How to Create a Folder on Xiaomi on your Desktop: The Complete Guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the need to clean up the MIUI or HyperOS interface. The shell provides ample opportunities for customization, and creating groups of applications is one of the basic functions that helps structure the screen space. Many users are looking for an answer to the question of how to create a folder on Xiaomi in the workplace, because the standard folder icon on the menu is absent, and the action is performed by drag and drop.

Unlike some other operating systems, there is no separate button in the settings for generating an empty container. The shell file system works on the drag-and-drop principle, which is the standard for the industry, but may not be obvious to beginners. Below we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions, consider the features of renaming and customizing the appearance, and answer frequently asked questions.

Basic algorithm for folder creation

The process of grouping applications on Xiaomi devices is as simple as possible and does not require a deep dive into the engineering menu or the use of third-party software. You need to find two icons on the desktop or in the application menu that you want to combine. These can be any program from system utilities to installed games.

Make a long-term finger tap on one of the icons until it sticks and goes into edit mode, at which point the rest of the screen elements may slightly darken or shrink. Without letting go, drag the selected icon directly over the second icon that you plan to place in the same group, and once you release your finger, the system automatically forms a container.

If you want to add a third or fourth app to an existing group, the logic remains the same. Just drag the new icon to an open folder. The interface will instantly update and the app will take its place on the grid. It's important not to make sudden movements so that you don't accidentally delete the shortcut or move it to another page.

• 📱 Find two app icons that you need to combine.
• 🖐️ Hold one of them and drag them over the other.
• 📂 Release your finger so that the system automatically creates a container.
• ➕ Add new apps by dragging and dropping to the created group.

Rename and customization of appearance

Once you have created a group, the system will assign it a standard name based on the application category (e.g., “Social Networks” or “Tools”). However, the user interface allows you to change this name to any other name that is convenient for you.

In the keyboard that opens, type in the desired name. You can use emojis to make desktop navigation more visually understandable. After you type in, press the confirmation button or simply tap the blank area of the screen outside the keyboard. Changes apply instantly and are saved once the device is locked.

⚠️ Note: The length of the name is limited by the number of characters that are placed in one line under the icon on the desktop. If you type in a name that is too long, it will be cropped with an ellipsis in the closed folder state.

You can also change the color scheme or display style if your theme supports it. In standard MIUI themes, folder color often depends on the background, but in third-party themes from GetThemes store, unique container designs are available, which makes the desktop unique and unlike the standard build.

Size and number of elements setting

The standard folder size on Xiaomi screens typically holds between 4 and 9 icons depending on the shell version and the theme chosen. However, when the folder is overflowing, the system may suggest scrolling or creating a second page inside the container. The number of items within the group is managed in the same way as on the main screen by adding or removing shortcuts.

If you remove an application from a folder, just press it and drag it outside the container to the free desktop space. System restrictions may prohibit the removal of some pre-installed services, but user applications are removed without problems.

For owners of devices with large screens, such as the Max series or foldable models, larger widgets are available that can also be placed inside folders, which allows you to create functional groups, such as a weather widget and a currency widget in one folder "Finance".

Deletion of folders and disaggregation of applications

Sometimes you have to eliminate a previously created group. Xiaomi devices do not have a button to delete folder as a separate item. The deletion process is reduced to removing all applications from the container. As long as there is at least one application in the folder, the folder continues to exist.

To disband the group, open it and start dragging icons sequentially outside the folder to the desktop, and when you pull the penultimate application, the folder will disappear automatically, and the remaining shortcut will simply remain on the screen, which is the logical behavior of the system to prevent empty containers from appearing.

If you want to remove all applications from the folder at once, you can use the desktop editing function. Press the folder, select the uninstall option (if available in your version of the launcher), or simply drag the folder to the basket if this feature is implemented in a particular launcher.

• 🗑️ Open the folder you are planning to delete.
• 📤 Drag all applications outside the container.
• ✅ The folder will disappear automatically when it becomes empty.
• 🔄 If you make an error, you can immediately press the "Back" button to cancel.

Problems with folder creation and their solution

Despite the ease of operation, users sometimes face difficulties. Most often the problem lies in the activated "Block icons" mode. If this function is enabled, you will not be able to move icons or create new groups. Check the lock status in the desktop settings or through the pop-up menu when editing.

Another common cause is a memory overflow of the launcher or cache of the system. If when trying to drag the icon, the phone reacts with a delay or resets the action, try to restart the device.

⚠️ Note: If you use a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair), the folder-creating algorithm may be different. MIUI They don't work.

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If the folder is not created, try changing the theme to the standard "Classic" in the Themes app and rebooting the phone. Third-party themes often contain errors in the launcher scripts.

It’s also worth checking for system updates. Older versions of Android or MIUI may have bugs patched in newer security patches. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and check for updates.

Features of folders in HyperOS and new versions of MIUI

With the release of HyperOS and the upgraded versions of MIUI 14, the way you organize your desktop has changed, and you can create larger folders without opening, allowing you to run applications with a single touch right out of the folded state, which greatly speeds up access to frequently used functions.

The new shells have improved the animation of opening and closing groups, and added support for dynamic icons inside folders. The visual component has become smoother, which is especially noticeable on devices with high refresh rate screens (120 Hz and above).

To activate advanced folder functions, you sometimes need to enable certain options in the Developer Menu or through the Themes app. For example, changing the desktop grid to a denser one will allow you to fit more items into one folder without scrolling through the pages.

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Modern versions of the Xiaomi shell allow not only to store icons, but also to use folders as quick-start widgets, which saves user time.

It is important to note that the functionality may vary depending on the regional version of the firmware (Global, China, EEA). Chinese versions often get new design features earlier, but may require additional customization for comfortable use in other regions.