How to rename a folder on a Xiaomi smartphone: 5 working ways

Renaming folders on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones seems like a simple task — until you face the limitations of the MIUI shell, hidden system directories or access errors. Unlike Android “pure”, it often requires additional actions, from enabling editing rights to using third-party tools. This article will help you understand how to rename a folder to Xiaomi without risking data loss or disrupting the system.

We'll look at all the current ways, from the standard file manager to advanced methods with a connection to the PC, and we'll focus on typical problems, such as why some folders don't even get renamed with superuser rights, or how to get around the MIUI restrictions on editing system directories. If you've ever seen a message that says "failed to rename" or "no access rights," here's a solution.

Important: the instructions are adapted to the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14) and tested on Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5. For legacy devices (until 2020 release) may require adjustments.

1. Rename through the standard file manager

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Xiaomi Files (or File Manager in global firmware). However, even here there are pitfalls: the MIUI shell blocks editing of some folders by default, especially in the /storage/emulated/0/ section.

To rename the folder:

1. Open the Files app (an icon with a blue folder).
2. Go to the Device (or Internal Storage) section.
3. Find the folder you want and hold your finger for 2-3 seconds until the context menu appears.
4. Select "Rename" (or "Rename").
5. Enter a new name (without the prohibited characters: /: *? < > |) and press OK.

⚠️ Note: If the Rename button is inactive or not, the folder is protected by the system, in which case the root or PC connection method will help.

Tip: To speed up your search, use the search bar at the top of the screen. Type in a part of the folder name, like Down for Download.

2.Use of third-party file managers

If the standard manager refuses to rename the folder, try alternative apps.

• 📁 Solid Explorer – supports dual-panel mode and work with root folders (if root is available).
• 🔍 FX File Explorer – has a built-in FTP-remote-access server.
• 🛡️ Root Explorer – specializes in working with system partitions (requires root rights).
• 🌐 MiXplorer – a free manager with support for cloud storage and archives.

Example of renaming through Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the storage.
3. Go to the desired section (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/).
4. Hold the folder → “Rename” → enter a new name.

⚠️ Note: Some managers (such as Root Explorer) may show "empty" folders in the section /data/. Don’t rename them – these are system directories critical to the job. MIUI.

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

Connecting your phone to your computer often solves access rights problems.

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On the phone, select File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
3. On your computer, open "This Computer" (Windows) or "Finder" (macOS) - the device will appear as a removable disk.
4. Go to the desired folder, right-click → "Rename".

If the folder is not renamed, try:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
• 🔌 Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
• 📋 Check if the folder is blocked by an antivirus (for example, Avast or 360 Security on your phone).

Critical information: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) do not display folders in the root directory when connecting via MTP, in which case PTP mode (for photos) or using ADB will help.

4. Rename system folders (with root rights)

If the folder is in a protected partition (e.g. /data/data/ or /system/), you will need superuser rights.

1. Unlock bootloader on Xiaomi (instructions on the official website).
2. Install Magisk to obtain root rights.
3. Use Root Explorer or Adb Shell command:

adb shell


su




cd /path/k/folder/




mv old name new name

⚠️ Note: Incorrect renaming of system folders (for example, /system/priv-app/) This can lead to bootloop (locking on the boot). Before making changes, back up through TWRP:

adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -shared

5. Rename through ADB (without root)

If you don’t have root permissions, but you need to rename the folder in the protected partition (e.g. /sdcard/Android/), Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help.

Instructions:

1. Turn on "Debugging by" USB" in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to "More" → For developers").
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the trusted device.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


cd /storage/emulated/0/




mv old name new name

If you see a "Read-only file system" error, the folder is protected, and then only root or flashing will help.

💡

To see hidden folders through ADB, use the command ls -a. This will display directories starting from a dot (e.g.,.thumbnails).

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, Xiaomi users face typical problems, and we'll look at the most common ones.

Special case: if the DCIM or Pictures folder is not renamed, check if sync with Google Photos or Mi Cloud is enabled.

💡

Before renaming system folders, always back up via TWRP or Mi Cloud.Recovering data after a bug can cost more than buying a new phone.

7. Alternative methods: cloud services and FTP

If you can't physically rename it, you can upload it to the cloud, rename it there, and then download it back.

• ☁️ Google Drive – supports renaming directly in the web interface.
• 📦 Mi Cloud – Xiaomi’s built-in cloud (5GB free).
• 🔗 Dropbox – convenient for synchronization between devices.
• 🌍 FTP-server, for example, through an application FX File Explorer (Remote Access Mode").

The example of Google Drive:

1. Upload the folder to the cloud through the Disk app.
2. Open drive.google.com on PC.
3. Right-click on the folder → "Rename".
4. Download the folder back to your phone.

⚠️ Note: When uploading to the cloud and backup downloading, file metadata (date of creation, geotagged) is lost.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions