How to create a folder on the desktop Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 working methods + error solving

Creating folders on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 desktop is a simple but not always obvious task, especially for beginners. Despite the intuitive MIUI interface, users often face problems: folders suddenly disappear after a reboot, icons do not drag and drop or the system gives an error “failed to create a folder.” In this article, we will discuss three official ways to create folders (including hidden shell functions), explain why folders can disappear, and give tips on how to optimize the desktop for convenience.

It's important to consider that Redmi 8 came with different MIUI versions (10 to 13), and the algorithm of actions may differ. For example, MIUI 12.5 has a long-press + finger-clash gesture, which is not available in earlier versions. We'll look at universal methods that work on all firmware, as well as nuances for specific builds. If your smartphone runs on Android Go (lightweight version for weak devices), some functions may be limited, too.

1. Standard method: dragging icons

The most common method that works on all versions of MIUI is to create a folder by dragging and dropping one icon onto another.

1. Unlock the screen and go to the main desktop (not in the app menu!).
2. Find two icons you want to combine into a folder, like YouTube and Chrome.
3. Hold one icon (for example, YouTube) and drag it to the other one (Chrome).
4. When the second icon is lit up with a yellow contour, release your finger and a new folder with an automatically generated name (for example, “Internet”) will appear.

If the folder is not created, check:

• 📱 Is the “Light Desktop” mode enabled (Settings) → Desktop → Screen mode. You can't create folders in this mode.
• 🔒 Are the icons locked? Click the blank space on the screen. → Screen settings → Turn off "Block the layout».
• 🛠️ Is there a third-party launcher installed (for example, Nova Launcher or POCO In this case, use the settings of the launcher itself.

Make sure there is free space for the folder on the screen |

Check if the Data Protection mode is enabled in the MIUI settings|

Restart your phone (sometimes helps with interface glitches)|

Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (old builds had folder bugs)-->

In MIUI 13 for Redmi 8, the Smart Folders feature appeared – if you drag the icon to a folder with similar applications (for example, Instagram to the Social Network folder), the system automatically prompts you to add it to it. This only works when you turn on the Settings parameter → Desktop → Smart recommendations.

2. Create a folder through the editing menu

If the standard method doesn't work (for example, because of a shell failure), you can create a folder through the desktop editing mode, which is more reliable because it doesn't depend on gestures:

1. Click on the empty space on your desktop and select Screen Settings (or Widgets, depending on the MIUI version).
2. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a toolbar, and you'll pop the Folder icon (usually a yellow folder with a plus-plus).
3. There's a blank folder on the screen that says, "Untitled," and drag it to the right place.
4. Open the folder, click Add apps and tick the desired icons.

The advantage of this method is:

• 🔧 It works even if the gestures are disabled. MIUI.
• 📁 Allows you to create an empty folder before adding apps to it (useful for planning the screen structure).
• 🔄 You can immediately specify the name of the folder without waiting for the automatic name.

💡

If the editing menu doesn't have a folder icon, upgrade MIUI Launcher through Play Market. Sometimes hidden features appear after the update.

In some firmware (e.g. MIUI 11 for Redmi 8), this method may not work due to shell limitations, in which case try the third method or install an alternative launcher.

Alternative method: use of widgets

If the first two methods didn't work, you can create a folder using the folder widget, which works on all versions of MIUI, but requires a little more action:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop and select Widgets.
2. Scroll down the list and find the Folder widget (or Folder in English).
3. Drag the widget to the desktop, and you'll open a window that tells you to select applications.
4. Check the icons and click Ready.

This method is useful if:

• 🔄 You want to create a folder with a widget inside (for example, a Weather folder with a temperature widget).
• 📱 You have a third-party launcher installed, but you want to use native features MIUI.
• 🔧 You need to create a folder with quick access to settings (for example, the Modes folder with Do Not Disturb switches, Saving Charge, etc.).

If the folder widget is not listed, it could mean:

• 🔴 Your version. MIUI too old (update the firmware).
• 📱 You have a lightweight version installed. MIUI (For example, in India or China, where some functions are disabled.
• 🛠️ In the settings, widgets are disabled (Settings) → Desktop → Widgets → Turn it on).

Table: Comparison of folder creation methods

And you can see from the table that the folder widget is the most versatile method, but it requires more action. If you need to quickly create a folder for applications, you'd better use drag and drop icons.

Why do folders disappear after rebooting?

One of the most common problems on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is the folders that are missing after rebooting or updating MIUI.

⚠️ Note: If folders disappear after the update MIUI, This is due to resetting the launcher settings. Before upgrading, back up the screen layout: → The phone. → Backup → Local backup.

The main reasons for the disappearance of folders:

• 🔄 Resetting the launcher settings. This happens when you upgrade. MIUI or cleaning the app cache MIUI Launcher.
• 📱 Third-party launcher conflict: If you installed a Nova Launcher or an Apex Launcher and then went back to standard, folders may not recover.
• 🔧 System optimization. Battery settings. → Optimization can be enabled aggressive cleaning mode, which resets the desktop layout.
• 🛠️ Damage to launcher files, which happens when the phone is turned off incorrectly or memory is malfunctioning.

How to restore folders:

1. Restart your phone – sometimes folders come back after being turned on again.
2. Check the Remote folder in the application menu (the icons can move there when crashing).
3. Restore the backup of the screen layout (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset).
4. If nothing helps, recreate folders and disable launcher optimization: Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Launcher → Battery → No restrictions.

Never disappeared |

Disappear after MIUI| update

Disappear after reboot |

Disappearing by accident, for no reason.-->

Advice on the organization of the working table

Creating folders is just the first step to a comfortable desktop, and here are some tips on how to optimize your screen on Redmi 8:

• 📁 Group applications by subject: "Social networks» — VK, Telegram, Instagram. "Work" - Mail, Calendar, Zoom. "Multimedia" - YouTube, Gallery, Music.
• 🎨 Customize the appearance of folders: Clutch the folder → Change the view → Choose the shape (round, square) and the color. MIUI 12.5+ You can set the transparency of the folder.
• 🔒 Block important folders: Open the folder → press three points → Lock it down. It'll prevent accidental deletion.
• 📱 Use gestures for folders: C MIUI 13 you can open the folder swipe up the icon.

If you have a lot of folders, consider using a second desktop:

1. Swipe left on the home screen to add a new screen.
2. Move to it rarely used folders (for example, “Games” or “Tools”).
3. Click the empty space → Screen settings → turn off “Show hints” to remove unnecessary elements.

💡

The fewer icons on the home screen, the faster MIUI Launcher works. The optimal number is no more than 20 icons and 3-4 folders.

What to do if the folders do not open?

Sometimes folders are created but not opened when you click.

• 🔄 Work failure MIUI Launcher.
• 📱 Conflict with an installed antivirus (for example, Avast or 360 Security block access to folders).
• 🛠️ Damage to system files (often after a failed rooting).

Decisions:

1. Reboot MIUI Launcher: Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Launcher → Stop → Launch
2. Clear the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → MIUI Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache
3. Disable Optimization for Launcher: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Find MIUI Launcher → Without Limitations
4. If the folder contains system applications (such as Settings or Phone), try removing it and re-create it.

⚠️ Note: If folders stop opening after rooting or installing custom firmware, the problem may be incompatibility MIUI Launcher with modified system. In this case, install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) or return to the official firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi Redmi 8