How to rename a folder on the desktop of a Xiaomi smartphone: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based desktop allows you to flexibly adjust folders and shortcuts, but it’s not always obvious how to change the name of an already created folder. Many users find that a standard long-press does not open the renaming option, and there is no item in the menu. In fact, there are several ways to change the folder name, from basic to hidden shell functions.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods, including working through the file manager, settings. MIUI even ADB-We will focus on the common mistakes that may cause renaming to fail, and give recommendations on backing up data before changes.

If you’re using the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi’s flagship 14 series, the instructions are suitable for all devices on MIUI 14/15 and later. For older versions of the shell (before MIUI 12.5), some ways may be different — we’ll mention that too.

Why you can’t rename your folder in the standard way

The main reason for the renaming problems lies in the logic of MIUI Launcher, Xiaomi’s standard launcher. Unlike Android One or Pixel Launcher, where a long click on a folder immediately causes a context menu, in MIUI, this process is two-step:

• 📱 Long press opens the folder’s mode of movement, not the action menu.
• ⚙️ There is no item "Rename" in the standard menu (there is only "Delete" and "Place on another screen").
• 🔒 Limitations MIUI for system folders (e.g. Download or DCIM no-name).
• 🛠️ Launcher cache failures, due to which the context menu does not open at all.

In addition, some models (e.g. Redmi 10C or POCO M5), after upgrading to MIUI 14, no renaming through the file manager is possible.This is due to a change in the permissions to the /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/desktop folder where the desktop data is stored.

⚠️ Note: If the folder contains shortcuts to system applications (such as Camera or Phone), renaming may reset their default settings. Before changing the name, take a screenshot of the current location of the icons.

Method 1: Rename through file manager (works on 90% of devices)

The most reliable method is to use Xiaomi’s File Manager, which has access to desktop system directories, unlike third-party managers like Total Commander or FX File Explorer.

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 → MIUI → desktop.
3. Find a folder with a name desktop_*.db (where * is the screen number, for example, desktop_0.db mainscreen).
4. Click on the folder you want to rename and select "Rename".
5. Enter a new name (without spaces or special characters) and click OK.
6. Restart the launcher: clamping the empty space on the desktop → Screen settings → Restart.

If the desktop folder is missing from /MIUI/, then your version of MIUI stores the desktop data elsewhere, in which case try an alternative path:

/data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/com.miui.home.preferences.xml

⚠️ Note: Modifying files in /data/data/ It requires root rights. Without them, this method will not work, and careless actions can lead to a launcher failure.

Backup of the desktop folder to the cloud or on PC

No spaces and symbols!@#$%^&*() in the new name

Closing all applications before restarting the launcher

Checking the free space (needs a minimum of 100 MB on the system partition)-->

Method 2: Using the desktop editing mode

MIUI 13/14/15 has a hidden editing mode that allows you to rename folders directly from the desktop, which works without a file manager, but requires precise actions:

Algorithm:

1. Press the empty space on your desktop (not on the folder!).
2. In the menu that appears, select Screen Settings → Editing Mode.
3. Slip on the folder you want to rename - the icon of the pencil will appear. ✏️.
4. Click on the pencil and enter a new name (maximum 12 characters).
5. Click "Ready" and exit the editing mode.

If the pencil icon does not appear:

• 🔄 Restart the device and try again.
• 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (this mode is not available in older versions).
• 🛠️ Clear the launcher's cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

On devices with MIUI 12.5 or below, editing mode may not be available, in which case use Method 1 or Method 3.

Standard MIUI Launcher|Nova Launcher|Hyperion Launcher|Other |I don't know-->

Method 3: Rename through ADB (for advanced users)

If the first two methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and basic command line knowledge, but is guaranteed to work on all versions of MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times to become a developer) → Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su




cd /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/




ls | grep desktop

You'll see a list of files. desktop_0.xml, desktop_1.xml And so each file corresponds to a separate desktop:

pull desktop_0.xml /sdcard/


exit




exit

Copy the file. desktop_0.xml From phone to PC, open it in any text editor (e.g. Notepad)++) and find a line:

<string name="folder_name_123">Old name</string>

Replace the old name with a new one, save the file and return it to the following:

adb push desktop_0.xml /sdcard/


adb shell




su




cp /sdcard/desktop_0.xml /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/




chmod 660 /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/desktop_0.xml




reboot

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing XML-The file may cause the launcher to crash. Before you change it, back up the original file with the adb pull command. desktop_0.xml desktop_0_backup.xml.

Method 4: Use of a third-party launcher (Nova, Hyperion)

If standard methods don't work, the easiest way out is to install an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher, which allows you to rename folders into two taps:

How to do this:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Assign it to the default launcher (at the first start, the system will prompt you to do this).
3. Click on the folder for a long time → select “Edit”.
4. Slip on the current folder name and enter a new one.
5. Press "Done."

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI.
• ✅ Supports emoji in folder names (e.g, "📷 Photo Photo").
• ✅ Allows you to create nested folders (in standard) MIUI Launcher is impossible).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Some widgets MIUI (For example, weather or footsteps may not be displayed.
• ❌ Xiaomi navigation gestures (such as swipe from below for return) may conflict with launcher gestures.

💡

If after installing a third-party launcher, the screen unlock animation disappeared, return the standard MIUI Launcher through Settings → Applications → By default → Launcher.

Method 5: Resetting launcher settings (extreme case)

If none of these methods worked, you can reset the launcher to the factory settings, which will remove all folders and shortcuts from the desktop, but will return the ability to rename them.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Louncher (or com.miui.home) and open its settings.
3. Select "Storage" → "Clear the data".
4. Confirm the action – all folders and widgets will be deleted.
5. Reset the device.

After discharge:

• 🔄 Create folders again – now the renaming should work.
• 📱 If the problem is repeated, install the update. MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the launcher data will also reset: - Location of icons on the desktop. - Gesture settings (if you use non-standard). - Design themes MIUI (You'll have to choose again. We recommend that you take a screenshot of the current location of the labels before resetting.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often face problems, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:

Another common problem is that folders with shortcuts to system applications (like Google or Mi Video) are not renamed, and this is related to MIUI protection, which is linked to system services.

• 📌 Create a new folder with the right name.
• 🔄 Transfer labels from the old folder to it.
• 🗑️ Remove the old folder (if it is empty).

💡

If the folder contains shortcuts for system applications (Settings, Phone, Messages), renaming them may reset them, in which case it is better to create a new folder and transfer shortcuts manually.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions