Managing your smartphone’s workspace is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also an important component of productivity. Device owners Xiaomi and Redmi are often faced with the need to structure dozens of installed applications by creating logical groups for them. However, the standard behavior of the shell MIUI or new HyperOS is not always obvious to new users, especially when it comes to editing already created containers.
The process of renaming a folder to desktop may not seem obvious due to specific control gestures implemented by the developers. Unlike a pure one, where the actions may differ, the ecosystem offers its own unique algorithm for interacting with the interface. Understanding these nuances will allow you to quickly put things in order in the menu and find the desired app in seconds. Androidwhere actions may differ, ecosystem Xiaomi offers its own unique algorithm for interacting with the interface. Understanding these nuances will allow you to quickly clean up the menu and find the app you need in seconds.
In this article we will look in detail at all the ways to change folder names, look at hidden settings and answer common questions that arise when customizing the home screen. You will learn not just to change the text, but also to optimize the visual perception of the interface of your gadget.
Basic renaming algorithm via long press
The most common and intuitive way to change the name of a group of applications is to use a long tap. This method works on the vast majority of firmware versions, from old builds MIUI 12 to current releases HyperOS. You need to find the desired folder on one of the home desktop screens.
Tap the folder icon with your finger and hold the touch for 1-2 seconds. The screen will go into editing mode, and all unnecessary interface elements may disappear and the background will darken. At this moment, the system awaits your further commands to move or change the properties of the object.
As soon as you feel a slight vibration or see that the folder has “separated” from the grid and has begun to follow your finger, immediately release the touch. Do not drag the object to another location. Instead, click on the folder name itself, which is usually displayed directly below the application icons inside the container or above them, depending on the theme.
After clicking on the text, a virtual keyboard will open. Enter a new name using Latin or Cyrillic. Confirm the action with the "Done" button or a checkmark on the screen. Now your folder has a new name, which will be displayed on the main screen.
If the keyboard does not appear after pressing the name, try pressing again just above or below the text - sometimes the sensitivity area on older Redmi models is shifted.
Edit desktop mode and grid settings
An alternative method of accessing editing is to use a special mode for setting up the entire workspace. This approach is convenient if you plan not only to rename one folder, but also to carry out a global reorganization of icons. To enter this mode, perform a specific gesture.
Pinch with two fingers on an empty space on the desktop or simply slide two fingers from the edges of the screen to the center. This action will instantly zoom out the display, showing all available desktops as thumbnails. A toolbar with additional options will appear at the bottom of the screen.
On the panel you will find buttons for adding widgets, changing the wallpaper, and customizing the grid. In this mode, any folder becomes available for editing by simply tapping on its name. This is especially useful if the standard long press for some reason does not work or is blocked by a third-party launcher.
Please note that in edit mode you can also change the size of the application grid. If you go to Settings → Desktop → Grid, you can choose a configuration, for example, 5x6 or 6x6. This affects how many applications will fit in one folder without creating a second page inside it.
- 📱 Pinch the desktop with two fingers to enter edit mode.
- 📝 Tap on the name of any folder to change its name without long hold.
- 🎨 Use this mode to simultaneously rearrange widgets and icons.
- ⚙️ Access to grid settings allows you to fit more applications into one group.
Features of working in the HyperOS shell
With the release of the new operating system system HyperOSthat replaced MIUI, the company Xiaomi made a number of changes to the logic of the interface. While the basic principles remain the same, the visual presentation and some gestures have been modernized to fit the new design. Users who have updated their Redmi Note or Pocomay notice differences.
The HyperOS renaming process has become smoother and more animated. When you long press a folder, the system may offer a context menu with action options, where the “Rename” item is highlighted separately. This simplifies the task for those who do not like to experiment with gestures at random.
In addition, the new shell supports deeper customization of fonts and text styles for folder names. If you change the global theme in the application Themes, the font style in the folder names may also change. This is worth considering if you use specific decorative fonts that may make short names difficult to read.
It is important to note that in some beta versions HyperOS there was a bug when the folder name was reset to the standard one after a reboot. If you encounter such a problem, it is recommended to clear the application cache System launcher through the phone settings.
⚠️ Attention: The interface HyperOS continues to be updated. The location of the buttons and the names of menu items may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware version (Global, China, EEA).
What to do if the rename button is inactive?
If the menu item cannot be pressed, check whether you have a third-party theme installed that blocks editing of system elements. Try temporarily switching to the standard MIUI/HyperOS theme.
Problems with third-party launchers and their solutions
Many advanced users prefer to replace the standard desktop with third-party solutions such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher. These applications provide advanced customization options, but the logic for renaming folders in them works differently than in stock firmware Xiaomi.
In most third-party launchers, renaming occurs through the folder properties menu. You need to click on the folder to open it, and then click on the title at the top of the window that opens. Often a pencil or gear icon appears there, indicating the possibility of editing.
If you use Nova Launcher, then to access the folder settings you need to long press directly on the folder name (and not on the icon). A pop-up window will open where you can not only change the name, but also select the background color, transparency and opening animation style.
It is worth remembering that installing a third-party launcher may affect the operation of some system gestures Redmi, for example, calling a voice assistant or accessing applications. Before full migration, it is recommended to test the new launcher for a couple of days.
| Launcher | Renaming method | Additional. features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI / HyperOS | Long press → Tap on title | Integration with the system theme |
| Nova Launcher | Long press on the title inside | Change color, font, animation |
| Lawnchair | Long press on the folder → Edit | Adaptive design, search |
| Smart Launcher | Automatic categorization | Manual renaming of categories |
Third-party launchers give more freedom, but require additional configuration of gestures for comfortable use on Xiaomi smartphones.
Restrictions on length and characters in the name
When renaming folders on devices Android there are technical limitations that are worth knowing about. The system will not allow you to enter an infinitely long name, as this will disrupt the desktop layout. Typically the limit is around 20-30 characters, but the visual display is cut off much sooner.
If you enter a title that is too long, it will be shortened with an ellipsis at the end. This can make the folder name unreadable and meaningless. The optimal length for a folder name on a smartphone screen is 10-12 characters. This ensures that the text will fit on one line below the icon, even with a fine grid.
You should also be careful when using special characters and emoji. Although Android supports Unicode and allows you to name folders with emoticons, some system fonts may display them incorrectly or as squares. This is especially true for older models of the series Redmi with low screen resolution.
Using unique characters may make it difficult to find applications using the built-in search bar. If you name a folder with a set of hieroglyphs or rare characters, the voice assistant or text search may not find the desired group of applications upon request.
- ✂️ Try to keep the name in 10-12 characters for full display.
- 🚫 Avoid complex special characters that can turn into in "squares".
- 🔍 Please note that the folder name is included in the system search for applications.
⚠️ Attention: Some custom themes may forcefully trim folder names to 5-6 characters, regardless of your settings. This is a design feature of a particular theme, and not a system failure.
Frequent errors and ways to resolve them
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the folder is not renamed, the name is reset, or the keyboard does not appear. Most often, the reason lies in a full cache of the system application responsible for the desktop. This is a common problem after major firmware updates.
To solve the problem, go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Find the application Desktop (or System Launcher) in the list. Go to its properties and select "Clear cache". Do not click "Clear all", otherwise you will reset the arrangement of all icons in their places.
Another reason may be a conflict with access rights or active power saving modes. In rare cases, aggressive memory optimization will block changes to system configuration files. Try disabling the "Ultra Battery Saver" mode before making changes.
If all else fails, check for updates for the launcher itself. Go to the application Themes, go to your profile and check for updates for the Desktop component. Developers often release patches that fix bugs with the interface.
☑️ Diagnosing the renaming problem
Tips for organizing space on Redmi
Properly renaming folders is only the first step to the perfect desktop. To make the interface Xiaomi pleasant to the eye and functional, you should adhere to a certain grouping logic. A chaotic arrangement of icons reduces the speed of working with a smartphone.
Use color coding or thematic names. For example, a folder with social networks can be called “Communication”, and a folder with games can be called “Entertainment”. If you use minimalist icons, the folder name becomes the only reference, so it should be as clear as possible.
Don't create too many folders. The optimal number is 4-6 main categories on the first screen. It is better to put the remaining applications on the second screen or in the application menu. An overloaded first screen slows down visual perception and forces you to spend extra time searching.
Regularly review installed apps. If an application has not been used for more than a month, it is easier to delete it than to keep it in the “Need to see” folder. The cleanliness of the interface directly affects the speed of the device and your mood.
Use the "Search" widget on the desktop instead of creating a folder for rarely used applications - this will free up space and speed up access.
Is it possible to change the color of the folder name on Xiaomi?
Use standard system tools to change the color of only the title text folders are not allowed. The color depends on the active theme. To change it, you need to download and apply a new theme in the application Themeswhere the designer has provided a different font color for the desktop.
Why was the folder itself renamed after the update?
When updating the firmware globally (for example, from MIUI to HyperOS) the system can reset custom folder names to default values if the structure of system files has changed. This is a known limitation of the data migration process.
How to remove the folder name completely, leaving only the icons?
In the standard Xiaomi launcher, you cannot completely hide the folder name. However, you can rename it with one space or a special invisible character (for example, a braille pattern) so that the name visually disappears, although the space for it will remain.
Does renaming a folder affect the speed of the phone?
No, changing the name of the folder is a cosmetic edit in the launcher configuration file. It does not have any impact on processor performance, battery consumption or the speed of launching applications inside the folder.
Can I use emoji in the folder name on Redmi?
Yes, the Android system supports emoji in folder names. You can name the folder "🎮 Games" or "📸 Photos". However, make sure that the selected font in your theme displays these characters correctly, otherwise you will see an empty square instead of an emoticon.