How to create a folder on the desktop Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro: a detailed guide with photos

Why can’t Redmi Note 7 Pro create a folder like a computer?

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro desktop is based on the MIUI shell, which is fundamentally different from the classic Windows or macOS file managers. There is no usual Explorer, and all files and application shortcuts are managed through the launcher, the program responsible for displaying the home screen.

Desktop folders are created only to group application shortcuts, not to store files (as in Windows).

Files (photos, documents, music) can be organized into folders only through the file manager, but they will not appear on the home screen as icons.

MIUI automatically hides system folders so that the user does not delete important data, for example, the /system folder is not available without root permissions.

If you need not just to group applications, but to bring access to specific files (for example, frequently used PDF or presentations), you will have to use workarounds – we will talk about them in the section on widgets and file shortcuts.

Method 1: Create a folder for applications (standard MIUI method)

This is the simplest and most official way, and works on all versions of the Redmi Note 7 Pro (including MIUI 12/13/14). The folder will contain app shortcuts, but not files.

1. Press and hold your finger on any empty desktop space (not on the icon!) and you will see a menu with options.
2. Select Widgets (if you want to create a folder with files) or just drag and drop one application icon to another (for the application folder).
3. If you drag and drop icons, hold one icon and move it to another. MIUI automatically creates a folder with the name No Name.
4. Tap the name of the folder to rename it (for example, in Social Network or Work).

⚠️ Note: If you have a third-party launcher installed (like a Nova Launcher or Apex), the process may be different.In some launchers, you need to first enable screen editing mode (usually a long press on the icon).

Method 2: File folder widget for quick access to documents

If you need to bring files (such as frequently used PDFs, Excel tables, or photos) to your desktop, standard MIUI folders won’t help. Instead, use the file manager widget:

1. Press and hold your finger in the free desktop space → select Widgets.
2. Scroll down to the File widget (or File Manager in English firmware).
3. Select the folder or folder shortcut (size 2×2 or 4×1).
4. In the window that opens, select the folder you want to access quickly (such as Download or Documents).
5. Click Ready - an icon will appear on the desktop, when you click on which the selected folder will open.

💡 If the folder you want isn’t in the list, create it first through the standard File Manager (Menu). → Create → For example, you can make a folder Important documents in the root directory of internal memory.

MIUI limits the number of widgets on the screen – if you can’t add a widget, remove the unnecessary ones first or make room by moving the icons to another screen.

Method 3: Use of third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Apex)

If standard MIUI features don't suit you, you can install an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, which allows you to:

• 📁 Create folders of any size (including vertical and horizontal).
• 🔧 Set up gestures to open folders (for example, swipe up).
• 🎨 Change the icons of folders to custom folders.
• 🔒 Hide folders from prying eyes (with password).

📌 Instructions for setting up Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click Home → Select Nova as the default launcher.
3. Drag one icon to another to create a folder (like in MIUI but with advanced settings).
4. Click on the folder → Edit → change the name, icon, size.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note 7 Pro firmware may miss system widgets (such as weather or steps) after installing a third-party launcher. MIUI.

Method 4: Create folders through a file manager (for files, not shortcuts)

If your goal is not to organize applications, but to organize files (photos, videos, documents), then you need to create folders through the File Manager.

1. Open the Files app (the icon with the folder on the desktop).
2. Go to the Device (Internal Memory) section or SD-map (if installed).
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Create → Folder.
4. Enter the title (such as Projects or Personal Photos) and click Ready.
5. You can now move files to this folder through the Select → Move menu.

🔹 Where will the created folders be stored?

• 📱 /storage/emulated/0/ — root-catalog of internal memory.
• 💾 /storage/XXXX-XXXX/ — if the folder is created on SD-map (where) XXXX — unique identifier).
• 📁 Download, DCIM, Documents - Standard folders MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Do not create folders in system partitions (for example, /system or /data) — This can cause a firmware failure. MIUI Blocks entry to these directories without root rights.

💡

To quickly find a folder in the file manager, use a search (the magnifier icon at the top). MIUI indexes files in the background, so results appear instantly.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with a procedure that is so simple, there can be difficulties, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

🔧 If the folder isn't created at all:

1. Check if the Mode for Children is turned on (Settings → Special Opportunities → Mode for Children).
2. Update MIUI to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update).
3. Clear the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache.

Additional advice on the organization of the desktop

Creating folders is just the first step to a comfortable desktop, and here are some advanced tricks for the Redmi Note 7 Pro:

• 🎨 Color themes: Use themes MIUI, So you can visually highlight the folders. Go to Settings. → Themes and choose style with contrasting icons.
• 🔒 Hidden folders: Nova Launcher can hide folders from outsiders. To do this, install the Nova Launcher Prime plugin.
• 📌 Folders attached: B MIUI You can attach the folder to the dock panel (bottom of the screen) so that it is always at hand.
• 🔄 Auto sort: Enable automatic sorting of applications alphabetically: Launcher settings → Screen settings → Sorting applications.

💡 Useful Lifehack: If you need to quickly open a folder with files (like Download), add a file manager shortcut to your desktop, and then set up a gesture: long-click on the icon → Edit → Gesture. → Open the folder.

💡

On the Redmi Note 7 Pro, you can’t create a “real” folder with files right on your desktop — just shortcuts or widgets. Always use a file manager to work with files.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions