How to rename a folder to Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways + problem solving

Renaming folders on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces. On Redmi 9 with the shell of MIUI, this process has its nuances, from the limitations of a standard file manager to the peculiarities of working with system directories. Unlike Android in its pure form, it may require additional software or a connection to a computer - especially if the folder is in internal memory with limited rights.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to rename a folder to Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A/9C/9T models) relevant to MIUI 12-14. You will learn how to bypass typical errors like “Inadequate rights” or “Folder is used by the system”, as well as what tools will help automate the process.

1. Method: Standard file manager MIUI

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Files app (a blue folder icon) that is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and supports basic file system operations, but there are limitations to this method:

• 📁 It only works with folders on the outside. SD-map or section Download/DCIM memory.
• ❌ It does not allow renaming system directories (for example, Android, MIUI).
• ⚠️ Can issue an error "File is used" for folders with the cache of applications.

To rename the folder through the standard manager:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Go to the Category section → Internal memory or select SD-map.
3. Find the folder you want and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.
4. Select “Rename”, enter a new name and click “OK”.

⚠️ Note: If the folder name starts with a dot (e.g.,.nomedia), the standard manager will not display it.

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If the folder is not renamed, try first to copy its contents to another place, delete the original, and then create a new folder with the desired name.

2. Method: File Manager with root rights (for advanced)

If you need to rename a system folder (e.g. /data/app or /system/priv-app), root rights will be required.This method is only suitable for users who have unlocked the bootloader and installed custom restore (TWRP).

Use applications like Root Explorer or FX File Explorer (with Root Access enabled) to work.

1. Open the file manager and give it root rights when you request it.
2. Go to the root directory (/) and find the folder you want.
3. Hold the folder, select “Rename” and enter a new name.
4. Confirm Action – Some managers require the superuser password to be re-entered.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly renaming system folders can result in bootloop ( looped boot) or loss of Redmi functionality 9. For example, a name change /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI will cause the interface to crash MIUI.

3. Method: Connecting to a computer (Windows/macOS/Linux)

If you can't rename a folder through your phone, connect Redmi 9 to your computer in file transfer mode (MTP), a method that's more reliable because it allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI on working with internal memory.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer mode in the connection notification.
3. Open This Computer on PC – Redmi 9 will appear as a removable drive.
4. Go to the desired section (for example, internal memory → Download).
5. Right-click on the folder, select “Rename” and enter a new name.

On macOS or Linux, use Android File Transfer (the official software from Google) or NAutilus/Dolphin respectively.

• 🖥️ On macOS may require the installation of a driver MTP via Homebrew (brew install libmtp).
• 🐧 On Linux, check that the mtp-tools package is installed (sudo apt install mtp-tools).
• ⚠️ If the folder is not renamed, try copying it to your PC, removing the original, and then returning it back with the new name.

4. Method: Applications for working with files (without root)

If the standard MIUI manager can’t handle it, install one of the third-party apps that offer advanced features, including working with hidden folders and massive renaming.

Top.-3 supplant 9:

1. Total Commander – supports plugins for working with archives and cloud storage. 🔍 Can display hidden files (enable in Settings settings) → Display → Show hidden files). 📎 Allows you to rename folders through context menus or hotkeys.
2. ES Conductor – convenient for batch renaming (group processing). 📂 Supports shortcuts for quick access to frequently used folders. ⚠️ In the latest versions, a lot of advertising – use it. ES Old Version from Third-Party Sources.
3. Amaze File Manager is open source, no ads. 🔄 It's built-in. ROOT-Manager (if rights are obtained). 🌐 Supports the connection to FTP/SMB for remote file management.

For massive renaming of folders (for example, if you need to add a prefix to all folders in DCIM):

1. Open Total Commander and go to the catalogue.
2. Select folders by holding your finger on each (or use Allocate everything in the menu).
3. Click on “Rename” → “Group Rename”.
4. Set a template (e.g., Vacation [N], where [N] is the serial number).

Download the application from the official source (Google Play or APKMirror)

Provide all requested permissions (storage, media files)

Backup of important data (in case of error)

Disable Battery Optimization for File Manager (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Optimizing the battery)-->

5. Method: ADB commands (for technical users)

If graphical methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a command line debugging tool that is suitable for renaming hidden folders or restricted directories.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB on your computer (download Platform Tools from Google).
2. On Redmi 9, turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times)
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (the device should be displayed).
5. Use the renaming command (example for Download folder): adb shell mv /sdcard/Download /sdcard/My files

Key ADB commands for working with folders:

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB Register sensitive, for example, /sdcard/Download and /sdcard/download — Also avoid spaces in folder names (use emphasis _).

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ADB is the most powerful tool to work with Redmi 9's file system, but it requires caution. One error in the command can lead to the deletion of important data.

Typical errors and their solutions

When renaming folders to Redmi 9, users often face the following problems:

• 🚫 «Insufficient rights" - appears when you try to change the system folder without root or through a standard manager. ADB or connect to the PC.
• 🔄 «Folder used" means that the directory is open in another application (for example, the gallery scans). DCIM). Solution: Close all programs that work with files, or restart your phone.
• 📛 «Wrong name» — MIUI block out names with symbols / \: *? " < > |. Solution: Use only letters, numbers, accents and hyphens.
• 👻 The folder disappeared after renaming - typical of hidden directories (e.g..nomedia).Solution: Enable the display of hidden files in the file manager settings.

If the folder after the renaming became unavailable:

1. Check it out with ADB: adb shell ls /sdcard/ | grep "Name Folders"
2. Make sure that the new name does not conflict with existing directories.
3. Restart your phone – sometimes MIUI doesn’t update the file system cache right away.

FAQ: Frequent questions