How to move a file to the Xiaomi desktop: all ways with a photo

Shifting files to Xiaomi’s desktop seems like a simple task, but users often face unexpected challenges: no Desktop icon in the Explorer, limitations of the MIUI shell, or non-obvious settings. In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways, from standard to hidden features, that work even on the new Redmi Note 13 and POCO F6 models.

Xiaomi's special feature is that it's not just a folder, it's part of the shell, which means that simply dragging files from Download or Gallery won't always work. We tested all the methods on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and highlighted those that are guaranteed to work without root rights and third-party apps.

1. Method: through a standard MIUI conductor

The most obvious, but not always intuitive, method is that in MIUI, the desktop is technically /storage/emulated/0/Desktop, but it's hidden by default from the user. Here's how to find it:

1. Open the Files app (yellow folder icon).
2. Go to the Category section → Local storage.
3. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Show Hidden Files.
4. Manually scroll to the Desktop folder (it can be called Desktop on Russian firmware).

If there is no folder, create it manually:

Click “Create a folder” → call it “Desktop” → move the necessary files there

Backup of important files

Enable the display of hidden folders

Check the free space on the device (minimum 100 MB)

Disable battery optimization for the Files app-->

⚠️ Important: On some models (POCO X5 Pro, Redmi K60) Desktop folder automatically clears when you reboot. To avoid this, transfer files to the Desktop folder. DCIM/Desktop — This folder is protected from system cleaning.

2. Method: through the menu "Add to the desktop"

A more reliable method that works even if the Desktop folder is missing, suitable for photos, documents and other applications. APK-file:

1. Open the application where the file is stored (for example, "Gallery" for photos or "Files" for documents).
2. Press your finger on the file before the context menu appears.
3. Select More → Add to the desktop (on some firmware, the item is called Create a shortcut).
4. Confirm the action – the file will appear as an icon on the main screen.

This method does not create the file itself, but a shortcut to transfer the physical file.

• 📁 Use the first method (via the Desktop folder)
• 🔄 Or use the third way (via PC)
• 📱 Nana POCO F4/F5 keep the label 2 seconds → Convert to a file

💡

If the "Add to desktop" option is missing, update the Files app via Google Play. On some custom firmware, this feature is disabled - check in Settings → Applications → Files → Permissions (System Settings Change should be enabled).

3. Method: transfer from computer (via USB or Wi-Fi)

The most versatile method that works even if the smartphone's screen is broken or the sensor is not responding. USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi) or access to a single Wi-Fi network.

Through USB:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via cable.
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Open this computer on your computer. → [The model of Xiaomi].
4. Go to the Internal Storage → Desktop folder (if it is not, create it).
5. Drag files from the PC to this folder.

Wi-Fi (without cable):

• 🌐 Install Mi Drop (official app from Xiaomi)
• 📲 On PC, open the web version of drop.xiaomi.com and scan QR-phonecode
• 📎 Drag files into the browser window → Select Save to the Desktop

Through the wire on the phone.

Adding a shortcut to the desktop

Move it from computer to USB

I use cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

Another way.-->

4. Hidden Opportunities: DCIM folder and alternative conductors

If standard methods don’t work (for example, on Black Shark 5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with custom firmware), use the workarounds:

Method 1: DCIM/Desktop folder

MIUI never cleans the DCIM folder, so files are stored more securely.

Open Files → Go to DCIM → Create a Desktop folder → Move files there

Method 2: Third-party conductors

Applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer show all system folders, including hidden folders.

• 🔍 Enable Root access in the Explorer settings (if there is root)
• 📂 Cross the path. /data/user/0/com.miui.home — This is where the desktop data is stored.
• 🔄 Copy files into /storage/emulated/0/Desktop

5. Features for different Xiaomi models

MIUI firmware can behave differently on different devices, and we tested file transfers on popular models:

On devices with HyperOS (the new firmware from Xiaomi), the logic has changed: the desktop is now integrated with the Mi Cloud, so that files are synchronized between devices:

1. Enable synchronization in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
2. Transfer files to the Desktop folder via Explorer.
3. Wait for the synchronization to be completed (cloud icon in the status bar).

💡

On the POCO M6 Pro and Redmi A2+ with MIUI Go, file transfer to the desktop is blocked. Use cloud services or third-party launchers (for example, Nova Launcher).

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the right actions, users face challenges.

⚠️ Note: If files have disappeared from the desktop after transfer, check the folder /storage/emulated/0/.trash — MIUI It can automatically send suspicious files to the cart.

Problem 1: The file is not copied, there is an error "Insufficient memory"

• 📉 Free up space: remove the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clean up
• 🔄 Move the file to SD-card (if any) then back again
• 🛠️ Check the file system: enter in dial ##4636## → Testing → Checking the vault

Problem 2: The file icon has turned grey (not opened)

This means that the file is corrupted or not supported by the launcher.

• 🔧 Rename the file by adding the correct extension (e.g..jpg for photos)
• 📥 Move the file back to Downloads, then repeat the transfer
• 🛠️ Install an alternative launcher (Nova, Apex) – they support more formats

Problem 3: Desktop folder disappears after MIUI update

After major updates (e.g., MIUI 13 to 14), the system may reset user folders to recover:

Connect your phone to your PC → Create a Desktop folder manually → copy files back there

Alternatives: clouds and widgets

If transferring files to the desktop still fails, consider alternative ways to quickly access files:

1 Files Widget

• 📱 Hold your finger on the desktop → Widgets
• 📁 Find the Files widget" (4×1 or 4×2)
• 🔗 Drag it to the screen and select a folder for quick access

2. Google Drive/Mi Cloud

Cloud services allow you to place a file shortcut on your desktop without physically transferring it:

1. Upload the file to Google Drive or Mi Cloud.
2. Open the file in the application and click Share → Add to the desktop.
3. Confirm the label's creation.

3.QuickShortcutMaker appendix

For power users: This app allows you to create a shortcut for any file, even if MIUI blocks standard methods:

Install QuickShortcutMaker from Google Play → select Activity → find “com.miui.home” → create a shortcut for the file

💡

On Xiaomi Pad 6 and other tablets, the desktop behaves like an Android TV. To secure a file, hold it in Explorer → Secure it on the home screen.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions