Renaming folders on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when organizing files. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process has nuances depending on the version of MIUI, the device model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) and the type of folder: system directories behave differently from user directories. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard tools to hidden functions and third-party solutions.
Xiaomi is very specific about how it is actively modifying stock Android to add its own limitations, for example, MIUI 14 can't rename the DCIM folder through standard Explorer, although it's possible on pure Android. We tested all the methods on devices with MIUI 12-14 and identified working workarounds.
1. Rename through the standard MIUI conductor
The most obvious way is to use the built-in Explorer (the Files app) which supports basic folder operations, but with limitations:
- 📁 It only works with custom folders (manually created by you).
- 🔒 System directories (Android, MIUI, DCIM) locked.
- 📱 Available on all models: from Redmi 9A to Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
Instructions:
- Open the Files app** (the folder icon on the desktop).
- Go to the Device or Internal Memory section.
- Find the folder and hold your finger on its name for 2-3 seconds.
- In the context menu, select Rename.
- Enter a new name (without special characters: /:::? " < > |) and press "OK"**.
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If the folder is not renamed, check if the Read Only mode is enabled in the memory settings (Settings → Memory → Additional).
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 13/14 When you rename the folder, it can disappear from the gallery, and this is due to the caching of media files, restart the device or clear the cache of the Gallery app. → Annexes → gallery → Clear the cache).
2. Use of Google Files (alternative explorer)
If Xiaomi’s standard Explorer refuses to rename the folder, try Google Files, Google’s official application with extended rights, which bypasses some of the limitations of MIUI, especially on Android 11+ devices.
Advantages of the method:
- 📲 It even works on POCO F4 GT Black Shark 5 with custom firmware.
How to rename:
- Install Google Files from the Play Market.
- Open the application and give access to the files.
- Go to the Internal Memory section → find the folder.
- Click on three dots next to the folder name → Rename.
- Enter a new name and keep it.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13 Google Files may request additional permission to manage all files (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Without this right, renaming system folders will be blocked.
3. Rename via PC (the most reliable way)
If nothing works on your smartphone, connect Xiaomi to your computer and use Windows Explorer or macOS Finder. This method is guaranteed to work even for folders locked in MIUI, since the PC operating system ignores the limitations of the mobile shell.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 macOS.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid connection issues).
- 🔑 Mode File Transfer (MTP) smartphone.
Step-by-step:
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB.
- On the phone in the notification bar, select File Transfer Mode (not “Only Charge!”).
- On PC, open "This Computer"** (Windows) or Finder (macOS).
Enable USB debugging (for Android 11+)|Use the original cable |Check the connection mode (MTP)|Close all programs that work with phone files-->
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 When you first connect to a PC, you may get a request for permission to access files. If you ignore it, the folders will appear blank:
- Turn the phone off the PC.
- Go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → USB-connection.
- Select File Transfer and connect the cable again.
4. Rename system folders (DCIM, Download, etc.)
System folders (DCIM, Download, Pictures) are protected from change because they are used by applications, and renaming them can cause a failure in the Gallery, File Uploader or Camera, but there are workarounds.
Ways for experienced users:
| Method | Root is required. | Risks. | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADB-team | ❌ No. | Low (with proper input) | MIUI 12–14, Android 10–13 |
| Root Explorer (Solid Explorer) | ✅ Yes. | High (risk of system damage) | Any firmware |
| TWRP Recovery | ✅ Yes. | Medium (requires backup) | Only with the unlocked loader |
The safest way is to use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require root rights, but requires minimal command line knowledge.
Instructions for ADB:
- Install Platform Tools on your PC.
- Turn on USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on the build number → Return to Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB).
- Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:
adb shell
mv /sdcard/Old name /sdcard/New nameExample for the Download folder:
mv /sdcard/Download/sdcard/Download/Download/Sdcard/DownloadsWhat happens if you rename the DCIM folder?
5. Renamed by Total Commander or Solid Explorer
Third-party file managers like Total Commander or Solid Explorer offer advanced features, including working with system folders (if root-rights are available), which are useful if standard methods don't work.
Comparison of opportunities:
- 📂 Total Commander: ✅ Support FTP/SFTP. ✅ Built-in text editor. ❌ There is no built-in root access without plugins.
- 🛡️ Solid Explorer: ✅ Full support for root (paid function). ✅ Two-panel mode. ✅ Built-in archiver.
How to rename the folder to Solid Explorer:
- Install an app from the Play Market.
- Provide access to files and, if necessary, root rights.
- Find the folder, hold her name. → Rename.
- Enter a new name and confirm.
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Solid Explorer is the only conductor that can rename folders to /data/data/ (application system data), but it requires root.
⚠️ Note: When working with root rights, do not rename folders to /system or /vendor — This will lead to a bootloop on the device, and if it does, it will require a flashing through the Fastboot.
6. Features on different Xiaomi models
The renaming process may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI. Below are the key nuances for popular devices:
| Model | MIUI version | Features | Recommended method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | MIUI 12–14 | The standard conductor blocks the renaming of DCIM and Pictures. | Google Files or ADB |
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | MIUI 13 for POCO | Less restrictions than Redmi, but system folders are still locked. | PC or Solid Explorer |
| Xiaomi 12/13 Series | MIUI 13–14 | Android 13+ requires explicit permission to manage all files. | ADB or root conductor |
| Black Shark 4/5 | JOYUI (based on MIUI) | You can rename folders through the game center, but with restrictions. | PC or Total Commander |
On Android 12+ and MIUI 13/14 devices, a new restriction has been introduced: apps are not allowed to change files in Download, DCIM and Movies folders without the explicit permission of the user.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Special Access → Manage all files.
- Enable permission for your Explorer (e.g. Google Files or Solid Explorer).
7. Frequent errors and their solutions
When renaming folders to Xiaomi, users face typical problems.
- 🚫 «Failed to rename": Reason: the folder is used by the system or application (e.g. Gallery scans) DCIM). Solution: Close all applications that work with files, or rename via PC.
- 🔄 The folder disappeared after renaming: Reason: Media cache crash.Solution: Reboot the device or clear the Gallery and Media Storage cache».
If the folder after renaming is not displayed in the Explorer, but visible through the PC, try:
adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE -d file:///storage/emulated/0/ New folder/This team will force the database of media files to be updated.