How to delete a folder on the Xiaomi desktop: from simple to radical

Xiaomi desktop is hijacked by unnecessary folders that don’t want to be deleted in the standard way?You’re not alone: thousands of users face this problem after MIUI updates, launcher crashes or improper file transfer. Unlike Android in its pure form, the Xiaomi shell has its own nuances – for example, system folders can “glue” to the screen even after cleaning their content.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, from basic (for beginners) to advanced (including ADB and launcher reset), you will learn why a folder can not be deleted, how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI, and what to do if it appears again after removal. All instructions are relevant for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS (2026).

Why is the folder on the Xiaomi desktop not deleted?

Before we get to solutions, it's important to understand the root of the problem, and 80 percent of the time, it's because of this.

• 🔄 Cash launcher: MIUI caches the location of the icons, and sometimes folders get stuck in this cache even after physical deletion.
• 📂 System folders: folders like Download, DCIM MiCloud is protected from removal at the OS level.
• 🤖 Access Rights: If a folder is created by a system application (such as a Gallery or Downloads), it cannot be deleted without rooting.
• 🔧 Failures MIUI: After updates or resets, the launcher can duplicate folders or display “ghost” shortcuts.

💡 How do you determine the type of problem? Try moving the folder to another location through Explorer (Files:

• ✅ Folder moves - problem in launcher (see section 3).
• ❌ Not moved is a system folder or a restriction of rights (see section 4).

Method 1: Standard Deletion (for custom folders)

If the folder was created by you (for example, to sort apps), try to delete it in the classic way:

1. Press and hold the folder on the desktop until the menu appears.
2. Drag it up the screen to the "Delete" (or "Remove" in HyperOS) label.
3. Confirm the action if a request appears.

⚠️ Note: If only Remove from the screen appears instead of Delete, it means that the folder is tied to the system application. It cannot be deleted completely, only hidden from the desktop (see section 5).

📌 What do you do if the menu doesn't show up? You might have a security mode or parental controls on:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Special Access → Application Protection.
2. Make sure there are no restrictions for the launcher (Lawnchair, MIUI Launcher).

Method 2: Remove in Safe Mode

If the folder is not deleted due to a conflict with third-party applications (for example, other launchers or optimizers), try Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Press and hold the “Switch Off” option (or “Reboot” in HyperOS).
3. Confirm the transition to safe mode (the watermark "Safe Mode" will appear at the bottom of the screen).
4. Repeat standard removal.

🔹 Why does it work? Safe Mode disabled all third-party apps, including those that can block desktop changes (like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher).

Method 3: Resetting the launcher settings

If the folder is deleted but returned after rebooting, the launcher cache is to blame. In MIUI and HyperOS, it can be reset without losing data:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find MIUI Launcher (or Lawnchair if you use it).
3. Select "Storage" → "Clear the cache".
4. Return to the desktop, the folder must disappear.

⚠️ Warning: If all shortcuts disappear after cache reset, don't panic! apps are still in the system - they can be returned via the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).

🔧 Extended reset (if normal cleaning didn't help):

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. 5 times press "Version" MIUI", activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option "Reset Launcher settings" and confirm.

💡

After resetting the launcher, it is recommended to restart the device - this will prevent the reappearance of "ghost" folders.

Method 4: Working with system folders (for advanced)

Folders like Download, DCIM, MiCloud, or Pictures can't be deleted by standard methods -- they're protected by the system.

Option 1: Hiding through a conductor

If the folder interferes but cannot be deleted:

1. Open the Explorer (Files).
2. Find the folder, click on three dots → "Properties".
3. Rename it by adding a point (e.g.,.Download) to the beginning.
4. The folder will disappear from the desktop (but will remain in the system).

Option 2: Remove via ADB (requires PC)

🛠️ For experienced users: if the folder is not system, but still not deleted, you can use it. ADB:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /sdcard/Folder name

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data loss or system failure. Do not delete folders with names:

• Android
• MIUI
• Xiaomi
• system

💡

System folders (DCIM, Download) can not be completely deleted – they will be restored by the OS the next time you turn on.

Method 5: How to hide a folder if it can’t be deleted

If none of the methods worked, you just have to hide the folder from your desktop. Here are 3 ways:

💡 lifehack for MIUI 14+: In new versions, you can hide the folder through editing mode:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → “Edit”.
2. Click on the folder → select “Hide” (eye icon).

What should I do if the folder appears again?

If the folder returns after deletion, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Auto Sync: The folder is linked to Mi Cloud or Google Drive. Turn off sync in account settings.
• 📱 Update MIUI: After the update, the system restores the standard folders. → The phone. → Updates.
• 🤖 Virus or malware: Some programs create "unremovable" folders. scan your device through Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes.

🔍 How to check for viruses?

1. Open Settings → Security → Scanning.
2. Or install Avast Mobile Security and run a deep check.

💡

If a folder is called com.xiaomi... or contains random characters, it's 99% virus. Don't open it and scan the phone right away!

FAQ: Frequent questions about deleting folders on Xiaomi