How to create a folder on a Xiaomi smartphone: 5 proven ways + tips for organizing files

File management on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a frequent question for new users, especially when it comes to creating folders. Unlike computers, mobile devices offer limited tools for working with the file system, but also provide several convenient ways to organize data. This article will help you understand how to create a folder on Xiaomi with a MIUI shell – both through standard tools and using third-party applications.

We will look at all the current methods, from basic creation through Files to advanced features such as grouping applications on the desktop or working with cloud services. We will pay special attention to typical errors (for example, when the system does not allow you to rename the folder) and give tips on how to optimize storage. If you are using Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or the flagship Xiaomi 14 series, this guide will be suitable for all modern models on Android 12-14.

Before you start, remember a key rule: Android folders are divided into two types: files (documents, photos, videos) and applications (desktop shortcuts), the ways they are created are fundamentally different, so we will discuss both options separately, and you will learn how to hide folders from prying eyes and why they sometimes disappear after the MIUI update.

1. Create a folder for files through the standard "Files"

The easiest way is to use Xiaomi’s built-in file manager (Files or File Manager) which is pre-installed on all MIUI devices and supports basic folder operations, and is relevant for MIUI 13-14 shell versions.

To create a folder:

1. Open the Files app (the blue folder icon on the desktop or in the app menu).
2. Go to Device (or Internal Memory) if you want to create a folder in internal storage. SD-Select the card memory card.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu) and select Create a folder.
4. Enter the title (e.g. Documents 2026) and press OK.

If it doesn't show up, update the file list by pulling the screen down (Swipe to refresh gesture). Note that in MIUI you can't create a folder directly in the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) - only inside existing directories like Download or DCIM.

Memory is not filled (≥10% of the available space)

Select the correct partition (internal memory or SD-map)

The folder name does not contain any prohibited characters (/,:, *,?, ", <, >, |)

Files app updated to the latest version-->

Advice for owners POCO: If your file manager doesn't have the option to Create a folder, update the app via Google Play or install an alternative manager (such as Solid Explorer). POCO slashed-down.

2. Alternative file managers: when the standard one is not suitable

Xiaomi’s embedded Files are inferior to third-party flexibility solutions. If you need advanced features — creating zip archives, accessing system folders, or cloud synchronization — consider alternatives:

• 📁 Solid Explorer: Support for the project FTP, SFTP, It's paid for, but there's a free trial period.
• 🔍 FX File Explorer: open source, built-in text editor and support for root access (root).
• ☁️ Files by Google: Minimalist interface with memory cleaning and duplicate search.
• 🛡️ MiXplorer: powerful manager with support for folder encryption and work with archives (requires manual installation) APK).

Example of folder creation in Solid Explorer:

1. Open the application and give access to the storage.
2. Go to the directory you want (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/Download/).
3. Click on the + icon in the lower menu and select Folder.
4. Give a name and confirm the creation.

Third-party managers have the advantage of being able to create folders directly at the root of the storage (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/My files/), which is not available in the standard Xiaomi app, and they often offer additional options like folder compression or password setting.

The standard "Files" from Xiaomi

Solid Explorer

Files by Google

Another (write in the comments)-->

3. App folders: How to group icons on your desktop

If you need to organize app shortcuts (not files), the process is different. In MIUI, folders on the desktop are created by dragging icons onto each other, like in iOS or standard Android.

Step-by-step:

1. Press and hold the icon of any application on the desktop.
2. Drag it to another icon (e.g. Camera to Gallery).
3. Release your finger – a new folder with an automatically generated name (e.g. Unused) will appear.
4. Tap the name of the folder to rename it (for example, Multimedia).
5. To add more apps, drag them into the folder.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 You can add up to 16 applications to the folder (in the MIUI 14).
• 🚫 Folders cannot be nested in each other (no multi-level structures support).
• 🚫 When resetting the settings to the factory folders on the desktop will disappear.

Secret Lifehack: If you drag and drop the app folder into the docking station (the bottom panel of the desktop), it will be available on all screens, which is convenient for commonly used programs like WhatsApp, Telegram or Google Maps.

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To quickly find the application in a large folder, tap its icon and swipe down – a list of all programs inside will open without having to open the folder completely.

4. Work with cloud folders: Google Drive, Mi Cloud and others

If you’re actively using cloud services, folder creation is no different than local storage, and consider the process using Google Drive and Mi Cloud (cloud storage from Xiaomi).

One important caveat: folders created in the cloud won't show up in the standard Files app until you download them to your device, to sync the cloud folder to the local storage:

1. Open a cloud service (such as Mi Cloud).
2. Find the folder you want and click on the three dots next to its name.
3. Choose Download or Sync.

Warning: When you remove a folder from the cloud, it will also disappear from all synced devices. If you want to save a local copy, pre-copy the files to another location (for example, in /storage/emulated/0/Download/).

5. Hidden folders and data protection: how to hide files from strangers

If your Xiaomi has sensitive documents or photos, you can hide them from prying eyes, and there are two ways to do this: using built-in MIUI features or third-party apps.

Method 1: Hidden folder in the Files

1. Open Files and go to the section with the required files.
2. Select the files/folders you want to hide (long press → tick).
3. Click on the three dots in the menu and select Hide.
4. Confirm the action with a password or fingerprint (if the lock is configured).

To see the hidden files:

1. In the Files app, go to the Categories section.
2. Scroll down and select Hidden Files.
3. Enter the password to access.

Method 2: Encryption applications

• 🔒 AppLock: blocks access to folders and applications with a password or pattern lock.
• 🗝️ Hide Something: Creates a “safe” for files with support for fake password.
• 📂 Calculator Vault: masks folders under the calculator (double tap on the icon opens hidden storage).

Attention: ⚠️ Hidden folders are not protected from deletion when you reset your phone to factory settings. If data is critical, back up your PC or cloud.

Typical errors and their solutions

When working with folders on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Critical error: If you try to create a folder, you see a message “Error occurred” without specifying, check the file system through the SD Maid application or reset the cache in Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select Wipe → Wipe Cache (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. Reset the device.

If the problem persists, internal memory may be damaged, in which case only resetting to factory settings (with loss of data) or contacting a service center will help.

7 Storage optimization: how to organize folders correctly

Creating folders is just the first step. To keep the file system comfortable, follow these guidelines:

• 📁 Hierarchy: Do not create more than 3 layers of nesting (e.g., Photos) → 2026 → Deep structures make navigation difficult.
• 🔤 Names: Use the format of GYG-MM-DD Description (e.g, 2026-05-15_Contract lease.pdf. This makes sorting easier.
• 🔄 Sync: For important folders (such as documents), set up automatic sync with Google Drive or Mi Cloud.
• 🗑️ Cleanup: Check Download and Bluetooth folders once a month for unnecessary files. MIUI (Settings → Memory).

Example of optimal structure:

/storage/emulated/0/


├── Documents/




│ ├── Work/




│ │ ├── 2026_ Treaty/




│ │ └── 2026_ Reports/




│ └── Personal/




│ ├── Passports scans/




│ └── Study/




├── DCIM/




│ ├── Camera/ (camera photo)




│ └── Screenshots/ (screenshots)




└── Download/




├── Programmes/




└── Temporary/

To automate file sorting, use applications like Files Go (from Google) or Automate, which allow you to configure rules like “mov all downloaded PDFs to /Documents/Work/.”

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Regular file management saves up to 20% of memory by removing duplicates and unnecessary cached data. Use built-in memory analysis in MIUI (Settings → Memory → Analysis) to identify junk files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi