How to create a folder on a Xiaomi smartphone: a complete guide for MIUI

Foldering on Xiaomi smartphones is a basic operation that helps keep files and applications in order. However, many users face difficulties: somewhere the folder button is hidden in the depths of the menu, and somewhere the system offers non-obvious options, especially for MIUI, Xiaomi’s proprietary shell, which is regularly updated and repositioned elements.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to create folders, from standard desktop methods to hidden file manager features, how to group applications for convenience, organize files in device memory, and even create secure folders with a password, and the common bugs that keep users of Redmi, POCO, and other Xiaomi lines from accomplishing this simple task.

Why Xiaomi can’t create a folder: common problems

Before you get to the instructions, it's important to understand why you might not be able to create a folder, and most of the reasons are:

• 🔄 An outdated version MIUI — in old firmware (below) MIUI 12) the file manager interface is different and the folder creation button may be hidden.
• 📱 Lack of permissions – if you are trying to create a folder in the system partition (for example, /system), MIUI block.
• 🗃️ Launcher Limitations – Some third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher) change the logic of creating folders on the desktop.
• 🔒 Record protection – if the device is connected to the PC in the “charging only” mode, you will not be able to create a folder through Windows Explorer.

Another common mistake is trying to create a folder in the Mi Cloud cloud directly through your phone, and the other logic is that folders are created only through the web version or a special application, and problems can occur on devices with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, where the structure of the file system can be broken.

⚠️ Warning: If you see a message that says "No access" or "Operation not supported" when you create a folder, check if Guest session mode is enabled in the security settings. MIUI Blocks any changes to the file system.

Now that you know about the pitfalls, let's get to the practice, and let's start with the simplest one: creating folders on your desktop for applications.

Method 1: Creating a folder for applications on the desktop

This is the fastest way to group commonly used programs, for example, you can create folders "Social Networks", "Games" or "Work". The algorithm is the same for all Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 12 and later:

1. Press and hold the icon of any application on the desktop.
2. Without letting go of your finger, drag the icon to another icon (such as WhatsApp on Telegram).
3. Release your finger – the system will automatically create a folder called “Unnamed folder”.
4. Tap the name of the folder to rename it (for example, "Messenger").

To add more apps to the folder, just drag them to its icon. To delete the folder, drag all apps from it back to the desktop (the folder will disappear automatically).

The launcher is not changed to a third party (Nova, Apex, etc.)|

There is plenty of free space on the desktop |

Applications are not widgets (widgets cannot be grouped)|

Device not in "Light Mode" (simplified interface)-->

If you can't create a folder this way, you may have one-handed mode on or navigation gestures that prevent you from pressing long. Try turning these functions off in Settings → Additional → Special Features.

Method 2: Create a folder in the MIUI file manager

To work with documents, photos and other files, you use a standard File Manager (Blue folder icon) where you can create folders in internal memory, on the back of your file. SD-Instructions for a map or even a cloud:

1. Open the Files app (or File Manager on global firmware).
2. Go to the section where you want to create a folder (e.g., Internal Memory → Download).
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Create a folder (or New folder).
4. Enter the folder name (e.g., Documents 2026) and click OK.

If the Create folder option is not on the menu, update the Files app via the Play Market or the MIUI App Store. In older versions, this feature can be hidden behind a long click on the free space in the file list.

⚠️ Warning: If you connect your smartphone to your computer and try to create a folder through Windows Explorer, but nothing happens, check the connection mode (MTP), Not just charging or photo (PTP).

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To quickly navigate to the desired file manager section, use the search bar at the top of the screen, such as type "DCIM" and you will immediately be taken to the folder with photos.

Method 3: Create a hidden or protected folder

MIUI allows you to create folders that are password-protected or fingerprint-protected, and it's useful for storing sensitive documents or personal photos.

1. Open Files and go to the Personal (or Private) tab.
2. Click Create a Private Folder (or Create a Private Folder).
3. Set a password or select biometric authentication (fingerprint/face).
4. Now all files moved to this folder will be hidden from prying eyes.

To see the hidden folder, you need to go back to the Personal folder and enter the password. These folders are not displayed in the standard file list and are not available when you connect to a PC.

If you forget your password from your private folder, you can only restore it through resetting (but this will delete all the data inside!).

Creating folders through PC: an alternative method

Sometimes it's more convenient to manage files through a computer, especially if you have to create a lot of folders or move a lot of data.

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable.
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. Open this computer – your smartphone will appear as a removable disk.
4. Double-click on the device, find a folder (for example, Internal storage) and create a new folder through the context menu (right mouse button → Create → Folder).

If your PC can’t see your phone, try:

• 🔌 Use the other USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 🛠️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website.
• 🔒 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times on the version, then return to the optional version. → For developers).

⚠️ Note: When connecting via macOS, you may need to install Android File Transfer. Without this application, the Mac will not be able to display files correctly on Xiaomi.

How to Rename or Remove a Folder to Xiaomi

Managing folders that have already been created is as important as creating them.

1. Open the files and find the folder you want.
2. Click and hold its name, then select Rename.
3. Enter a new name and press OK.

To delete the folder:

1. Highlight the folder with a long press.
2. Click on the basket icon at the bottom of the screen or select Remove from the menu.
3. Confirm the action (in some versions of MIUI, files are first moved to the Recycle Bin where they can be recovered within 30 days).

Important: folders created on SD-The card formatted as internal memory is permanently deleted – they do not fall into the basket. MIUI. Also be careful with folders whose names start with a dot (such as.thumbnails) are system directories, and deleting them could disrupt your phone’s performance.

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Always check the contents of the folder before deleting. MIUI does not have the "undelete" function if the files do not enter the recycle bin.

Problem Solving: What to Do When a Folder is Not Created

If none of these methods worked, use this troubleshooting instruction:

1. Check the space: Open Settings → About Phone → Storage. If the memory is less than 10%, MIUI can block the creation of new folders.
2. Update MIUI: Go to Settings → System Update and install the latest patches.
3. Reset the file manager settings: In Settings → Applications → Files → Storage clear cache and data.
4. Check the access rights: For SD-The card may need to be re-formatted as an internal storage device.

If the problem persists, try using a third-party file manager, such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer, which often offer more options for working with the file system.

In extreme cases, reset your settings (but don’t forget to back up!):

Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Resetting settings

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi