Renaming folders on Xiaomi smartphones seems like an easy task, but users often face the non-obvious limitations of the MIUI interface. The problem is compounded by the fact that the desktop (launcher) and file manager work according to different rules: what is available in one place can be locked in another. For example, folders with applications on the home screen are renamed differently than directories in internal memory through Explorer.
In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from standard MIUI 14/15 functions to workaround solutions for system folders. We will focus on typical errors when the rename button is inactive or changes are not saved. If you use a custom launcher (for example, Nova Launcher), the instructions also apply with adjustment for the settings of third-party software.
Important: algorithms may vary depending on the shell version. For example, MIUI 13 and below required root rights to rename system folders, whereas newer versions require standard resolutions. We tested instructions on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO X5 Pro models with the latest updates in 2026.
Before you start, make sure you have enough editing rights. Some folders (like Android or MIUI) are protected by the system - renaming them can cause app malfunctions. In such cases, you will need to use ADB or specialized utilities, but this is the topic for a separate article.
Method 1: Rename the folder through the MIUI file manager
Xiaomi’s standard Explorer allows you to rename most user folders without additional tools. SD-You can use a map or a cloud storage system called Mi Cloud:
1. Open the Explorer app (icon with blue folder).
2. Go to the section where the target folder is located (for example, Internal Drive → Download).
3. Press and hold the folder for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.
4. Select Rename (pencil icon).
5. Enter a new name and press Ready or Enter key on the keyboard.
If the Rename item is inactive, check:
- 🔒 The folder is not system (for example, DCIM, Pictures – their renaming blocked).
- 📁 You have the right to write in this section (for the purpose of the SD-The card may need to be formatted as an internal storage device).
- 🔄 File Manager updated to the latest version (in old versions of the bug with renaming were more common).
A critical feature of MIUI is that folders created by some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) can automatically restore the original name after renaming, which is because programs recreate directories the next time they run.
Close all applications that use the folder
Check the free space on the drive (minimum 100 MB)
Turn off sync with Mi Cloud (if the folder is in the cloud)
Make a backup of important files-->
Method 2: Change the name of the folder with applications on the desktop
The folders with the application icons on the Xiaomi home screen are renamed differently than the directories in memory. It uses the logic of the launcher (desktop shell), not the file system.
1.Tap the folder with applications on the desktop - it will open.
2. Slip on the current folder name (it will light up).
3. Enter a new name and press OK or the area outside the keyboard.
4.If the name doesn't change, try dragging the folder to another location on the screen - sometimes this will "unlock" the renaming feature.
Limitations of this method:
- 📱 It doesn’t work for folders in App Drawer (all apps menus) – only for those on the home screen.
- 🔠 The maximum length of the name is 12 characters (in some versions). MIUI — 15).
- 🎨 Text color and folder background depend on the theme of design and are not customized separately.
On models with POCO Launcher or Nova Launcher, the process may be different. For example, in Nova you need to clamp the folder → Edit → change the name. If you have a custom launcher installed, check its settings in the Desktop → Folder settings section.
Standard MIUI Launcher
POCO Launcher
Nova Launcher
Another custom
I don't know what it is.-->
Method 3: Using Third-Party File Managers
If the standard Explorer from Xiaomi refuses to rename the folder, try alternative applications.
- 📂 Solid Explorer - Supports FTP, SFTP Cloud storage, has a built-in title editor.
- 🗂️ FX File Explorer – convenient for working with root access (if it is on the device).
- 📁 Total Commander – a classic manager with support for plugins for advanced functions.
Instructions for Solid Explorer:
- Install the app from Google Play and give access to memory.
- Go to the desired section (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/).
- Press the folder → Rename (or the pencil icon in the top menu).
- Enter a new name and save the changes.
Advantages of third-party managers:
⚠️ Note: When using root access to rename system folders (e.g, /system/app) You risk disrupting your job. MIUI. Before you do this, create a full backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.
| File manager | Support for root | Cloud storage | Editing of system folders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Explorer | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (Google Drive, Dropbox) | ❌ Limited. |
| FX File Explorer | ✅ Yes (with a plugin) | ✅ Yes (OneDrive, Yandex.Disk) | ✅ Yes, root) |
| Total Commander | ✅ Yes (with a plugin) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes, root) |
| MIUI Conductor | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes, Mi Cloud) | ❌ No. |
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If a folder is not renamed even through a third-party manager, try copying its contents to a new directory with the right name and removing the old one, which often helps bypass the limitations of MIUI.
Problem Solving: Why You Can't Rename Your Folder
If none of these methods worked, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🔐 Protection MIUI: Some folders (such as Android, MIUI, XMSF) They're locked at the system level, and they can only be renamed with root rights.
- 📵 File system error: If the drive is corrupted, any changes can be blocked. Check the memory through Settings → Memory. → Checking the drive.
- 🔄 Synchronization conflict: Folders synced to Mi Cloud or Google Drive can automatically restore the original name.
- 🛠️ Launcher error: If the problem is only with folders on the desktop, reset the launcher settings in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.
To diagnose a specific error:
- Try creating a new folder in the same section and renaming it, and if you can, it's a problem in a particular directory.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB (in File Transfer mode) and try renaming your folder through Windows Explorer or macOS Finder.
- Check system logs through the Logcat Extreme app (you need to enable USB debugging in the developer settings).
⚠️ Warning: If files are lost inside the folder after renaming it, don't panic. Most often, it's caching. MIUI. Restart the device or use the Update feature in the file manager (pull down the gesture on the screen).
What if the folder became invisible after renaming?
Rename system folders (for advanced users)
System directories (e.g. /system, /data) cannot be renamed without root access. If you need to do so (e.g., to test or modify firmware), follow the instructions:
1 Unlock Bootloader on your Xiaomi through the official Mi Unlock website.
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Get root rights through Magisk.
4. Use Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with Superuser mode enabled.
Example of commands to rename via ADB (requires root):
adb shell
su
mv /system/old_folder_name /system/new_folder_nameRisks when working with system folders:
- 🚨 Device Brick: Wrong renaming can lead to a boot cycle or a phone completely inoperable.
- 🔧 Loss of warranty: Unlocking bootloader and getting root void Xiaomi warranty.
- 🛡️ Problems with OTA-Updates: After modification of system files, updates "over the air" may not be installed.
⚠️ Note: Before any manipulation of system folders, create a full backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool. Store a backup on an external drive (not on your phone!).
💡
You can't rename your system folders without root. Even with root, it's a risky operation that can disrupt MIUI, and you can only use this method if you know the consequences.
How to return the original name of the folder
If you have problems after renaming (for example, applications stopped seeing files in the folder), return the original name.
1. Open the file manager and find the folder.
2. Hold her down. → Rename.
3. Enter the former name (make sure that the register of symbols matches).
4.Reboot the phone so that the changes take effect.
For folders with applications on the desktop:
- Open the folder and tap it by its name.
- Hold the input field until the Reset option appears (in some versions of MIUI).
- If you do not have an option, delete the folder and create it again (the applications will not be deleted).
If you don’t remember the original name, check:
- 📸 For the folder. DCIM — standard-name DCIM (photo- and video-based).
- 📥 For download folder – Download or Downloads.
- 🎵 Music or Ringtones (for melodies).