Renaming folders on the Xiaomi Redmi desktop seems like a simple task — until you face the limitations of the MIUI shell or the lack of visible options. Unlike classic Android, where a long enough tap is called a folder, here the algorithm depends on the firmware version, the type of folder (system or user) and even the launcher used. For example, in MIUI 14 on the Redmi Note 12, the process is different from the same action on the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12.5.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to rename a folder, from standard tools to workarounds using ADB and third-party file managers. We will focus on common errors: why the Rename button can be inactive, how to circumvent the restrictions on system folders (for example, DCIM or Download), and what to do if the folder disappeared from the desktop after renaming. For convenience, we added a comparative method table for speed and complexity, as well as an FAQ answering frequent questions from Xiaomi users.
1. Standard method via MIUI (for user folders)
The most obvious method only works for folders you created on your desktop (not for system directories like Pictures or Music). In MIUI 13/14, the algorithm has changed - now a long click on the folder causes a context menu, not a name editing mode.
Step-by-step:
- 📁 Find the folder on your desktop that you want to rename. Make sure it's a custom folder (manually created by you) and not a system folder.
- 👆 Click on it and hold for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.
- ✏️ In the menu, select "Rename" (on some versions - "Edit the name»).
- 🔤 Enter a new name (without using prohibited characters: / \: *? " < > |).
- ✅ Press “Ready” or Enter key on the keyboard.
⚠️ Note: If the Rename option is not on the menu, then the folder is system or secure.
The folder is not system (check the path in the file manager)
The name does not contain any prohibited symbols.
The device is not in power saving mode (can block changes)
Desktop editing mode is enabled (double tap on empty space)
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2. Rename through the MIUI file manager
The integrated File Manager (Blue folder icon) allows you to rename folders, but with nuances: it does not show all directories on the desktop, but only those that are in the device's memory. For example, folders with widgets or application shortcuts will not appear here.
How to proceed:
- Open the File Manager app.
- Go to the "Device" section» → «Internal memory».
- Find the folder along the way: /storage/emulated/0/ (the name of your folder) For desktop folders: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.home/ (hidden system data).
Rename
Enter a new name and keep it.
⚠️ Note: If the folder is not displayed in the file manager, it means that it is virtual (created by the launcher). MIUI) And it doesn't physically exist in the memory of the device. ADB (section).
Why can’t you see the file manager on the desktop?
3. Use of third-party file managers (Solid Explorer, FX File Manager)
The standard MIUI file manager is limited in functionality. Third-party applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Manager give more freedom, including access to hidden folders and the ability to rename system directories (with root rights).
Instructions for Solid Explorer:
- 📥 Install the app from Google Play.
- 🔓 Provide access to memory (manage all files resolution in Android settings).
- 🔍 Move to the /storage/emulated/0/ And find the target folder.
- 👆 Long press. → «Rename" (or select a folder and tap on the pencil icon in the top menu).
- 📝 Enter a new name. System folders may require root access.
Important: When renaming system folders (such as Android or MIUI) through third-party managers without root rights, the changes may not persist after the reboot. ADB (section).
Standard. MIUI File Manager|Solid Explorer|FX File Manager|Total Commander|Other-->
4. bypassing restrictions through a third-party launcher (Nova Launcher, Apex)
If the Redmi desktop folder is not renamed by standard methods, the problem may be in the MIUI launcher. Installing an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) allows you to manage folders more flexibly, including editing names and icons.
How to reconfigure:
- 🛠️ Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- 📱 Assign it to the default launcher (at the first start, the system will offer a choice).
- 📁 Create a new folder on your desktop or find an existing one.
- 👆 Long tap on the folder → «Edit» → change name.
- 🔄 To move folders from MIUI In Nova, use backup of the desktop layout (in Nova settings).
⚠️ Note: When returning to the standard launcher MIUI folders renamed Nova Launcher may display with old names or disappear.
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If you lose widgets (such as weather or calendar) after the launcher change, restart the device. MIUI widgets may conflict with third-party shells.
5. Rename through ADB (for system folders and hidden directories)
For advanced users who are faced with the inability to rename a folder with standard methods, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help. This method is suitable for system directories, MIUI launcher folders and other protected objects.
Step-by-step:
- 🖥️ Install. ADB Download Platform Tools from Google).
- 📱 On Redmi, turn on Developer Mode (7 taps by build number in Settings) → About the phone) and activate "Debugging by USB».
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.
- 📋 Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with ADB and perform: adb shell cd /storage/emulated/0/ ls (to see the list of folders).
- 🔄 To rename, use the command: mv old name new name Example: mv OldFolder NewFolder.
- 🔄 If the folder is system, root access may be required (su command before mv).
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI. Don’t rename system folders like this. /system or /data backup!
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ADB is the only way to rename folders created by the MIUI launcher (such as those with application shortcuts) as they don’t have a physical path in the device’s memory.
Comparison of methods: which way to choose?
To simplify the choice, we have put all methods in a table with the complexity, necessary rights and restrictions:
| Method | Difficulty | Do you need root rights? | Is it good for system folders? | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (via MIUI) | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Only for custom folders on the desktop |
| MIUI File Manager | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Partially. | Does not see the launcher folder and some system directories |
| Third-party file manager | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ⚠️ Sometimes. | ⚠️ Partially. | You may need root for system folders |
| Third-party launcher (Nova) | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Changes can be reset when you return to MIUI |
| ADB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ⚠️ For some folders. | ✅ Yes. | Risk of disrupting the system in case of errors |
Typical errors and their solution
Even following the instructions, Xiaomi Redmi users often have trouble renaming folders.
1. the Rename button is inactive or absent
- 🔹 The folder is system (for example, DCIM, Download. Solution: use ADB or a third-party file manager with root rights.
- 🔹 Folder created by launcher MIUI (Solution: change the launcher to Nova or rename through ADB.
- 🔹 Power-saving device. Solution: Turn it off in Settings. → Battery.
2.The folder disappeared after renaming
- 🔹 If the folder was on the desktop, check it in the file manager on the way. /storage/emulated/0/. Maybe she's become hidden.
- 🔹 For launcher folders: reset desktop settings in Settings → Desktop → Resetting the mock-up.
3. “Inadequate rights” or “Operation not supported” error
- 🔹 The folder is protected by the system. Solution: use ADB with superuser rights (su).
- 🔹 File Manager has no access to memory. Solution: check permissions in Settings → Annexes → Files. → Rights.
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If the folder displays with the old name after renaming, try restarting the device or clearing the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Clear the cache).