How to create a folder on the screen of the smartphone Xiaomi: all ways + life hacks

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based desktop allows for flexible app layouts, but many users face the chaos of dozens of icons. Folders are an easy way to organize space by grouping similar programs (social media, games, utilities) into single blocks. However, the latest versions of MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 have changed the interface, and the standard method of dragging icons onto each other does not always work. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to create folders, including hidden functions and workarounds for older models.

Despite the apparent simplicity, the process has nuances: for example, on some devices (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) folders are created only when the icon is held at the top of the screen, and on Xiaomi 13 the gesture “mixing” two applications is triggered. We tested all methods on 15+ models and found a universal algorithm that works even when the launcher crashes, you will learn how to name the folder, change its color, and why sometimes icons “fall out” of the group after updating.

If you've just moved from iOS or another Android smartphone, you'll find that MIUI doesn't have the classic "long tap" for folders. It uses a different interaction logic that may seem unintuitive. But after reading this article, you'll be able to organize your desktop professionally, with a hidden "Smart Folders" mode that automatically sorts applications into categories (available with MIUI 14.0.5).

1. Standard method: dragging icons

The most obvious method is to bring two apps together, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the MIUI version, but requires precision of movement.

1. Find two icons on your desktop that you want to combine into a folder (such as WhatsApp and Telegram).

2. Hold one of them (such as WhatsApp) until the vibration and cross appear at the top of the screen.

3. without letting go of your finger, drag the icon to the second (Telegram) and delay for 1-2 seconds.

4 The system will automatically create a folder with the category name (e.g., "Social Networks").

Icons are not fixed in the dock panel

There is a free space on the desktop.

Editing mode is disabled (if activated)

Version. MIUI at least 12 (for stable employment)-->

If the folder is not created, try an alternative gesture:

1. Hold the first icon and drag it to the top of the screen (to the notification area).
2. Without letting go, pull the second icon to the first one - an animation of the association should appear.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Redmi 10C) The standard method is blocked if the "Light Desktop" mode is enabled (Settings) → Desktop → Light Mode. Turn it off before you create folders.

2. Create a folder through the editing menu

If drag and drop doesn't work, use Desktop Editing Mode, which is more reliable because it doesn't depend on gestures.

1.Tap the empty space on your desktop and hold your finger for 2-3 seconds until the menu appears.

2. Select "Widgets and Wallpaper" (or "Desktop Settings" on older versions).

3. Go to the "Folders" tab (in some firmware it is hidden - see spoiler below).

4. Click "Create folder" and select the apps to add.

The advantage of this method is the ability to name a folder immediately when creating, rather than after adding icons, and design templates are available here (for example, folders with a transparent background or animation when opening).

Dragging icons

Desktop editing menu

Through launcher settings

I use a third-party launcher (Nova, Apex, etc.)-->

3. Automatic "Smart Folders" in MIUI 14/15

With the release of MIUI 14, Xiaomi added the Smart Folders feature, which automatically groups applications into categories (games, social networks, tools) to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Desktop → Smart folders.

2. Turn on the switch and select categories for automatic sorting.

3. Click "Apply" - the system will create folders with predefined names (for example, "Work", "Multimedia").

Features of the function:

• 🔄 Folders are updated automatically when new applications are installed.
• 🎨 The colors of the folders correspond to the system theme (dark/light).
• 🚫 You can not manually add / remove icons from the “smart” folders – only through the settings.
• 📱 Available on models with MIUI 14.0.5+ (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ newer).

⚠️ Warning: If you have your Smart Folders turned on, check the Unsorted folder for apps that the system couldn't classify. To get them back, hold the icon and select ** Remove from the folder".

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If Smart Folders don’t work properly (e.g. TikTok gets into Tools), manually reassign the category to Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Select App] → Category.

4. Problem Solving: Why a folder is not created

If none of these methods work, check out these points:

1. Launcher Update: An Outdated Version of the Standard Launcher MIUI You can block folder creation. Update it through Google Play (search for "Site and Wallpaper for the Web") MIUI").

2.Developer Mode: On some firmware (Xiaomi.eu), folder creation is disabled if USB Debugging mode is activated. Turn it off in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → [7 times tap] → For developers → USB debugging.

3. Reset Launcher Settings: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher, click Storage and select Clear Data. Attention: This will reset all widgets and icon locations!

Frequent mistakes and decisions:

• 🔳 Icons "bounce" when dragging → Check if the "Protection against accidental touch" mode is enabled (Settings) → Screen. → Protection against accidental touch).
• 📱 The folder is created, but immediately disappears. → Remove the launcher cache (see paragraph 3 above).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI folders dropped → Restore them through backup in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

💡

If the problem persists after all the manipulations, try installing a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) that supports folder creation even on older versions of Android.

5. Additional folder settings

So, creating a folder is half the job, so that it looks neat and functional, you can customize it to your needs.

How to rename a folder:

1. Open the folder with one tap.

2. Tap its name at the top of the screen.

3. Enter a new name (e.g., "Social Networks" or "Work") and click "Done".

How to change the color/style of the folder:

In MIUI 15, 4 design options are available:

• 🎨 Color of the system - corresponds to the theme of wallpaper.
• ☁️ Transparent - the background of the folder is semitransparent.
• 🖼️ Miniature – displays the preview of applications inside.
• 🔲 Classic - Standard look with shadow.

To change style, open the folder → click on three dots in the upper right corner → “Folder style”.

How to add/remove applications:

To add an icon, hold it and drag it to the folder.

To delete: Open the folder → hold the unwanted icon → drag it outside the folder.

6. Alternative methods: third-party launchers and widgets

If standard folders in MIUI don’t suit you, consider alternatives:

Third-party launchers:

Nova Launcher: allows you to create folders with gestures, adjust their size and animation.

Apex Launcher: Supports nested folders (folders inside folders).

Hyperion Launcher: optimized for Xiaomi and retains the MIUI brand identity.

Folder widgets:

Applications like Folder Widget or QuickShortcutMaker allow you to create folders with additional features:

• 🔒 Password protection for folders.
• 📊 Application usage statistics inside the folder.
• 🎯 Quick search for content.

Hidden folders:

To keep the folder from prying eyes:

1. Install Calculator Vault or Hide It Pro.

2. Move the folder to the "secret repository" of the application.

3. Access to the folder will be possible only after entering PIN-code.

⚠️ Warning: Widgets and third-party launchers may conflict with system updates MIUI. Before installation, create a backup of the desktop through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi