How to change the folder name to Xiaomi: all working methods

Renaming folders on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task, but users often face unexpected limitations. Unlike standard Android, the MIUI shell makes its own adjustments: somewhere you need to confirm rights, and somewhere the system completely blocks the action without explanation. This article covers all the current ways, from basic to advanced, including bypassing typical errors.

We will analyze not only standard methods through the built-in file manager, but also alternative options: connecting to a PC, using the system. ADB-teams and even third-party root folder applications, with particular attention to system directory problems (e.g., system directory problems, MIUI Or Android, where renaming can cause malfunctions. MIUI 14/15 and relevant to models from Redmi Note 10 Xiaomi 14 Pro.

Why you can’t rename your folder to Xiaomi

The most common problem is three factors: access rights, file system types, and MIUI limitations.

First, the MIUI shell blocks changes to system folders by default (e.g. /system or /vendor). Even if you see them through the file manager, there are no write rights. Second, new Xiaomi devices use the F2FS or EROFS file system, which is more stringent than the classic ext4. Finally, some folders (e.g. DCIM or Pictures) are protected by the Scoped Storage policies introduced in Android 10+.

• 🔒 No root rights: Without them, it is impossible to rename folders to /data or /system.
• 📁 System directories: Folders with Android. or com. prefixes are usually blocked.
• 🛡️ Protection MIUI: The shell may return the error "failed to rename" without explanation.
• 🔄 Cache data: Sometimes changes don't apply due to file manager cache.

⚠️ Note: Rename folders to /system root-free can lead to a device blink (loss of performance). Even with root, it is recommended to back up through TWRP.

Method 1: Standard file manager MIUI

The easiest method is to use an embedded file manager (called Files or File Manager) that supports basic operations but with limitations.

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app (Blue folder icon).
2. Go to the Device or Internal Memory section.
3. Find the folder you want to rename and hold your finger on the icon.
4. In the menu that appears, select "Rename" (or "Rename").
5. Enter a new name (without characters /: *? " < > |) and press "OK".

If the "Rename" option is inactive:

• 🔹 The folder is in a protected directory (for example, Android/data).
• 🔹 You don’t have enough rights (try to allow access in the app settings).
• 🔹 The folder is used by the system (for example, Download or DCIM).

Close all applications that use files in the folder|Check the free space on the device|Turn off sync with Mi Cloud|Reboot your smartphone (if the folder is “hang"-->

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On some MIUI firmware, once renaming, the folder can be duplicated (old and new names are displayed simultaneously). This is a cache bug, and rebooting or clearing the file manager data into Settings → Applications will help.

Method 2: Through PC (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Connecting to a computer gives you more control, especially if you have a file transfer mode (MTP) on your smartphone, which bypasses some of the limitations of MIUI, but it is also not universal.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-Cable (original or certified).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (or File Transfer) in the connection notification.
3. On a PC, open "This Computer" (Windows) or "Finder" (macOS) - the device will appear as a removable disk.
4. Go to the desired folder, right-click and select "Rename".
5. Confirm the changes (some PCs will require recording permission).

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ When connecting to a PC, some folders (for example, Android/obb) They can be displayed blank. It's not a mistake -- the shell hides their contents to protect data.

If the PC does not see the device:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
• 🔄 Switch the connection mode on the phone: Settings → Connected devices → USB.
• 🔧 Set up Mi. PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi).

💡

If the folder is not renamed via a PC, try copying its contents to a new folder with the desired name and removing the old one, which often works for folders with the application cache.

Method 3: Use of ADB (for power users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that lets you execute commands directly on your device, and is useful when standard methods don’t work but require preparation.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Xiaomi.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Enable debugging over USB: Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is detected.
5. Execute the command to rename (example for /sdcard/OldName folder): adb shell mv /sdcard/OldName /sdcard/NewName

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It does not work for system folders without root rights.
• 🔄 After renaming, a reboot may be required.
• 📛 Folder names are case sensitive (Photos) ≠ photos).

Method 4: Third-party file managers with root access

If standard methods don’t work, you can use alternative fileymi managers like Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer, or Root Explorer to support root access and advanced file operations.

Top.-3 folder-based:

How to rename a folder through Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Provide root access (if required).
3. Go to the desired directory, hold the folder and select "Rename".
4. Enter a new name and confirm.

⚠️ Note: Root-access apps may violate Xiaomi’s warranty. Use them at your own risk, especially to modify system folders.

If the folder has disappeared after renaming:

• 🔍 Check hidden files (enable display in manager settings).
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes MIUI Does not update the cache immediately.
• 📥 Use the name search in the file manager.

Method 5: Through TWRP (for advanced users)

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to manage files at a low level, including renaming system folders.

Step-by-step:

1. Install TWRP on your Xiaomi (instructions depend on the model).
2. Download to recovery mode (usually Power + Volume Up).
3. Select "Advanced" → "File Manager".
4. Find the folder, select it and click "Rename".
5. Enter a new name and confirm (swipe to Confirm).
6. Reset the device.

Important: Renaming folders to /system or /vendor via TWRP can make it impossible to boot the system. Always backup before making changes.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Full control of all folders, including system folders.
• ✅ There are no restrictions on characters in names (except / and \0).
• ✅ It works even if it does. MIUI block access.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader (resets all data).
• ❌ Risk of blinking in case of incorrect actions.
• ❌ Not suitable for beginners.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the instructions, users are faced with typical problems, and we'll look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of the methods worked:

• 🔄 Try resetting the file manager settings (Settings) → Annexes → Files. → Warehouse → Clear the data).
• 📱 Update. MIUI up to the latest version – in new firmwares, bugs with the file system can be fixed.
• 🛠️ Contact the service center if the problem is related to hardware failures (for example, memory damage).

💡

If a folder contains important data, always back it up before renaming it. Use cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) or local copying on your PC.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions