How to create a folder on the Xiaomi desktop: all ways + hidden chips MIUI

Creating folders on the Xiaomi desktop is a basic feature that helps organize screen space by grouping applications into categories. But even in such a simple operation, there are nuances: from the MIUI shell versions (12/13/14/15) to smartphone models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T). In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from the classic drag and drop to the hidden features of the launcher, which 80% of users do not know.

Not only will you learn how to create a folder, but you will learn how to rename it, change color, hide it from outsiders, or even lock it with a password (yes, it is possible in MIUI!), and why sometimes Suddenly folders disappear after an update and how to fix it. If you just switched from an iPhone or Samsung, you will find a comparison here with their desktop organization systems.

Why Xiaomi can’t create a folder: 5 common reasons

Before we get to the instructions, let’s look at the common mistakes that make it impossible for users to group apps, and most often the problem is not with a broken smartphone, but with the little things:

• 📱 Wrong Launcher: You use a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) where folder-creating logic is different from the standard one. MIUI.
• 🔒 Light Desktop Mode: Included in Settings → Special opportunities → Simplified mode – it disables many functions, including folders.
• 📦 Apps in the Applet: Some system utilities (e.g., Camera or Phone) can be “fixed” in the applet and not be grouped.
• 🔄 Update MIUI: After major updates (for example, with the MIUI 13 by 14) resets desktop settings - folders "disintegrate».
• 👶 Child Mode: If a child’s profile is enabled, many functions are blocked, including desktop editing.

If none of the items fit, check if the guest mode is activated (it restricts access to settings). To do this, swipe down the notification bar and find the user icon in the upper right corner.

Method 1: Classic folder creation (works for all Xiaomi)

It is a versatile method that works on all MIUI versions (12 to 15) and models from Redmi 9A to Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Suitable even for devices with a HyperOS shell (the new Xiaomi 2026 interface).

1. Press and hold any application on your desktop until it “rises” and vibrations appear.
2. Without letting go of your finger, drag the app to another app you want to group.
3. When the second icon is lit up in blue (or a frame appears), release your finger – the folder will be created automatically.
4. To add more apps, just drag them into the created folder.

By default, the folder will be named by category (e.g., Social Networks for WhatsApp + Telegram). To rename it, open the folder and tap the name at the top.

Make sure that the apps are not hidden in the Applet

Turn off the "Light Desktop" in the settings

Check that the child mode is not included

Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (unless folders are created)-->

Method 2: Create a folder through the application menu (for MIUI 14/15)

The newer versions of the shell offer an alternative way to group applications directly from the menu of all programs (called swipe up from the dock), which is convenient if there is no free space on the desktop or you want to create a folder from scratch.

Instructions:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app menu.
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Edit.
3. Check the apps you want to group (maximum 16 pieces).
4. Put it on the folder icon (📁) In the bottom panel and select Create a folder.
5. The folder will appear on the desktop, drag it to the right place if necessary.

This method is especially useful for owners of POCO F5 or Redmi K60, where the desktop is often overloaded with widgets. By the way, in HyperOS (on Xiaomi 14), this menu looks different - there is an edit button hidden behind a long tap in the free space.

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If the folder is not created through the app menu, try rebooting your smartphone first, sometimes due to a temporary failure of the com.miui.home launcher.

Method 3: Hidden folder functions in MIUI (password, color, sort)

Few people know, but in MIUI folders can not only create, but also customize. Here are 5 chips that distinguish Xiaomi from other Android smartphones:

• 🔐 Password Protection: Open the folder → three-point (⋮) → Lock the folder, you'll need to enter a password or a fingerprint. MIUI 13+.
• 🎨 Color change: In the same folder settings, select folder color - 8 options are available (including transparent). on Xiaomi 13 Pro you can even set a gradient.
• 📊 Auto-Sort: Enable the Sort option automatically and apps will be grouped alphabetically or by frequency of use.
• 👁️ Hiding the folder: Drag the folder to the Applet (swipe left on the desktop) and it will disappear from the main screen, but will remain in the app menu.
• 🔄 Quick renaming: Twice tap on the folder name (without opening) – the editing field will appear.

Important: folder locking only works on devices with the Snapdragon 8-series chip (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra or POCO F4 GT), on budget models (Redmi 10A), it may not be.

What to do if folders on Xiaomi disappear or do not open

The problem of disappearing folders after updating or rebooting is one of the most common among Xiaomi users.

1. Check the launcher: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Launcher and click Clear Cache.
2. Reset the desktop settings: Settings → Desktop → Additionally. → Reset the settings ⚠️ Note: This will remove all widgets and icon locations, but will not affect app data.
3. Update MIUI: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Sometimes folder bugs get fixed in new versions.
4. Disable optimization: For launcher: Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Launcher → Battery → No restrictions.

If folders don't open when tapa is used, try:

• Increase the touch time in Settings → Special. capabilities → Press time.
• Disable gestures in Settings → Desktop → Desktop gestures (sometimes they conflict with opening folders).

Comparison with other brands: how to create folders on Samsung, iPhone and Realme

If you switched to Xiaomi from a different smartphone, you’ll be interested in comparing desktop approaches.

The main advantage of MIUI is flexibility: you can not only group applications, but also customize the appearance of folders, which is not on iPhone or most Android smartphones. Samsung wins in the visual part, folders there can be stretched, occupying up to 4×4 icons.

Fun fact: on Xiaomi, folders can be dragged between screens, whereas on iPhone, they are tied to a single desktop, which is convenient if you use multiple home screens.

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On Xiaomi, folders can be blocked with a password – this is a unique feature that is not on the iPhone or most Android smartphones (except for some Huawei models).

How to transfer folders from one Xiaomi to another (backup and recovery)

If you’ve switched smartphones (like the Redmi Note 11 to the Xiaomi 13), you don’t have to reconfigure your desktop. MIUI has a built-in tool for moving folders and widgets:

1. On old phone: Settings → About phone → Backup → Local Backup Select System Settings → Desktop and click Create Backup.
2. Copy the backup file (MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder) to your new phone via Xiaomi Cloud, cable, or Mi Mover.
3. On a new phone: Settings → About Phone → Backup → Restore Select a backup file and tick the desktop.

Important: This method only works between devices on the same MIUI version (e.g. 14 to 14). If the versions are different, folders may not recover or not display correctly.

⚠️ Note: When restoring the backup, do not turn the phone off from charging - the process can take up to 10 minutes, and the interruption will lead to a failure of the desktop settings.

Another way to use Mi Account is to:

1. On your old phone: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sync → Desktop (turn on the slider).
2. On the new phone, log in to the same account and wait for sync (it can take up to an hour).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Folders