How to rename a folder on a Xiaomi smartphone: all ways + problem solving

Renaming folders on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task – until you face the limitations of the shell MIUI Unlike Android in its pure form, there may be errors when working with system directories, hidden files or folders on the system. SD-This article covers all current ways to rename, including bypassing typical problems on Redmi, Poco and Black Shark devices.

We will analyze not only standard methods through the built-in file manager, but also alternative options: using Google Files, connecting to a PC on the Internet. MTP, and work with ADB We will focus on the nuances of folders created by system applications (for example, MIUI/Gallery or DCIM/Thumbnails) — Their renaming is often blocked even with root rights.

1. Standard method: via the MIUI file manager

The most obvious method is to use preinstalled Files (or File Manager in global firmware), which works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, but has limitations for system folders.

To rename the folder:

• 📁 Open the Files app (Icon with blue folder).
• 🔍 Find the folder you need in the Device section or SD-map.
• 📝 Long press the folder. → Select Rename in the context menu.
• ✏️ Enter a new name (without symbols / \: *? " < > |) And press OK.

If the Rename item is inactive, the cause may be one of the following:

• 🔒 The folder is protected by the system (for example, Android/data or MIUI).
• 📛 The name contains inadmissible characters (even a space at the beginning/end).
• 📱 The device is connected to the PC in the file transfer mode (MTP) — disconnect the cable.
• 🛡️ The function of Protection of personal data in security settings is enabled.

Turn off your smartphone from your PC or charging |

Close all applications that use files in the folder (gallery, player) |

Check that the name does not exceed 255 characters |

Make sure the folder is not root (for example, don’t try to rename the folder itself). SD-map)-->

⚠️ Note: On some Poco models F5 Redmi Note 12 s MIUI 14 after renaming the photo folder (DCIM/Camera) To restore the thumbnails, restart the device or use the command: adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE -d file:///storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera/

2. Alternative file managers: Google Files and Solid Explorer

Built-in manager MIUI It is not always easy to do, especially if the folder is located on the SD-In such cases, Google Files (formerly Files by Google) or Solid Explorer will help.

Advantages of third-party managers:

• 🔓 More rights to change system folders (if root is available).
• 📁 Support for mass renaming (for example, for folders) Download/Telegram).
• 🔍 Built-in search for folder content.
• 📱 Working with cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).

Instructions for Google Files:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the Memory section of the device or SD-map.
3. Find the file. → slip on ⋮ (three-point) → Rename.
4. Type a new name and save it. If you get a "failed to rename" error, try:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📵 Disable Developer Mode (if enabled).
• 📁 Move the folder to the root of the memory, then rename.

Standard MIUI Files|

Google Files|

Solid Explorer|

FX File Explorer|

Another (I'll post in the comments)|

3. Renaming through PC (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Connecting a smartphone to a computer USB Often solves problems with renaming, especially for folders on the SD-But there are some nuances to this: MIUI It can restrict access to some folders even in mode MTP.

Step-by-step instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-C cable (preferably original).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. Open this computer. → Find the device (usually a Redmi Note) XX Xiaomi XX).
4. Go to the desired folder, right-click → Rename.

Typical errors and decisions:

💡

If your PC doesn’t see the Android/data folder, but it’s on your phone, try connecting via Total Commander with the MTP plugin – it often bypasses Windows limitations.

4. Advanced method: ADB-name-team

For folders that can’t be renamed in standard ways (such as MIUI/Extra or Android/obb), Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help. This method requires the inclusion of Developer Mode and is suitable for users with experience with the command line.

Steps to rename through ADB:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 times tap).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


ls /storage/emulated/0/

Find the desired folder in the command output, then use:

mv /storage/emulated/0/old name /storage/emulated/0/new name

Examples of commands for typical cases:

• 📷 Rename the folder with the photo: mv /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/OldFolder /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/NewFolder
• 🎮 Rename the game folder (Android/obb): mv /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/com.game.old /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/com.game.new
• 📁 Rename the folder to SD-map: mv /storage/XXXX-XXXX/OldName /storage/XXXX-XXXX/NewName (XXXX-XXXX — identifier SD-maps, check in ls /storage/)

⚠️ Attention: MV commands in ADB If the folder is large (for example, if the folder is large, DCIM 10GB photo), wait until the process is complete (may take a few minutes).+C) will result in data loss!

5. Features for different Xiaomi models

The renaming process may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI. Below are the key nuances for popular lines:

For devices with MIUI 15 (2026), a new feature has been introduced, System Folder Protection, and if you see a notice that says "Prohibited by Security Policy" when renaming it, do:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Special Permissions → Access to Files.
2. Find an app that tries to rename a folder (like Google Files) and give it access to all the files.
3. Reset the device.

6. Solving typical errors when renaming

Even following the instructions, Xiaomi users often encounter errors, and let’s look at the most common ways to fix them:

Mistake 1: "Failure to rename. Try again."

• 🔄 Reason: The folder is used by another application (e.g., the gallery scans a photo).
• 🛠 Solution: Close all apps through Recent or restart your phone. For folders with media files, turn off Media Storage in the app settings.

Error 2: The folder name is reset after rebooting

• 🔄 Reason: MediaProvider's Cash Not Updated.
• 🛠 Decision: Follow up in ADB: adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE -d file:///storage/emulated/0/paddy-daddy/

Error 3: "You don't have permission to access this folder"

• 🔄 Reason: The folder belongs to the system application (e.g, Android/data/com.xiaomi.gallery).
• 🛠 Solution: Use ADB with root rights or rename the folder through TWRP.

💡

If the folder belongs to a system application (e.g. com.android.providers.media), renaming it may disrupt MIUI, and in such cases it is safer to create a new folder and transfer files there.

7.Security: What cannot be renamed

Not all folders on Xiaomi can be renamed without consequences. Changing the name of the system directories can lead to:

• 🚨 Application failure (for example, the gallery will stop seeing photos).
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (if folders are affected) /system or /vendor).
• 📵 Data loss (when interrupting the operation on the SD-map).

List of folders that are not recommended to be renamed:

• 📁 Android – contains application data and cache.
• 📁 MIUI — shell-file.
• 📁 DCIM/.thumbnails — gallery-piece.
• 📁 Alarms, Notifications, Ringtones – Standard System Sounds.
• 📁 Any folder with the com prefix. (e.g. com.xiaomi.micloud).

If you need to change the contents of these folders (for example, replace ringtones), it is better to copy the files to a new folder and indicate the path to it in the sound settings, rather than rename the original directory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about renaming folders to Xiaomi