How to create a folder on the desktop of the Xiaomi phone: 3 proven ways + error solving

Xiaomi’s desktop is quickly filled with app icons, especially if you’re actively installing new programs. Creating folders helps structure space, speed up access to the right services, and even save time finding frequently used utilities. However, in the latest versions of the MIUI 14/15 shell, the application grouping algorithm has changed — now some users are faced with the fact that the standard method of dragging icons does not work. In this article, we will analyze current ways to create folders, nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13) and typical errors that prevent you from grouping applications.

It's important to understand that desktop folders and app menu folders are different entities. The former are visible on the home screen and allow you to quickly open frequently used programs, and the latter serve to organize all installed utilities in the system menu. We'll focus on the desktop, because this is the most popular scenario. If your smartphone is running MIUI 12 or older, some steps may differ — this is also mentioned separately.

Method 1: Standard drag and drop icons (MIUI 14/15)

This is the most intuitive method that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with the latest firmware versions. The algorithm is simple, but there are nuances that cause users to have difficulties, for example, if the screen is on Easy Mode or Big Icons are activated, grouping may not work.

To create a folder:

• 📱 Press and hold the icon of the application you want to add to the folder until it starts to “shake” (edit mode).
• 👆 Drag it to another icon you want to group, and hold your finger on the screen until you see a gray circle that says Create a folder.
• ✏️ Let go of your finger, the system automatically creates a folder with two applications, and you can change the folder name by tapping the text field.
• ➕ To add more apps, drag them to the created folder.

Challenges and solutions:

• ❌ Icons are not grouped → Check if the light mode is included in the settings → Special features, turn it off.
• ❌ There's no sign that says "Create a folder" → Try dragging icons slower or changing wallpapers (sometimes bugs arise due to screen customization).
• ❌ The folder is created, but immediately disappears. → Restart your phone or update it. MIUI last-minute.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) When you hold the icon, you get a context menu instead of editing mode. In this case, select Edit and then drag and drop.

Method 2: Create a folder through the application menu

If the standard method doesn't work, or if you want to group applications that don't fit on your desktop, you can create a folder directly in the menu of all programs, which is less obvious, but equally effective, and the main advantage is that you can sort applications by category (social networks, games, work) before they are transferred to the home screen.

Instructions:

1. Tap the app menu icon (usually as a circle of dots at the bottom of the screen).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Edit.
3. Tick the apps you want to group and tap Create a folder.
4. Set the name of the folder and click Ready.
5. Return to the desktop and drag the created folder from the app menu to the home screen.

This method is especially useful for users who no longer have free space on their desktop, but you need to structure commonly used utilities, such as creating a folder with Telegram, Google Docs and Calendar, and then place it on the second screen.

Method 3: Using widgets and third-party launchers

If you don’t like the built-in MIUI tools, you can choose to install a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) or use widgets to group applications, a method that is suitable for advanced users who want to customize the appearance of folders to suit themselves: resize, change transparency, or even add gestures to open.

The following is a step-by-step instruction for Nova Launcher:

• 📥 Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
• 🔧 Go to the Nova Settings → Folders and select style (for example, vertical or horizontal).
• 📂 Create a folder with standard drag and drop (as in method 1), but now you’ll have more customization options.
• 🎨 Click on the folder. → Edit → Change the icon, color, or even add a gesture (like swiping up to open).

For those who do not want to change the launcher, the Folder Widget widget is suitable:

1. Download the widget from Google Play.
2. Add it to your desktop (hold your finger in free space → Widgets → select Folder Widget).
3. Customize the size and appearance of the widget.
4. Add apps to it through the widget settings menu.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers may conflict with branded features MIUI, Like Super Wallpaper or Always-on Display, check your model compatibility reviews before installing.

Why you can’t create a folder: typical errors and bugs

Even in the latest versions of MIUI, users have problems grouping icons, most often due to system settings, cache conflicts, and some common causes and ways to fix them.

1. "Light Mode" or "Simplified Interface" is enabled

These modes make it easier to interact with your phone, but limit the functionality of your desktop.

Settings → Special features → Easy mode (disable)

2.Crowded launcher cache

If folders are created but disappear or don’t open immediately, clear the system launcher cache:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher (or “MIUI Launcher”) → Storage → Clear cache

3. Conflict of themes or wallpaper

Some customized themes from Xiaomi Themes break folders.

• Return to the standard theme (Settings → Themes → Standard).
• Change the wallpaper to standard.
• Disable animations in Settings → Additional → Animation system.

4. Error after MIUI update

If the problem has occurred after the update, try:

• Reboot the phone.
• Reset the launcher settings (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Reset settings).
• Reverse to the previous version of MIUI (if the error is critical).

💡

If folders are created but not saved after a reboot, try turning off the “Memory Optimization” feature in the launcher battery settings.

How to Rename, Remove or Change a Folder

Managing folders on Xiaomi is intuitive, but there are hidden features that many people don’t know about, like not only rename folders, but also change their icons, sort apps inside, or even hide rarely used utilities.

Rename the folder:

1. Stick it on the folder to open it.
2. Tap the text field with the name (by default – the folder or the name of the first application).
3. Enter a new name and press Ready.

Deletion of the folder:

To delete a folder, you don't have to drag and drop all the apps out of it.

• Open the file.
• Drag all apps back to the desktop or menu.
• The folder will automatically disappear when it is empty.

Changing the folder icon:

In the standard MIUI launcher, this feature is not available, but you can bypass the limitation:

• 📲 Use a third-party launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher).
• 🖼️ Install an icon customization app (e.g. Icon Pack Studio).
• 🔄 Create a folder, then change its icon through the launcher settings.

💡

In MIUI folders, you can sort applications manually or automatically (by alphabet, date of addition). To do this, open the folder → click on three dots → select Sort.

Hidden Folder Functions in MIUI: What Folders Can Do, What You Didn't Know

Xiaomi folders are not just icon containers, they have some useful features that make it easier to use your smartphone.

1. Quick access to application settings

If you hold your finger on the app icon inside the folder, a context menu with options will appear:

• 📌 Fix on the screen – transfer the application from the folder to the desktop.
• ℹ️ Application information - quick transition to program settings.
• 🚫 Delete – uninstall the application without leaving the folder.

2. folders with nested folders (for POCO and Xiaomi flagships)

Some models (POCO X5 Pro, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) support folder creation inside folders.

1. Create the main folder.
2. Open it and drag one application to another inside the folder.
3. Repeat the steps to create an attached group.

3.Gesturals for folders

MIUI 15 has the ability to assign gestures to folders (e.g. swipe up to open hidden applications) to activate:

Settings → Desktop → Gestures → Gestures for folders

4. Hidden applications in folders

You can hide rarely used programs inside a folder so they don't show up in the app menu.

• Drag the app into the folder.
• Hold it inside the folder and select Hide.
• The app will only be available through this folder.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Folders