How to create a folder on the Xiaomi Redmi 10 desktop: all ways + secrets MIUI

Why Redmi 10 Can't Create a Folder and How to Fix It

Are you trying to organize the chaos of icons on the Xiaomi Redmi 10 home screen, but folders refuse to be created? Or do they suddenly disappear after the reboot? The problem is not your actions, but the features of the shell of MIUI, Xiaomi's proprietary interface that works differently from standard Android. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to create folders on the Redmi 10 desktop (relevant to MIUI 12, 13 and 14), including hidden chips and workarounds for stubborn devices.

It's important to understand that Android folders are not just visual groupings, they're full file system objects. On Redmi 10, they can behave unpredictably because of MIUI optimizations, which sometimes delete empty folders or reset them after updates, and we'll not only show you how to create a folder, but we'll also teach you how to fix it on the screen, change the icon and restore it if it's gone.

If you've tried the standard method before (dropping one icon to another) and it doesn't work, don't be quick to blame your smartphone. You may have Light Mode enabled or you have activated experimental MIUI features that block folder creation. Next, you'll find a diagnostic table with causes and solutions.

Method 1: Classic folder creation (dragging icons)

This is a basic method that works on most Android devices, including Redmi 10. However, in MIUI it has nuances - for example, a folder may not be created if there is too little free space on the screen or the function Autosort applications is enabled.

How to do this:

1. Unlock your smartphone and go to the main screen.
2. Find two app icons you want to combine, like YouTube and Chrome.
3. Hold one icon (for example, YouTube) and drag it to the other one (Chrome).
4. When the second icon lights up, release your finger, and you'll see a folder with an automatically generated name (like "Untitled" or "Folder 1").

⚠️ Note: If the icon just stands next to you when dragging and the folder is not created, check if the screen editing mode is activated (long press on the free space of the screen). → Screen settings. In this mode, the grouping of icons is blocked.

Hold the icon for longer than 2 seconds|Check the free space on the screen|Turn off editing mode.|Reboot your smartphone-->

How to Rename a Folder and Change Its Color

By default, MIUI assigns folders standard names, but they are easy to change:

1. Tap the folder you created to open it.
2. Slip on the title text (for example, "Folder 1") - the editing field will appear.
3. Enter a new name (up to 12 characters) and click Ready.

The color of the folder depends on the MIUI theme, to change it:

1. Go to Settings → Design → Themes.
2. Choose another theme (such as Dark or AMOLED).
3. The color of the folder will be updated automatically.

💡

If the folder has become transparent or its background has disappeared, it is a MIUI bug. It is fixed by rebooting or changing the theme to a standard one.

Method 2: Create a folder through the application menu

If drag and drop icons don't work, try creating a folder through a full list of apps, which is more reliable because it doesn't depend on free space on the home screen.

Instructions:

1. Swipe up the main screen to open the Apps menu (a list of all installed programs).
2. Find two programs you want to combine, like Gallery and Camera.
3. Click one icon (e.g. Gallery) and drag it to the second (Camera).
4. Release your finger – the folder will be created directly in the application menu.
5. To transfer it to the main screen: press the folder → drag to the free space → release.

💡 Useful Lifehack: You can create folders in the application menu even with system programs (such as Settings and Contacts) that are not usually grouped on the home screen.

Drag and drop icons on the home screen |Through the app menu |Other methods (indicated in the comments) |I don't create folders-->

Method 3: Using widgets to create "smart folders"

MIUI allows you to create not only regular folders, but also "smart folders" - dynamic groups of applications that update automatically, for example, the folder "Social networks" will add new messengers to itself.

How to set up:

1. Click the free space on the home screen → select Widgets.
2. Scroll through the list to the Tools section and find the App Folder widget.
3. Drag the widget onto the screen. The settings menu will open.
4. Select the folder type: 📁 Manual – you add the apps yourself. ⚡ Automatic — MIUI grouping programs into categories (e.g., "Games", "Work"). 🔍 By frequency of use – the folder will show the most used applications.

Ready.

⚠️ Warning: Automatic folders can add or remove apps after updates MIUI. If you need stable storage for icons – use manual mode.

Method 4: Create a folder through a file manager (for power users)

This is a method that works for people who want to not just group icons, but create a real folder in the file system that will be displayed on the desktop, such as a shortcut for quick access to documents or photos.

Instructions:

1. Open the Files application (standard file manager MIUI).
2. Go to the Internal Memory → Download (or any other folder).
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Create a folder.
4. Enter the name (such as Documents) and click OK.
5. Return to the main screen, press the free space → Widgets → Shortcuts.
6. Select Files → find the folder you created and add it to the screen.

How to fix folders so they do not disappear:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Launcher (or MIUI Launcher) and open its settings.
3. Disable options: Clear cache when closing Optimize memory

Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher), folders MIUI They may not be able to survive:

1. Remove the third-party launcher or make it the default launcher.
2. Create folders directly in the new launcher (the methods may differ).

How to Recover a Lost Folder on Redmi 10

If the folder is gone, you can return it without losing any content.

Step 1. Check the application menu

Sometimes the folder doesn't disappear, it just moves to the full list of programs. Swipe up the home screen and look for it there. If you find it, pinch it and drag it back.

Step 2. Restore through backup

MIUI automatically backs up desktop settings to restore:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backup and find the latest copy (sort by date).
3. Click Restore and select only Desktop Settings.

Step 3. Reset the launcher settings

If the folder is missing after the update:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher.
2. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
3. ⚠️ Warning: This will remove all desktop settings, including the location of icons and widgets.

Step 4: Use third-party applications

If nothing works, install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) and create folders in it. MIUI won't be able to delete them, as they'll be tied to another application.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi Redmi 10