How to create a folder on the phone Xiaomi Redmi: all ways + hidden chips MIUI

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/).

  • πŸ“ Open the Files app. β†’ Go to the Device section (not Categories!).
  • πŸ” Find a folder where you want to create a new one (for example, Download or Download). DCIM).
  • βž• Press the badge Β«+Β» lower-right β†’ select Folder.
  • ✏️ Enter the name (Latin or Cyrillic) and click Create.

If the + button is inactive:

⚠️ 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.

  1. Press the icon of any application for 2-3 seconds until it β€œrises”.
  2. Drag it to another icon and automatically create a folder called β€œNo Name”.
  3. Tap the folder name to rename it (for example, β€œSocial Networks” or β€œGames”).
  4. Add other apps by dragging them into the folder.

Features of the method:

  • πŸ“± It works on all versions. MIUI, including Redmi 9A and POCO X5.
  • πŸ”„ Desktop folders are not synced to folders in storage.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ 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

Xiaomi’s 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:

AnnexAdvantagesDeficienciesDownload link
Solid ExplorerTwo-panel mode, FTP support, encryptionPaid version (149) β‚½)Google Play
FX File ExplorerRoot access, built-in text editorA complex interface for beginnersGoogle Play
MiXplorerFree, no advertising, cloud supportRequires manual installation of APKXDA Developers

How to create a folder with 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 three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Create β†’ Folder.
  4. Enter the name (you can use spaces and Cyrillic).
How to enable the display of hidden folders in MiXplorer
In the app settings, go to Settings β†’ Display and activate the option to Show Hidden Files, and then you will see directories with a dot at the beginning (for example,.thumbnails).

Method 4: Create folders through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t 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:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original).
  • πŸ› οΈ Google's Platform Tools utility.
  • πŸ“± 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/

⚠️ 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:

  1. Install Total Commander and Scripting for TC plugin.
  2. 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]); }
  3. Run the script through the plugin menu.

Advantages of the method:

  • πŸ€– Automating routine tasks (for example, creating backup folders weekly).
  • πŸ“‚ Support for nested structures (e.g, /Download/2026/May/).
  • πŸ”„ 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 β€œCreate a folder” button is inactiveMIUI Limitations for System DirectoriesUse a third-party file manager or ADB
Error "No space on the device"Busy internal memoryClean the cache in Settings β†’ Storage
The folder is created, but disappears after restarting.Failure of the file system or virusCheck out Google Play Protect and make a fsck through recovery
You can't create a folder on SD-mapThe card is formatted as a portable storageReformat as internal memory to Settings β†’ Storage

If the problem persists, try resetting the Files app settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find Files β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the data.
  3. Reboot the phone.

πŸ’‘

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/).

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I create a folder with a name in Russian?
Yes, MIUI supports Cyrillic in folder names, but some third-party applications (e.g. ES Explorer) may display such names incorrectly. Use a transliterate (e.g. Dokumenty instead of Documents) for compatibility.
How to transfer files to a new folder immediately after it is created?
In the standard file manager: hold your finger on the file β†’ select other files β†’ click Move β†’ specify the target folder. In Solid Explorer, you can use two-panel mode for drag-and-drop.
Why can't Redmi Note 11 show folders created in the gallery?
MIUI only scans standard directories (DCIM, Pictures) and for the folder to be displayed, create a.nomedia file (via Total Commander) in it, and then delete it β€” this will force the media index to update.
Can I create a folder at the root of the storage without ADB?
No, MIUI blocks this feature for security. The only workarounds are: Use ADB (mode 4). Get root rights (risk of loss of warranty), connect your phone to your PC and create a folder through Windows Explorer (sometimes it works).
How to hide a folder on Xiaomi Redmi without third-party applications?
Add a dot to the beginning of the folder name (e.g., Secret Folder) that will become hidden, but will be visible in any file manager with the option to show hidden files enabled. Use a password archiver (e.g., ZArchiver) for security.