The Android operating system in the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS from Xiaomi offers users a wide range of options for personalizing the interface. One of the basic but crucial functions is the organization of the desktop space. Many smartphone owners often confuse terms, trying to understand the difference between creating a new folder for grouping applications and creating a separate shortcut for an existing file manager folder. Proper navigation on the system greatly speeds up the work with the device, allowing you to instantly access the desired documents, photos or system partitions.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the shortcuts and folders on Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi smartphones, and you will learn not only to create new groups of applications, but also to display shortcuts to specific directories in internal storage, especially for those who work with a lot of data and do not want to wander through the deep layers of the Explorer menu every time.
It's worth noting that the interfaces of different firmware versions may have visual differences, but the logic of the file system remains the same for the entire ecosystem. We'll look at the standard methods available out of the box, and also mention advanced methods through third-party launchers. Deep desktop customization turns a regular smartphone into a powerful tool for productive work.
Differences between application folder and directory shortcut
Before you start, you need to understand the terminology used in the Android system. Users often look for a way to create a “folder shortcut” by implying two completely different objects. The first option is a grouping of application icons (for example, “Games” or “Work”), which is created by dragging one icon to another. The second option is a system shortcut leading to a specific directory in the file system created by the user-a-le in “Conductor”.
If you want to clean up your installed software, you need a standard launcher feature. However, if you want to quickly open a folder with documents, scans or downloads without logging into the Files app every time, you need a shortcut on your desktop. Xiaomi shells have both mechanisms, but they work differently.
⚠️ Note: Deleting the directory shortcut from the desktop does not delete the files inside the folder. However, deleting the folder itself through the file manager will result in complete data loss, so be careful when working with system files.
The best way to create a storage structure is to use the built-in Explorer tool, which ensures compatibility with all system processes and ensures that file paths are not changed after a system update. Using third-party file managers is also possible, but may require additional permissions.
Creating a folder for grouping applications on the desktop
The most common folder scenario on Xiaomi is the grouping of app icons, which frees up space on the screen and structures the menu, and the process of creating such a folder is intuitive and does not require deep knowledge of the system, but has its own peculiarities depending on the viewing mode (classic or standard).
To start, make sure that there are at least two icons on your desktop that you want to combine. Touch one of them and hold them until the vibration or screen scale changes. Then drag that icon directly over the second icon you plan to add to the group. The system will automatically create a new folder with a preset name that can be changed.
- 📱 Press and hold the app icon before going into editing mode.
- 📂 Drag the icon over another program to create a group.
- ✏️ Tap the name of the folder that appears to rename it.
- 🗑️ To remove the folder, drag all applications from it back to the desktop.
In some design themes, folders open in a separate window, overlapping part of the screen, and in others they unfold directly on the desktop. You can configure folder behavior in the launcher settings section by selecting Settings → Desktop → Folders.
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How to create a shortcut for a specific file manager folder
Now, to a more complex but useful task, creating a shortcut to quickly access a specific directory in the memory of the device. Standard Android system does not always allow you to put the folder on the desktop as a separate icon, but Xiaomi smartphones have an effective solution through widgets or the feature “Favorites”.
The most reliable way, working on all versions of HyperOS and MIUI, is to add a folder to Favorites inside the Explorer app, and then output the Favorites widget to the desktop. To do this, open Explorer, find the desired folder, click on three dots in the menu, or hold your finger on the folder and select Add to Favorites.
Then go back to your desktop, pinch it with two fingers to enter the editing menu, and select "Widgets." Find the Explorer or Files app in the list, and select the Favorites or Folders widget. Place it on the screen, and you'll have instant access to your documents.
Alternative method through settings
If you don't like the standard widget, you can use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which allow you to create activity shortcuts where you can select a specific folder. However, for most users, Xiaomi's built-in tools will be quite enough.
Configuring folder widgets and displaying them
Widgets on the Xiaomi desktop are not just static pictures, but interactive elements that can significantly improve the efficiency of your smartphone. Properly configured folder widget allows you to see the contents of the directory or quickly open the latest files without unnecessary clicks on the menu.
To add a widget, click and hold the empty area on your desktop, then select "Widgets" in the bottom menu. In the list that opens, find the category associated with files or Explorer. The system will offer several options for size and style. Choose the one that best fits into your composition.
| Type of widget | Functional | Grid size | Support for topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chosen | Quick access to 4-6 folders | 2x2, 4x2 | Complete. |
| Single folder | Opening of a specific directory | 1x1, 2x2 | Partial |
| The latest files | List of recently amended documents | 4x2, 4x4 | No. |
| Warehouse | Information on the occupied place | 2x2 | Complete. |
Note that some widgets may require permission to access files. When you first start, the system will request the confirmation that you need to give for correct operation. Without this, the widget will be empty or display an access error.
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Use different sized widgets to create a unique desktop design, combining large watches with compact folder shortcuts for maximum convenience.
Use of third-party launchers for advanced management
The standard MIUI and HyperOS launcher are well-functioning, but sometimes not enough for advanced users. Installing an alternative shell, such as Nova Launcher, Smart Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, opens up access to creating shortcuts of any depth of nesting.
Third-party launchers often have the option of creating a folder shortcut as a separate entity that can be placed anywhere on the grid, through a menu of adding widgets or app shortcuts. In Nova Launcher, for example, you can create an Action Shortcut and select a specific path to the file if the conductor application supports such depth of integration.
However, switching to a third-party launcher on Xiaomi devices may entail some limitations, such as the system control gestures may stop working if you do not configure the appropriate permissions in a special menu, and increased battery consumption is also possible due to the features of system optimization.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a third-party launcher, be sure to set an exception in the battery so that the system does not “kill” the shell process in the background, otherwise animations will slow down, and widgets will disappear.
For most users, the best solution is to use a stock launcher in conjunction with the Favorites widgets, which ensures stability and no conflicts with system security updates.
Organization of space and hiding icons
Once you have all the necessary shortcuts and folders, you have to organize your workspace. On high-resolution screens, it's important not to overload the interface. Xiaomi's shell allows you to hide apps from the general menu, leaving them available only through search or special folders.
To hide the app, go to desktop editing mode (two finger pinch), then click on Settings (usually a gear in the corner), find Hide Apps, and select the programs you want to remove from public access, which will help clear visual noise.
- 🔍 Use System Search to Quickly Launch Hidden Applications.
- 📁 Create a separate service folder for system utilities.
- 🎨 Change the wallpaper to the color of folders to create a single style.
- 🚫 Do not place widgets on top of important interface elements.
Efficient desktop organization is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a matter of performance. Fewer active widgets and live wallpaper can have a positive impact on battery life of the device, especially on older smartphone models.
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Xiaomi’s ideal desktop combines minimalism and functionality: use folders for grouping, and widgets only for the most important information that requires constant monitoring.