How to create a folder on the Xiaomi desktop: 5 ways + solving errors

Xiaomi’s desktop quickly turns into chaos if not monitored: dozens of app shortcuts, widgets and notifications clutter the screen, preventing quick access to the desired functions. Creating folders is the easiest way to structure space, but many users face difficulties: they can’t find an option in the menu, accidentally delete folders or do not know how to rename them. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to create folders on MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including hidden chips and solving typical problems.

It’s important to understand that MIUI is updated regularly, and the location of options may vary depending on the firmware version and smartphone model (for example, on the Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra settings can vary visually).We tested all methods on the latest versions of the software and collected universal instructions that will suit most devices of the brand. If you use custom firmware or beta version of MIUI, some features may work differently — we will talk about this too.

1. Basic method: creating a folder by drag and drop

The fastest and most intuitive method is to fold apps into a folder right on the desktop, and it works on all versions of MIUI, and it doesn't require access to settings. Here's how to do it:

1. Find two applications on the desktop that you want to combine into a folder.
2. Hold the icon of one of them with your finger and drag it to the second icon without letting go.
3. After 1-2 seconds, an animation will appear to create a folder with an automatically generated name (for example, “Games” or “Social Networks”).

The folder will be created instantly, and the contents can be edited, add new apps, rename or change color. Note that MIUI 14, when you drag and drop icons, appears a translucent circle, which is a visual clue that the folder is about to be created.

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If the folder is not created by drag and drop, check if Light Desktop mode is activated (Settings → Desktop → Light Mode).

2. Create a folder through the application menu

If there are too few icons on the desktop or you prefer to work through a full list of installed programs, you can create a folder in the app menu (App Drawer), which is convenient for mass sorting:

1. Tap the All Apps icon (usually located in the dock panel at the bottom of the screen).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Edit".
3. Press the icon of any application and drag it to another icon – the folder will be created automatically.
4. To add a folder to the desktop, press it and drag it up to the free space.

MIUI 13/14 has an automatic category sorting feature in the app menu (e.g. Work, Multimedia) to use. To use it, click three dots → Sort Automatically. The system will create folders itself, but their names and content can be edited.

3. Customization of folder appearance

In MIUI, you can not only create folders, but you can customize their appearance, which helps visually separate important groups of applications from secondary ones.

• 🎨 Folder color: click on folder → «Edit» → Choose one of the colors or gradients offered.
• 📝 Title: Tap the text under the folder and enter a new name (up to 12 characters).
• 📌 Docking: Drag the folder to the bottom panel for quick access.
• 🔒 Hiding a folder: in MIUI 14 there was a function of hiding folders from prying eyes (for this you need to activate “Privacy Mode” in security settings).

Some models (such as Xiaomi 12T or POCO F5) offer additional folder styles: transparent, shadow or animation when opened. To enable them, go to Settings → Desktop → Folder Style.

4. Solving folder problems

Sometimes folders on Xiaomi behave incorrectly: disappear after a reboot, do not open or reset settings. Consider typical errors and how to fix them:

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If folders continue to disappear after all the manipulations, try changing the launcher to a third-party one (for example, Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher), which often solves problems with the unstable operation of the standard MIUI interface.

⚠️ Note: Do not use applications to “optimize” or “clean” memory (such as Clean Master or Clean Master). DU Speed Booster.They often delete the launcher cache, which results in a reset of folders and shortcuts on the desktop.

5. Hidden folder capabilities in MIUI

Few people know, but MIUI has undocumented folder features that make it easier to use them:

• 🔄 Quick Add to the folder: Press the app icon and drag it to the folder – it will automatically open, and you can “throw” the app inside.
• 📂 nested folders: in MIUI 14 has support for folders inside folders (up to 2 layers of nesting). To create a nested folder, drag and drop one folder to another.
• 🔍 Search inside the folder: Open the folder and pull the screen down – a search bar will appear for its contents.
• 📱 Gestures for folders: in gesture settings (Settings) → Additional functions → Gestures) you can turn on the swipe folder up its icon.

MIUI 14 offers Smart Folders for models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro) to automatically sort apps by frequency of use and time of day (such as in the morning showing instant messengers, in the evening showing entertainment apps). To activate it, go to Settings → Desktop → Smart Folders.

6.Alternative launchers for advanced folder management

If standard MIUI features don’t suit you (e.g., lacking nesting levels or flexibility), you can install a third-party launcher.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher: Supports unlimited folders, gestures, desktop backup.
• 🎯 Hyperion Launcher: Optimized for the MIUI, saves branded chips (such as “Super Wallpaper”), but adds advanced folder settings.
• 🔧 Lawnchair: lightweight open source launcher, supports adaptive icons and dynamic folders.

To change the launcher:

1. Install the selected application from Google Play.
2. Go to Settings → Applications → By default → Launcher.
3. Select a new launcher from the list.

⚠️ Note: When you change the launcher, some Xiaomi system widgets (such as weather or steps) may stop working. To return them, install widgets from Google Play (such as Xiaomi Weather or Mi Fit).

Take screenshots of the current desktop|Write down folder names and their contents|Check the compatibility of the launcher with your version of Android|Turn off battery optimization for new launcher-->

7. Backup of folders and desktop

If you've spent a lot of time organizing your desktop, it's a shame to lose all settings after you reset or update. MIUI has a built-in backup feature, but it's not always reliable. Let's look at all the ways:

Method 1: Built-in MIUI backup

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select “Data Backup” and select “Desktop”.
3. Click on “Create a backup” and wait until it is completed.

Method 2: Exporting through Mi Cloud

Sync your desktop with Xiaomi’s cloud:

1. Activate Mi Cloud in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on the synchronization of the “work table”.
3. After resetting or changing the device, log in to the same account – folders will be restored automatically.

Method 3: Third-party applications

For reliability, use specialized utilities, for example:

• Swift Backup (requires root rights for full backup)
• Home Backup – saves the location of icons and folders in the file.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi