Creating folders on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: step-by-step instructions

Redmi smartphones have been the benchmark of the budget segment for many years, and the Redmi 5 Plus model is no exception, offering users a great balance of price and performance. However, despite the powerful hardware, beginners often face non-obvious moments in managing the MIUI. One of these basic but important skills is the correct structure of the workspace, namely creating groups for applications.

Chaoticly scattered icons on the screen reduce the efficiency of the device and make you spend extra time finding the right program. Proper organization of shortcuts in thematic blocks allows you not only to restore visual order, but also to optimize navigation. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions for creating, configuring and deleting folders on this model.

Xiaomi’s shell has its own unique features that may differ from stock Android. So standard methods known from other devices may work differently or require refinement. We’ll look at all the nuances so you can fully adapt the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus to your personal needs and habits.

Preparation of the working space before grouping

Before you start actively sorting, you need to make room and decide on the structure. The screen of the smartphone has a limited number of cells, and their rational use is the key to convenience.

There are several pages available on the Redmi 5 Plus home screen, and it's important not to clutter up the first one with extra elements. Leave only the most important widgets and frequently used programs like phone, messages and browser.

It is worth noting that MIUI allows you to create folders not only on the desktop, but also in the menu of all applications, if the appropriate display mode is enabled, which gives flexibility in management, allowing you to divide the space for quick access and storage space for all installed software.

To get started, make sure you have at least two icons that you want to combine. Without a couple of apps, it's technically impossible to start the process of creating a group, since there's nothing to put inside the container.

Algorithm of creating a folder on the desktop

The process of forming a new group on Redmi 5 Plus is as simple and intuitive as possible, although it requires a certain amount of movement accuracy. You do not need to search for hidden menus or complex settings, all actions are performed directly on the lock screen or desktop.

Select the first app icon that should be included in the future folder. Press it with your finger and hold it until the icon sticks to your finger and starts to vibrate or zoom slightly, which is a signal that the object is in editing mode.

Without letting go of your finger, drag and drop the icon you select right on top of the second program you want to add to the same group. Once the cursor is above the second label, the system automatically creates a container. Release your finger, and both programs are inside the new folder.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-establishment verification

Done: 0 / 4

If you don't get it the first time, don't worry: sometimes it takes a few tries to catch the right moment of drag and drop, but the main thing is not to make sudden movements and keep your finger on the screen until the interface reaction is completed.

Customization of appearance and renaming

Once a group is successfully created, the system assigns it a standard name, which often does not reflect the content, so to bring order, you need to change the name to a more understandable and descriptive one, which is especially true if you create many thematic sections.

To rename a folder, just click on it once to open. At the top of the window that opens, you'll see the current name. Tap the title text, and the keyboard will automatically pop up to allow you to enter new text.

Enter short, capacious titles that will be easy to read even under the icon. For example, instead of "Applications", you should write "Work" or "Games". After you type in, click the confirmation button or simply tap the empty area of the screen outside the keyboard.

πŸ’‘

Use emojis in folder names to quickly visually search for the right category among a variety of other shortcuts.

Also, consider that in some versions of MIUI, the background color of the folder can adapt to the wallpaper or the style of the theme you choose. If the standard look does not suit you, try changing the global theme in the Themes app.

Adding and removing applications from the group

The content management of the created folder is not limited to renaming, you can add new programs to it at any time or, conversely, remove unnecessary ones if they are no longer needed in this category.

To add a new element, follow a similar scenario: press the app icon outside the folder, drag it to an open group and release it.

If you want to take the application out, open the folder, press the icon inside it, and drag it outside the container boundaries to the free desktop space, and the system will instantly respond and create a separate shortcut.

⚠️ Note: If you drag and drop an icon off the screen, it can be removed from the desktop, but will remain on the menu of all applications.

Deleting the folder itself automatically happens when you extract all the applications from it. There are no empty containers in the MIUI system, so it is enough to empty it to eliminate the group.

Comparison of interface display modes

Redmi 5 Plus owners can choose between two main modes of operation, which affects the logic of creating folders, and understanding the difference between them will help to set up the phone as conveniently as possible.

In classic mode, all installed apps are displayed directly on desktops, where folders are created by dragging and drop icons to another, a common scenario for most Android users.

In No Menu (or All-in-One) mode, the situation is different: desktops are only for widgets, and all applications are in a separate list called upwards by swipe, in which folders are created inside this list of applications, not on the desktop.

ParameterClassic modeNo menu mode.
Location of labelsOn the desks.On a separate menu
FolderingOn the desk.In the app menu
Search for applicationsScreen leafingSwipe up.
WidgetsAmong the iconsSeparately or together

You can switch between modes in the settings by selecting Desktop and changing Mode. After changing mode, the location of your folders may change or require manual reconfiguration.

Solving typical problems when creating folders

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the folder is not created or behaves incorrectly, most often due to a crowded screen or software failure of the launcher.

If the icon doesn't drag and drop, check if there's room for the group you're creating. The folder takes up one cell, and if all the cells around are occupied by large widgets, the system can block the action.

What if the launcher is frozen?
If the interface is no longer responsive to touch, try restarting the device, and in extreme cases, you can clear the cache of the Desktop application through the settings, but this will knock out the location of the widgets.

Another reason could be a conflict between third-party launchers, where if you've installed a program to change the look, they can intercept gesture control, in which case temporarily disable the third-party launcher.

It’s also worth mentioning that some firmware versions have a limit on the number of items inside a folder. If the folder is crowded, new icons may not be added or create a second page within the group.

πŸ“Š Which interface mode is more convenient for you?
Classic (all on the table)
No menu (separate list)
I don't know, it's worth it.
I'm using a third-party launcher.

Optimizing navigation with folders

Well-organized folders are not just beauty, but also a way to extend the life of the battery and maintain performance. Fewer active widgets and live wallpaper on the desktop, replaced by static folders, reduces the load on the processor.

Try to group apps according to the logic of their use, such as a separate folder for instant messengers, a separate folder for social networks and a third for banking applications, which speeds up access and reduces cognitive load.

For commonly used programs, you can use the "accelerated start" function or place them outside the folders on the dock panel at the bottom of the screen, while you can save the folders for secondary utilities that you use less often.

πŸ’‘

The optimal desktop structure increases the speed of work with the smartphone by 20-30% by reducing the time to search for the desired functions.

Remember to periodically review the contents of folders and delete applications that you have stopped using, which will help keep the system clean and tidy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I change the color of the folder on Redmi 5 Plus?
You can't change the color of a particular folder with standard MIUI, it depends on the theme, but you can download and apply a different theme in the Themes app, where the folder design will be different.
How many apps can you put in one folder?
There is no exact hard limit, but it is visually convenient to place up to 9-12 icons on one page of the folder, and if you exceed this number inside the folder, you will be able to scroll or a second page.
What happens if you delete the folder?
You can't delete a folder as an object, you can just remove all the applications from it, and once the folder is empty, it disappears automatically, and all the applications will remain on the desktop or menu.
Can I put a folder in a folder?
In the standard MIUI shell on Redmi 5 Plus, nesting (folder in folder) is not supported. You can drag and drop only individual apps or widgets.
How to rename a folder if the keyboard does not appear?
Try clicking on the name text instead of the blank space. If it doesn't work, reboot your phone. In rare cases, a temporary change of language helps.