How to create a folder on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 desktop: all ways + life hacks on the organization of the screen

The desktop of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is quickly filled with app icons, especially if you are actively installing new programs. Without an organization system, it becomes increasingly difficult to find the right one — you have to flip through several screens or search. Creating folders solves this problem by allowing you to group applications into categories: social networks, games, tools or work utilities.

However, in MIUI (The folder creation process is different from standard Android. For example, there is no classic long tap for combining icons, like on Samsung or Google Pixel. Instead, it uses a drag and drop gesture with nuances that many users do not know. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods - from basic to alternative methods through Settings or file manager.

You will also learn how:

• 🔄 To combine folders with each other or transfer shortcuts from other screens to them
• 📁 Change the name of the folder and its appearance (icon, color)
• 🔍 Recover a missing folder if it disappeared after the update MIUI
• 🚫 Delete the folder without losing the apps inside it

Instructions are relevant for Redmi Note 5 (Whyred model on versions MIUI 9/10/11/12. If you have a newer firmware, some menu items may be called differently – we will warn you about this separately.

Method 1: Standard Dragging Folder Creation

This is the fastest method that works on all versions. MIUI Redmi Note 5: You won’t need additional apps or access to Settings.

Algorithm of action:

1. Press and hold any app icon on your desktop (not in the app menu!) after 1-2 seconds, it will "stick" off the screen.
2. Without letting go of your finger, drag the icon to another icon you want to combine it with into a folder, and the second icon should light up slightly.
3. Release your finger – the system will automatically create a folder with two apps inside.

📌 Important: if you drag the icon to an empty place, it will just move, and the folder will not be created, and you will not be able to combine shortcuts from the App Menu (swipe up from the dock panel) - only from the desktop.

Icons are not blocked (no icon) 🔒 corner)

There is enough space on the screen for the folder (not adjacent to the edge)

Applications are not hidden in Settings → Annexes → Hidden applications

Screen editing mode is enabled (if the icons don't move)-->

Once you create a folder, you can:

• 📝 Rename – tap the folder name (by default “Folder without a name”) and enter a new one.
• 🎨 Change the color to the MIUI 10+ 5 color themes are available (tap by folder) → Change the color).
• ➕ Add new icons – drag them to the folder, as when creating.

💡

If the folder is not created, try first to restart the smartphone (Power) → Reset. Sometimes glitches. MIUI block gestures on the desktop.

Method 2: Create a folder through editing mode

If the standard method doesn't work (for example, because of a bug in the firmware), use the desktop editing mode, which gives you more control over the icons.

Step-by-step:

1. Press the empty space on your desktop (not the icon!) in 1-2 seconds, the menu will appear.
2. Select the screen settings (or edit in) MIUI 12+).
3. Now all icons will start to “shake” – this means that the editing mode is activated.
4. Drag one icon to another, like in the first way, and the folder will be automatically created.
5. Click Ready (check in the top right corner) to save the changes.

⚠️ Warning: In this mode, it is easy to accidentally delete icons from the desktop (they will remain in the Application Menu, but will disappear from the screen). → Add widgets/tags.

Method 3: Alternative method through file manager

This is a method that is suitable for advanced users who want to create a folder not on the desktop, but in the memory of the device (for example, to sort files), but it is often confused with creating folders for icons.

Option A. Folder for icons (shortcuts) on the desktop

Through the file manager (MI File Manager) you can not create a folder for icons - this is done only by methods from sections 1 and 2:

• 📂 Create a folder in the memory of a device for storing files (photos, documents).
• 🔗 Add the shortcut to the desktop (through Long Press) → Widgets → File tag).

Option B. Folder for files in the memory of the smartphone

If you need a folder to store files (not for icons!), follow the instructions:

1. Open the File Manager (MI File Manager) application.
2. Go to the Device or Internal Memory section.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Create a folder.
4. Enter the title (e.g., "Documents") and press OK.

🔹 How to Add This Folder to the Desktop?

Clutch the empty space on the screen → Widgets → Find the file shortcut → Select the folder you want. Now you have quick access to files right from the desktop.

How to organize folders on the desktop: life hacks

To create a folder is only half the battle, and to keep the Redmi Note 5 desktop comfortable, follow these tips:

Grouping by category

Divide the applications into logical blocks:

• 📱 Social media: VK, Telegram, WhatsApp
• 🎮 Games: All games in one folder
• 🛠️ Tools: calculator, flashlight, voice recorder
• 💼 Work: mail, calendar, Zoom

2. Optimization of appearance

• 🎨 Use different folder colors (in) MIUI 10+ 5 options available, for example, red for social media, green for work applications.
• 📌 Move frequently used folders to the dock panel (bottom of the screen).
• 🔤 Give folders short names (1–2 words) so they don’t take up too much space.

3. Limiting the number of folders

Don’t create too many folders – the best number for Redmi Note 5 screen-resolution 1080×2160:

• 📱 On one screen - no more than 6 folders (otherwise they will interfere with the screen).
• 📂 In one folder - no more than 12 applications (otherwise you will have to scrolle inside it).

By folder (app categories)

All icons on the screen without folders

I use an alternative launcher (Nova, Apex)

I don't follow the organization - chaos on the screen-->

What to do if the folder disappears or does not open

Sometimes after the update MIUI or folder resets from the desktop disappear. Here's how to get them back:

Problem 1: The folder disappeared after the update

Reasons:

• 🔄 Resetting launcher settings (often occurs with major updates) MIUI).
• 📱 Installation of an alternative launcher (e.g. Google Now Launcher).

Decision:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. If the folders don’t show up, try restoring them from a backup:
3. If there is no backup, recreate the folders (see Method 1 or 2).

Problem 2: The folder won't open (click doesn't work)

Possible causes and solutions:

⚠️ Note: if you clear the launcher data (com.miui.home), all folders and widgets from the desktop will disappear without recovery. → The phone. → Backup.

How to remove a folder from your desktop (without losing apps)

If you don't need the folder anymore, you can delete it without losing the app inside, and they just go back to the desktop or the App menu.

Method 1. Through editing mode

1. Click the empty space on the screen → Screen settings.
2. Slip on the folder you want to delete.
3. At the top of the screen will appear basket - drag the folder there.
4. Confirm the removal (the applications will remain inside).

Method 2: Dragging all icons

If the folder is not deleted through the basket:

1. Open the folder.
2. One by one, drag all the icons from it to the desktop.
3. When the folder is empty, it will automatically be deleted.

🔹 What will happen to the apps?

• 📱 If they were on the desktop before creating the folder, they will return to the screen.
• 📂 If they were only in the folder (added from the Application Menu) – they will remain in the menu.

💡

Deleting a folder doesn’t delete the apps themselves — only grouping their shortcuts on the desktop.

Alternative launchers for enhanced capabilities

Standard launcher MIUI Redmi Note 5 has limited folder settings. If you need more features (such as nested folders, custom icons or gestures), install an alternative launcher.

Top.-3 launcher for Xiaomi:

How to install an alternative launcher:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. After installation, click Home and select a new launcher as your primary.
3. Configure folders through the launcher menu (usually a long press). → Launcher settings).

⚠️ Attention: when using third-party launchers, gestures are turned off MIUI (So, for example, swipe up for the app menu, and to get them back, you have to go back to the standard launcher through Settings. → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5