How to Create a Folder on Xiaomi’s Desktop: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have powerful hardware and extensive functionality that allows you to install dozens or even hundreds of applications. Over time, the desktop turns into a chaotic pile of icons, which makes finding the right program takes precious time. Structuring screen space becomes not just a matter of aesthetics, but a necessity for effective use of the device.

Android, particularly the MIUI or HyperOS shell, provides built-in tools to organize files and applications without having to install third-party software. Dragging one icon over another automatically creates a container for grouping, which is a basic, but not the only way to bring order. Understanding the nuances of working with the workspace will help you feel more confident when managing the gadget.

In this article, we will take a look at the algorithms for creating, editing, and optimizing folders. You will learn how to avoid common errors and use advanced launcher features for maximum convenience. Even if you are new to the Android world, following these instructions will quickly bring order to the digital space of your smartphone.

Basic method of grouping applications

The most common and intuitive way to organize apps is the drag and drop method, which works the same on most firmware versions from Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. You don't need special skills or access to hidden menus, all actions are performed within the standard interface.

To start, find two programs on your desktop that you want to combine, like social networks or banking apps, and tap the icon of one of them and hold the touch until the device gives a tactile response (vibration) and the interface goes into editing mode, at which point the icon may zoom in slightly or a scale will appear below it.

Without letting your finger go, move the icon directly to the center of the second icon you plan to add to the group. Once the top program covers the bottom, release your finger. The system automatically creates a container that will put both applications in. Usually, the system itself offers the folder name based on the program category, but it can be changed.

It's important to note that if you accidentally drop an icon in a free space, it will simply move to a new position, but if you want to add a third or fourth app to an already created group, the algorithm is similar: drag the new icon directly to the open folder or to any icon inside it.

Configuring and renaming folders

Once you create a group, you often have to give it a clear name or change the look. Standard names like Tools or Social Media don't always reflect the content you put there. It takes a few seconds to edit the folder properties, but it improves navigation significantly.

To rename the object you created, just click on it once to open. At the top of the window that opens, you'll see the current name. Tap the name text, and the keyboard will automatically pop up. Type in the desired word or phrase and confirm the action with the "Done" button or just close the keyboard.

Some versions of the MIUI shell offer enhanced design functionality, and by clicking on or next to the name area (depending on the software version), you can see the option to change the background color of the folder, which allows you to visually highlight important groups, for example, by coloring the folder with banking applications in red for quick recognition.

⚠️ Warning: Don't use too long folder names. Text may crop or go outside the designated area, making the title unreadable on the home screen.

Also, remember that renaming a folder doesn't change the names of the apps themselves inside it, but it's an organizational measure for your convenience, and if you delete all the apps from the folder, it disappears automatically, freeing up space on the desktop.

Removal and unbundling of applications

Sooner or later, folder structure can require changes: some applications are removed, others become more priority, and the ability to quickly disband a group or extract a single element from it is an important skill in managing the interface.

To extract an application from a folder, open it and find the icon you want, hold it with your finger and drag it outside the folder window to the free desktop space, and then the program becomes a standalone item, and if there's only one application left in the folder, the system will suggest you cancel the folder or leave it empty depending on the firmware version.

To completely remove the folder, you need to remove all the applications from it, and once there are no icons left inside, the container disappears by itself. The alternative method is to delete the applications themselves: if you delete all the programs within the group through the management menu, the folder will also be eliminated by the system.

• 🗑️ Delete the application: Press the icon, select “Delete” or drag to the cart.
• 📂 Dissolve: Remove all elements so that the folder disappears automatically.
• 🔄 Replacement: Drag the new app to the old app’s place inside the open folder.

Be careful when removing system applications if your smartphone model allows it. Removing critical components can disrupt the operating system. Always check what you delete, especially if the icons inside the folder look similar.

Features of the interface MIUI and HyperOS

Xiaomi shells have unique features that set them apart from stock Android. Understanding these features will help you make better use of screen space. Recent versions of HyperOS have improved animations and added new ways to interact with interface elements.

One of the key features is editing mode. When you press an icon or empty space on the screen for a long time, a toolbar appears at the bottom of the display. Here you can find settings for grid size, widgets and other parameters. Changing the grid size (for example, from 5x6 to 6x9) allows you to place more icons, which affects the density of folders.

Also worth noting is the “Accelerate” or optimization feature, which can sometimes reset the location of icons after deep memory clearing, although this is rare in modern versions.

Owners of large-screen devices can evaluate the possibility of using folders in split-screen mode or in floating windows, if the launcher supports such functions, which turns the folder not just into storage, but into a working tool for multitasking.

Alternative launchers and customization

If standard features aren’t enough, the Android market offers a variety of alternative launchers, like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher, which provide advanced folder creation capabilities, including changing shape, transparency and click behavior.

Installing a third-party launcher requires special permissions. Once you install the application, you'll need to click on the Home button and select the new default launcher. After that, the folder creation process may be different: some allow you to create nested folders (a folder inside a folder), which is prohibited in standard MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party launchers can increase RAM consumption and affect device battery life.

Custom launchers are especially relevant for users who want to completely change the visual style of a smartphone. You can download themed icon sets and match them with the created folders, creating a single harmonious composition on the desktop.

However, it is worth considering that Xiaomi’s native shell is better optimized for system functions such as control gestures and notifications. Third-party solutions may run unstable or conflict with some system services.

Organization of widgets in folders

Modern versions of Android and MIUI allow you to place not only app icons, but also widgets. However, the functionality of widgets inside folders is limited. Generally, you can only fit application shortcuts into one folder, but not the large widgets themselves.

However, there are smart folders or widget folders that can display content previews, such as a folder with news apps that can display article titles without requiring each application to be opened separately, depending on the support of such features by a particular launcher.

For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to separate static applications and dynamic widgets. Widgets are better placed on the icon-free areas of the desktop, where they will be well read, and applications are grouped into compact folders at the bottom of the screen for easy access with your thumb.

The choice between standard tools and third-party solutions depends on your priorities: stability and integration or flexibility and visual effects. For most users, the capabilities of a regular system are more than enough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Competent organization of the desktop accelerates the search for applications and reduces cognitive load when using a smartphone.