How to create a folder on the Xiaomi Redmi desktop: 3 proven ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi desktop quickly fills with app icons, especially if you are actively installing new programs. Creating folders helps not only organize the space, but also speed up access to the right services - instead of 10 individual icons, you get one folder with a logical grouping. However, in MIUI (the Xiaomi brand shell), this process is different from standard Android, which raises questions among users.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for creating folders on the Redmi screen (including the Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and others), and what to do if folders are not created or disappear after a reboot. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 - checked on firmware 2023-2026.

Why can’t Xiaomi Redmi create a folder like other Androids?

If you've used Samsung, Google Pixel or pure Android before, you might have noticed that Xiaomi has a different folder design. MIUI:

• 🔹 There is no "long tap" to combine icons (as in standard Android.
• 🔹 Folder limit: No more than 16 folders can be created on one screen (in the MIUI 14 This restriction is removed, but remains on older versions).
• 🔹 Automatic renaming: The system can assign folders names by category (e.g., “Social Networks” for the purpose of VK, Telegram and WhatsApp).
• 🔹 Conflict with the theme of design: some topics from the topic → My themes block folder creation.

In addition, on Redmi with MIUI version below 12.5, folders can be “reset” after the system update, due to the peculiarities of the launcher (the program responsible for the desktop), if your smartphone Released is before 2021, we recommend updating the firmware before starting.

Method 1: Standard folder creation (drop-and-drop gesture)

It is the simplest and most versatile method available on all Redmi models (including Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi). 9T And the new Redmis. 13C). Suitable for MIUI 12–14:

1. Press and hold your finger on any app icon you want to add to your folder.
2. Without letting go of your finger, drag the icon to another icon (e.g. Chrome on YouTube).
3. After 1-2 seconds, a gray circle will appear with the inscription Create a folder - release your finger.
4. You can now rename it (click on the name under the folder) or add other applications.

If the gesture doesn't work, check:

• 📱 Is the “Light Mode” mode turned off (Settings) → Special facilities → Easy regime).
• 🎨 Is a third-party launcher used (e.g., Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher).
• 🔄 Is the “Data Protection” feature included in the Settings → Confidentiality.

Important: On some models (e.g. Redmi A1 and Redmi 10A), you need to drag the icon to a blank screen space instead of another icon to create a folder.

Method 2: Create a folder through the application menu

If the drag and drop gesture doesn’t work (for example, due to sensory issues or a custom theme), use an alternative method via the app menu:

1. Tap the app menu icon (square of dots at the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the app you want to add to your folder and hold on to its icon.
3. At the top of the screen will appear a miniature of the desktop – drag the icon to it.
4. Release your finger on another app or in an empty screen to create a folder.

This method is especially convenient if:

• 📂 There are already many icons on the desktop, and it is difficult to “catch” the one you need to drag and drop.
• 🖼️ A live wallpaper or widget is used to prevent accurate pressing.
• 👆 Touch screen responds poorly to long presses (relevant to Redmi) 7/8 worn-out).

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If the folder is created but disappears immediately, check if Safe Mode (notification in the curtain) is turned on, and all desktop changes are reset after rebooting.

Method 3: Using a third-party launcher (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, on Redmi with custom firmware or after a failed update), you can install an alternative launcher.

To create a folder in Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher and select it as the main one in the settings (Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher).
2. Press and hold the app icon, then drag it to another icon.
3. Let go, the folder is set. To rename, click on its name.

The use of alternative launchers solves the problem if:

• 🔧 Your Redmi has custom firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🎨 You don't like the folder design in MIUI (For example, a transparent background or a fixed size).
• 🔄 You often search your phone and want to keep the folder location.

What to do if folders are not created?

If none of these things worked, you could have a problem with system settings or a launcher failure.

1. Restart your phone – sometimes the MIUI launcher “hangs” and doesn’t respond to gestures.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update).
3. Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data ⚠️ Warning: This will remove all folders and widgets from the desktop!
4. Check the space available – if the memory is less than 1 GB, the system can block desktop changes.
5. Turn off power saving for launcher: Settings → Battery and performance → Battery Consumption Management → Launcher → No Limits

If folders are created but disappear after a reboot, the reason may be:

• 🔋 Battery Supersaving Mode (Settings) → Battery → Super-saving regime).
• 🛡️ Data Protection (disable in Settings) → Confidentiality → Special access → Data protection).
• 📲 Launcher cache failure – clear the cache as described above.

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If folders disappear only after the MIUI update, this is a known launcher error. Solution: Before upgrading, back up your desktop via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

How to rename a folder and change its appearance?

By default, MIUI assigns folders names based on application categories (such as Games or Tools) to change the name:

1. Tap the name of the folder under its icon.
2. In the field, enter a new name (up to 12 characters).
3. Press Ready or Back key.

To change the appearance of the folder:

• 🎨 Change the color of the icon: use themes from Settings → Topics → My subjects.
• 📏 Change the size: Nova Launcher can configure the number of rows/columns in the folder.
• 🖼️ Change the background: MIUI 14 there is an option of transparent background for folders (Settings) → Desktop → File style).

On the Redmi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) You can turn on the dark background of folders to save battery:

1. Go to Settings → Screen → Dark theme.
2. Activate the option Dark Mode for folders (available in MIUI 13+).

Tips for organizing a desktop on Xiaomi Redmi

Folders are only part of the organization, and here are some life hacks for Redmi that will help make the desktop more convenient:

• 📁 Group by frequency of use: create folders “Daily”, “Rare”, “Games».
• 🔍 Use Search: Swipe down on your desktop to quickly find an app without folders.
• 📱 Hide unnecessary icons: Press and hold the icon → Remove from the desktop (the application will remain in the menu).
• 🔄 Sort automatically: in Settings → Desktop → Sort applications, select by alphabet or by frequency of use.
• 🎨 Set up your gestures: in MIUI 14 you can assign swipes to open folders (Settings) → Additionally. → Gestures).

For owners of Redmi with large screens (6.7" or more, for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro) we recommend:

• 📱 Place folders with frequently used apps at the bottom of the screen (convenient to reach with your thumb).
• 🔍 Use search widgets (like Google Widget) for quick access.
• 📁 Create folders with 4-6 icons – more difficult to navigate.

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On Redmi with a high refresh rate (90/120/144 Hz), the animation of opening folders looks smoother.To enable maximum frequency: Settings → Screen → Update → 120 Hz.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi Redmi