How to create a folder on the desktop Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 proven ways + tips for organization

The desktop of a smartphone is a virtual space that reflects your style of working with the gadget. On Xiaomi Redmi 8 with the shell of MIUI, organizing icons into folders helps not only save space, but also speed up access to frequently used applications. However, many users face difficulties: where to find the option to create a folder, why does it not appear when drag and drop, and can you return a accidentally deleted folder?

In this article, we will explore all the possible ways to create folders on Redmi 8, from the standard method to bypassing restrictions through third-party launchers, and focus on the hidden nuances of MIUI that are not described in the official documentation, such as why sometimes folders are not created when you hold an icon, and how to fix this without resetting.

If you’ve just purchased a Xiaomi Redmi 8 or upgraded your firmware, some of the interface features may have changed.We’ve taken into account current versions of MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese builds), so the instructions will work independently of regional firmware. For convenience, each method is illustrated with screenshots and supplemented with a video guide (link at the end of the article).

1. Standard method: creating a folder through icon retention

The most obvious method is to drag and drop one icon to another, but on Redmi 8, this process has features that are not written about in the manuals. For example, if the screen is enabled with the "Big icons" mode (Settings → Screen → Element Size), the folder may not be created due to the limitations of the shell.

To avoid errors, follow the exact sequence:

1. Unlock the screen and go to the main desktop.
2. Find two app icons you want to combine, like Chrome and YouTube.
3. Hold your finger on the first icon, and drag it to the second one, and hold your finger on the screen until you see a black circle that says "Folder."
4. Release your finger – the system will automatically create a folder with two apps inside.

⚠️ Note: If only the icon removal/move menu appears after drag and drop, then your Redmi 8 has disabled folder creation:

• 🔧 Using a third-party launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher or Apex).
• 📱 Simple screen mode (Settings) → Special opportunities → Simple mode).
• 🔄 Recent update MIUI, resetting the interface.

Make sure that the standard launcher is on. MIUI|Turn off the "Simple Screen" mode"|Make sure there is enough free space on the screen (minimum) 2×2 cell)|Update the firmware to the latest version-->

2. Alternative method: via screen editing menu

If drag and drop doesn't work, try creating a folder through desktop editing mode, which works even when MIUI gestures are turned off and is suitable for users who can't hold icons because of the sensitivity of the screen.

Instructions:

1. Touch and hold the empty space on your desktop until the menu appears.
2. Select the "Widgets" item (not to be confused with "Wallpaper"!).
3. Scroll down to the folder section and select the New folder option.
4. Drag the empty folder to the desktop and fill it with applications manually.

💡 Useful tip: If the widget menu does not have the option "Folders", then your Redmi 8 has a modified firmware (for example, custom Pixel Experience). №3 with third-party launcher.

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

The standard MIUI launcher limits customization: you can't change folder size, look and feel or add file shortcuts to it. If you want advanced features, install an alternative launcher. We tested 5 popular solutions on Redmi 8 and selected the best ones:

🔹 How to install a third-party launcher:

• 📥 Download the selected launcher from Google Play.
• 🔧 After installation, click the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
• 🎨 Go to the launcher settings (usually swipe up on the desktop) and set up folders to suit your needs.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers on Redmi 8, access to the system widget may disappear MIUI (To return them, temporarily switch back to the standard launcher via Settings. → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.

Standard. MIUI|Nova Launcher|Apex Launcher|Microsoft Launcher|Other-->

4. Create folders for files (not applications)

Many users confuse desktop application folders with File Manager folders. On Redmi 8, these functions are not related: the folders on the screen are only shortcuts, and you need to use a built-in file manager or Google Files to work with files.

To create a folder for files:

1. Open the Files app (an icon with a blue folder).
2. Go to the "Inner Memory" section or "SD-map".
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Create a folder".
4. Enter the title (e.g. Documents 2026) and click OK.

Important: folders created in Files will not automatically appear on the desktop. To get quick access to them, create a shortcut: press the folder in Explorer → Add to the home screen.

5 Problem Solving: The folder is not created or disappears

If the folder does not appear when dragging and dropping or disappears after a reboot, check the following points:

🔧 Additional advice:

• 🔄 If the folder is empty and is not deleted, add any application to it, and then delete it – the folder will disappear.
• 📱 On Redmi 8s MIUI 14, the Smart Folders feature appeared - they automatically group applications into categories (social networks, games, etc.) To disable: Settings → Desktop → Smart folders. → Off.

💡

Create a backup of folders before updating MIUI! To do this, use the Swift Backup app (root rights required) or manually save the list of apps in folders through screenshots.

6. Desktop Optimization: Tips for Organizing Folders

It's not enough to just create a folder, you have to make it convenient. Here are the tried-and-true tricks for Redmi 8:

Rule of 3 folders:

• 📁 Frequently used (messaging, browser, camera).
• 🎮 Entertainment (games, music, videos).
• ⚙️ Utilities (settings, file manager, calculator).

Color markings:

In Nova or Apex launchers, you can assign folders different colors, for example:

• 🔴 Red - urgent applications (banks, mail).
• 🟢 Green is entertainment.
• 🔵 Blue -- working tools.

📌 Hidden opportunities MIUI:

On Redmi 8, you can hide folders from prying eyes without third-party applications:

1. Create a folder and add the necessary applications to it.
2. Press the folder → select “Hide” (the option appears after setting the password on the lock screen).
3. To return the folder, swipe down on the desktop and type PIN-code.

💡

On Redmi 8, the maximum number of folders on a single screen is 16. If you need more, use multiple desktops or a third-party launcher.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi Redmi 8