How to Create a Folder on Xiaomi Desktop: 3 Ways + Problem Solving

You just bought a new Xiaomi or upgraded your firmware to MIUI 15, and now you can’t find where folders are created on the home screen? This problem is familiar to many users — the MIUI interface changes regularly, and the standard actions that run on other brands’ Android smartphones often fail here. In this article, we’ll break down three working ways to create folders on the Xiaomi desktop, including hidden chips for the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Black Shark 5 models.

The MIUI feature is that it actively optimizes the location of icons, sometimes automatically removing the possibility of grouping. For example, after upgrading to MIUI 14.0.5, many users lost the drag and drop function on each other - instead of a folder, a context menu appeared. We tested all methods on current versions of the firmware (data as of June 2026) and identified universal solutions that work even on custom launchers like Nova Launcher.

Why can’t Xiaomi create a folder in the standard way?

On most Android devices, drag and drop icons to another icon to automatically generate a folder, but in MIUI, this process is often blocked because:

• 🔄 Firmware versions: in MIUI 12-13 The function was stable and in MIUI 14+ She was moved to a hidden menu.
• 📱 Device models: on POCO F5 redmi K60 The algorithm is different from the budget Redmi. 10A.
• 🎯 Launcher settings: if the "Light Desktop" mode is enabled (Settings) → Desktop → Easy mode, the group is disconnected.
• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: some firmware for Black Shark folders are created only through MIUI Launcher, not third-party shells.

Another common cause is a launcher cache error, where if you haven't restarted your phone in a while or installed themes from the Mi Theme Store, the system may not display drag and drop animations correctly, in which case resetting the launcher settings helps (instructions will be below).

⚠️ Note: If you are using a Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher, the standard methods are used. MIUI These shells need a separate algorithm (see section 3).

Method 1: Standard drag and drop (operates on MIUI 14/15)

This is the most obvious method, but it requires precise steps to be followed. Many users make the mistake of trying to drag icons too quickly or with insufficient effort.

1. Press and hold your finger on any app icon on your desktop (not in the All Apps folder!).
2. After 1-2 seconds, the icon will “stick” from the screen – do not let go of your finger.
3. Drag it to another icon (not to empty space!).
4. When the second icon is lit up in blue, release your finger.

If the folder is not created, check:

• 🔹 Sign settings: c Settings → Additionally. → The gestures should be included in the item "Removing icons".
• 🔹 Screen mode: on some models (POCO M5) folders are not created in horizontal orientation.
• 🔹 Number of icons: you can not group system applications (for example, "Settings" or "Phone") with the usual.

On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Mix Fold 3, this may not work because of the optimized interface for larger screens.

Method 2: Through the context menu (for MIUI 14.0.5 and later)

Starting with MIUI 14.0.5, the developers added an alternative way to create folders over long presses, which is more reliable than standard drag and drop and works even on the Redmi A2+ with 2 GB of RAM.

1. Press the app icon before the context menu appears (usually 2-3 seconds).
2. In the window that appears, select "Create folder" (in English firmware - "Create folder").
3. The system automatically picks up the nearest icons to group, and you can add others manually.
4. Press "Done" in the upper right corner.

If the "Create a folder" item is not on the menu, it means:

• 📌 You have a global firmware installed (EUA/EEA), where this function is disabled. So the solution is to switch to Russian. ROM Or use the Nova Launcher.
• 📌 In the security settings (Settings) → Password and security → Autolocking) included item "Blocking changes to the desktop".

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If the context menu doesn’t appear, try pinching the icon with two fingers — this works on some models with sensory issues.

Method 3: Using a third-party launcher (Nova Launcher, Hyperion)

If standard methods don't work, the most reliable option is to install an alternative launcher. Nova Launcher and Hyperion Launcher not only allow you to create folders in one click, but also offer advanced configurations for their appearance.

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Launch the app and select it as the default launcher.
3. Press any icon on your desktop → drag it to another.
4. The folder will be automatically created. To change its name, tap on the inscription "No Name".

Advantages of this method:

• 🎨 Customization: you can change the color, shape and animation of folders.
• 📂 Net folders: Nova Launcher Prime supports folders inside folders (up to 3 levels).
• 🔄 Import/Export: Keep the icons in place and restore them after being reset.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4 GT, Redmi K50 Gaming) Nova Launcher may conflict with MIUI, In this case, try Hyperion Launcher or turn off animations in the performance settings.

What do I do if the folder is not created?

If none of these things worked, the problem goes deeper, and we've collected the 5 most common causes and solutions.

1. The launcher cache is clogged: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher (or “Desktop”) → Clear the cache.
2. Administrator Restrictions: In Settings → Password and Security → Application Permissions, check if the launcher is blocked.
3. Lack of memory: On Redmi 9A and other budget models, folders are not created if less than 500 MB is free.
4. Beta version of MIUI: In test firmware, the function can be disabled. Check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
5. Damaged System Files: If folders are not created even after reset, Fastboot flashing is required.

For Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (Redmi 10C, POCO M4 Pro) sometimes helps resetting the launcher settings to factory:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

This command must be typed in through ADB on the computer, and attention: once executed, all widgets and icon locations will be reset.

How to rename or delete a folder to Xiaomi?

Once you create a folder, you can edit it.

1. Stick it on the folder to open it.
2. Tap the folder name (by default, “No Name” or “Folder”).
3. Type a new name and hit "Done."

To delete the folder:

• 🗑️ Drag all icons from the folder to the desktop (folder will be deleted automatically).
• 🚮 Or hold the file. → Select "Delete" (on some firmware - "Ungroup").

MIUI 15 has a feature called smart folders that automatically sort applications into categories (e.g., Social Networks, Games) to disable this feature:

1. Hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select "Desktop Settings".
3. Turn off the "Automatic Grouping" item.

Hidden chips of working with folders on Xiaomi

Few people know, but MIUI has hidden folder features that are not documented in the official certificate.

• 🔐 Password protection: Install AppLock from the Mi Store, then select "Block folders" in the application settings. Now, when you open the folder, you will be asked to PIN.
• 🎭 Hidden folders: Rename the folder by adding a point (e.g., ".Personal") to the beginning of the title. It will disappear from the general list, but will be available through search.
• 🔄 Quick Moving: Hold the folder → Drag it to the edge of the screen (left or right) → It will move to the next desktop page.
• 📊 Usage statistics: C Settings → Annexes → Use statistics can be seen which applications from the folder were launched most often.

On Xiaomi AMOLED-Xiaomi 13, Mix 4 folders support dynamic wallpaper:

1. Press the folder → select “Change the background”.
2. Select Dynamic Wallpaper and adjust the effect (e.g., Pulse at notifications).

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On models that support Always-On Display (AOD), folders on the desktop can be displayed off as widgets. To enable: Settings → Always-on display → Widgets → Application folders.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi