not only decorates the interface, but also speeds up access to the necessary functions, making the use of the smartphone more comfortable.

Remember, the desktop is your digital workplace. The less visual noise, the better concentration. Remove unused apps, hide rarely used programs in folders on the second page of the screen. Digital hygiene prolongs the enjoyment of the gadget.