How to add an application to the folder on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways and life hacks

Managing applications on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones through folders is one of the most effective ways to organize the desktop and save space on the screen. However, many users face difficulties: somewhere the folder button disappears, somewhere applications “drop out” after the MIUI update, and in some firmwares the algorithm differs from standard Android. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of adding applications to folders on Redmi (including Note 10/11/12 models, Redmi 9/10/13C and flagship series), and also reveal the hidden features of MIUI, which are not written in the official instructions.

The MIUI shell features flexibility in settings, but it also often becomes a source of confusion. For example, in MIUI 14 and later, the folder algorithm has changed compared to MIUI 12, and on some devices (for example, the Redmi A1 or POCO M5) the interface is simplified to a minimum. We tested all methods on current firmware and highlighted universal solutions that work even on budget models with 2 GB of RAM. If you tried to drag the icon to another, but nothing happened, do not rush to blame the sensor: chances are, you just did not know about the subtleties of MIUI.

Why apps aren’t added to the folder: common reasons

Before we get to the instructions, let’s see why the standard method (dropping one icon to another) might not work. Here are the key reasons we identified when testing on 15+ Xiaomi Redmi models:

• 📱 Simplified launcher: On budget models (e.g. Redmi) A2 or POCO C50) You can use a lightweight version of the shell without folder support. → The phone. → Version. MIUI — If the Lite mark is at the end, the functionality is limited.
• 🔄 Update MIUI: After major updates (for example, with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) the launcher settings are reset, folders can “break up”, and the possibility of creating them – temporarily blocked.
• 🎯 Simple Screen Mode: In Special Opportunities Settings (Settings) → Special opportunities → Simple mode) can be activated simplified interface, where folders are disabled.
• 🔒 Protection from changes: In some firmware for Xiaomi (especially corporate), the administrator can block desktop editing through Device Policy Controller policies.

If none of the reasons are right, try restarting your device – 30% of the time it solves the problem with the “hang” launcher settings, and check if there is a third-party launcher (such as Nova Launcher or Apex) that can conflict with the system one.

Method 1: Standard folder creation (for MIUI 12-15)

This is the basic method that works on most Xiaomi Redmi devices with a full shell version. The algorithm is the same for the Redmi Note 11 Pro, Redmi 10C and other models on MIUI 12-15 (including HyperOS):

1. Press and hold the icon of the application you want to add to the folder until it “opens” from the screen.
2. Without letting go of your finger, drag the icon to another icon (the one you want to combine into a folder).
3. Wait for the gray circle around the second icon to appear, which is a signal that the folder has been created.
4. The system will automatically name the folder (usually in the first application), but it can be changed.

If the folder is not created the first time:

• 🔹 Try dragging the icons slower - in MIUI There is a delay in recognition of the gesture.
• 🔹 Make sure that both icons are on the main screen, not in the All Apps folder».
• 🔹 Check if one hand mode is activated (Settings) → Additionally. → One-hand mode – it can interfere with accurate drag and drop.

Important: Some models (e.g. Redmi 9A) only create a folder if you drag the icon from left to right. Try changing the direction of the gesture.

Method 2: Add to an existing folder

If a folder is already created, but you want to add a new application to it, the algorithm is slightly different. Here is a caveat: in MIUI 14 and later folders can have a limit on the number of applications (usually up to 16 pieces), When the limit is exceeded, the system automatically creates a second page inside the folder.

How to add an application to an existing folder:

1. Open the folder where you want to add the application (just tap it).
2. Return to the main screen, find the icon of the desired application.
3. Press and hold the icon, then drag it to the open folder (not the folder icon itself, but inside!).
4. If the folder closed when dragging, repeat the action, but first open the folder (not completely, but slightly so that it remains active).

If the app doesn’t stick to the folder:

• 📌 Try dragging it to an empty space inside the folder, not another icon.
• 📌 Make sure there is free space in the folder (maximum 16 apps per page).
• 📌 Check if the application is system-based (such as Settings or Phone) – some cannot be moved.

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If the folder is full, create a second page inside it: just drag the icon beyond the right edge of the folder screen.

Method 3: Use the editing menu (for MIUI 14 and HyperOS)

Newer versions of MIUI have a hidden editing menu that makes folder management easier, which is especially useful if you have a Redmi Note 12 or a newer one with HyperOS:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the home screen until the widget and wallpaper menu appears.
2. In the upper right corner, tap the icon "Edit" (pencil).
3. Now you can drag and drop icons without delay – just click on the app and pull it on another.
4. To add to an existing folder, drag the icon to the folder itself (you don’t have to open it).

The advantage of this method is:

• ✅ No delay in dragging.
• ✅ You can see all the folders on the screen right away.
• ✅ It works even with system applications (except Settings and Security).

Method 4: Create folders through All Apps (for MIUI 13 and older)

If there is too little space on the home screen, you can create folders right in the All Apps menu, which works on all Redmis with MIUI 13+, but has a limitation: folders will only be visible in this menu, not on the desktop.

Instructions:

1. Scroll through the main screen to the left to open All Apps.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Edit.
3. Press and hold the app icon, then drag it to another.
4. The folder will be automatically created. To move it to the home screen, press and hold the folder, then select Add to the home screen.

Important: The folders created in All Apps don't sync with the folders on the desktop, and if you want the folder to be displayed in both places, you'll have to create it separately.

Table: Compatibility of methods with MIUI versions

Folders created in All Apps don’t sync to the desktop, a key difference from standard folders in MIUI. If you want the folder to be accessible there and there, create it separately for each partition.

What to do if folders do not work: advanced diagnosis

If none of these things work, the problem can go deeper, and here's the diagnostic algorithm that we use at the Xiaomi service center:

1. Launcher Check: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find Launcher (or MIUI Launcher) and click Clear Cache. If it doesn’t work, click Clear Data (Warning: Reset all desktop settings!).
2. License Check: Open Settings → Special Options → Application Rights. Make sure that Launcher has permission to Change System Settings.
3. Safe Mode Test: Press the power button, then hold the power off until Safe Mode window appears. In Safe Mode, try creating a folder. If you get it, a problem in a third-party application (most often the optimization or antiviruses are to blame).

If folders are still not created, there are two options:

• 🔧 Firmware rollback (if the problem has appeared after the update).
• 🛠️ Installation of a third-party launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).

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In 90% of cases, the problem with folders is solved by cleaning the launcher cache or turning off the “Simple Screen” mode.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9T firmware POCO) folders may not work due to shell conflict. Check firmware version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — if there's a mark POCO, a the device - Redmi, you need to flash the flashing.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folders on Xiaomi Redmi