How to create a folder on the desktop Xiaomi Redmi 7: all ways + secret chips MIUI

The Xiaomi Redmi 7 desktop often turns into a mess of shortcuts — especially if you’re actively installing apps or saving files in quick access. Creating folders helps not only to clean up, but also to speed up access to the right programs. However, in the MIUI shell (especially on older versions like MIUI 10/11), this process is not always intuitive: somewhere you need a long press, somewhere you need special gestures, and in some cases folders completely disappear after a reboot.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the current ways to create folders on Redmi 7 (including hidden MIUI features), explain why folders sometimes don’t save, and show you how to restore them. And also reveal a unique file-folder lifehack (not just for apps) that only works on Xiaomi. If you’ve tried to create a folder but failed, chances are you’ve missed one of the critical steps we’ll cover below.

1. Basic method: creating a folder for applications

The most obvious method is to combine application shortcuts into a folder. It works on all versions of MIUI (10 to 14), but there are nuances with animation and display. Here's how to do it correctly:

1. Find two apps on your desktop that you want to merge, like WhatsApp and Telegram.

2.Tap one of the shortcuts and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds until it “rises” above the screen and the cross appears to remove.

3. Keep your finger on, drag the label to the second one. When they collide, a translucent circle will appear, which is a signal that the folder is being created.

4. Let go of your finger. The folder is ready! Now you can rename it (stamp it by its name) or add other apps.

• 📌 Important: If the shortcuts don’t stick together, check if Easy Mode is on (Settings) → Special opportunities → Easy mode. It blocks folder creation.
• 🔄 If the folder is created, but immediately disappeared – update the launcher to the latest version through Google Play (search: MIUI Launcher).
• 🎨 To change the color of the folder, click on it. → Edit → Choose the style from the proposed (available with the MIUI 12).

Long-pressed label|Drag to another label|Release your finger after the circle appears|Rename the folder (optional)-->

If you can't, there's probably a problem with the screen settings.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 7s MIUI 10 Bug: If in Settings → Desktop → Screen layout selected Fixed, folders will not be created.

2. Secret Way: File folders (not just for apps!)

Few people know, but on Xiaomi Redmi 7 you can create folders not only for applications, but also for files directly on the desktop. This works through the Files widget and allows you to, for example, store a folder with documents or photos on the screen. Here's how to do this:

1.Tap the free space on the desktop and hold your finger until the menu appears.

2. Select Widgets → find the Files widget (document folder icon).

3. Drag it on the screen. The MIUI conductor will open.

4. Select a folder (such as Downloads or DCIM) and click OK. Now the folder shortcut will appear on the desktop!

This method is especially useful if you work with files often and don't want to open Explorer every time, for example, you can put a folder with:

• 📄 Important documents (scans, PDF)
• 📷 Recent photos (to share quickly)
• 🎵 Offline music for listening

💡

If the Files widget doesn't appear in the list, update Explorer through Google Play, which is sometimes hidden due to an outdated version.

3. Create folders through launcher settings (for advanced)

If the standard methods don’t work, you can use the hidden settings of the MIUI launcher. This method requires activation of Developer Mode, but gives more control over folders (for example, allows you to change their size or turn off animations).

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode:

Settings → About the phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times)

2. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer and enable USB Debugging (optional, but sometimes required).

3. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play (free).

4. Open it, find the MIUI Launcher → Launcher Settings.

5. Enable the option to Allow folder changes (if any). Now you can:

• 🔧 Change the size of folders (stretch them with your fingers)
• 🎭 Change the display style (list/grid)
• 🔄 Turn off the opening animation

This method is suitable if you:

• 🛠️ Want to fine-tune the look of folders
• 🔄 Facing a bug when folders spontaneously close
• 📱 Use custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu)

Drag tags | Files Widget | Launcher Settings | Launcher Party | I don't create folders-->

4.Why do folders disappear or not save?

One of the most common problems with Redmi 7 is that folders disappear after a reboot or update.

If the folders continue to disappear, try resetting the launcher settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.

2. Find the Launcher (or MIUI Launcher) → Storage.

3. Click Clear Data (no cache!) Attention: This will delete all folders and widgets!

4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu), a launcher reset may cause wallpaper and weather widgets to reset.

5. Alternative launchers: When standard methods don't work

If none of these things worked, or you don't like how folders work in MIUI, you can install a third-party launcher.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – flexible folder configuration, gestures, backup
• 🎨 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with OneDrive, folders for files and applications
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – lightweight, with support for themes design

How to determine:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play.

2. After installation, click Home and select the new launcher as the main one.

3. Now, folder creation will work according to the rules of the selected launcher (usually by long press + drag and drop).

Cons of this approach:

• ❌ Xiaomi’s branded chips are turned off (for example, Double Space)
• ⚠️ Some widgets MIUI may not work
• 🔋 Low battery consumption (launchers operate in the background)

💡

Side launcher is the only way to create folders with nested folders (e.g., Work → Projects → Documents) – this is not possible in standard MIUI.

6. Backup folders: how not to lose settings

If you've spent time organizing your desktop, it's a shame to lose all your folders after you reset or upgrade. MIUI has a built-in backup feature, but it doesn't always work correctly. Here are some reliable ways to save your folders:

Method 1: Using MI Cloud

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → MI Cloud.

2. Enable backup System settings and Application Data.

3.Push backup and wait until it is completed.

Note: This method only saves folders if you use a standard MIUI launcher.

Method 2: Through Third Party Applications

For launchers like Nova Launcher, there are specialized tools:

• 📲 Nova Backup (for Nova Launcher)
• 🔄 Home Backup (Universal Backup)

Method 3: Manual export

If the folders are small, you can just:

1. Take a picture of the folder screen (to remember the structure).

2. save the list of applications in a file (for example, in Google Keep).

⚠️ Note: Backup copies through MI Cloud doesn’t always restore folders correctly if you’ve updated the version. MIUI (In this case, it is better to use third-party solutions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi folders 7