How to create a folder on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: Instructions

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 smartphones, which are powered by the MIUI, offer users enhanced interface personalization capabilities. One of the basic but critical functions to keep things in order is to create folders on the desktop, which allows you to group disparate application icons into thematic categories, making navigation easier and freeing up useful screen space.

The process of organizing files and shortcuts in Android environments can vary depending on the firmware version and launcher. Redmi Note 4 owners need to understand the difference between grouping applications on the home screen and creating directories in the internal document repository. We will explore both scenarios in detail, focusing on the nuances of the MIUI interface.

Often, users are faced with a situation where standard methods do not work due to random settings or features of the design theme. In this guide, we will discuss not only the standard algorithm of actions, but also possible problems that you may encounter when trying to structure the content of your Redmi Note 4.

Basic principle of grouping applications on the desktop

The most common folder scenario on a Xiaomi smartphone is to combine application shortcuts. The standard MIUI launcher lets you do this with an intuitive drag and drop gesture. You don't have to search for hidden menus or use third-party software to perform this operation.

To start forming a group, select any app icon you want to move, tap it with your finger and hold it until the icon vibrates or grows in size, signaling that it is going into edit mode, at which point the system interface allows you to manipulate objects on the screen.

Without letting go of your finger, drag the icon you select over the other icon you want to put in the same group. Once the top icon is above the bottom, the system automatically creates a container. The folder is created instantly when one icon overlaps the other, without the need to confirm the action with a button.

Once you create a structure, it gets a standard name, often based on the app category (like Tools or Social Networks), and you can change that name to something you can understand. Just click on the newly created folder to open it, and then tap the name at the top of the window that opens. Enter new text and confirm the change.

And the important thing to note is that when you remove all the apps from that group, it disappears automatically, and that's a feature of the launcher that helps you avoid the accumulation of empty debris in the interface, and if you pull all the shortcuts out, the container will cease to exist.

Creating Directories for Files through File Manager

Unlike desktop shortcuts, creating folders to store photos, documents, and downloads requires access to the file system. Redmi Note 4 uses the Explorer or Files system application. It provides access to all parts of the internal drive and external storage. SD-map.

Open the app and go to folder browsing mode, usually a tab called "Folders" or a folder icon in the bottom menu. Choose the root directory or a specific section where you plan to create a new storage. Most users work with internal memory, designated /storage/emulated/0.

At the top of the MIUI screen, you often have an action menu represented by three dots or a plus icon, and if you click on it, you'll see a list of available operations, and you'll select "Create a folder," and the system will prompt you to enter a name for the new directory.

Enter the name using the Latin or Cyrillic alphabet, although for system folders it is preferable to use English letters to avoid compatibility problems with some applications. After entering the name, click the confirmation button. The new structure will appear in the file list.

If you use an external memory card, the process is similar, but requires switching to the appropriate partition. Make sure the card is properly formatted and recognized by the system. Otherwise, the creation button may be inactive.

Work with text and renaming objects

Managing folder and file names is an important part of organizing data on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4. The MIUI shell has a powerful renaming mechanism that is accessible through the context menu. To call the menu, you need to press and hold your finger on the folder icon or file until the vibration appears.

In the menu that appears, select Rename (pencil icon or text box) and open a virtual keyboard that allows you to enter a new identifier. Please note that some characters may be reserved by the system and may not be used in the names.

Prohibited characters are usually: /,,:, *,?, ", <, >, |. The use of these characters can cause errors in the operation of applications trying to access the file.

Once you enter a new name, click OK or tick, the changes take effect immediately. If the folder was opened in another window, you may need to update the content display (swipe down the file list).

Renaming system folders such as DCIM, Bluetooth, or MIUI is not recommended. While technically possible, some applications may stop correctly storing data in expected directories if their paths are changed by the user.

Removing folders and cleaning the workspace

The accumulation of extra directories and groups of applications slows navigation over time. Deleting folders on Redmi Note 4 depends on their type. For folders on the desktop, it is enough to drag all the nested icons outside the container. When the last icon is removed, the folder will disappear by itself.

To delete file directories, the algorithm is different: Go to the File Manager, find the unnecessary folder and click on it with your finger held. At the bottom of the screen, a toolbar will appear. Select the basket icon or the "Delete" button.

⚠️ Note: When you delete a folder from the file system, all the data contained in it will be irretrievably lost unless it was copied elsewhere.

The system will request confirmation of action. This is a MIUI security mechanism that prevents the accidental deletion of important data. Press "Delete" again to complete the operation. Files can temporarily enter the basket if this function is activated in the conductor settings.

If the folder is not deleted, check if the process is running using the files inside it. Close all the applications and try again. In rare cases, you need to reboot the device to remove the file lock.

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Use the Cleanup feature in the Security app to quickly find and remove empty or temporary folders that take up space.

Comparison of data organization methods

Users often confuse the notion of a desktop folder with a file system folder. Understanding the difference helps you manage your Xiaomi smartphone more effectively. Below is a table comparing the key characteristics of these two types of objects.

As you can see from the table, these entities have different functions, and desktop folders are a navigation interface element, whereas directories in storage are real data structures, and understanding this difference is essential for a competent user.

Using both methods in a complex, you can achieve perfect order: group applications by function, and sort files by date or project in the corresponding memory sections.

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Desktop folders do not take up the phone’s memory, as they only contain links to apps, not the programs themselves.

Solving Common Problems and FAQs

Users may find it difficult to set up Redmi Note 4, sometimes icons don't drag and drop or folder creation menus are missing, and this may be due to limitations of the set theme, and some third-party themes block standard MIUI gestures.

If you can't create a folder, try temporarily switching to a standard Classic or No Limits theme. Also make sure the screen settings don't turn on Read Only or Desktop Change Locking. These features are often randomly enabled.

⚠️ Note: If the phone starts to run slower after creating a folder, check the number of widgets within the group.

In case of software failures of the launcher, it may be necessary to clean its cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Desktop and select “Clear Cache.” This will not delete your data, but reset the interface display settings.

For deep system cleaning, you can use special commands through ADB, but for the average user, standard system tools are enough.

Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to always keep your Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 in perfect order.