How to change the folder name on the Xiaomi desktop: 5 proven ways

Why can’t you just click “Rename” on Xiaomi?

If you're used to Windows or macOS, where renaming a folder takes two seconds, the MIUI interface may seem counterintuitive. On Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, and Mi 13), the desktop is not just a file manager, but part of the shell. Folders here are created as "tag containers," not as classic directories in the device's memory. So a standard tap by name will not do anything.

In this article, we will discuss 5 ways to rename, from MIUI 14/13 tools to ADB workarounds (for advanced users), and why the “Rename” button is sometimes gray and inactive – a key point that is missed even in the official documentation of Xiaomi.

Spoiler: Newer versions of firmware, like HyperOS, have changed the algorithm, and that's in a separate section, and if you have a POCO Launcher, you're going to have to take a different approach.

Method 1: Standard MIUI renaming (works on 80% of devices)

This method is suitable for most Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS. The main condition: the folder must be created on the desktop, not in the file manager.

1. Tap the folder you want to rename and hold your finger for 2-3 seconds until the context menu appears.
2. In the window that appears, select Rename the folder (on some firmware it may be called Change the name).
3. Enter a new name (maximum 20 characters - MIUI limit) and press Ready or OK.

⚠️ Note: If the Rename item is inactive (grey), the folder is locked by the system:

• 🔒 The folder contains system shortcuts (e.g., “Google” or “Mi Apps»).
• 📱 You're set. POCO Launcher – it blocks folder editing by default.

Remove system shortcuts from the folder |

Try to create a new folder and transfer files there |

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Switch to standard launcher (in the settings "Themes")-->

On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and other flagships with HyperOS, the algorithm is slightly different: after a long tap, you need to select the pencil icon in the upper right corner of the screen. If there is no pencil, then you have deactivated desktop editing rights (see the section on HyperOS).

Method 2: Rename through file manager (for folders in memory)

If the folder is not on the desktop, but in the internal memory or on the desktop SD-You can rename the card through the standard Files by Xiaomi, which works even on locked devices.

1. Open the Files app (Blue folder icon).
2. Go to the Device section or SD-map where your folder is located.
3. Click on three dots next to the folder name → select Rename.
4. Enter a new name (A-Z, 0-9,, -, space allowed).

⚠️ Note: Do not use the following characters in the folder name:

If the folder is on SD-A card formatted as an internal memory may require additional rights to be renamed, in which case the system will request confirmation via Password/Footprint.

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To quickly find a folder in the file manager, use a search (magnifying glass icon) and enter part of its current name.

Method 3: Use POCO Launcher (for POCO users)

On POCO smartphones (such as POCO X5 Pro or POCO F5), a proprietary launcher is installed by default, which blocks folder editing.

1. Open Settings → Themes → Launcher.
2. Select the MIUI Standard Launcher (could be called the System Launcher).
3. Reset the device.
4. Now try renaming the folder with a long tap (see Method 1).

If you do not want to change the launcher, you can use the workaround:

• 📂 Create a new folder with the right name.
• 🔄 Transfer all the labels from the old folder to it.
• 🗑️ Delete the old folder (to do this, tap on it) → Delete the folder).

POCO Launcher 4.0+ has a feature called Edit Mode, which allows you to rename folders without changing the launcher.

1. Make a gesture down with two fingers on your desktop.
2. Click on the pencil icon in the bottom menu.
3. Put it on the file. → select Rename.

Standard MIUI|

POCO Launcher|

Nova Launcher|

Another (write in the comments)|

Method 4: Rename HyperOS (for new devices in 2026)

On HyperOS smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70), the process of renaming folders has changed.

1. Press the folder on the desktop before the vibration appears.
2. At the top of the screen will appear the toolbar – tap on the icon of the pencil (🖊️).
3. Enter a new name and click Save.

If the pencil icon doesn’t appear, check:

• 🔓 Launcher permissions: Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Permissions (must be enabled with “Storage” and “Change system settings»).
• 📱 Developer Mode: If activated, some features MIUI Blocked (disable it in Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap on the assembly number).

HyperOS also has Smart Folders, which automatically group applications into categories, which cannot be renamed — they can only be deleted or disabled in the launcher settings.

Method 5: Rename through ADB (for power users)

If none of the above methods worked, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

• 🔧 Folders blocked by the system.
• 📁 Folders in protected sections (e.g, /system or /vendor).
• 🛠️ Devices with damaged firmware where standard functions do not work.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB requires an unlocked bootloader and may result in a loss of warranty.The wrong commands may disrupt the system!

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Activate USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times tap) → go back to Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell su cd /storage/emulated/0 # or another path to the mv folder old name new name

Example of a command to rename the Documents folder to MyDocs:

mv /storage/emulated/0/Download/Documents /storage/emulated/0/Download/MyDocs

If you have a Permission Denied error, you don't have root rights.

• 🔑 Get root rights through Magisk.
• 📲 Use a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer).

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ADB is a powerful tool, but it requires caution: Always back up your data before changing your system folders.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even after successful renaming, users face challenges, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

If the folder does not appear on the desktop after renaming, but is visible in the file manager, try:

1. Delete the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Reset desktop settings: Settings → Desktop → Reset layout (Warning: all shortcuts and folders will return to factory settings!).

On Xiaomi Pad 6 and other Xiaomi tablets, there may be a problem with synchronizing folders between screens, in which case only a complete reset of the launcher settings will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions