How to create a folder on your Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways + error solving

Creating folders on Xiaomi smartphones is a basic operation that helps keep files, apps and desktops in order. However, even this simple task can raise questions for a beginner: where to look for a file manager in MIUI, why you can’t create a folder on a memory card, or how to combine application icons into a group. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to create folders on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi phones, from standard methods to hidden shell features.

Feature MIUI that the interface may differ depending on the firmware version (for example, MIUI 14 vs HyperOS) and device models. We take these nuances into account and show universal solutions that run on Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 And you'll also learn how to avoid common mistakes, like why a folder isn't created on a computer. SD-The card or disappears after rebooting.

1. Create a folder through a standard file manager

The most obvious way is to use the built-in File Manager (called Files or File Manager), which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and supports internal memory and storage. SD-If you have the right maps, here's a step-by-step guide:

Open the Files app (an icon with a blue folder). If it is not on the desktop, search the system (Conductor) → Type "Files" at the bottom of the screen, select the Device section (for internal memory) or SD-map (if connected) Go to the directory where you want to create a folder, such as Downloads or DCIM.

Press three points (⋮) top-right|Select "Create a folder"|Enter the name (Latin or Cyrillic)|Press OK"-->

Important: the folder name may contain spaces, but avoid special characters like /::? < > | - they can cause errors when working with files. If the folder is not created, check the memory access rights (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Files and media).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (For example, the global version for Redmi Note 11, the "Create a folder" option is hidden behind a long tap in the free space in the directory. Try to hold your finger in empty space in the file list, and the context menu will appear.

2. How to create a folder on the desktop (for application icons)

If you need to group app icons (such as for games, social networks, or work tools), use the folder function on the home screen. This method does not affect the file system, but only organizes shortcuts:

Find two icons on your desktop that you want to combine. Drag one onto the other (hold your finger on the icon until it takes off, then move to the second one). Automatically create a folder with the default name (Unnamed folder or Unnamed folder). Tap the folder name to rename it (e.g., Social Network or Games).

• 📱 Adding new icons: Drag additional apps into the folder you created.
• 🗑️ Remove folder: Drag all icons from the folder back to the desktop – the folder will disappear automatically.
• 🔄 Change order: Open the folder, hold the icon and move it to the right place.

On smartphones with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14), desktop folders support up to 16 icons, whereas older versions of MIUI have a limit of 9 apps. If the folder doesn't open or disappears after a reboot, try updating the launcher (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Update).

Standard. MIUI/HyperOS|Nova Launcher|POCO Launcher|Other|I don't know.-->

3. Create folders via PC (USB connection)

If your phone doesn’t have enough space or is more convenient to work with files on a large screen, connect Xiaomi to your computer, a method that is useful for mass folder creation or file transfer:

Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (preferably original) Select file transfer mode on your phone (Charge through) USB → File transfer (MTP)). On your computer, open this computer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) - your Xiaomi will appear as a removable drive. Open the desired directory (for example, Internal storage). → Download) and create the folder in the standard way (right click) → Create → folder).

⚠️ Note: If you connect Xiaomi to a Mac, you may need to install the Android File Transfer app (the official software from Google.

4. Hidden folders and system directories: how to create and find

Sometimes you need to create a folder in a hidden directory (for example, for backups or modified APKs). In MIUI, many system folders are hidden by default, but you can make them visible:

Open the files. → press three points (⋮) → Settings → Turn on the option to Show Hidden Files. Now you will see folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (for example,.thumbnails or.data). To create your hidden folder, add a dot before the name (for example,.my files).

• 🔍 Search for hidden folders: Use a search in the file manager with the option "Show hidden files" enabled".
• 🛡️ Security: Do not change the contents of folders /system or /data without root rights, this can cause the system to fail.
• 📁 Examples of useful hidden folders:.nomedia – blocks scanning of media files by the gallery..backups – for application backups..config – configuration files of some programs.

Important: On HyperOS phones (such as Xiaomi 13T), some system folders are restricted even when the developer mode is on, and full access requires unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights, which voids the warranty.

5. Automatic folder creation through applications

If you need to create folders on a regular basis (for example, for projects or clients), use third-party applications that allow you to automate the process and add tags:

Install one of the apps from Google Play:

• FolderSync – for synchronization and creation of folders on a schedule.
• Solid Explorer is an advanced file manager with support for FTP and clouds.
• Automate – for automation (for example, create a folder when connecting to Wi-Fi).

For example, in Solid Explorer:

1. Open the application and go to the desired directory.
2. Click + in the lower menu → folder.
3. Enter the name and confirm.

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Solid Explorer can bookmark a frequently used folder: keep your finger on the folder → Bookmark it. This saves time when you re-access.

Automation through Automate:

1. Create a new flow (new flow).
2. Add the File → Create Directory block.
3. Specify the path (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/Download/Project 1).
4. Set up the trigger (for example, by time or when connecting to the network).

This is the only way to create a folder on a schedule without manual intervention.

6 Problem Solving: The folder is not created or disappears

If the folder is not created or disappears, check the following points:

• 🔧 Access Rights: Make sure the file manager has permission to access the memory (Settings) → Annexes → Files. → Permits → Memory).
• 💾 Problems with SD-card: If the folder is not created on the memory card, check its format (should be FAT32 or exFAT) and integrity (plug into your PC and run chkdsk on Windows).
• 🔄 Cash media: Once you create a folder, it may not show up in the gallery. Update the media cache: reboot your phone or use the command in the gallery. ADB: adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE -d file:///storage/emulated/0/
• 📱 Firmware errors: On some versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 12.5 for Redmi 9) there is a folder display bug. Update the firmware to the latest version.

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If the folder disappears after the reboot, the problem lies in the corrupted cache of the Files or Media Store application, and cleaning the cache and data of these applications (in the settings) usually solves the problem.

To diagnose problems with SD-use the command in the map ADB:

adb shell sm list-volumes

If the output does not contain a line c mount_point=/mnt/media_rw/..., The card is not recognized by the system. Try reconnecting it or formatting it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi