How to create a folder on the desktop Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro: instructions with photos and life hacks

Chaos of icons on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro desktop prevents you from quickly finding the right applications? Creating folders is the easiest way to get things in order. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods for adding folders on the home screen, including hidden chips of the MIUI shell that work on your model. Whether you want to group games, messengers or working utilities, our instructions cover all scenarios.

Many users mistakenly believe that you need to install third-party launchers to create a folder. In fact, the built-in MIUI 12/13/14 tools (depending on the firmware version of your Redmi 9 Pro) allow you to do this in two touches. We will also tell you how to rename a folder, change its color and even hide it from prying eyes – these features are often missed even by experienced owners of Xiaomi smartphones.

Before you start, check out MIUI: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI. This is what makes some options available. For example, MIUI 14 has the ability to automatically sort apps into folders by category, which few people know!

1. Standard method: dragging icons

The most versatile method, working on all versions of MIUI, is suitable for creating folders "on the fly" without unnecessary settings.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Press and hold any app icon on your desktop (not in the app menu!) in a second, the vibration will appear and the icon will pop up".
• 👆 Without letting go of your finger, drag the icon to another icon you want to merge into a folder. For example, move WhatsApp to Telegram.
• 📁 Release your finger – the system will automatically create a folder with the category name (for example, “Social Networks").

If you need to add more apps to your folder, just drag and drop them into it the same way. MIUI Limitation: One folder can store up to 16 apps (up to 9 in older versions), and if you exceed the limit, the folder will not break, but you will not be able to add new icons.

Hold the icon 1-2 seconds | Switch to another icon | Release your finger after the vibration |Add other apps (optional)

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⚠️ Note: If the icon does not "stick" to another when dragging, check:

⚠️ Is editing mode enabled (double tapping on free space on the screen turns it off). ⚠️ Are you trying to create a folder with system applications (for example, “Settings” or “Phone”) – some of them can not be grouped.

2. Create a folder through the application menu

A less well-known, but no less convenient way – especially if you prefer to select all the necessary applications first, and then group them.

Step-by-step:

1. Tap the App Menu icon (usually at the bottom of the screen, centered or swipe up).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Editing Mode.
3. Check the boxes you want to combine (maximum 16).
4. Click Create a folder in the bottom panel. The folder will appear on the desktop.

This is a great way to organize icons on a mass scale, for example, if you want to transfer all the games from the menu to the home screen in one folder.

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To quickly find the app on the menu, use the search bar at the top. Just start typing in the name, the system will show matches.

3. Automatic sorting in MIUI 14 (hidden function)

MIUI 14 and later (installed on Redmi 9 Pro after the 2023 update) has introduced the Smart Folders feature, which analyzes your applications and suggests optimal groups, and many users are unaware of its existence, although it saves time.

How to turn on:

1. Press the empty space on the desktop with your finger and select Screen Settings.
2. Go to Smart Folders → Auto-Sort Applications.
3. Turn on the switch and select categories (games, social media, tools, etc.).
4. Click Apply – the system will create folders automatically.

It uses artificial intelligence to determine how often you use apps, such as if you open YouTube and TikTok every day, it will suggest combining them into an Entertainment folder.

Drag and drop icons | Through the app menu | Auto-sort |I don't create folders |In another way

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4. Customize the appearance of the folder

It's half the job of creating a folder, and in MIUI, you can customize the look of the folder to make the desktop look stylish and fit your mood.

Options available:

• 🎨 Folder color: touch the folder → Edit → Choose a color from the palette (12 shades available).
• 📝 Title: In the same editing menu, you can rename the folder (maximum 12 characters).
• 🔒 Hiding folder: in Screen settings → Hidden folders can be removed from the eyes (available in the MIUI 13+).
• 📌 Fixing: Hold the folder and drag it to the top of the screen to capture its position.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a dark topic MIUI, The folder colors will automatically adjust to it. To turn that off, go to Settings. → Screen. → Color scheme → Adaptive Colors and Deactivate the Option.

5. Solving common problems

Sometimes folders on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro are created with errors, let’s analyze typical situations and how to fix them.

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the launcher settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Reset Settings

This operation will return the standard desktop look, but will not delete your data or applications.

6.Alternative launchers for enhanced capabilities

The built-in MIUI tools are limited. If you need more flexibility (such as nested folders, resizing icons inside a folder, or gestures to open), it's worth considering third-party launchers.

Top.-3 Launcher for Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher: Supports nested folders, gesture customization and desktop backup.The free version covers 90% of needs.
• 🎭 Microsoft Launcher: Windows integration, automatic folder synchronization between devices.
• 🔧 Apex Launcher: lightweight, with gesture support and hidden folders (password to access).

To install an alternative launcher:

1. Download the app from Google Play Market.
2. After installation, click Home and select a new launcher as your primary.
3. Configure folders according to the launcher instructions (usually it is enough to hold the icon and drag it to another).

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, some chips are turned off MIUI, For example, smart sorting and integration with Xiaomi services (such as Mi Cloud.

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Third-party launchers consume more RAM (10-15% more than the standard MIUI Launcher).If your Redmi 9 Pro is slowing down, go back to your native launcher.

7. Desktop Optimization: Advice from Experts

Creating folders is just the first step to a perfect desktop, and here are some advanced tips that Xiaomi experienced users use:

• 📊 4 icon rule: Don't store more than 4 folders on the home screen. Research shows that this is the optimal number for quick access.
• 🔍 Search for folders: B MIUI There is a built-in search for applications (swipe down on the desktop). If you use the application less than 1 time a week, you should not download them a folder.
• 🔄 Folder rotation: Revisit folder content once a month. Remove unused applications, which speeds up the system.
• 🎨 Color encoding: Assign color folders by category (e.g., red for work, green for entertainment) This speeds up visual search.

For maximum productivity, it is also recommended:

Settings → Special features → Increase performance → Enable “MIUI Optimization”

This option automatically closes the background processes when you open a folder with applications that require resources (such as games).

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro