How to create a folder on the desktop Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro: 3 ways + problem solving

Why Poco X3 Pro Cannot Create a Folder and How to Fix It

Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro desktop based on the MIUI shell offers flexible customization options, but the folder creation function sometimes doesn’t work. Users are faced with a situation where dragging icons does not lead to a folder, but instead a message appears “You can’t create a folder” or applications simply change places.

In this article, you will find 3 working ways to create folders (including hidden chips). MIUI), Compatibility table with shell versions, as well as solving typical errors - from resetting the launcher to manually editing configuration files. X3 Pro with firmware MIUI 12.5–14, where the icon grouping algorithm differs from the standard Redmi.

If you tried to create a folder in the standard way (by dragging and dropping one icon to another) and it didn't work, don't be quick to blame the sensor, and it's probably because of the screen editing mode that's turned off or the conflict with the third-party launcher installed.

Method 1: Standard folder creation (for MIUI 12–14)

The basic method works on most Xiaomi devices, but the Poco X3 Pro has a caveat: you need to activate the editing mode. Without this, the icons will simply move around, not group.

Instructions:

• 📱 Unlock the screen and go to the main desktop (not in the app menu).
• 👆 Press any icon of the application for 1-2 seconds until it “sticks” and the cross appears to remove.
• 🔄 Drag the icon to another icon (not to an empty place!) Hold your finger until the folder shadow appears.
• 📁 Release your finger – the system will automatically create a folder with the default name (for example, “Apps»).

Activated editing mode (icons “shaking”)

Selected the main screen, not the folder “All applications”

Icons are not widgets (widgets cannot be grouped)

There is enough free space on the screen (minimum 2×2 cells)

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If the folder is not created, check:

• 🔧 Version MIUI: on MIUI 12.0.x Upgrade to 12.5 may be required below+.
• 🎯 Type of icons: System applications (such as Settings) are sometimes blocked for grouping.
• 📱 Launcher: If you have a Nova Launcher installed or POCO Launcher, use their built-in tools (see Method 3).

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On Poco X3 Pro with MIUI 13+, you can create a folder even from widgets, if you pre-convert them to “shortcuts” through a long press → “Change”.

Method 2: Create a folder through the Edit menu (for MIUI 14)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 (relevant to the Poco X3 Pro after upgrading to Android 12) have an alternative way of grouping through the context menu, which is more reliable than the standard method, since it does not depend on the sensitivity of the sensor.

Step-by-step:

1. Press and hold the empty space on your desktop until the menu appears.
2. Select “Edit” (or “Screen settings” in some localizations).
3. Slip the icon of the application you want to add to the folder, then click “Group”.
4. Select the second icon and confirm the creation of the folder with the “Done” button.

The advantage of this method is:

• ✅ Works even when the “Free placement” of icons is turned off.
• ✅ Allows you to add up to 16 applications to the folder (vs. 9 in standard mode).
• ✅ Compatible with dark themes and custom wallpaper without display bugs.

Method 3: Use of third-party launchers (Nova, POCO Launcher)

If standard methods don't work because of firmware bugs, the best solution is to install an alternative launcher. X3 Pro is optimally suited:

• 📱 POCO Launcher – official launcher with support for folders up to 20 applications.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Press the icon → drag to another → select “Create a folder”.

Comparison of launchers for Poco X3 Pro:

Standard MIUI

POCO Launcher

Nova Launcher

Microsoft Launcher

The other (I'll write in the comments)

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Typical errors and their solutions

Even after doing the right thing, the folder may not be created. Let’s look at the 5 most common problems on the Poco X3 Pro and how to fix them:

⚠️ Warning: If after grouping the icons, the folder disappears after the reboot, this indicates damage to the launcher cache.Solution: clear the Louncher application data in Settings → Annexes → Application management.

Mistake 1: Icons “bounce” when dragging.

• 🔹 Reason: Free Accommodation mode is disabled».
• 🔹 Solution: Clip the empty space on the screen → «Screen settings» → Enable “Free Accommodation».

Mistake 2: The folder is created, but immediately disappears.

• 🔹 Reason: Conflict with the optimizer MIUI (Security → Optimize).
• 🔹 Solution: Disable Deep Optimization for Launcher in Battery Settings.

Error 3: You can’t add more than 9 apps to your folder.

• 🔹 Reason: Limitation of Standard Launcher MIUI.
• 🔹 Solution: Install Nova Launcher or edit the file /system/priv-app/Launcher/config.xml (root).

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On the Poco X3 Pro with MIUI 13.0.4+, the application limit in the folder is increased to 12, but only for folders on the second screen.

Error 4: The folder is created but not opened.

• 🔹 Reason: Graphical interface cache damaged.
• 🔹 Solution: Execute the command to ADB: adb shell pm clear com.miui.home or restart your phone in Safe Mode (click the power button) → «Reboot to Safe Mode»).

Error 5: Folders are not synced to Xiaomi’s cloud.

• 🔹 Reason: There is no binding of the Mi Account in the launcher settings.
• 🔹 Solution: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Synchronize and enable “Desktop Backup».

How to rename and customize the appearance of the folder

You can customize the folder you create, change the name, color, size, and even open animation. The Poco X3 Pro offers the following options:

Rename the folder:

1. Open the folder with a tap.
2. Slip by the current name (e.g., “Applications”).
3. Enter a new name (up to 12 characters in Cyrillic).
4. Press "Ready" or the return key.

Change folder style (available in Nova Launcher and MIUI 14):

• 🎨 Background Color: Transparent, gradient or solid.
• 📐 Size: From 2×2 before 4×4 grid-shaped.
• 🔄 Animation: “Rise”, “Disclosure” or “Shift».
• 🔒 Password: You can protect the folder PIN-code (requires the installation of AppLock).

Poco X3 Pro with MIUI 13.0.6 has a unique feature called Smart Folders, which automatically sorts applications into categories (e.g., Social Networks, Games) without manual porting.

1. Click the blank space on the screen → “Screen settings”.
2. Select “Smart Folders” → turn on the slider.
3. Configure the categories in the “Application Categories” menu.

Backup and transfer folders to another phone

If you plan to reset the Poco X3 Pro to factory settings or upgrade to a new device, save the folder structure. There are 3 reliable ways to do this:

Method 1: Through a Xiaomi account

• 🔗 Synchronization of folders is included in Settings → Xiaomi account → Cloud. → Backup.
• ⚠️ Recovery only works on devices with the same version MIUI (For example, from 13.0.4 to 13.0.4).

Method 2: Export through Nova Launcher

• 📤 In Nova Settings, select “Backup» → «Exports».
• 📥 The file is saved in.novabackup format and can be imported to any Nova device.

Method 3: Manual backup (for advanced)

• 🛠️ Connect your phone to your PC and copy the file /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/com.miui.home.preferences.xml (root).
• 🔄 After resetting, return the file to its place and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: When recovering folders from the backup on another Xiaomi model (such as the Redmi Note 10), display errors due to different screen resolutions are possible:

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Poco X3 Pro