How to create a folder on a Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways of 2026

Creating folders on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models) seems like a simple task, but many users face non-obvious nuances. Depending on the version of MIUI and the shell installed, the interface may differ, and some standard methods will not work. For example, MIUI 14 disappeared the classic file manager from Xiaomi, and replaced it with the application Files from Google – and this changes the algorithm of actions.

In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to create folders on Xiaomi in 2026, from standard tools to hidden features and third-party applications. Particular attention will be paid to the problems faced by owners of Android 13/14 devices, where access rights to system partitions are limited, and you will learn how to create a folder on the desktop, in the gallery and even in the cloud storage of Mi Cloud.

1. Create a folder through Xiaomi’s standard File Manager

If your Xiaomi has a proprietary File Manager installed (not Google Files), this will be the easiest way, and it is usually available on devices with MIUI 12 and below, as well as on some POCO models with custom firmware.

To create a folder:

• 📁 Open the File Manager app (Blue folder icon).
• 🔍 Go to Device or Internal Memory.
• ➕ Press the badge. + in the lower right corner and select the folder.
• ✏️ Enter the folder name (e.g. Documents 2026) and click Create.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI folder (/storage/emulated/0/) In this case, select any existing folder (for example, Download) and create a new one inside it.

If you have MIUI 13/14 and Google Files is the company manager, move on to the next method – the algorithm will be different.

2.Use of Google Files (for MIUI 13/14)

Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi replaced the standard file manager with Google Files, which is a minimalist interface, but the folder-creating functionality is saved. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Files app (an icon with a blue folder and a green leaf).
2. Go to the Review tab → Internal memory.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select New folder.
4. Enter the title (e.g. Projects) and click Create.

🔹 Tip: If the folder is not created, try clearing the Files app cache in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Files. → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

3. Create a folder on the desktop (for application icons)

If you don't have to create a folder in your device's memory, but you have to combine the app icons on your home screen, the algorithm is different, and it's useful for organizing your workspace, like putting all the messengers or games together in a group.

Instructions:

• 📱 Drag one app icon to another and hold on 1-2 seconds.
• 📂 Automatically create a folder with the default name (for example, Folder 1).
• 🖊️ Tap the name of the folder to rename it (for example, Social Networks).
• ➕ To add more apps, just drag them into a folder.

⚠️ Note: On some launchers (for example, POCO Launcher) folders on the desktop are created differently: you need to pinch the icon, select Create a folder and then add other applications to it. If you have a custom launcher (for example, Nova Launcher), check its settings.

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To remove the folder from your desktop, drag all the apps back to the screen, and the empty folder will disappear automatically.

4. Create a folder in the gallery (for photos and videos)

In the Xiaomi gallery, folders are created automatically when you add new photos, but you can organize media files manually. This is convenient if you want to separate, for example, Family photos and Work screenshots.

How to create an album in a gallery:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Slip the album icon on the bottom menu.
3. Click Create an Album (or + New Album, depending on the version).
4. Choose a photo/video to add or leave the album blank.
5. Name the album (e.g., Vacation 2026) and save it.

⚠️ Attention: Gallery albums are virtual folders. They don't create physical directories in the memory of the device! If you delete a file from the album, it will disappear from the main gallery. To create a real folder for a photo, use the method №1 №2.

5. Create a folder via PC (USB connection)

If you can't create a folder on a smartphone, you can do it through a computer, and this is also useful for mass file management.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable.
2. On the phone, select file transfer mode (File Transfer or MTP).
3. On your computer, open this computer (Windows) or File Manager (Linux/macOS).
4. Go to your smartphone folder (usually Xiaomi [disk letter]).
5. Right-click on the mouse button → Create → folder.
6. Name the folder (for example, Backup_2026) and press Enter.

🔹 Important: Windows 11 sometimes has problems with displaying Xiaomi files:

• 🔄 Reconnect. USB-cable.
• 🔧 Update the drivers MTP via Device Manager.
• 📱 On the phone go to Settings → Additionally. → Developer → Configuration USB by default and select MTP.

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USB connection is the most reliable way to create a folder if your phone has a file manager failure, but remember to safely retrieve the device to avoid data loss.

6. Create a folder through third-party file managers

If the standard methods don't work, use third-party apps. The best options for Xiaomi are:

• 📂 Solid Explorer – supports dual-panel mode and cloud storage.
• 🗃️ FX File Explorer – easy to work with root folders (requires root).
• 🌐 Total Commander – Classic Manager with FTP-client.

Example of folder creation in Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the storage.
3. Go to the Internal Memory section.
4. Slip on the icon + below → New folder.
5. Enter the name and save it.

⚠️ Note: Some managers (e.g. Root Explorer) require root rights. On modern Xiaomi, obtaining them can lead to loss of warranty and blocking Mi Account!

7. Create a folder in Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud Storage)

If you use Mi Cloud for backup, you can create a folder there, which is convenient for syncing files between devices.

How to create a folder in Mi Cloud:

1. Open the Mi Cloud app (or go to i.mi.com).
2. Sign in with your Mi Account.
3. Go to the Files section.
4. Click + → New folder.
5. Enter the title (e.g., Backups) and save.

🔹 Nuance: The free Mi Cloud tariff only gives you 5GB. If the folder is heavier, the files will not sync. To increase the space, go to Settings. → Mi Cloud → Buy a place.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When creating folders on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the file manager settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Files (or File Manager)
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Reboot your phone and try again.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions