How to create a new folder on the desktop of Xiaomi smartphone: all ways

Creating folders on the Xiaomi desktop is a basic feature that helps organize applications and saves time finding the right icons. However, even in this simple operation, there are nuances: different versions of the MIUI shell offer different ways of grouping, and on some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5), the standard method may not work due to a customized launcher. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of creating folders, from classic drag and drop to hidden functions for advanced users.

Xiaomi is a regular user interface update, and what worked in MIUI 12 may not be in MIUI 15, and we've taken these changes into account and put together instructions that are relevant for 2026, and you'll also learn why folders sometimes disappear after a reboot and how to fix it without resetting.

Method 1: Standard folder creation (dragging icons)

This is the most obvious and versatile method, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark. Suitable for all versions of MIUI from 9 to 15.

1. Press and hold the icon of any application on the desktop.
2. Without letting go of your finger, drag it to another icon (they should light up slightly).
3. Release your finger – the system will automatically create a folder with two applications.

To add more apps to your folder, repeat the action: drag the new icon to the folder you created. The maximum number of apps in one folder is 16 (in MIUI 14/15). If you try to add 17, the system will give a notification "Folder is full."

Make sure that apps are not hidden in the menu|Check if the light desktop mode is enabled»|Turn off the child mode (it blocks changes)|Update the launcher to the latest version-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) When dragging icons, the gesture of opening Google Discover may trigger. To avoid this, turn off the swipe left on the desktop in the launcher settings (Settings) → Desktop → Gestures).

Method 2: Create a folder through the application menu

If there are too few icons on the desktop or you use a clean style without shortcuts, you can create a folder directly from the App Drawer menu, which works on all devices with MIUI 11+, where there is a dedicated button to open the menu (usually a white circle at the bottom of the screen).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen or click on the All apps icon»).
• 🔍 Find the first app you want to add to your folder and hold on to its icon.
• 📂 Drag it to the desktop (without letting go of your finger).
• 🔄 Now drag the second app onto the first one – the folder will be created automatically.

This is convenient if you prefer to keep your desktop empty but want to group frequently used apps, such as creating a Facebook folder with Telegram, VK and Instagram without filling the screen with individual icons.

Standard MIUI Launcher|POCO Launcher|Nova Launcher|Other |I don't know-->

Method 3: Using the desktop editing mode

On devices with MIUI 12 and later, there is a hidden editing mode that makes it easier to manage icons, which is especially useful if you have a lot of widgets or folders, and the standard drag and drop is unstable.

1. Touch and hold the empty space on your desktop (not on the icon!).
2. In the menu that appears, select Desktop Settings (or Edit, depending on the model).
3. Activate the editing mode – the icons will start to “shake”, and a toolbar will appear at the bottom.
4. Select two icons, holding them alternately, then click the Group button (folder icon).

This mode may also include:

• 🔄 Change the order of icons in the folder by drag and drop.
• 📝 Rename the folder directly in the interface (click on its name).
• 🗑️ Delete folders in whole (swipe up on the folder in editing mode).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) may not have editing mode, in which case use Method 1 or install an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher).

Method 4: Creating folders through launcher settings (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to customized firmware), you can create a folder through the launcher system settings, which requires access to hidden settings and is suitable for users who are not afraid to “dig” into the system menus.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI Launcher (or POCO Launcher if you have POCO) in the list.
3. Select Warehouse → Data Management → Clear Data (this will reset the launcher settings, but won’t delete apps!).
4. Reset the device.
5. After rebooting, try creating a folder in the standard way (see Method 1).

If this method does not help, try an alternative:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

This command is executed via ADB (on-board debugging over USB is required) and also resets the launcher settings.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the launcher data will delete all your current desktop settings (icon layout, widgets, folders). Before the procedure, take screenshots of the current layout or write down the folder structure.

Method 5: Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If the built-in methods are not satisfied (for example, the limit of 16 applications per folder), you can install an alternative launcher.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports unlimited number of applications in folders and flexible configuration of the appearance.
• 📱 Apex Launcher – Lightweight Launcher with gesture support for folders.
• 🔧 Lawnchair – open launcher with the function of “smart folders” (automatic grouping by category).

How to install and configure:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Open the application and select it as the default launcher (Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher).
3. To create a folder in Nova Launcher: Hold the icon and drag it to another. To change the style of the folder, click on it → Edit → select a design (for example, “Vertical List” or “Grid”).

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🔢 There is no limit on the number of applications in the folder.
• 🎨 More design options (colors, animations, icons).
• 🔒 Ability to hide folders or block them with a password.

💡

In Nova Launcher, you can set up a double-touch gesture to open the hidden folder. To do this, go to Settings Nova → Gestures and controls → Double-touch and select Open folder.

Problem Solving: Why folders disappear or don't get created

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that folders on Xiaomi:

• 🗑️ Disappear after rebooting.
• 🚫 Not created by dragging.
• 🔄 Renamed spontaneously.

Let's look at causes and solutions:

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings → About the phone → System Update).
2. Perform a reset of the launcher settings (see Method 4).
3. Install an alternative launcher (see Method 5).

💡

If folders disappear after the MIUI update, the problem is most often associated with the migration of the launcher data, in which case only a complete reset of the launcher settings or a transition to a third-party launcher will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi