Why Xiaomi Redmi Can't Create a Folder and How to Fix It
You're trying to organize files on a Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or Redmi 10C, but the system stubbornly ignores your attempts to create a folder? The problem is familiar to many: MIUI hides some of the functions behind non-obvious gestures or requires storage permissions. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods, from basic to advanced, including bypassing the limitations of the shell.
It's important to understand that the way you create a folder is contextual. On the desktop, in the gallery, in the file manager, or through the PC, the algorithms are different. MIUI 13-15 and revealed the only universal way that works even in case of system failures: ADB-I'm going to take a computer to get the team to work.
Method 1: Create a folder through a standard file manager
The most obvious method is to use the built-in File app (or File Manager on global firmware). But there are pitfalls here: MIUI by default limits folder creation in root directories (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/).
- π Open the Files app. β Go to the Device section (not Categories!).
- π Find a folder where you want to create a new one (for example, Download or Download). DCIM).
- β Press the badge Β«+Β» lower-right β select Folder.
- βοΈ Enter the name (Latin or Cyrillic) and click Create.
If the + button is inactive:
β οΈ Attention: MIUI Blocks folder creation in system directories (e.g. Android or Android) MIUI). Trying to do this through the file manager will result in a "No permissions" error. Use method 3 or 4 to bypass the file manager.
Non-system folder (not Android, not MIUI)
The name does not contain any prohibited characters (/:*?<>|)
There is enough free space on the phone (at least 50 MB)
The file manager has access to the storage-->
Method 2: Grouping applications into folders on the desktop
If you want to organize your app icons, not your files, the algorithm is different. MIUI allows you to create folders right on the home screen, which is convenient for quick access to frequently used programs.
- Press the icon of any application for 2-3 seconds until it βrisesβ.
- Drag it to another icon and automatically create a folder called βNo Nameβ.
- Tap the folder name to rename it (for example, βSocial Networksβ or βGamesβ).
- Add other apps by dragging them into the folder.
Features of the method:
- π± It works on all versions. MIUI, including Redmi 9A and POCO X5.
- π Desktop folders are not synced to folders in storage.
- ποΈ To delete the folder, drag all applications from it back to the screen.
Once a week.
Only after installing new applications
Never use.
I didn't know it was possible.-->
Method 3: Using Third-Party File Managers
Xiaomiβs standard File Manager is limited in functionality. If you need to create a folder in a secure directory (for example, for backups or scripts), use alternative applications:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Download link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Explorer | Two-panel mode, FTP support, encryption | Paid version (149) β½) | Google Play |
| FX File Explorer | Root access, built-in text editor | A complex interface for beginners | Google Play |
| MiXplorer | Free, no advertising, cloud support | Requires manual installation of APK | XDA Developers |
How to create a folder with Solid Explorer:
- Open the application and give access to the storage.
- Go to the directory you want (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/Download).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β Create β Folder.
- Enter the name (you can use spaces and Cyrillic).
How to enable the display of hidden folders in MiXplorer
Method 4: Create folders through ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods donβt work (for example, due to MIUI failure or firmware limitations), the console method remains via ADB. This requires connecting the phone to a PC, but is guaranteed to work even on locked devices.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- π Cable USB (preferably original).
- π οΈ Google's Platform Tools utility.
- π± The phone has developed Developer Mode and Debugging. USB.
Step-by-step:
1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm trust in the device.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter a command to check the connection:
adb devices
(Your Redmi serial number should be displayed).
4. Create a folder with the command:
adb shell mkdir /sdcard/ New folder
(Replace "New Dad" with the correct name).
5. Check the result:
adb shell ls /sdcard/β οΈ Attention: Teams ADB It gives you low-level access to the system. It's misused (e.g., rm). -rf /) It can delete all the data from the phone. /sdcard/.
adb shell su -c "mkdir /sdcard/NewFolder"
But for this, the phone must have root rights (which voids the warranty Xiaomi).-->
Method 5: Automatic folder creation via Total Commander + scripts
For users who need to create folders on a schedule (for example, to sort photos by date), a bundle of Total Commander + Scripting plugin will do.
Algorithm:
- Install Total Commander and Scripting for TC plugin.
- Create a text file create_folders.js with the following code: var path = "/sdcard/Download/"; var folders = ["Documents, Images, Videos; for (var i) = 0; i < folders.length; i++) { Plugin.Scripting.CreateDirectory(path + folders[i]); }
- Run the script through the plugin menu.
Advantages of the method:
- π€ Automating routine tasks (for example, creating backup folders weekly).
- π Support for nested structures (e.g, /Download/2026/May/).
- π Ability to integrate with Tasker to run on an event (e.g. when connecting to Wi-Fi).
The solution to the problems: why not create a folder on Xiaomi Redmi
If none of these methods worked, check the following points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The βCreate a folderβ button is inactive | MIUI Limitations for System Directories | Use a third-party file manager or ADB |
| Error "No space on the device" | Busy internal memory | Clean the cache in Settings β Storage |
| The folder is created, but disappears after restarting. | Failure of the file system or virus | Check out Google Play Protect and make a fsck through recovery |
| You can't create a folder on SD-map | The card is formatted as a portable storage | Reformat as internal memory to Settings β Storage |
If the problem persists, try resetting the Files app settings:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find Files β Storage β Clear the data.
- Reboot the phone.
π‘
On Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 14+, folders at the root of the storage (/sdcard/) are created only through ADB or root. The standard file manager is limited to second-level directories (e.g. /sdcard/Download/).