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

Why Xiaomi Can't Create a Folder and How to Fix It

You just bought a smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO X6, You've installed a bunch of apps, and now your desktop is littered with icons, or maybe you've been using them for a while. MIUI, But you didn't know that folders are created differently than they are on naked Android, and this problem is familiar to many Xiaomi phone owners, especially those who have switched from other brands.

Unlike standard Android, the shell MIUI (Especially in versions 14 and 15) has its own nuances of desktop organization, there is no usual long tap to create a folder, but there are alternative ways - from classic drag and drop to hidden launcher functions. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including those that work even on older models like Redmi. 9A or Mi 10T.

But first, why you might not be able to create a folder:

• 🔄 Incompatible Launcher: You use a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Apex) where the logic is different.
• 📱 An outdated version MIUI: firmware MIUI 12 Desktop Interface of Another.
• 🚫 Manufacturer restrictions: on some models (e.g, POCO M6 Pro) icon grouping function disabled.
• 🔧 Failure of system settings: after updating or resetting, the launcher parameters could fly.

Don’t worry, 90% of the time, the problem is solved in 1-2 minutes, and then we’ll show you how to create a folder in three different ways, and give you tips on how to set it up and fix the bugs.

Method 1: Classic drag and drop (works on 99% of devices)

This is the most versatile method that is suitable for all Xiaomi smartphones. MIUI 12-15, including Redmi 12, POCO F5 The algorithm is simple, but many users miss the key point - you need to hold the icon to the vibration.

Step-by-step:

1. Find two icons on your desktop that you want to combine into a folder (like WhatsApp and Telegram).
2. Hold your finger on one of the icons and wait 1-2 seconds until the phone vibrates.
3. Keep your finger on, drag it to the second icon, and a translucent circle will appear above the second icon.
4. Release your finger – the system will automatically create a folder called “Folder without a name”.

If you do not have a vibration or the icon does not “stick”, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge: some models have tactile responses turned off at a level below 15.
• 📵 Do Not Disturb: It can block vibration when held.
• 🖐️ Screen sensitivity: If you have a cover or protective glass, try pressing harder.

Important: on some models (e.g. Redmi) A2 or POCO C55) To create a folder, you need to drag the icon not to another icon, but to an empty space next to it.

Method 2: Through the desktop editing menu

This method is suitable for users who prefer fine-tuning or encounter drag-and-drop bugs. It works on all devices with a high-performance, high-performance, high-performance device. MIUI 13+, including Xiaomi 12T Redmi Note 12 Pro.

Instructions:

1. Press any empty space on your desktop (not on the icon!).
2. In the menu that appears, select Settings (or Edit on some models).
3. Slip on the icon "Folders" (the icon of the folder with a plus-plus).
4. Select the apps you want to add to the folder and click “Done”.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ You can create a folder without existing icons (just by selecting apps from the list).
• ✅ It is convenient to add many apps at once (for example, all games or social networks).
• ✅ It works even if the vibration is turned off or there are sensor problems.

After creating the folder, it can be renamed: tap the name “Folder without a name” and enter a new one (for example, “Social networks” or “Work”).

Method 3: Through Launcher Settings (for Power Users)

This is a method that comes in handy if the first two didn't work, or if you want to configure folder mapping globally, it involves accessing hidden launcher settings. MIUI, This is suitable for users who are not afraid to dig into the system menu.

How to enable folder creation through settings:

1. Open the Settings app (cog on the desktop).
2. Go to the Desktop section (or Home Screen on some models).
3. Slip on the "Start-up Settings" item (if there is none, skip this step).
4. Find the option “App Grouping” or “Folders on the desktop”
5. Go back to your desktop and try to create a folder in either of the first two ways.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 Global), the path may be different:

Settings → Applications → Default Launcher → Settings → Folders

If your menu does not have the “launcher settings” option, then your model uses a simplified version. MIUI (It is often used on budget Redmi and POCO). In this case, try updating the firmware or use method 1.

💡

After the update MIUI missing folders on the desktop, try resetting the launcher settings: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher, press Clear Data and restart your phone, and the folders will recover, but the contents will have to be reconfigured.

How to Rename, Delete or Set Up a Folder

And creating a folder is only half the job, and in order for a desktop to be really user-friendly, you have to be able to manage folders, change their names, sort content, and delete the ones that you don't need.

How to rename a folder:

1. Stick it on the folder to open it.
2. Click on the current name (e.g., “Folder without a name”).
3. Enter a new name (maximum 12 characters in Cyrillic or 20 characters in Latin).
4. Click "Ready" or tap outside the input field.

How to delete the folder:

• Open the folder and remove all applications from it (drop them back to the desktop).
• Or: Hold the folder until the cross appears (❌) In the top corner, and drag it into the basket.

How to sort applications inside the folder:

⚠️ Note: on some models (e.g. Redmi) 10A) When you delete a folder, all the apps disappear from the desktop and go back to the app menu, and to bring them back, you have to drag and drop them manually from the menu.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful folder creation, Xiaomi users are faced with bugs: folders Suddenly disappear, do not open or save changes. Here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1.The folder disappears after the reboot

That's a typical mistake on MIUI 14 for certain models (for example, POCO X4 Pro) Decision:

• 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (click the power button) → «Restarting in Safe Mode»).
• 📁 Create the folder again in Safe Mode, then restart back.
• 🔧 Update the launcher through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

2. You can't drag the icon into a folder.

If the icon “bounces” back when dragging, try:

• 🧹 Clear the launcher cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Switch to another launcher (like Nova Launcher) and return to the new launcher.
• 📱 Check if left-handed mode is enabled in special features settings.

3. the folder does not open (hangs or flies)

This may be due to:

• 🗃️ Too many apps in a folder (maximum 16).
• 🚫 Conflict with the theme of design (try to reset the theme to standard).
• 🐞 System bug (will help reset launcher settings).

💡

If folders on Xiaomi always “fly” after updates, try to disable automatic update launcher: → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points (⋮) → Settings → Auto-update of applications → Shut down.

Hidden folder chips on Xiaomi that you didn’t know about

Folders on. MIUI They can do more than they think. Here are some life hacks that will make your desktop even more convenient:

1. Password folders

You can protect the folder from prying eyes:

• Install the AppLock app (built-in) MIUI or from Google Play).
• Block access to specific applications inside the folder.
• Now, when you open the folder, you will be asked PIN finger-print.

2. Folders in the dock panel

The dock panel (bottom band with 4-5 icons) also supports folders:

• Drag the folder into the docking panel like a regular icon.
• Now your favorite apps are always on hand, even when scrolling through desktops.

3. Widget folders

In the folder you can add not only applications, but also widgets:

• Open the folder and tap on “Add widget” (if the option is available).
• Select a widget (such as weather or calendar).
• Now, when you open the folder, you will see the relevant information.

4. Quick folder creation via voice assistant

If you have Google Assistant or XiaoAI enabled:

• Say, “OK, Google, create a folder on your desktop.”
• Follow the voice prompts to select apps.

⚠️ Note: on certain firmware (for example, MIUI 15 China) voice folder creation works only in Chinese. To enable support for Russian, upgrade Google App to the latest version.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions