How to create a folder on the desktop Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: instructions with nuances

Creating folders on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 desktop seems like a simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties. Depending on the version of MIUI (the Xiaomi shell), the process may be different, and some actions are intuitively not obvious. For example, in older versions of MIUI 8-9 folders were created by dragging icons onto each other, whereas in MIUI 12+ the algorithm has changed.

In this article, we will discuss three working ways to create folders on the Redmi Note 4 home screen, including methods for different versions of firmware, and learn why sometimes folders are not created (and how to fix this), how to rename a folder and what to do if it disappears after a system update, and pay special attention to the hidden MIUI settings that affect the organization of the desktop.

Why can’t Redmi Note 4 create a folder?

If you try to drag one icon to another but the folder doesn’t appear, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 An outdated version MIUI: In the firmware older MIUI 10 folder creation algorithm is different (long pressing required) + special-menu).
• 🔒 Light Desktop Mode: Included in Settings → Desktop → Screen mode. You can't create folders in this mode.
• 🛠️ Launcher failure: If the system does not respond to gestures, resetting the launcher settings will help (more on this below).
• 📁 Theme Limitations: Some Third-Party Themes Block Folder Creation.

Before trying the methods in the following sections, check:

1. Version MIUI: Settings → About the phone → version of MIUI.
2. Is the light desktop mode off?
3. Is there a limited theme set (return the standard theme to Topics → My themes).

Method 1: Standard folder creation (MIUI 10 and later)

This is the most common method that works on most Redmi Note 4 devices with current firmware.

1. Find on the desktop any two app icons you want to combine.
2. Click on one icon and hold it for 1-2 seconds until it is “stick” off the screen.
3. Keep your finger on, drag the icon to the second icon, and wait until a gray circle appears around the second icon.
4. Release your finger and the folder will be created automatically.

If the folder didn't show up:

• 🔄 Try dragging the icons in reverse order (second to first).
• 📱 Make sure you don’t touch the screen with your second finger (MIUI It can be seen as a gesture of scale).
• 🛠️ Reboot your phone – sometimes helps with temporary launcher failures.

Method 2: Through the editing menu (for MIUI 8-9)

The older versions of MIUI have a different algorithm, where folders are created not by drag and drop, but through a special menu:

1. Click and hold the empty space on your desktop (not on the icon!).
2. In the menu that appears, select Screen Settings (or Edit, depending on the version).
3. Slip on the icon of the application you want to add to the folder, then click Create folder.
4. Select the second application for the folder and confirm the creation.

If there is no item Create a folder:

• 📌 Try to create a folder first by adding → Folder (empty folder), then drag the icons into it.
• 🔧 Update. MIUI Up to the latest available version for Redmi Note 4 (instructions in the following section).

Method 3: Reset the launcher settings (if folders are not created)

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be the system launcher (the program responsible for the desktop) crashing, in which case the resetting of the system settings will help:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Show System.
3. Find the MIUI (or System Launcher) launcher in the list and open it.
4. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and confirm the action.
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: After the launcher is reset, the icons on the desktop will reset to the standard one. The folders created earlier will disappear, but they can be restored again.

If the dumping didn't help:

• 🛠️ Install a third-party launcher (such as Nova Launcher or a third-party launcher). POCO Launcher) from Google Play. They have folder creation stable.
• 📱 Check your phone for viruses – some malware blocks desktop changes.

How to Rename or Remove a Folder to Redmi Note 4

Once you create a folder, you can rename it or delete it. Here's how to do it:

If the folder is not renamed:

• 🔤 Check if the Change Protection feature is enabled in the security settings (Settings) → Security → Application lockdown).
• 📌 Try renaming a folder through a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher supports this without restrictions).

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If the folder accidentally disappeared after the MIUI update, try to return it like this: long-press on the desktop → screen settings → Restore the default layout. This will return all icons and folders to their original state.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful folder creation, Redmi Note 4 users face challenges.

1. The folder is created, but immediately disappears.

Reason: conflict with MIUI optimization. Solution:

• 🛠️ Turn off auto-optimization in Settings → Battery and productivity → Optimization.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone and recreate the folder.

2. You can't add a widget to a folder

In MIUI, you can't put widgets in folders, which is a limitation of the system.

• 📱 Create a separate screen for widgets (scroll the desktop left/right).
• 🛠️ Use third-party launchers (such as Action Launcher) where this restriction is not available.

3. folder does not open after clicking

Probable causes and solutions:

• 🔧 Animation Failure: Turn off animation in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times according to the version, then in the Developer Settings → Select the scale of animation without animation).
• 📁 Damaged folder: Delete it and recreate it.

⚠️ Note: If the folder contains system applications (such as Settings or Phone), deleting it may cause the desktop to crash. In this case, only a launcher reset will help (see Method 3).

Alternative ways to organize the desktop

If the folders on Redmi Note 4 are not satisfied with the functionality, consider alternative options:

• 📂 Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher: Flexible folder settings, gestures, layout backup. POCO Launcher: Optimized for Xiaomi, supports app categorization. Apex Launcher: Allows you to create folders in a retractable menu.
• 🔧 Widgets: Apps like Another Widget or KWGT Allows you to create custom panels with quick access to applications.
• 📱 Second worktable: B MIUI You can add several desktops (slip left/right) and distribute applications by topic (social networks, games, utilities).

Advantages of alternative methods:

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Third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher) solve 90% of folder problems on Xiaomi, including the lack of feature in older versions of MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions