How to rename a folder to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: from simple to complex

Rename folders on Xiaomi smartphones seems to be a simple task – until you encounter the features of the shell MIUI On the Redmi Note 9 (model) M2003J15SC) This procedure has its own nuances: from the banal renaming through a standard conductor to the use of the ADB-In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including avoiding common errors such as "Failed to rename" or "No rights".

Many users mistakenly believe that renaming a folder is long enough to use its name, but in practice MIUI 12/13/14 imposes restrictions on the work with the file system — especially if the folder is located on an internal drive or is associated with system applications. For example, renaming the DCIM folder through a standard conductor will not work — either root access or a workaround through the PC. We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 9 with the latest updates (at the time of 2026) and selected those that work without risk of damaging the data.

If you're trying to rename a folder with photos, music, or documents, standard tools are enough, but for system directories (like Android, MIUI) or folders created by third-party applications, you'll need extended rights.

• 📁 Method 1: Rename through the built-in file manager Mi File Manager (suitable for 90% of user folders).
• 🖥️ Method 2: Use of the PC and MTP-protocol (relevant for mass renaming or problem folders).
• 🔧 Method 3: ADB-commands for system directories (requires the inclusion of debugging by USB).
• ⚠️ Common errors and how to avoid them (e.g., "Operation not allowed").

Preparation: What to Know Before Rename

Before you change your folder name to Redmi Note 9, consider a few key points that will save you time and nerves:

1. Type of memory: folders on the internal drive (/storage/emulated/0/) It is easier to rename than SD-The last one can be formatted in the FAT32 ExFAT, which imposes a limit on the length of the name (maximum) 255 symbols for exFAT vs. 8.3 for FAT32).

2. MIUI system limitations: The shell blocks changes to folders associated with operating systems (e.g. Android/data or MIUI/theme) and attempts to rename them through standard Explorer will result in an error called "Operation Failed".

Access Rights: If a folder is created by a third-party application (such as WhatsApp or Telegram), renaming it may require permission from that application or the use of ADB.

⚠️ Note: Rename system folders (e.g, DCIM/Camera) If the photo is no longer displayed after changing the name, return the original name or restart the device.

Before starting the work, we recommend:

• 📱 Backup important data (for example, through Settings) → The phone. → Backup).
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is above 30% (when used) ADB Discharge during the operation may interrupt the process).
• 🔄 Rebooting your smartphone will reset temporary file system locks.

Method 1: Rename through a standard file manager

The easiest method is to use the built-in Mi File Manager, which is suitable for most user folders (such as downloads, music, or documents), but does not work with system directories.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
2. Go to the internal memory section or SD-map (depending on the location of the folder).
3. Find the right folder and make a long press on her name.
4. In the menu that appears, select Rename (pencil icon).
5. Enter a new name (without the forbidden characters: \/: *?" < > |) and press OK.

If the Rename button is inactive or absent, the reason may be as follows:

• 🔒 The folder is protected by the system (for example, Android/obb).
• 📛 The folder is used by another application (for example, Google Photos blocks the folder). DCIM).
• 🛑 File system is corrupted (checking through Settings will help) → Memory. → Checking the drive).

A critical feature for Redmi Note 9: If a folder was created via Google Drive or Mi Cloud, renaming it via local Explorer may not sync with the cloud, in which case you need to make changes to the cloud service.

Method 2: Rename via PC (Windows/macOS/Linux)

If the standard file manager refuses to rename the folder, connect Redmi Note 9 to your computer in File Transfer mode (MTP). This method bypasses some limitations. MIUI, requires USB-cable-driver.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On the phone in the notification panel, select File Transfer mode (if Charging Only is automatically selected).
3. On PC, open This PC – the device should display as Redmi Note 9 or MTP-device.
4. Go to the desired folder, right-click on it and select Rename.
5. Enter a new name and press Enter.

Frequent problems and solutions:

For macOS/Linux, you will need to install Android-file-transfer (official software from Google).

brew install --cask android-file-transfer

Then plug in the phone and use the program’s graphical interface to rename.

💡

If the folder is not renamed via a PC, try copying its contents to a new folder with the desired name and removing the original, which bypasses the file system-level constraints.

Method 3: Rename through ADB (for system folders)

If the first two methods fail, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool is a low-level file system management tool that is suitable for renaming system folders (e.g. Android/data/com.whatsapp), but requires the inclusion of USB debugging and basic command-line knowledge.

Preparation:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap the MIUI version 7 times until the notification “You’re a developer” appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

• USB debugging
• Unlocking OEM (optional, for some commands)
• Download ADB Tools for your OS and unpack it into a separate folder.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They are executed with shell user rights, not root. /system or /data/data You'll need an unlocked bootloader and Magisk (root access). ADB It could cause the system to fail!

Alternative method for experienced users: If the folder is on SD-The map can be renamed by ADB map-line:

adb shell mv /storage/1234-5678/old name /storage/1234-5678/new name

Where 1234-5678 — Your unique identifier SD-maps (you can find it by adb shell ls command) /storage).

Typical errors and their solutions

Even following the instructions, Redmi Note 9 users often encounter errors.

1. "Failed to be renamed" error to Mi File Manager

• 🔹 The folder is used by another application → Close all programs that work with files (gallery, music player).
• 🔹 Not enough rights. → Try the method with a PC or ADB.
• 🔹 The name contains forbidden symbols. → Use only letters, numbers, hyphens and accents.

2.The folder returns the old name after renaming

It's about caching Media Storage.

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🧹 Clear the Media Storage app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Show it all. → Media Storage → Memory. → Clear the cache).
• 📵 Turn it off and plug it back in. SD-map (if the folder is on it).

3. "Operation not allowed" error in ADB

Causes and solutions:

• 🔐 No rights to the folder. → Try adding sudo before the command (on rooted devices).
• 🛡️ The folder belongs to the system user → Use chmod to change rights: adb shell chmod 777 /storage/emulated/0/folder Careful: This makes the folder available to all users of the system!
• 🔧 File system in "Read only" mode" → See spoiler above about mount -o rw,remount.

💡

If the folder belongs to a system application (e.g. com.xiaomi.gallery), renaming it may disrupt the application, in which case it is better to create a new folder and transfer the files there.

Features of working with SD-card

On the Redmi Note 9 SD-The card can be formatted as a portable storage or internal memory, and the renaming process depends on it:

1. Portable storage (FAT32/exFAT):

• 📌 The folders are renamed via PC or ADB without limitation (except for the length of the name).
• 📌 When connected to a PC, the card is displayed as a separate disk.
• 📌 Limitation on length of name: 255 characters for exFAT, 8.3 for FAT32.

2. internal memory (Adoptable Storage):

• 🔗 The card becomes part of the internal storage and is encrypted.
• 🔧 Rename folders can only be done through ADB root-access.
• ⚠️ Removing the card without first unmounting will lead to data loss.
• Check dependencies: Make sure the renamed folder is not used by system processes. MIUI/sound_recorder associated with the recorder – its renaming can disrupt the application.
• Test gradually: Rename one non-critical folder first (such as with documents) and check if there are any problems.

If there are any problems after the renaming:

• 🔙 Return the original folder name.
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🧹 Clear the cache of applications that work with files (Settings) → Annexes → Select an application → Memory. → Clear the cache).

💡

On the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 14+, renaming folders to /Android/data and /Android/obb is blocked at the kernel level. The only way around this is by obtaining root rights, which voids the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about renaming folders