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

Why Redmi Can't Just Create a Folder - And How to Get Around It

You try to clean up the Xiaomi Redmi desktop, but don’t find the “Create a folder” option? MIUI, And unlike Samsung or Google Pixel, there's no context menu with that feature, but there are 3 working methods that are not widely known to all users.

The main problem is that many people confuse desktop folders (for grouping application shortcuts) and file system folders (for storing documents), and this article will focus on the first option. If you need folders for files, go to the file manager section.

Important: The instructions are relevant to MIUI 14/15 on the Redmi Note models 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5 and other Xiaomi smartphones on Android 12-14. On the old versions (MIUI 12 and below the interface may be different.

Method 1: Create a folder by drag and drop (the fastest)

This is the standard method for MIUI Launcher — it works on all Redmi models without any additional apps. You only need 2 apps to create a folder:

1. Press and hold the label of the first app (for example, YouTube) in a second, it will "stick" from the screen.
2. Without letting go of your finger, drag it to a second app (like Chrome).
3. Release your finger – a new folder with an automatic name will appear (usually “Folder” or on the subject of applications).

To change the folder name:

1. Touch the folder created - it will open.
2. Slip on the text without a title or the folder at the top.
3. Enter a new name (such as “Social Networks” or “Work”) and click Ready.

Labels are not blocked in settings MIUI|

There is a free space on the screen (folder takes up a cell). 2×2)|

Apps not hidden in the "All Apps" menu |

Light Desktop Mode is disabled (if used)-->

⚠️ Warning: If you drag and drop apps back into place, check your gesture settings. → Desktop → In addition, the item "Re-driving applications" should be included".

Method 2: Through desktop settings (for advanced)

This method is suitable if you have a custom launcher (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion) or have your gestures disabled in the mobile phone. MIUI. It's a little longer, but it gives you more control over folders:

1. Click on the empty space on your desktop (not on the shortcut!).
2. In the menu that appears, select Desktop Settings (or Widgets if you use a launcher).
3. Go to the Folders or Application Grouping section.
4. Click Create a new folder and select apps from the list.

The advantage of this method:

• 📁 You can create a folder without shortcuts on the screen (it will be available through swipe up).
• 🔍 It is easier to manage folders if there are more than 10.
• 🔄 You can sort applications in a folder by alphabet, color, or frequency of use.

The downside is that some of Redmi's firmware has this section hidden, so if you can't find it, go back to the first way.

💡

So that the folder doesn't disappear after the reboot, add at least 2 apps to it. Empty folders. MIUI can be automatically removed when the system is optimized.

Method 3: Through the file manager (for file folders)

If you need a folder not for shortcuts, but for storing files (photos, documents, music), use the built-in Files by Google or the Files by Google. MI File Manager. This is another type of folder that doesn't appear on the desktop, but is accessible through Explorer.

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app (Blue folder icon).
2. Go to the internal memory section or SD-map.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Create → Folder.
4. Enter the title (such as My Documents) and click Create.

To get quick access to this folder from the desktop:

• 📌 Secure Files shortcut on the home screen.
• 🔗 Or create a quick access widget (click the screen). → Widgets → find a widget from MI File Manager).

⚠️ Note: Do not create folders with names beginning in. (dot) unless you understand their purpose. Such folders (e.g..thumbnails) are system-based and can cause errors when accidentally deleted.

Why folders disappear from Redmi desktop – and how to fix it

Xiaomi Redmi users often face a problem: created folders disappear after a reboot or update MIUI. Causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Auto-optimization MIUI: The system can delete "empty" folders (no applications). Solution: Add at least 2 shortcuts to the folder.
• 📱 Launcher reset: After upgrade, the launcher is reset to factory settings.Solution: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher and press Clear cache.
• 🚫 Light Desktop Mode: This mode has folders disabled. Solution: Turn it off in Settings → Desktop → Desktop mode.
• 🔐 Firmware restrictions: Some Redmis for China (CN-version MIUI) Folders disabled. Solution: Install global firmware (MIUI Global).

If folders disappear after updating MIUI, try:

1. Make a backup of the desktop through Settings → Desktop → Backup.
2. Update to the latest version MIUI.
3. Restore the backup after the update.

Secret folder chips on Xiaomi that you didn’t know about

MIUI It hides a few useful folder functions:

• 🎨 Color folders: Click on folder → Change. → Choose the color from the palette (available on the MIUI 14+).
• 🔒 Password Protection: Install App Lock from Settings → Privacy to hide the contents of the folder.
• 📊 Usage statistics: Click the folder → Information → You will see how many times you opened it.
• 🔄 Self-sorting: In the launcher settings, you can enable sorting of applications in the folder by alphabet or installation date.

For the Redmi Note 12 Pro models+ and the newer feature is available "Smart folders":

1. Create a folder and add it to it. 3-4 Applications of the same subject (for example, messengers).
2. MIUI automatically prompts you to add similar apps (for example, Telegram, if the folder already has WhatsApp).
3. Confirm the addition - the system will itself maintain the relevance of the folder.

Nana POCO F5 redmi K60 There is an exclusive function of the folder tab:

• Swipe left/right on the folder to switch between tabs (e.g., "Work" and "Personal").
• To add a tab, open the folder. → press + down.

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On Xiaomi, folders can be grouped and used as a productivity tool, such as creating a Morning folder with wake-up apps (alarm clock, weather, news) and placing it in the top left corner, so you start the day with the right actions.

How to transfer folders between screens on Redmi

If you have multiple desktops (swipe left/right), you can move the folders between them. Here's how to do this:

1. Hold the folder and wait a little while until it pops up.
2. Drag it to the edge of the screen (left or right) and hold it. 1-2 seconds.
3. The screen will automatically scroll – release the folder on the new desktop.

If the screen is not scrolling:

• 📵 Check if the scroll gesture is disabled in Settings → Desktop → Transitions between screens.
• 👆 Try dragging the folder slower - sometimes MIUI Not having time to respond to fast movements.
• 🔄 Restart Launcher: Press the Home Button (or Swipe Up) → Close Launcher from multitasking.

To combine folders from different screens:

1. Drag one folder to another.
2. MIUI will offer to merge their contents or replace them.
3. Choose Combine – all shortcuts will be in one folder.

Bonus: How to create a folder shortcut with files on the desktop

You can add not only app folders to the home screen, but also shortcuts to quickly access file folders, which is convenient for photographers, students or those who often work with documents.

Instructions for MI File Manager:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Find the folder you want to create a shortcut for (such as Download or Download). DCIM/Camera).
3. Hold the file. → Choose Add to the desktop.
4. The tag will appear on the home screen, and when you press it, it will open the folder in the conductor.

For Files by Google:

1. Open the folder in the app.
2. Press the three dots at the top. → Add to the main screen.

Limitations:

• ❌ You cannot create a shortcut for system folders (for example, /data or /system).
• ❌ On some firmware, folder shortcuts disappear after rebooting (solution – use the Quick Access widget).
• ✅ You can create a shortcut for network folders (for example, SMB or FTP), if connected to NAS.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi Redmi