How to transfer icons from the folder to the Xiaomi desktop: 5 ways to MIUI

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer flexible desktop customization options, but it’s not always intuitive how to manage app icons — especially when they’re “hidden” in folders. You created a folder for convenience, and now want to bring individual apps back to the home screen? Or accidentally moved an important icon to a folder and can’t extract it? In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to move icons from the folder to the desktop, including hidden MIUI chips and solutions for cases where the standard method doesn’t work.

Many users have a problem when they try to drag an application out of a folder, and it inevitably comes back or creates a duplicate. MIUI, And not only do we show you the basics, but we also explain why sometimes icons don't want to leave the folder, and how to get around it. MIUI 12 before MIUI 15, including Redmi models, POCO and flagship Xiaomi 13/14.

If you use a third-party launcher (like a Nova Launcher or HyperOS Launcher), the algorithm may be different — we'll talk about that in a separate section, too. And for those who like automation, we've prepared a way to move icons over ADB (no root!). Ready? Let's start with the simplest.

1. Standard method: dragging the icon from the folder

The most obvious method, dragging the icon outside the folder, works 90 percent of the time, but there are nuances. Here's how to do it right:

1. Open the folder with the application you want to transfer.

2.Tap and hold the app icon for 1-2 seconds until it "sticks" off the folder.

3. Without letting go of your finger, drag the icon outside the folder to the free desktop space.

4 If the screen is full, MIUI will automatically create a new blank screen, so you can move the icon there.

⚠️ Warning: If you drag and drop the "spring" icon back into the folder, there's no free space on the desktop. Try removing unnecessary widgets or moving other icons to the second screen.

• 📱 For MIUI 14+: Folders are “smarter” – if you hold the icon for longer than 2 seconds, a context menu will appear with the option “Delete from the folder».
• 🔄 If the icon is duplicated: It's a bug MIUI 12-13. Remove the duplicate through a long press → «Delete».
• 🚫 It can't work? It's possible that the application is system-based and locked from moving (e.g. Settings or Phone).

If the standard method didn’t work, go to the alternative methods below.

2. Transfer through the desktop editing menu

MIUI has a hidden editing mode that allows you to manage icons more flexibly. Here's how to activate it:

1.Clatch the empty space on the desktop (not on the icon!) for 2-3 seconds.

2. At the bottom of the screen, a toolbar will appear. Select "Widgets" (or "Desktop Settings" in older versions).

3. Go to the “Applications” tab – all installed programs will be displayed here, including those hidden in folders.

4. Find the desired application, pinch it and drag it to the desktop.

This method is useful if:

• 🔍 You don’t remember which folder the app is in.
• 🔒 The folder is “locked” (for example, after updating) MIUI).
• 📂 The application is located in a hidden folder (for example, Second Space).

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 15 editing menus may look different – look for an icon «⚙️ Settings" in the upper right corner after a long press on the screen.

💡

If there is no icon in the list of applications, check the Hidden or Disabled tab in the application settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management).

3. Use of Second Space (Second Space)

If you use the Second Space feature on Xiaomi, the icons in the folders may behave differently.

1. Switch to the main space (swipe down the screen and click on the profile avatar in the upper right corner).

2. Open the folder and try the standard drag and drop method.

3. If it doesn’t work, go to Settings → Second Space → Desktop Settings and turn off folder sync.

In Second Space, folders are often synced to the main space, which can block icons from moving. If you're not using the second space, but the problem remains, check the Security → Second Space settings - it may be that the function is activated accidentally.

4. Transfer through application settings (for system programs)

Some system applications (e.g. Camera, Phone, Messages) cannot be moved in the standard way, in which case the workaround through the settings will help:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.

2. Find the desired application in the list and click on it.

3. tap "Open on desktop" (or "Add to home screen" in new versions).

4.If there is no option, try to disable and turn the application back on (the "Disable" button).

This method will work for most embedded programs, but it won’t help with Google apps (like the Play Store or Chrome) – they can only be transferred through an ADB or third-party launcher.

5. Transfer over ADB (for advanced users)

If none of these things work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer, but it works for even the most stubborn icons.

1. Enable debugging over USB on your smartphone:

Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times)


Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB

2 Connect the phone to the PC and confirm trust in the computer.

3. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm enable --user 0 com.example.app

(Replace com.example.app with your application’s batch name, such as com.android.contacts for Contacts).

4.Reboot the launcher with the command:

adb shell am force-stop com.miui.home

After that, the icon should appear in the application menu, and it can be transferred to the desktop in the standard way.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause system failures. Don't change your application settings unless you're sure they're there.

6.Using a third-party launcher (Nova Launcher, HyperOS Launcher)

If the built-in MIUI is not suitable, you can install an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher or HyperOS Launcher, which offer more freedom in managing icons:

1. Install a launcher from the Play Store (e.g., Nova Launcher).

2. When you first start, select it as the default launcher.

3. Open the folder, press the icon and drag it to the desktop - Nova Launcher has no travel restrictions.

4. To return to the standard MIUI launcher, go to Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🎨 Full freedom of setting up the desktop (size icons, fonts, gestures).
• 🔓 No restrictions on moving system applications.
• 📂 The ability to create smart folders with automatic sorting.

Important: When using a third-party launcher, some MIUI features (such as Super Wallpapers or Control Center) may not work properly.

💡

Third-party launchers are the most reliable solution if standard MIUI methods don’t work, but they can conflict with Xiaomi’s signature chips, such as Always-on Display or Game Turbo.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting icons to Xiaomi