How to combine applications in a folder on Xiaomi: all ways to MIUI 12/13/14

Xiaomi’s desktop is quickly filled with app icons, especially if you’re actively installing new apps. The chaotic layout of icons not only spoils the aesthetics, but also makes it harder to find the right service. This feature is available in all versions of the shell MIUI, But the ways of its implementation may differ depending on the model of the phone and the firmware version.

In this article you will find the current methods of creating folders on Xiaomi in the 2026 In the year to year, including hidden shell features that not all users know, we'll look at the standard desktop way, alternatives for different versions. MIUI, And we'll also give you tips on how to organize your applications optimally. 12, POCO X5 or the flagship series Xiaomi 13 — instructions are suitable for all devices on the basis MIUI 12/13/14.

Why you should combine applications into folders

The benefits of a structured desktop are greater than it seems, and here are the key reasons why Xiaomi users are using folders:

• 📱 Saving space on the screen instead of 9-12 You get one folder with the same set of apps.
• ⚡ Quick Access – You don’t have to scroll through multiple screens to find a rarely used app.
• 🎨 Aesthetics and order – the desktop looks neat, without visual noise from dozens of icons.
• 🔍 Easy search – folders can be named by topic (for example, “Social Network”, “Games”, “Work”), which simplifies navigation.
• 📊 Controlling applications – it’s easier to track which programs are installed and remove unnecessary ones.

According to a 2023 Xiaomi study, users who structure their desktop using folders spend 27 percent less time finding the right apps, especially for small-screen smartphone owners like Redmi. 10A or POCO M5), where the number of visible icons is limited.

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced for European region) after the update, the folder structure may be reset. → The phone. → Backup.

Standard method: creating a folder through the desktop

It’s the simplest and most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi devices, including Redmi, POCO and the Mi line. The instructions are suitable for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Press and hold the icon of the first application you want to add to the folder. 1-2 The icon will start to “shake” and at the top of the screen will appear the toolbar.
2. Without letting go of your finger, drag the icon to a second app that should be in the same folder, and you will see a gray outline appear around the second icon.
3. Release your finger – the system will automatically create a folder with two apps inside.
4. To add more apps, just drag them to the created folder.

By default, the folder gets a name formed from application categories (for example, "Games" or "Social Networks").

1. Tap the name of the folder - a field will appear for entering text.
2. Enter a new name (up to 12 characters) and press Ready on the keyboard.

Make sure that apps are not blocked from changes (long press). → "Allow changes")

Make sure there is enough free space on the desktop for a new folder.

Close all background apps that may interfere (especially third-party launchers)

Turn off Easy Mode in settings if it is activated (may limit desktop features)-->

If the folder is not created when dragging, the reason may be:

• 🔄 Active editing mode – exit it by clicking on the tick in the upper right corner.
• 📵 Launcher restrictions – some third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher) block folder creation through the standard method.
• 🔒 Application protection – if the application is password protected through Security → Application protection, it can not be added to the folder without disabling the protection.

Alternative ways to create folders on Xiaomi

If the standard method doesn’t work or you need more options to organize your desktop, use alternative options:

1. Through desktop settings

This method is suitable for MIUI 13/14 And allows you to create folders without manual drag and drop:

1. Press and hold an empty space on the desktop → Select Desktop Settings.
2. Go to the section Order applications.
3. Select the applications you want to combine and click Create a folder.

Use of the “Category” regime

V MIUI 14 there was a function of automatic ordering of applications by category:

1. Hold an empty space on the desktop → Desktop settings → Style of layout.
2. Select Categories – the system will automatically group applications into folders by topic (social networks, games, tools, etc.).

I'm creating folders manually.

I use automatic sorting by category.

I keep all the icons on my desktop without folders.

Installed third-party launcher (Nova, Apex, etc.)-->

3.With the help of third-party launchers

If you lack the flexibility of a standard launcher MIUI, install an alternative:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports unlimited folders, gestures, backup layout.
• 🎨 Apex Launcher – allows you to customize folder icons, opening animation.
• ⚡ Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration, smart app sorting.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, the function "Double Press to Lock" is disabled in MIUI, Because it's tied to a standard launcher, you have to go back to the interface to get it back.

How to manage folders: renaming, deleting, sorting

Building a folder is only half the job, and to keep your desktop in order, you have to be able to manage existing groups of applications.

1. Rename the folder

To change the title:

1. Touch the folder to open it.
2. Put your name on the current one (it will be illuminated).
3. Enter a new name and press Ready.

Limitations:

• The maximum length of the name is 12 characters.
• You can not use emoji in the name of the folder (in the MIUI 14 This restriction is lifted).

2. Delete the folder

The folder is automatically deleted if all applications are removed from it:

1. Open the folder and press Control (pencil icon in the upper right corner).
2. Hold the app icon and drag it outside the folder.
3. Repeat for all applications – the folder will disappear.

3. Sorting applications inside the folder

By default, the applications in the folder are in addition order, to change the order:

1. Open the folder and press Control.
2. Press the app icon and drag it to a new place.
3. Click Ready to save the changes.

💡

If the folder accidentally deleted, don't panic! All the apps stay on the system. Just find them in the menu of all the apps (swipe up from the bottom of the screen) and add them to the desktop again.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When working with folders on Xiaomi, users encounter typical errors. Here's how to fix them:

1. Can't create a folder.

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Editing mode not activated → Hold the icon for longer than 2 seconds until the vibration appears.
• 📱 There are too few icons on the screen. → Add at least 4 apps to your desktop.
• 🔒 Limitations of corporate policy → If you have a phone at work, contact IT-division.

2.The folder disappeared after the update

It's a known mistake. MIUI 13. To restore the structure:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Louncher and clear the cache.
3. Restart the phone, the folders must return.

3. Applications are not added to the folder

Check it out.

• 🔐 Is the application password protected (Settings) → Security → Application protection).
• 📌 Is the application system-based (some system utilities cannot be moved).
• 🔄 Is not the mode Prohibition of changes in the layout in the launcher settings included.

Optimal folder structure: tips for organizing

It's not enough to just create folders -- it's important to think through their structure to make it as easy as possible to interact with your smartphone.

1. Frequency of use

Divide the annexes into:

• 🔥 Frequently used (messengers, browser, camera) – leave on the main screen without folders.
• 📂 Sometimes necessary (banks, transport, notes) - combine in the folder "Utilities".
• 🗃️ Commonly used (games, editors) - hide in the folder "Other" on the second screen.

Subject matter

Examples of groups:

• 💬 Social networks: VKontakte, Telegram, Instagram, TikTok.
• 🎮 Games: All games in one folder.
• 💼 Work: Postal, Calendar, Zoom, Trello.
• 📷 Media: camera, gallery, music, YouTube.

3.By the color of the icons

An unconventional but visually pleasing approach:

• 🟢 Green icons (WhatsApp, Spotify, Mint) → green zone folder".
• 🔵 Blue icons (Facebook, Twitter, Skype) → blue ocean folder".
• 🟣 Purple/Pink (Instagram, Discord) → Creativity folder".

💡

Research shows that users who organize apps by color find the right programs 15% faster due to visual associations.

For owners of Xiaomi with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60) We recommend using dark wallpaper and folders with dark shade icons - this will reduce the load on the battery and reduce eye fatigue.

Hidden possibilities of folders in MIUI

Shell MIUI Offers several hidden functions for working with folders that not all users know about:

1. Quick access to folder through gestures

V MIUI 14 You can make a gesture to open a frequently used folder:

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Gestures.
2. Choose Double Touch or Swipe up with a delay.
3. Set the action Open the folder and select the desired one.

2.Folders in the notification panel

A little-known feature is adding a folder to the Quick Access Panel:

1. Deploy the notification bar and click on the pencil icon (Edit).
2. Find the app folder widget and drag it to the active area.
3. Select the folder you want to secure.

3. Backup of folder structure

To maintain the current desktop organization:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Select Local Backup.
3. Mark the Desktop Settings item and start the process.

The backup file will be saved in the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup To restore the structure after a reset or update, simply select this file from the recovery menu.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions