How to make folders on Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 12, 13 and 14

Creating folders on Xiaomi smartphones is a simple but extremely useful feature that helps keep order on the desktop, in the gallery and in the file manager. MIUI, Many users are struggling to find the option to create a folder, how to rename it, or why icons disappeared after the update. This article covers all the current ways to work with folders on Redmi devices, POCO, Black Shark and classic Xiaomi (including 2020-2026 models).

We will analyze not only the basic actions – creation and deletion, but also advanced functions: hidden folders, sorting by date / type, synchronization with Mi Cloud, as well as solving typical problems (for example, when the folder does not open or icons “stick together”). Instructions adapted to the latest firmware versions MIUI 14 (Android 13/14), But it's also good for older versions, because it's interface-specific, and if you're just switching from iOS or any other Android smartphone, you'll find a comparison here with alternative shells.

1. How to create a folder on the Xiaomi desktop

Desktop (or launcher) in MIUI It supports two ways of creating folders: classic drag and drop and context menus. The first method is universal for all versions of firmware, the second one appeared in the first version of the folder. MIUI 12 and saved in subsequent updates.

To create a folder by drag and drop:

1. Press and hold the icon of the application you want to add to the folder.
2. Drag it to another icon and a semi-transparent circle will appear with the inscription Create a folder.
3. Release your finger. The folder will be created with an automatic name (e.g., "Apps" or "Games") that can be changed.

V MIUI 13/14 Add an alternative method through the context menu:

• 📱 Long pressing on the free space of the desktop → Widgets → folder.
• 📁 Select folder style (standard or preview content).
• 🔄 Drag the folder to the desktop and fill it with applications.

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If a folder accidentally gets an uncomfortable name (for example, "New Folder 1"), rename it immediately: open the folder. → tap on the name → Introduce a new one. MIUI 14 supported by emoji in titles!

Please note: in POCO Launcher (set by default on smartphones) POCO) The folder-creation algorithm is identical, but drag and drop animations are different — icons are magnetized to each other with a vibrating effect. If you have a third-party launcher installed (like Nova Launcher), use its folder-creating tools — they may differ.

2.Manage folders in the Xiaomi Gallery

Xiaomi Gallery (Photos or Google Photos, depending on the model) automatically sorts media files by album, but custom folders allow you to group files according to their own rules, for example, you can create separate folders for screenshots of work projects, family photos or memes.

To create a folder in a standard gallery MIUI:

1. Open the Gallery (or Photos) app.
2. Put it on the icon. ⋮ (three points) in upper right corner → Make an album.
3. Enter the folder name (e.g., “Vacation 2026”) and click Ready.
4. Select files to add: keep your finger in thumbnail → mark the rest → press Add.

Important nuances:

• 📸 Folders in the gallery do not duplicate files – they remain in the original directory (for example, in the original directory, DCIM/Camera), The album just references them.
• 🔒 To hide the folder from outsiders, move it to the Secure folder (available in Gallery Settings). → Privacy).
• ☁️ Gallery folders can be synced with Mi Cloud, but only if Autoboot option is enabled in Xiaomi account settings.

If you use Google Photos, the algorithm is different: folders here are called "albums," and you can create them through the web version or a mobile application. MIUI — These are two separate storage systems.

3. Work with folders in the file manager

Xiaomi’s file manager (Files or Explorer) offers more folder management options than a gallery or desktop, where you can create nested directories, archive files, configure access rights, and even mount network storage (like a file). NAS or FTP).

Basic actions:

V MIUI 14 file manager supports cloud integration: folders from Mi Cloud are displayed in the Cloud section without having to download files to the device. This is convenient for saving space, but requires a stable Internet connection. To enable this feature, go to File Manager Settings → Cloud storage and log in to Xiaomi account.

4. Hidden folders and privacy protection

On Xiaomi smartphones there are several ways to hide folders from prying eyes: built-in tools MIUI, Third-party applications and even system tricks (such as renaming with a dot at the beginning of a name.

Method 1: Secure folder in the gallery

• 🔒 Open the gallery. → Albums. → Scroll down to the Privacy section.
• 📂 Slip the secure folder. → Set a password or fingerprint.
• 🖼️ Move files there via the context menu (long press). → Move it to a secure folder).

Method 2: Hidden folders in the file manager

To hide the folder from casual viewing:

1. Rename the folder by adding a point to the beginning of the name (for example,.my photo).
2. In the file manager, enable the display of hidden files: ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files.

⚠️ Note: This method does not encrypt data! the folder will remain accessible via the PC when connected to the computer. USB or through any file manager with the hidden file display option enabled.

Method 3: Third-party applications

For reliable protection, use AppLock (built-in) MIUI) or specialized programs like Vault or Hide It Pro:

• 🔐 Block access to folders with a password / fingerprint.
• 📱 Masking folders under harmless icons (for example, a calculator).
• ☁️ Synchronize hidden data with the cloud (in encrypted form).

Is there a password set for a protected folder?

Is the notification display for the file manager disabled?

Is encryption used? SD-cards (if the folder is on it)?

Are important files synced with Mi Cloud?

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5. Solving Typical Folder Problems

Xiaomi users often encounter folder bugs that disappear after an update, fail to open or duplicate, and these are the most common problems and solutions.

Problem 1: The folder on the desktop has become transparent or disappeared

It's a typical bug. MIUI 13/14, It's linked to the launcher's cache to get the folder back:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. If it doesn't help, clear the launcher's cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher (or) POCO Launcher) → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
3. In extreme cases, reset the launcher settings: Settings → Desktop → Reset the settings.

Problem 2: You can’t rename a folder in the file manager

If the Rename button is inactive:

• 📁 Check if the file is located on SD-Cards – may have limited rights.
• 🔧 Make sure that the file manager has access to the storage: Settings → Annexes → Files. → Permits.
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes helps with access rights glitches.

Problem 3: Folders in the gallery are duplicated

Duplication of albums is usually associated with syncing Mi Cloud or Google Photos.

1. Open Gallery settings → Cloud Albums and Disable Unnecessary Services.
2. Clear the cache of the gallery: Settings → Apps → Gallery → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. If Google Photos creates takes, turn off autoload in its settings.

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Before any manipulation of folders (especially on the SD-(c) make a backup copy of the data. MIUI 14 has built-in backup tool: Settings → The phone. → Backup.

Advanced capabilities: automation and synchronization

For power users, Xiaomi offers folder automation tools, cloud integration, and even remote management via Mi Remote.

Automatic file sorting

V MIUI 14 has a feature called Smart Sort in the file manager:

• 📁 Automatically move uploaded files to folders by type (e.g, PDF → Documents,.apk → Installers).
• 🗓️ Group files by date of creation (weekly/monthly).
• 🔄 Set up rules for specific extensions (e.g., send all.xlsx to Tables).

To enable: Open the Files → ⋮ → Settings → Smart sorting.

Sync with Mi Cloud and Google Drive

Xiaomi allows you to sync folders not only with your own cloud, but also with Google Drive, OneDrive or Yandex Drive.

1. Open the files. → Cloud.
2. Tap. ➕ Add an account and select a service.
3. Log in and allow access to the files.
4. Now folders from the cloud will be displayed in the file manager cloud section.

Remote folder management

If your smartphone is connected to the same network with your PC, you can manage folders through Mi Drop (built-in file transfer application) or FTP-server, to activate FTP:

1. Open the files. → ⋮ → FTP-server.
2. Connect to the specified address (for example, ftp://192.168.1.100:2221) from PC via FileZilla or Windows Explorer.

⚠️ Attention: FTP-The connection is not encrypted! Don't send sensitive data over it on public networks.

7. Comparison with other shells: MIUI vs EMUI vs One UI

If you switched to Xiaomi from a device of another brand, it will be useful to learn how to manage folders in the future. MIUI different from Huawei EMUI, Samsung One UI or "pure" Android.

MIUI It's a great deal of flexibility in folder settings, especially in terms of automation and cloud integration, but some features (like Samsung's Secure Folder) are more secure. If you're interested in privacy, consider installing third-party file managers like Solid Explorer or other file managers. FX File Explorer – They offer additional encryption options.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi