Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC have powerful hardware and large screens that allow you to install dozens of applications. However, over time, the standard desktop appearance turns into a chaotic heap of icons where you can not quickly find the right functionality. Navigating through the “simple” of programs takes precious time and reduces the overall productivity of the device.
Android, combined with MIUI, offers convenient tools for structuring digital space. Foldering is a basic skill that helps to clean up the interface. In this article, we will take a closer look at the process of grouping applications on the Poco X3 NFC, look at the subtleties of re-imitation and solve typical problems.
Many users underestimate the importance of organizing a desktop by relying on search alone. But visual grouping by category greatly speeds up access to frequently used features. Let's start tweaking your gadget.
Basic algorithm for creating a folder on the desktop
The process of creating a new directory for applications in the MIUI shell is as intuitive as possible and does not require Root rights. The entire operation takes a few seconds and is performed by drag-and-drop. You need to unlock the device and go to the main screen.
Find two app icons that you want to combine, and you can tap one of them, and drag it directly over the other icon, and the system automatically recognizes that action as a command to create a container, and in a moment, both programs will be inside a new folder.
Once you've successfully formed a group, you'll see that the icons have folded into a single block, and you can now add other apps to that area in a similar way, allowing you to create themed sections like Social Media, Games or Work.
- 📱 Touch and hold the app icon you need to move.
- 📂 Drag it over another icon until the effect of unification appears.
- ✏️ Click on the name of the folder that appears to rename it.
- ➕ Drag new apps inside the created area to expand the group.
⚠️ Warning: If the icon is “shaking” or returning to place when dragging, you may have desktop editing mode enabled or Layout Lock activated.
It is worth noting that on the Poco X3 NFC with a screen diagonal of 6.67 inches, it is convenient to place folders at the bottom of the screen (in the dock bar) or in the upper zone for quick access. The size of the folder created automatically adapts to the number of nested elements.
Setup and personalization of created folders
Once you've built the basic structure, the interface can be refined. MIUI allows you not only to change the names, but also to manage the content. Open the folder you've created to see a list of all the nested applications, and you can remove the unnecessary shortcuts or move them back to the desktop.
Renaming a folder is an important step for easy navigation, and by default, the system offers standard names like Tools or Social, but these are often too generic. Click on the text box above the icons inside the open folder and type in the name you understand.
Some firmware versions offer folder size or display style resizing. Although Poco X3 NFC uses a standard launcher, visual themes can affect the look of containers. Installing a new theme through the Themes app can add folder opening animation.
The organization of the space is especially important for users who install a lot of APK-Grouping such programs into a separate folder called “Utilities” or “Systems” helps keep the main screen clean.
Working with folders in the menu of all applications
Unlike pure Android, the MIUI shell on the Poco X3 NFC defaults to a mode where all apps are on desktops. However, many users switch to the classic App Drawer, where icons are hidden and swiped up.
In Application Menu mode, folder creation has its own peculiarities: folders are created not on desktops, but directly within the program list. The algorithm is similar: you need to drag and drop icons to another icon within this menu, and this creates a local folder that is only visible in the application list.
This approach allows you to keep desktops minimal, leaving only widgets and the most important shortcuts, and all other programs will be sorted by alphabet or category within the curtain menu, where you can also create thematic groups.
- 🔼 Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to open the full app menu.
- 🖱️ Press the app icon and drag it to another program in this menu.
- 🔍 Use the menu search if you can’t find the right program to move around.
- ⚙️ Switch between display modes can be in the settings: Settings → Desktop → Desktop mode.
It's important to understand the difference between a folder on your desktop and a folder in your app menu, the former being visible at all times, the latter only when you open a list of programs, and the choice depends on your personal preferences in the UI/UX organization.
How to return the standard desktop look?
Using widgets inside folders
One of the interesting things about Android is that it can host widgets. But there are limitations to the Poco X3 NFC: standard desktop folders are for app shortcuts only. You can't put a weather or watch widget inside a regular icon folder.
However, there are workarounds: some third-party launchers available on Google Play allow you to create mixed containers, but using a standard MIUI shell, widgets are separated from application folders.
To make efficient use of space, it is recommended to place widgets next to the corresponding folders, for example, a calendar widget should be placed next to the Office or Planners folder, which creates a visual connection and speeds up work.
| Type of element | Can I get in the file? | Where to place | Example of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annex label | Yes. | Inside the folder. | Telegram, WhatsApp |
| Widget (clock) | No. | Separately on the table | Digital watches |
| folder | No. | Equipment not supported | Group of games |
| Contact label | Yes. | Inside the folder. | Quick challenge |
⚠️ Warning: Trying to drag the widget inside the app folder on the standard Poco launcher will cause the widget to just stand next to you or return to its original location.
Removal and management of folder content
Sooner or later, you have to remove the extra folder. Deleting a folder on Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC is automatic when there are less than two elements left in it. To eliminate the folder, just drag all the applications from it to the free desktop space.
If you want to remove a particular application from the group, open the folder, press the icon and drag it outside the container. There is also a feature for completely uninstalling the program: drag the icon to the top of the screen, where the "Delete" or the basket icon will appear.
Content management also includes sorting, so inside an open folder, you can change the order of the icons just by dragging them around, and it helps you get the most important apps to the top of the list for quick access.
☑️ Verification of the organization of the desktop
When you delete the folder, the application data doesn't disappear. You delete only the grouping shortcut, and the application itself will remain in the system and in the menu of all programs if it hasn't been deleted through the basket.
Solution: folder is not created or disappears
Sometimes Poco X3 NFC users are faced with a situation where the system does not respond to drag and drop icons, most often due to a launcher memory overflow or a temporary software failure, in which case cleaning the cache of the system application “Desktop” helps.
To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps, search the Desktop (or Launcher) list and select Clear Cache. It is important not to confuse it with Clear Data, as this will reset all icon settings.
Another reason could be the feature that has been turned on, "Simplified Mode" for older people, which is a mode where the interface is changed, and folder creation can be limited or look different. Turn it off in the settings if you want full functionality.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone if the touchscreen reacts with a delay.
- 🧹 Clear the launcher cache through the application management menu.
- 🚫 Check if Pocket Mode or Lock is enabled.
- 📲 Make sure there is free space on the screen to place a new folder.
💡
If the standard launcher is unstable, try installing a Nova Launcher or Niagara Launcher from Play Market – these give you more freedom to create folders and customize the interface.
In rare cases, the problem lies in the damage of system files after a failed update. If nothing helps, it is worth checking for system updates or resetting the launcher settings.