How to create a folder on the desktop Xiaomi Redmi 7: 3 working methods + life hacks on the organization of the screen

The desktop of the Xiaomi Redmi 7 is quickly filled with app icons, especially if you are actively installing new programs. Without an organization system, finding the right one becomes difficult — you have to flip through several screens or use search. Creating folders on the home screen solves this problem: you group similar applications (social networks, games, utilities) into thematic blocks, freeing up space and speeding up access to frequently used services.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to create folders on Redmi 7 (relevant for all versions). MIUI 10–14), including hidden shell features, and we’ll also learn how to rename a folder, change its appearance, and what to do if icons stick together or disappear after an update. A separate block is devoted to the optimization of the desktop - how to correctly distribute folders so as not to lose the performance of the smartphone.

Why can’t Redmi 7 create a folder in the standard way?

Many users find that when you try to drag and drop an icon to another folder, you don't create a folder, and the reasons can be different.

• 🔄 Version. MIUI: In old assemblies (up to) MIUI 11) the algorithm for grouping the icons was different, for example, you had to hold your finger on the icon for longer than 2 seconds.
• 📱 Launcher: If you are using a third-party launcher (such as a Nova Launcher or a Nova Launcher). POCO Launcher, the mechanics of creating folders may differ.
• 🔒 System limitations: Some firmware (especially corporate or custom) has disabled the function of grouping icons.
• 🖱️ Misguided gestures: Frequent error – dragging or touching the wrong part of the screen too quickly.

If you can’t create a folder the first time, check the version. MIUI in settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI). For Redmi 7 are relevant assemblies from MIUI 10.2. MIUI 12.5 (depending on region) Also make sure that your smartphone doesn’t have a child mode or guest profile, which has limited desktop customization features.

⚠️ Note: If you recently updated your firmware and folders stopped being created, try resetting your launcher settings. → Annexes → Application management → Launcher, click on Clear Data.This won't delete your apps, but it will reset the location of the icons on your desktop.

Method 1: Standard folder creation (for MIUI 11–14)

It is the simplest and most versatile method that works on most versions. MIUI. Follow the instructions:

1. Unlock your smartphone and go to the main screen (not in the app menu!).
2. Find two icons you want to combine into a folder, like WhatsApp and Telegram.
3. Press one icon and hold it for 1-2 seconds until it is stuck off the screen and vibrations appear.
4. Keep your finger on, drag the icon to the second icon, and when they touch, they'll have a gray outline around them.
5. Release your finger – the system will automatically create a folder called “Untitled” (or “New folder” in English firmware).

To add other apps to your folder, just drag and drop them onto its icon. The maximum number of apps in a single folder is 16. MIUI If you try to add a 17th, the system will give a notification "Folder full».

Hold the icon for a long time (at least 1 second)

Drag to another icon, not to an empty place

Stay on the home screen, not on the app menu

Do not use navigation gestures (they may conflict with drag and drop gestures)-->

Redmi 7s. MIUI 10 folder creation interface is slightly different: after holding the icon, a menu with options appears (“Delete”, “Information”, “Folder”). In this case, select “Folder”, then specify the second icon to combine.

Method 2: Create a folder through the application menu

If the home screen has too few icons or you prefer to work through the application menu (the “All Apps” icon in the dock panel), use this method:

1. Open the app menu by swiping up from the dock panel or clicking on the All Apps icon.
2. Find the first app you want to add to the folder and hold on to its icon.
3. Drag the icon to the main screen (without letting go of your finger!).
4. Without letting go of the first app, stick your second finger on another icon in the app menu, and it sticks to the first.
5. Release your finger – the folder will be created on the main screen.

This is useful if you want to place a folder in a specific location on your desktop right away, and it's also useful when there are already many icons on the home screen, and it's difficult to "catch" the second one to combine.

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If you have navigation gestures enabled (no buttons), drag and drop icons can be unstable. To avoid bugs, temporarily return the classic three buttons to Settings. → Screen. → Navigation panel.

Method 3: Use of editing mode (for MIUI 12+)

In the new versions MIUI (Since 12th, you've got desktop editing, which makes it easier to manage your icons and folders:

1. On the home screen, make a long tap in any free place (not on the icon!).
2. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a panel with options like Wallpaper, Widgets, Settings. Click Settings (the gear icon).
3. Activate the “Edit Mode” switch (or “Change layout” in some firmware).
4. Now you can drag and drop icons, create folders, and change their location without holding them. To create a folder, just put one icon on top of another.
5. At the end, press "Ready."

The advantage of this is that you can fine-tune folders and icons, for example, you can align all folders in a grid or arrange them in a certain order, and you can also add additional options in editing mode, such as resizing icons or hiding folder names.

How to rename a folder and change its appearance?

By default, the new folder on Redmi 7 is called “Untitled” or generated automatically (for example, “Social networks” if you have combined the name). VK And Instagram, to change the name:

1. Touch the folder to open it.
2. Put your name on the current one (it will be illuminated).
3. Enter a new name from the keyboard and click “Done” (or «OK»).

V MIUI 12.5 and later, you can also change the color and shape of the folder:

• 🎨 Open the folder and press three dots («⋮») top-right.
• 🖌️ Select “Folder Style” and select one of the proposed options (transparent, color, with shadow, etc.).
• 🔄 In some design themes, animated folder icons are available (for example, when opened, they slightly “swell up»).

On Redmi 7s. MIUI 10 and 11 folder style changes are not available – only renaming and adding/deleting icons. If you need additional options, consider installing a third-party launcher (such as Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) that supports folder customization.

What if the Redmi 7 folders don’t open or disappear?

Sometimes, once you create a folder, it doesn't open, it disappears from the screen, or it eats icons, and let's look at the typical problems and their solutions.

Problem 1: The folder will not open when you press it

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Launcher freeze: Reboot your smartphone or force the launcher to stop in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Stop it.
• 📱 Damaged icon: Remove a “problematic” application from the folder (for example, if it has recently been updated).
• 🔧 Cache failure: Clear the launcher cache in the same app settings.

Problem 2: The folder disappeared after the MIUI update

After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 11 on MIUI 12) the location of the icons may reset to restore folders:

1. Check the app menu – it’s possible that the folder has become a regular icon.
2. If the folder is completely gone, create it again (app icons will not be deleted).
3. Restore the desktop backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset (if previously created).

Problem 3: Icons in the folder are “stick together” or are displayed incorrectly

This is a common problem when using custom topics.

• 🎨 Return the standard theme to the themes → My subjects. → Standard.
• 🔄 Change the size of the desktop grid (in editing mode).
• 📦 Move the icons from the folder to the home screen, delete the folder and create it again.

⚠️ Note: If folders start disappearing after installing a third-party launcher (such as Microsoft Launcher), go back to the standard launcher. MIUI. To do this, go to the Settings. → Annexes → By default. → Launcher and select "Luncher" MIUI».

How to optimize the desktop with folders on Redmi 7?

Creating folders is just the first step to a comfortable desktop. To make the most of your screen space, follow these tips:

1. Group applications by frequency of use

Divide the folders into three categories:

• ⭐ Frequently used (messaging, calls, browser) – place on the first screen.
• 📂 Rarely used (sets, files, utilities) – on the second screen or in the application menu.
• 🎮 Entertainment (games, videos, music) – on a separate screen or in a dock panel.

2. Limit the number of folders

The ideal number of folders on a screen is 4-6, and if there are more, your eyes will run away, and it takes longer to find the right app.

• 📱 Social media (VK, Instagram, TikTok)
• 💬 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)
• 🎵 Multimedia (YouTube, Spotify, Gallery)
• 🛠️ Utilities (Flightlightlight, Calculator, Records)

3.Use the dock panel for the most important folders

The Dock panel (bottom bar with 4-5 icons) is available on any screen.

• 📞 Phone and contact folder.
• 🌐 Browser and search folder.
• 📁 All Apps folder (if it is not displayed by default).

To add a folder to the dock panel, drag it there in editing mode.

4.Tune gestures for quick access

V MIUI You can make gestures to open folders:

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Gestures and buttons → Launch gestures.
2. Choose a gesture (for example, double touch or swipe upwards with two fingers).
3. Assign him the action "Open folder" and specify the desired folder.

I'm creating file-by-theme.

I keep all the icons on the main screen.

I'm using app search.

I'm in chaos, nothing's systemically

Another option-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi Redmi 7

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Clean folders of unnecessary icons regularly, which speeds up the launcher and saves RAM. The optimal number of icons in the folder: 6-10 pieces.