How to create a folder on the desktop of the Xiaomi phone: all the ways + secret MIUI

You just bought a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone. POCO You want to clean up your desktop, or you've been using your device for a long time. MIUI, But you still don't know how to group applications into folders, and this article will help you understand all the nuances, from basic folder creation to hidden shell capabilities, which even the official instructions are silent about.

We have tested all methods on the latest versions. MIUI 14 (including HyperOS for new models) and collected up-to-date information for 2026, here you will find not only standard methods, but also unique life hacks for advanced users, such as how to create a folder with a password or hide it from prying eyes. If something goes wrong, there is a section at the end of the article that addresses common mistakes.

Let’s start with the simplest way that works on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of the model and firmware version.

1. Standard way: How to create a folder by drag and drop

It’s a classic method that’s used on all Xiaomi smartphones, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.It doesn’t require any additional tweaks and works even on the oldest versions. MIUI (starting MIUI 8).

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Unlock the screen and go to the main desktop (where the app icons are located).
2. Find two apps you want to put together in a folder, like Camera and Gallery.
3. Press the icon of the first application with your finger and, without letting go, drag it to the icon of the second.
4. When the second icon lights up slightly, release your finger.

Ready! A new folder with an automatically generated name (usually a generic name for app categories, like Multimedia) will appear on the screen to change the title:

• 📝 Stick to the folder once to open it.
• 🖋️ Click on the title text at the top of the screen.
• ✏️ Enter a new name (up to 12 characters in Cyrillic).
• ✅ Press Ready or Return key.

Make sure there is enough room on the screen for a new folder.

Applications are not fixed in the docking panel (they can not be moved)

The "Edit" mode is disabled (if it was previously enabled)

The screen is not locked in child mode-->

It's universal, but it has limitations, like you can't create an empty folder, it's always made up of at least two applications. MIUI 14 there was a limit on the number of applications in one folder - no more than 16 pieces (in older versions there were 24).

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If you need to quickly add an app to an existing folder, just drag and drop its icon onto the folder and hold on. 1-2 The folder will open automatically, and you can throw the app inside.

2. Alternative method: creating a folder through the editing menu

Not everyone is comfortable with drag and drop gestures, especially on larger screens (such as the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3), in which case you can use an alternative way through desktop editing mode.

Algorithm of action:

1. Press any free space on your desktop (not on the icon!) and select Edit (or screen settings in some versions).
2. In the upper right corner, tap the icon. ⋮ (three dots) and select Create folder.
3. The system will suggest selecting applications for the new folder. tick the desired ones (minimum 2).
4. Click Ready - the folder will appear on the screen.

This method is convenient in that it allows:

• 🔍 See all installed applications in one list (including hidden apps).
• 📁 Add more than two applications to the folder immediately.
• 🔄 It is easy to cancel an action if you accidentally chose the wrong program.

There is a problem: in some versions MIUI (for example POCO X5 Pro MIUI 14.0.3) This method may not work due to shell bugs. If nothing happens after clicking Create folder, use the first method or update the firmware.

Drag and drop applications

Through the editing menu

I don't know, I haven't tried it yet.

I'm using third-party launchers.-->

3. Secret method: password folders and hidden folders

Few people know, but in MIUI There's a hidden feature for creating secure folders that's available without installing third-party apps, which is useful if you want to hide personal apps (like banking or instant messengers) from prying eyes.

Instructions for creating a folder with a password:

1. Create a regular folder in any of the ways described above.
2. Open it and tap it on three points. ⋮ top-right.
3. Choose Block the folder (or Set a password depending on the version).
4. Create and enter a password (minimum 4 digits) or use a fingerprint.
5. Confirm the action – now when you open the folder, a password will be requested.

Important nuances:

• 🔐 Password for folder is different from password unlock screen.
• 📱 The function is only available on devices with MIUI 12 and newer.
• 🔄 If you forgot the password - the folder can be unlocked only through resetting settings (application data will be stored inside).

For Xiaomi models with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) process is slightly different:

Settings → Privacy → Application Protection → Select a folder → Set a password

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Secure folders don't encrypt data inside applications -- they only restrict access to launch. MIUI safety-setting.

4. Limitations and typical errors in folder creation

Even with this simple procedure, Xiaomi users sometimes run into problems, and we’ve compiled the most common bugs and ways to fix them.

And we need to pay special attention to the problem of disappearing folders, which is a frequent bug on devices with a lot of data. POCO Launcher (set by default on the model) POCO). If the folders disappear after the reboot, but the applications remain on the screen:

1. Install a standard launcher MIUI through settings → Home screen.
2. Reset the device.
3. Create folders again – they should not disappear anymore.

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If folders are constantly "falling apart" when updating the firmware, before updating, make a backup of the desktop through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

5. Advanced folder settings in MIUI

Beyond basic functions, MIUI It offers some hidden folder features that are not available to all users:

1. Resize folders

By default, folders on Xiaomi are displayed as a square 2×2 But you can make them bigger or smaller:

• 📏 Press the folder and select Change the size.
• 🔄 Choose one of three options: Small (1×1), middle-class (2×2), big-time (3×3).
• ✅ Click Ready to save the changes.

2. Color schemes of folders

Starting with MIUI 13, users can change the color of folders:

Long-Tap Folder → Folder Style → Select Color or Transparency

Automatic sorting

If there are many applications in the folder, they can be sorted automatically:

• 📁 Open the folder and tap on it. ⋮ → Sorting.
• 🔤 Select the criterion: alphabetically, by color, by frequency of use.

On HyperOS models (such as the Xiaomi 14 Pro), an option called Smart Folders has been added, and they automatically group apps into categories (social media, games, tools) based on your behavior.

Settings → Home screen → Smart folders → Enable

6. How to move folders between screens and to the docking panel

Many Xiaomi users have a problem: they created a folder on one screen and then can't move it to another or to the dock. Here's how to do it correctly:

Moving between screens:

1. Press the folder and drag it to the edge of the screen (left or right).
2. Wait. 1-2 Seconds – the transition to the next screen will occur.
3. Release your finger when the folder is in the right place.

Adding a folder to the dock panel:

⚠️ Attention: You can only put individual applications in the dock, not folders! MIUI. But there is a workaround:

• 🔄 Create a folder on your desktop.
• 📌 Drag it into the docking panel – the system will automatically “unfold” the folder, placing all applications from it in the dock.
• 🔙 Remove unnecessary applications from the docking panel, leaving only the necessary ones.

For HyperOS devices (e.g., Redmi) K70 Pro) it became possible to create "fast folders" in the dock panel:

Settings → Home → Dock Panel → Enable “Fast Folders”

After activating this function, you can add folders to the docking panel directly, but with a limitation: there can be no more than 4 applications in such a folder.

7. How to delete or clean folder on Xiaomi

If you don't need the folder anymore, you can delete it or just clear it from the apps. Here's how to do it right:

Deletion of the folder:

• 🗑️ Drag the folder to the basket (delete icon at the top of the screen).
• 🔄 All applications from the folder will return to the desktop.

Cleaning the folder (delete applications from it):

• 📁 Open the folder.
• 🖱️ Click on the unnecessary app and drag it outside the folder.
• 🗑️ Or tap on it. ⋮ → Remove from the folder.

⚠️ Warning: If you delete all apps from a folder, it will automatically disappear from the desktop. MIUI.

On HyperOS devices, folder Archiving is available, so if you want to temporarily remove a folder, but keep it structured,

1. Press the folder and select Archive.
2. The folder will disappear from the screen, but will remain in the archive.
3. To return it, go to Settings. → Annexes → Folder archive.

8 Third-party launchers: alternative ways to work with folders

If standard facilities MIUI You don't like it, you can use third-party launchers, and they offer more flexibility in folder configuration, including:

• 🎨 Customization of folder icons.
• 🔒 Passwords and biometric protection.
• 📊 Unlimited number of applications in the folder.
• 🖼️ Background images for folders.

Top.-3 Launcher for Xiaomi with advanced folder functions:

To install a third-party launcher:

1. Download it from Google Play Market.
2. After installation, click Home and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. Configure folders according to the instructions of the selected launcher.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, some functions may stop working MIUI, For example, a smart assistant or navigation gestures. Before installing, back up your desktop!

For example, in Nova Launcher you can create a folder with gestures:

• 👆 Swipe up the folder – opens frequently used applications.
• 👇 Swipe Down – Shows notifications from apps inside the folder.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi