How to create a folder on the desktop Xiaomi Redmi 6A: all ways + life hacks on the organization of the screen

The desktop of the Xiaomi Redmi 6A smartphone quickly fills with application icons, especially if you are actively installing new programs. Without the right screen organization, finding the right application becomes increasingly difficult — you have to flip through several pages or search for a long time among dozens of icons. The solution is simple: creating folders allows you to group icons into categories (social networks, games, utilities) and save space on the screen.

In this article, you will find all the possible ways to create folders on Redmi 6A, from the standard method to alternative options using launchers. We will also explain how to return a accidentally deleted folder (yes, it is possible!), why sometimes you can not drag and drop icons, and share life hacks on the optimization of the desktop. If you want to clean up your smartphone, read on!

Why Redmi 6A can’t create a folder: common bugs

Before we get to the instructions, let’s deal with the typical problems that make it impossible for users to group icons:

• 🔄 Important version MIUI. On old firmware (MIUI 9 and below) the folder creation algorithm is different and some functions may not be available.
• 👆 Incorrect touch of the screen. Many people try to tap the icon twice or hold it for too long (more than 2 seconds) - the system perceives this as an attempt to remove the icon.
• 📱 Use a third-party launcher.If you have installed a Nova Launcher, Apex or other alternative interface, the standard way to do this is to use a new launcher. MIUI no-one will work.
• 🔒 Parental Control Limitations: In some cases, desktop settings are blocked through Settings. → Parental control.

If none of these items apply to you, but folders are not created anyway, check if the visually impaired mode is activated (Settings → Special Features), in which the screen gestures change, which can interfere with standard actions.

Method 1: Standard folder creation (without additional applications)

This is the easiest and fastest method that works on any version of MIUI, including Redmi 6A with MIUI 10/11/12.You don’t need to install anything else – just follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Find two app icons on your desktop that you want to merge into one folder, like WhatsApp and Telegram.
2. Press one of the icons and hold your finger for 1-1.5 seconds until it increases and vibrations appear.
3. Keep your fingers on, drag the icon to the second, and when they touch, they'll have a gray outline around them.
4. Release your finger – the system will automatically create a folder called Untitled (or “Folder” depending on the version of MIUI).

To rename the folder:

1. Tap the "Untitled" label under the folder icon.
2. In the field that appears, enter a new name (for example, “Social networks” or “Work”).
3. Press Ready or OK on the keyboard.

Important! If you just swapped the icons after dragging them and the folder didn't create, you let your finger go too quickly. Repeat the action by holding the icon longer (before the vibration appears).

Method 2: Create a folder through editing mode

This method is suitable for those who prefer a more controlled process or are experiencing problems with the standard way. Here we will use the desktop editing mode, which is available in MIUI by default:

1. Touch the empty space on your desktop and hold your finger for 2 seconds until the menu appears.
2. Select "Screen Settings" (or "Edit" depending on the version).
3. At the top of the screen, a toolbar will appear. Click on the Folder icon (usually depicted as two folded icons).
4. The system will create an empty folder called "New Folder." Drag it to a convenient location on the screen.
5. Now add apps to it: press and hold the icon, then drag it to the folder.

The advantage of this method is that you can create a folder first and then fill it up without accidentally moving the icons, and it's also easier to work with less space on the screen.

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If you don't see the Folder icon in editing mode, upgrade to MIUI 11 or higher. Older versions may not have this option.

Method 3: Use of third-party launchers (for advanced users)

If you don't like standard methods (e.g., you want more customization options), you can install an alternative launcher. Redmi 6A works well:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – flexible settings, gesture support, desktop backup.
• 🎨 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows, synchronization with PC.
• ⚡ Apex Launcher – lightweight and fast, suitable for weak devices.
• 📱 POCO Launcher – Minimalist design, optimized for Xiaomi.

Let’s look at the example of Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one (the system will prompt you to do this when you first start).
2. Press and hold your finger on the free desktop space, then select "Widgets".
3. In the list, search for “Nova Actions” and drag the “Folder” element to the screen.
4. Release your finger, a new folder will appear. Now add apps to it in the standard way (drop and drop).

Nova Launcher also includes:

• 🔧 Customize color and transparency of folders.
• 📌 Fix folders on all desktops.
• 🔄 Sort icons inside the folder automatically (by alphabet, color, frequency of use).

How to Rename, Remove or Restore a Folder

Managing folders on Redmi 6A is intuitive, but there are a few nuances to know about:

Important: If you delete the folder along with the icons, the apps themselves will not be deleted - they will just return to the desktop or in the application menu. Exception: if you delete the icon from the application menu (and not from the desktop), then the program will be uninstalled.

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On Redmi 6A, you can’t create a folder inside another folder – MIUI doesn’t support nested folders on your desktop.

What to do if folders are not created: diagnostics and solutions

If none of the above methods worked, use this troubleshooting instruction:

1. Reboot your smartphone. Sometimes MIUI bugs interfere with your gestures. Hold the power button and select Reboot.
2. Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and install the latest version of MIUI.
3. Reset Launcher Settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear Data Attention! This will remove all your desktop settings (wallpaper, widgets, icon location).
4. Check the space. If your device has less than 500MB of free memory, MIUI can block desktop changes. Free up space through Settings → Storage.

If the problem persists, try installing another launcher (such as POCO Launcher) to help determine if the bug is related to system software or a particular application.

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Before resetting the launcher settings, take screenshots of the current location of the icons - so it will be easier for you to restore order after cleaning.

Life hacks on the organization of the desktop on Redmi 6A

Creating folders is just the first step to a comfortable desktop, and here are some tips to make it even more functional:

• 📁 Group by frequency of use. In one folder, fold the applications you open daily (messaging, social networks) and in another - rarely used (settings, system utilities).
• 🎨 Use color accents. In launchers like Nova, you can assign folders different colors so they can be visually distinguished.
• 🔍 Sort alphabetically. In folder settings (Push on folder) → Edit → Sorting) enable automatic sorting so you don’t search for the desired application manually.
• 📱 Hide the icons you rarely use, transfer them to a folder called Archive, and hide them on your last desktop.
• 🔄 In Nova Launcher, you can swipe a folder to quickly open a frequently used app.

Another trick that's useful is that if you have a lot of folders, you can place them at the corners of the screen, so you can reach them with your thumb (especially on the Redmi 6A with its compact body), and you can also use folder widgets, which take up less space and show content without opening.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi Redmi 6A