Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the challenge of tidying up the interface. The standard MIUI shell or the new HyperOS offers a lot of customization tools, but the basic steps are sometimes hidden from the unsophisticated eye. Foldering is a fundamental skill in turning a chaotic set of icons into a structured system.
The process of grouping applications on the devices of the Chinese manufacturer is almost identical on all current models, whether it is a budget Redmi Note or flagship Xiaomi 14. However, there are nuances in the behavior of the interface when moving elements and adjusting the appearance. Understanding these subtleties will allow you not just to put programs together in a pile, but to make the control of the gadget really convenient and ergonomic.
In this article, we will discuss the algorithm of actions, consider the possibilities of renaming and changing the style of folders, and also touch on the topic of hiding applications inside created containers. You will learn how to effectively use screen space, which is especially important for models with a diagonal of up to 6.5 inches, where every pixel counts.
Basic method of grouping applications
The most common way to organize desktop space is to drag and drop one icon to another, which is universal and works in both classic MIUI mode and standard Android launcher. You don't need third-party utilities or root rights, all features are built into the system by default.
First, unlock the device and go to the home screen, find two apps you want to combine, like social media or banking, tap the screen in the area of any of the icons, and hold your finger until the icon vibrates or floats above the surface.
Without letting go of your finger, drag and drop the selected shortcut directly over the second app, at which point a translucent outline of the future folder will appear under the cursor, release your finger, and the system will automatically create a container by placing both programs there, and by default the folder will receive a name corresponding to the application category, but it can be changed.
- 📱 Touch and hold the app icon before moving animations start.
- 📂 Drag the shortcut on top of another program you want to add to the group.
- 🖐️ Release your finger when you see the folder frame appear.
- ✏️ Click on the name above the folder to rename it.
It's important to note that when you drag and drop to widget screens or to the Tools folder, the behavior of the system may be different. If you accidentally release an icon not over another application, it will simply stand free. To guarantee group creation, make sure that the cursor is located strictly in the center of the target shortcut.
Working with the application menu (App Drawer)
Many users prefer a mode where all installed programs are in a separate list, which is opened by swipe up, in which folder creation has its own peculiarities, since directly in the list of "All applications" grouping is often unavailable or limited, but there are ways to organize this section.
In the latest versions of MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS, it is possible to create folders directly in the application menu if the appropriate display mode is enabled. You need to go to the launcher settings. Find the item responsible for the desktop format and make sure that the option with the application menu is selected, not the classic one.
If you can't make a folder in the list of all programs with standard tools, use an alternative method: Create a folder on your desktop in the way described above, and then just drag shortcuts from the app menu into it. This won't remove the programs from the general list, but will create a convenient access point on the home screen.
⚠️ Note: In some regional versions of firmware (e.g. Global or EEA) The functionality of the app menu may differ from the Chinese version (CN). If you don’t find the folder option in the app list, it’s a launcher limitation, not a device defect.
For advanced users, third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher are available, allowing you to create folders directly in the app curtain, ignoring the limitations of Xiaomi’s standard shell, giving you maximum flexibility in sorting through hundreds of installed programs.
☑️ Checking the launcher settings
Customization of appearance and name
Once you create a folder, the system automatically names it based on the content. For example, if you combine Chrome and Yandex, the folder can be called the Internet or the Browsers. But automatic classification is not always accurate, so manual renaming is a necessary step in the organization.
To change the name, just tap the folder you created to open it. At the top, where the current name is displayed, click on the text. The keyboard opens to let you type in any name. You can use emojis to visually find the right group among many others.
The visual design of folders is also adaptable, so you can change the font size, transparency of the background, and style of the icons inside the container in the theme settings or launcher settings. Some MIUI themes offer unique folder designs that completely change how you feel.
| Parameter | Standard value | Possible changes | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name of name | Automatic. | Any text, emoji. | Makes it easier to find |
| Type size | Medium. | Depends on the topic. | Readability |
| Back of the folder | Transparent/Blurred | Colored, patterned | Aesthetics |
| Animation. | Standard. | Accelerated/Smooth | Response speed |
You should not neglect renaming, especially if you create specific groups, such as "To Work," "Travel," or "Finance." A logical structure will save you seconds every time you need to run a particular application, which on a day-scale gives you a tangible gain in time.
How do you change the color of the folder?
Hiding apps inside folders
One of the most sought-after features in the Xiaomi ecosystem is the ability to hide applications, which is not exactly folder creation in the classical sense, but functionally solves the problem of grouping confidential software in a secure container, a feature called Hidden Applications, and is built into the security of the system.
To access this feature, go to the Security app, which is preinstalled on each device of the brand. In the menu, find the Hidden Applications section. The system will suggest setting a password or using biometrics (fingerprint, face) to protect access to this section.
Once activated, the selected applications will disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all programs. To get into them, you will need to perform a special gesture in the Themes app or in the gallery (depending on the version of MIUI), or simply search for them if the appropriate access is configured, this creates an “invisible folder” effect.
- 🔒 Open the Security app on the desktop.
- 👁️ Find and click on the "Hidden Applications" item".
- ✅ Add the right programs to the list of hidden.
- 🔑 Set an unlock password to access hidden content.
This feature is especially relevant for banking applications, personal photo albums or instant messengers that you do not want to show to outsiders. Unlike a regular folder, a hidden partition requires authorization, which provides an additional level of data security.
⚠️ Warning: Don't forget the password from hidden apps! Unlike unlocking the screen, restoring access to a hidden container without a password or tied Mi Account may not be possible, resulting in data loss inside.
Deletion and disaggregation
Sooner or later, you have to disassemble the structure you've created, and deleting the folder in MIUI and HyperOS is intuitive, but it has its own features, and the folder doesn't delete as a file, it disappears automatically when there are fewer than two elements left in it.
To disband a group, open it and start dragging apps outside the container, you can spread them across the desktop or move them to other folders, and once there's one program left inside, the shell automatically cancels the folder, and the remaining shortcut will return to the desktop.
If your goal is to completely remove apps, the process looks different: Press the app icon inside the folder, select "Delete" or drag it to the basket (usually appears at the top of the screen when dragging and drop), removing the latter application will also cause the container folder itself to disappear.
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Tip: If you accidentally disassemble a folder, don't rush to reassemble it. Often, the system remembers the latest actions, and when you re-combine the same applications, it may suggest that you restore the previous name and group composition.
It's important to understand the difference between deleting the shortcut and deleting the application itself. When you pull a program from the folder to the desktop, you simply change its location. To completely remove it, you need to select the appropriate item in the context menu or when dragging it to the delete area.
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A folder in MIUI is a dynamic object that only exists when there are two or more applications, and deleting all elements is the same as deleting the folder itself.