How to rename a folder on Xiaomi Android smartphones: all working ways

Renaming folders on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones seems like a simple task — until you face the limitations of the MIUI shell. Unlike “pure” Android, there are often problems with access rights, system folders or unexpected errors such as “failed to rename”, especially for users who are actively using DCIM, Download or create their own directories for work.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to rename folders to Xiaomi in 2026 – from the standard file manager to advanced methods through ADB and PC. Separately, we will focus on typical errors (for example, why you can not change the name of the folder MIUI or Android) and give recommendations for backup before manipulating the file system.

If you've tried to rename a folder through Explorer before and you've been rejected, don't be quick to blame your smartphone. 90 percent of the time, it's the right tool or root rights, but that's all in order.

1. Standard method: via the built-in MIUI Conductor

The most obvious method is to use Xiaomi’s full-time file manager, which is pre-installed on all devices and supports basic file operations.

1. Open the Explorer application (the icon with the folder on the desktop or in the application menu).

2 Go to the Device or Internal Memory section where the target folder is located.

3. Find the folder you want to rename and hold it with your finger for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.

4. From the menu, select Rename (on some versions of MIUI it may be called Change Name).

5. Enter a new name and press OK or Ready.

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Note: If the Rename button is inactive or not, the folder is protected by the system, this applies to directories like Android, MIUI, DCIM/Camera (if created by the system), trying to rename them in a standard way will lead to an error.

Also, pay attention to the format of the name:

• 🚫 Prohibited symbols: / \: *? " < > | — Their use will cause an error.
• ⚠️ Length of name: MIUI limits the folder name to 255 characters (including path) and exceeding it will cause a failure.
• 📁 Xiaomi distinguishes folder and folder as two different directories.

2. Alternative file managers: when the standard does not work

If embedded Explorer refuses to rename the folder, it’s worth trying third-party applications, which often bypass the limitations of MIUI through enhanced rights or alternative methods of accessing the file system.

The best options for Xiaomi:

• 📂 Google Files (Files by Google): Lightweight, supports cloud services, but may not see system folders.
• 🔧 Solid Explorer: paid, but with support FTP, SFTP root access (if there are superuser rights).
• 🛠️ FX File Explorer: Free version allows you to rename folders without root, but with restrictions on system directories.
• 🌐 MiXplorer: an informal but powerful manager with support for archives and network protocols.

Instructions for Solid Explorer (example):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open your internal memory or SD-map.
3. Find the folder, hold it and select Rename.
4. Enter a new name and confirm.

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Note: Even third-party managers will not be able to rename folders protected by SELinux (e.g. /data/system), which will require unlocking the bootloader and root access.

Download and install an application (e.g. Solid Explorer)

Provide all permissions requested (storage, access to files)

Check if the folder is system (through the file properties)

Create a backup copy of important data-->

3. PC renaming: a reliable method for complex cases

If your smartphone doesn't work, plug Xiaomi into your computer, which works even for folders that mobile managers don't see.

Step 1. Connecting the device:

• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 On the Xiaomi screen, select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
• 🖥️ On your computer, open this computer (Windows) or Files (macOS/Linux) — The device should be displayed as a removable disk.

Step 2: Search and rename:

1. Go to the Internal Storage or SD card folder.
2. Find the target directory, right-click on it and select Rename.
3. Enter a new name and press Enter.

Important: On Windows 10/11 Sometimes there is a "Device is not responding" error when working with Xiaomi folders, in which case reconnecting the cable or changing the cable will help. USB-port.

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Warning: Do not rename Android, MIUI, or DCIM folders through your PC if they were created by the system.This can cause the camera or other features to crash.

4. Advanced Method: Using ADB for System Folders

If the folder is protected by MIUI and cannot be renamed through the GUI, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help. This method requires enabling USB Debugging and basic command line knowledge.

Step 1: Preparation

1. Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Enable USB Debugging: Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB
3. Install ADB Tools on your PC.

Step 2: Commands to rename:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Check the connection: Adb devices (you should display your device).
3. Use the command to rename (example for OldName folder in NewName): adb shell mv /sdcard/OldName /sdcard/NewName

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Attention: ADB commands have full access to the file system. An error in the path (e.g., a typo in /sdcard/...) can result in deletion of data. Always check the current directory with the adb shell ls /sdcard/ command before renaming.

5 Mistakes and their solutions: why it is impossible to rename the folder

Even following the instructions, Xiaomi users often encounter errors.

Error 1: “Failure to rename” or “Operation not supported”

• 🔍 Reason: The folder is used by the system (for example, Download while downloading a file) or protected by SELinux.
• 🛠️ Solution: Reset the device and try again. If it doesn't work, use it. ADB root-access.

Mistake 2: The folder disappears after renaming

• 🔍 Cause: File system failure or name conflict (e.g., two folders with the same name in the same directory).
• 🛠️ Solution: Check the Recycle Bin in the file manager or restore data via adb shell ls -la /sdcard/.

Error 3: New name is not displayed

• 🔍 Reason: Caching MIUI or a cloud sync failure (if the folder is in Mi Cloud).
• 🛠️ Solution: Clear the Explorer cache (Settings) → Annexes → Conductor → Warehouse → Clear the cache) or restart the device.

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If the folder contains important data, copy it to another location (for example, on a PC) before renaming it.

6. Features of working with SD-maps on Xiaomi

The folders on the external drives (microSD) are renamed by different rules, where the file system of the card plays a key role:

FAT32 vs. exFAT vs. NTFS:

• 📁 FAT32: Limitation on the length of the folder name – 8 characters + 3 Extension Characters (an outdated standard, but still used on many maps).
• 📁 ExFAT: Supports long names (up to 255 characters) and large files, but may not be readable on older devices.
• 📁 NTFS: The most reliable for renaming, but Xiaomi does not always work correctly with it without root.

How to check the file system SD-map:

1. Connect the card to the PC.
2. Open Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS).
3. Look at the partition properties – the file system type will be specified.

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Note: If you are formatting SD-Xiaomi card, by default will be selected FAT32. To work with large files (for example, video) 4K) It is better to choose exFAT manually.

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On Xiaomi MIUI 14+ The option “Format as internal memory” was created. SD-In this case, the folders on the map will behave as if they were in an internal storage facility, but the map cannot be retrieved without losing data.

7. Root access: When nothing helps

If all of these methods fail, the last option is root rights, which gives you complete control of the file system, but it is not warranty and can disrupt MIUI.

How to get root on Xiaomi:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) and scrolle Magisk to manage root.
3. Use Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with root access enabled to rename.

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Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ Dynamic RAM root can cause unstable camera or banking (due to SafetyNet).Before firmware check the compatibility of your model in the forum XDA Developers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)