How to create a folder on the Xiaomi Redmi 8T desktop: all ways + tips for organizing

On Xiaomi Redmi 8T, the desktop often turns into a chaos of app icons, especially if you are actively installing new programs. Creating folders is an easy way to put things in order by grouping similar applications (social networks, games, utilities) into single blocks. But how do you do this correctly if the standard MIUI launcher is not always intuitive?

Many users mistakenly think that folders need root rights or third-party launchers to create. In fact, Redmi 8T has this feature built into the system, but hidden behind non-obvious gestures. Moreover, folders can be created not only on the home screen, but also in the application menu - this is convenient for rarely used programs. In this article, we will analyze all available methods, including hidden MIUI 11/12 chips that work on Redmi 8T.

If you've never set up a desktop on Xiaomi, prepare for the fact that the process may be different from other Android devices. For example, there's no classic long tap for creating a folder (like Samsung), but there are unique gestures and even voice commands. And there's a little-known feature called Smart Folders, which automatically sorts apps into categories.

Method 1: Standard folder creation via MIUI launcher

This is the basic method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 8T. You don’t need any additional apps or settings – just the right sequence of steps.

1. Find two app icons on your desktop that you want to merge into a folder, like WhatsApp and Telegram.

2. Hold your finger on one icon and drag it to the other one, and in a second, you'll see the animation of creating the folder.

3. Release your finger - the system will automatically assign a name to the folder (usually by category, for example, "Communication"). To rename, tap the folder name and type a new one.

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Note: If you drag and drop the icon and you don't create the folder, check if the screen editing mode is activated (double tap on the empty space on the desktop), in which folder creation is blocked.

By default, the folder displays the first 4 icons, the rest are hidden under the "More" point. To see all the apps inside, tap the folder and the full list will open.

• 📌 Lay down frequently used applications at the top (long tap) → "Secure")
• 🗑️ Remove the application from the folder (swipe left)
• 🔄 Change the order of the icons (clamp and drag)

Screen editing mode not activated

Icons are not widgets (they can not be combined)

There is free space on the desktop for folders

"Safe Mode" is disabled (no folders are created in it)-->

Method 2: Create a folder through the application menu

If you don't have space on your desktop, or if you want to hide the folder from prying eyes, you can create it right in the app menu (called swipe up from the bottom panel), which is less well known, but it's just as useful.

1. Open the application menu (swipe up from the dock panel).

2. Find two icons you want to combine. Squeeze one and drag it to the other, and the folder will be created automatically.

3. Feature: folders in the application menu are displayed as separate icons with thumbnails of internal programs. To open the folder, tap it, the list of applications will open.

💡 Hidden chip: You can create nested folders in the app menu, drag and drop one folder onto another, and it's convenient for complex organizations like this:

📁 Social media




├── 📁 Messengers




│    ├── WhatsApp




│    └── Telegram




└── 📁 Social media




├── VKontakte




└── Instagram

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Note: nested folders only work in the application menu. You can't create them on the MIUI desktop, the system will automatically deploy the structure.

Method 3: Using a file manager for shortcut folders

This method is suitable for advanced users who want to create folders with not only applications, but also file shortcuts (such as frequently used documents or photos).

1. Open File Manager → Categories → Favorites.

2. Find the file or folder you want to create a shortcut for on your desktop. Slip on the three dots next to the name and select Add to desktop.

3. Now a shortcut will appear on your desktop. To combine it with others in a folder, use Method 1 (drop and drop).

📌 Important: File shortcuts behave differently than app icons:

• 🔗 They open a file, not a program.
• 📂 They cannot be moved in the app menu.
• 🔄 When you delete a file from the device, the shortcut becomes unworkable

I create folders by category

I'm using app search.

I leave it as it is (chaos)

Installing a third-party launcher

Other-->

Method 4: Automatic sorting with “Smart Folders”

MIUI has a hidden feature called Smart Folders, which automatically groups applications into categories (social media, games, tools, etc.) and is available on Redmi 8T, but is disabled by default.

To activate it:

1. Press the empty space on the desktop with your finger and select Desktop Settings.
2. Go to the Desktop Markup → Smart folders.
3. Turn on the switch and select categories for automatic sorting.

Once activated, the system will create folders itself, but you can:

• 🔧 Rename automatic folders
• ➕ Add/remove applications manually
• 🚫 Disable sorting for individual categories

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Warning: Smart folders can conflict with manual organization, so if you manually created a Game folder and the system automatically created yours, the content won't merge. You'll have to move the icons yourself.

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If smart folders have created an unnecessary category (like “Rarely Used”), don’t delete it right away. Check the content first, sometimes important utilities that you haven’t opened for a long time come in handy (like “Backup”) get there.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even in the simple process of creating folders, Redmi 8T users are facing challenges.

1. The folder is not created by drag and drop.

Causes and solutions:

• 📱 Edit Mode: Double tap on the desktop activates icon movement mode, in which folders are not created. exit it by pressing "Done" or the "Back" button".
• 🔒 Safe Mode: Many functions are disabled MIUI, Reboot your phone to get out of safe mode.
• 🧩 Incompatible icons: Widgets or shortcuts for system settings (such as "Wi-Fi") cannot be combined into folders.

2.The folder disappeared after the MIUI update

On Redmi 8T, after upgrading to MIUI 12.5, some users lost folders due to resetting the launcher settings.

3. You can't rename the folder.

If the renaming field does not appear when taping the folder name:

• Check if a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher) is installed.In some versions of MIUI, this blocks standard features.
• Update system applications through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
• Remove the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache.

💡

If folders on Redmi 8T suddenly stopped being created, 90% of the time the launcher crashes, solves the problem of clearing its cache or data (without losing apps!).

Advice on the organization of the working table

Creating folders is just the first step. To make the Redmi 8T desktop really convenient, use these tips:

1. Optimal number of folders

Research shows that the human brain is more efficient at perceiving information when there are no more than 5-7 groups of objects on the screen. For Redmi 8T, this means:

• 📱 1-2 folders on the home screen (for the most important applications)
• 📂 3-4 folders in the application menu (for rarely used programs)
• 🚫 Avoid nested folders that are more than 2 levels deep, making navigation more difficult.

Color and visual labels

MIUI allows you to change folder icons, and use this to visually group:

1. Slip on the folder → “Edit” → “Folder icon”.
2. Choose a color or picture (for example, green for messengers, blue for working applications).

3. hot folder keys

Few people know, but Redmi 8T can make a gesture to quickly open the folder:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Gestures.
2. Select Double-Tap Lock screen.
3. Set the "Open folder" action and select the one you want.

💡 Advanced Life Hack: If you need to switch between folders often, create shortcuts for them in the notification bar:

• Install QuickShortcutMaker from Google Play.
• Find the action com.miui.home.launcher.ShortcutActivity.
• Create a shortcut for the desired folder and add it to the notification bar through the MIUI widget.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi folders 8T