Xiaomi’s MIUI desktop allows you to create folders for easy application organization, but it’s not always obvious how to rename them. Unlike classic Android, where there is a long enough tap, MIUI 14/15 is different, especially if the folder is automatically created by the system or protected by com.miui.home. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to rename folders, including hidden functions and circumvention of restrictions.
Many users are faced with the fact that the option of renaming is simply not in the context menu, this is due to Xiaomi’s policy of unification of the interface: some actions (for example, changing the name of the system folders) are blocked to prevent failures. However, there are workarounds – from using a file manager to ADB commands. We tested each method on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T smartphones with the latest updates MIUI Global 15.0.4.
If you tried to rename a folder with a long press, but nothing happened, don't be quick to blame the firmware. Most likely, you are dealing with a system folder whose name is tied to the resource identifier (for example, the Game Turbo folder or the Work from Dual Apps). Such folders can not be renamed by standard means, but they can be deleted and recreated with the desired name, we will talk about this in one section.
1. Standard method: through long pressing
The simplest method works for custom folders created by hand, requiring no additional applications or superuser rights, but has limitations: it won’t work for system folders (like Utility or Google) and folders created by third-party launchers.
Algorithm of action:
- Press and hold your finger on the folder you want to rename until it “rises” above the screen.
- At the top of the screen will appear a toolbar – tap the icon of the pencil (✏️) or the inscription “Edit".
- Enter a new folder name (maximum 12 characters in MIUI 15).
- Click "Done" or tap on an empty space on the screen.
⚠️ Note: If you only see a basket icon instead of a pencil, it means that the folder is system. Trying to rename it through the file manager can cause the launcher com.miui.home to crash. → Desktop → Resetting the mock-up.
📊 What kind of launcher are you using on Xiaomi?
Standard MIUI
Nova Launcher
Hyperion
Other
2. Rename through file manager
If the standard method didn’t work, try changing the folder name through the built-in file manager (Files by Google or Mi File Explorer).This method is suitable for folders that appear as separate directories in the device’s memory (usually located along the path /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.home/files/).
Step-by-step:
- Open the file manager and go to the Internal Memory → Android → data → com.miui.home → files.
- Find a folder with a name similar to that displayed on the desktop (for example, folder_12345).
- Long press. → "Rename" → enter a new name.
- Restart Launcher: Press the home button and select "Reset".
🔹 Important nuance: Not all desktop folders are stored in this directory. System folders (such as "Games" or "Tools") may be in protected partitions. /system or /vendor, And to rename them will require root rights.
Backup of important data | Checking of free space (minimum 500 MB) | Disabling of battery optimization for file manager |Remembering the original folder name-->
3.Using ADB to rename system folders
For advanced users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to rename even system folders, which requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge, but gives full control of the MIUI interface.
What you need:
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → return to → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
Teams for renaming:
adb shell
su
cd /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs
vim com.miui.home.preferences.xml
In the file, find a line with the folder name (for example, <string name="folder_name_123">Old name.</string>) Save the file and reboot the device.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
If the adb device command returns an empty list: 1. Check if debugging is enabled by USB In the developer settings. 2. Install Xiaomi drivers ADB Interface manually through Windows Device Manager. 3. Try another USB-cable (some cables are only for charging). 4. Run adb kill-server, then adb start-server. 4. Delete and create a new folder If you can't rename the folder, you can go the radical way: delete it and create it again with the right name. This method works for all types of folders except system folders (such as Google or Mi Video) that are restored after a reboot. Instruction: Move all applications from the folder to the desktop (open the folder). → pinch the app icon → Pull it out. Hold the folder. → Drag it to the Delete icon (or select Delete in the context menu). Create a new folder: pinch any application and drag it to another → Type in a new name. Move all the apps back. ⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially Chinese) after deleting the system folder, you may not be able to create new folders at all, in which case resetting the launcher settings: adb shell pm clear com.miui.home 5 will help. Third-party launchers as a solution to the problem If standard methods don’t work, consider installing an alternative launcher. Popular options - Nova Launcher, Hyperion Launcher or Lawnchair - allow you to rename folders without restrictions, and also offer additional customization features: 🎨 Full freedom to rename folders (including system). 📂 Ability to create folders (up to 3 levels). 🔒 Locking folders with a password or fingerprint. 🖼️ Changing folder and background icons. How to rename a folder to Nova Launcher: Install a launcher from Google Play and select it as the default launcher. → Put "Edit" in your pencil. Enter a new name (up to 20 characters). Press "Done". 🔹 Tip: Before installing a third-party launcher, back up the desktop layout in Settings → Desktop → Backup. This will help you quickly return the standard interface if something goes wrong. Launcher Support for renaming System Requirements Cost Nova Launcher Full (including system folders) Android 5.0+, 2 GB of RAM Free (Prime – 499) ₽) Hyperion Launcher Complete + embedded folders Android 8.0+, 3 GB RAM Free Lawnchair Partial (limitations for MIUI) Android 9.0+, 2GB of RAM Free POCO Launcher Limited (as in standard) MIUI) Android 6.0+, 1.5 GB of RAM Free 6. When renaming folders to Xiaomi, users face typical problems. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them. 1: "Failed to rename the folder (pop-up window). 🔄 Solution: Reboot the device and try again. If it doesn't work, clear the launcher cache in Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache. 2: After renaming the folder disappeared. 🔍 Solution: The folder could have been moved to a hidden partition. /storage/emulated/0/.miui/ via file manager with the "Show hidden files" option enabled. 3: The new name is not retained (the old name is returned). 🛠️ Solution: It's a bug MIUI 14-15, Disable synchronization of Xiaomi Cloud for launcher: Settings → Xiaomi account → Cloud → Synchronization → Launcher. ⚠️ Note: If after manipulating folders, the desktop began to lag or restart, reset the launcher settings: adb shell pm clear com.miui.home This command will reset all desktop settings (including widgets and wallpaper), but return the stability of the work. FAQ: Can you rename the folder "Games" or "Google" to Xiaomi? No, these folders are system-based and are tied to the services of Game Turbo and Google Apps. They can only be hidden or deleted (but they will recover after the reboot). The alternative is to use a third-party launcher that allows you to rename any folders. MIUI Is it a known bug when you update to MIUI 15. To return the names, clear the launcher data (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data) and restore the backup of the desktop layout if it was created. How to rename a folder on the Xiaomi desktop without a computer? If the standard method does not work, use a file manager with root access (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer. /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/, find the file com.miui.home.preferences.xml And you can manually edit the folder name, and can you return the old folder name if you don't like the new one? Yes, if you renamed the folder through standard means, just repeat the procedure and type in the old name. ADB Or edit system files, restore backup via adb restore, or reset your launcher settings. POCO F5 No option to rename folders? POCO F5 work MIUI 14 for POCO, where the folder renaming function is disabled by default. To activate it, install a patch through Magisk. MIUI Extra Features) or use a third-party launcher. 💡On devices with MIUI 15 Rename folders by long press works only for custom folders. System folders (e.g., Utilities or Mi Video) require the use of ADB third-party launchers.