How to create a folder on the Xiaomi desktop: 5 ways to MIUI

Xiaomi’s desktop is quickly filled with app icons, especially if you’re actively installing new programs. Creating folders is an easy way to organize the space by grouping similar apps (social media, games, tools) into single blocks. But in the MIUI shell, this process is different from standard Android, and some users face difficulties: they can’t find an option, accidentally delete folders or do not know how to rename them.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to create folders on the Xiaomi desktop, including hidden chips. MIUI 14, running on Redmi Note 12, Poco models X5, Xiaomi 13 and others. You'll also learn how to manage folders (rename, move, delete), why they sometimes disappear after an update, and what to do if the system does not allow you to create a folder. FAQ-block.

Why can’t Xiaomi create a folder in the standard way?

Many users try to create a folder in the same way as they do on Samsung or Google Pixel, by slamming an app icon and dragging it to another one, but in MIUI, this method doesn't always work.

• 🔄 Shell version: B MIUI 12 And below to create folders you need to hold the icon longer (about) 2 seconds, and in MIUI 13/14 swipe-light.
• 📱 Smartphone model: On some devices (e.g. Poco) F3 or Redmi 10) disabled the function of automatic folder creation in the launcher settings.
• 🔧 Launcher settings: If the Simplified Desktop mode is enabled (Settings) → Home. → Simplified mode, folders can not be created.
• 🛠️ System Errors: After Updating MIUI Sometimes reset permissions for the launcher (reset is solved by rebooting).

Before you try the methods below, check if the simplified mode is activated.

1. Open the Settings.
2. Go to Home (or Desktop in some versions).
3. Make sure the "Simplified Mode" slider is off.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a third-party launcher (such as a Nova Launcher or Apex), instructions for the launcher are available. MIUI In this case, read the documentation to your launcher.

Method 1: Standard Drag and Drag folder creation (MIUI 13/14)

This is the fastest method running on most modern Xiaomi devices, suitable for the Redmi Note 11/12, Xiaomi 12/13, Poco X4/X5 and other models with MIUI 13+.

Algorithm:

1. Find two application icons on your desktop that you want to combine into a folder.
2. Touch one icon and hold it for 1-2 seconds until it increases and vibrations appear.
3. Keep your fingers on, drag the icon to another one, and the folder will be automatically created.
4. Let go of your finger, the folder is ready. You can now add other apps to it.

If the folder is not created:

• 🔹 Check if the "Prohibit Change" mode is enabled (clip the empty space on the screen). → Home screen settings → Turn off "Block the layout").
• 🔹 Try dragging the icon not to the center of another icon, but to its upper right corner.
• 🔹 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes helps with temporary crashes.

Selected two icons on the desktop |Simplified mode Disabled |Stop layout changes |Icon drags to the top right corner of another |Smartphone rebooted (if it didn't work)

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Method 2: Create a folder through the application menu

If drag and drop doesn’t work (like MIUI 12 or older models like Redmi 9), try creating a folder through the menu of all apps.

Instructions:

1. Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the app you want to add to your folder and hold on to its icon.
3. In the menu that appears, select "Add a screen to your home".
4. Drag the icon to another icon on your desktop (as in Method 1).

If the folder is not created even like this, check:

• 📌 Is there a limit on the number of folders (c) MIUI You can create up to 20 folders on a single screen).
• 📌 Is Child Mode Not Used (Settings) → Special opportunities → Childhood regime).

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If you create folders often, add the folder widget to your desktop via long-clicking in free space → Widgets → Folders. This will speed up the process.

Method 3: Using the desktop editing mode

MIUI has a hidden editing mode that allows you to more accurately manage your icons and folders, which is suitable for users who have not worked with previous methods.

How to turn on the editing mode:

1. Click the empty space on your desktop (not on the icon!).
2. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a panel with options. Select "Settings" (cogs).
3. Activate the "Edit Mode" switch (or "Change layout" in older versions).
4. Now you can drag and drop icons onto each other to create folders.

Additional options are also available in this mode:

• 🔧 Change the size of the icons (Size of the icon).
• 🔧 Set up a desktop grid (Grid home).
• 🔧 Hiding Application Names (Hide Names).

⚠️ Attention: In editing mode, it is easy to accidentally delete icons or widgets. To return a remote application, find it in the menu of all applications and drag it to the desktop again.

Method 4: Create a folder through launcher settings (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can manually activate folder creation through system launcher settings, which requires access to hidden settings and is suitable for advanced users.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636###
2. In the menu that appears, select "Phone Information".
3. Scroll down and find the "Starter Settings" (or "MIUI Launcher") item.
4. Activate the option "Allow folder creation" (if it is disabled).
5. Reboot your smartphone.

Then try to recreate the folder in the standard way (Method 1). If the launcher settings option is missing, then your version of MIUI does not support this method.

Method 5: Using third-party launchers (if nothing helps)

If all of these methods don't work, the last option is to install a third-party launcher, which is a radical solution, but it's guaranteed to solve the folder problem.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – flexible settings, gesture support, folder creation in 1 touch.
• 🎨 Apex Launcher – lightweight and fast, with the ability to backup the layout.
• 🔄 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows, synchronization with PC.
• 📱 Hyperion Launcher – Minimalist design, optimized for MIUI.

How to install and configure Nova Launcher:

1. Download Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Open the app and select it as the default launcher.
3. Press the application icon → drag to another → folder created.
4. To rename the folder, tap its name and enter a new one.

Cons of this method:

• ⚠ Loss of branded chips MIUI (Second Space or App Lock).
• ⚠ Some system applications (themes, security) may not work properly.

Standard MIUI|Nova Launcher|Apex Launcher|Microsoft Launcher|Other |I don't know what it is

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Table of comparison of folder creation methods on Xiaomi

Important: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, folder creation can be temporarily disabled after the update, in which case resetting the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear data will help.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful folder creation, users face difficulties.

Problem 1: The folder disappeared after the MIUI update

Once the system is updated, folders can be reset to return them:

1. Check if the apps have moved to the menu of all apps.
2. If the folder is empty, recreate it and add applications manually.
3. Restore the backup of the layout (if it was created through Settings → Home → Backup).

Problem 2: You can't rename a folder

If you click on the folder name does not appear field to enter:

• 🔹 Make sure the folder is not in editing mode (go out by clicking "Done" or "Save").
• 🔹 Try renaming the folder with a long press on its name.
• 🔹 On some versions MIUI Rename is available only in editing mode (Method 3).

Problem 3: The folder won’t open or freezes

If nothing happens when you click on the folder:

• 🔹 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🔹 Remove the folder and create it again.
• 🔹 Check if your desktop is overloaded (remove extra widgets or icons).

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If folders on Xiaomi always “fall apart” after restarting, turn off launcher optimization in battery settings: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Find “Luncher” → Disable optimization.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions