Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users a huge number of pre-installed applications. Over time, the list of programs grows, and icons begin to occupy the entire screen, turning the desktop into a chaotic pile of elements, not only visually cluttering the interface, but also makes it difficult to quickly find the right utilities in everyday use.
Organizing space is the first step to comfortable use of the gadget. Creating folders allows you to group applications by topic, frequency of use or any other criteria that suits you. Unlike standard “pure” Android, the Xiaomi shell system has its own characteristics when dragging an icon, which you need to know about to successfully perform the operation.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will help to put things in order in your interface. We will look at standard methods of grouping, working with widgets and solve common problems when the folder is not created or behaves incorrectly. The key point is to accurately adhere to the timing of the icon retention, since too fast or long a press can activate other menu functions.
Basic algorithm for creating a folder on the desktop
The process of grouping applications into groups on Xiaomi devices is intuitive, but requires a certain skill. You do not need third-party launchers or root rights, since the functionality is built into the system by default.
First, unlock the device and go to the home screen. Find two app icons that you want to combine. For example, it could be Phone and Contacts or games from the same series. Press one of the icons and, without letting go of your finger, start dragging it right over the second icon.
When the second icon is under the drag and drop cursor, it should zoom in or light up a little bit. That's the system's signal to merge. Let go of your finger, and the system automatically creates a container with both apps inside. If you release the icon next to you, but not exactly on top of the other, the folder won't be created.
☑️ Folder creation checklist
⚠️ Warning: If the icon is shaking and coming back into place when dragging, you didn't get exactly into the center of the second icon or too far between them.
Once you've successfully combined, you'll see a new folder that usually gets its name from the first app or category (like Tools or Social) and you can rename it at any time just by clicking on the title, which helps you navigate content quickly, especially if you're creating a lot of groups.
Features of the MIUI and HyperOS interface when grouping
Xiaomi shells differ from stock Android by more aggressive customization. MIUI 14 and the new HyperOS have changed the animation of creating folders and how they are displayed.
If you add a third or fourth application to an existing folder, the system can suggest that you expand the folder, which is convenient for placing widgets or a lot of shortcuts, but you should consider that larger folders take up more space and can move the remaining icons on the screen.
- 📱 The standard folder can hold up to 9 icons on one screen without scrolling.
- 🔄 When overflowing, horizontal scrolling appears inside the container.
- 🎨 The design of folders adapts to your chosen theme of design.
It’s important to note that the Speed Up or Memory Optimization feature can rearrange rarely used applications in the background. If you notice a folder disappearing or changing, check the optimizer settings. Newer versions also offer the ability to hide folders in Do Not Disturb or Sleep mode, which saves battery life.
For users who have moved from other brands, it may seem strange how folders behave when they rotate the screen: In portrait mode, folders open as a pop-up, and in landscape mode, they can turn on the full screen or take up half of the display, depending on the launcher settings and the system version.
Customization of appearance and renaming of folders
Once you've created a structure, it's important to make it easy to understand. Standard names like "Folder 1" or "Tools" don't always reflect the content. To change the name, just click on the open folder, then tap the text box with the name at the top of the window.
In the keyboard that opens, type in a new name, you can use emojis, which make visual navigation even faster, for example, a folder with banking applications can be called «💰 Finance, and with navigation — «🗺️ Maps. This is especially useful for people with impaired vision.
Some of the themes have the option of changing the background color of the folder or the style of the icons inside it, and you go to the theme settings: Settings → Wallpaper and Personalization → Themes, and you can find styles that change the transparency of the folders or add blur effects under them.
| Parameter | Standard value | Possible changes |
|---|---|---|
| Type size | Medium. | Depends on the topic. |
| Background transparency | Semi-transparent | Depends on the topic. |
| Max. icon (view) | 9 (3x3) | Up to 20 with scrolling |
| Animation of the opening | Smooth. | Depends on the topic. |
Remember that too long names can be cut off on the lock screen or in widgets. The optimal length is up to 10-12 characters. If you use the folder widget on your desktop, long names may not fit in the designated area.
Adding widgets and shortcuts to created groups
Xiaomi folder functionality goes beyond apps, you can add widgets inside if the shell version supports it, or you can shortcut specific app features, and that makes the folder a full-fledged working mini-tool.
To add a widget, press the empty space on your desktop and select "Widgets." Find the item you want (like the weather or currency rate) and drag it. Some widgets can be placed inside folders, although they are often located separately. Check the specific version of your operating system, as in HyperOS the widgets are expanded.
It’s also useful to use App Shortcuts. Press the app icon (like Camera) and a pop-up menu will appear, and from there you can drag and drop a specific feature (like “Take a Screenshot” or “Write a Video”) right into the folder you created, which speeds up access to frequently used actions.
The secret to quick sorting
When you flood a folder with widgets, the system can suggest that you create a new page within a group, which allows you to store dozens of items in one compact container, but it is worth remembering that active widgets consume more CPU resources.
⚠️ Attention: Placing a large number of live widgets (watches, weather, news feed) inside a single folder can lead to increased battery consumption and slowdown when opening a group.
Removal of folders and distribution of applications
Sooner or later, the structure may require changes. Delete a folder on Xiaomi is as easy as it is to create. You need to open the folder and pull out all the applications from it, and once there is one icon left in the folder, the container automatically disappears, and the application returns to the desktop.
The alternative is to drag all the apps from the folder to the free desktop space or to another folder. Act consistently: press the icon, remove it, release it, then grab the next one. Don't try to pull out multiple icons at once, the system doesn't support that.
If you want to simply rename or move a folder, press it on your desktop (closed) and drag it to the right place, and when you move the folder to another screen or to the dock bar (bottom line), its contents are saved completely.
- 🗑️ To remove, drag all applications out.
- 📂 To move, pinch the empty folder space.
- ✏️ To rename, click on the name inside.
In case the folder is “hung” and is not deleted in the standard way (remains empty), try restarting the device. This usually resets temporary launcher errors. If the problem recurs, clear the Launcher app cache in the settings.
Problem Solving: The folder is not created or disappears
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where when dragging the icons simply change places and the folder does not form, most often this is due to the fact that the desktop has enabled the mode “Fix layout” or a certain theme is active, blocking changes.
Check the launcher settings. Go to Settings → Desktop. Make sure you have Classic or No Menu mode, depending on your habit. In No Menu mode, all applications are on desktops, and folder creation works differently there than in separate application menus.
The problem can also be in the overcrowded memory of the device: if the free space on the internal storage is less than 100 MB, the system can block the creation of new interface elements. Clear the cache through the built-in Cleaner.
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If a standard launcher is buggy, try temporarily installing a third-party (like a Nova Launcher), creating a structure there, and then going back to the standard one. Often this shakes up the system interface settings.
In rare cases, resetting launcher settings helps. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Launcher → Clear data. Attention: this will return the desktop to its factory appearance, and all created folders will have to be rebuilt, but software errors will be fixed.
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90% of folder problems are solved by getting the icon to the icon or rebooting the smartphone, and rarely requires resetting the system settings.