Modern smartphones Xiaomi are often filled with a variety of applications that the user installs during use. Over time, the main screen turns into a chaotic jumble of icons, among which it becomes difficult to find the right tool in an acceptable time. This not only reduces the aesthetic appeal of the device, but also slows down the work, forcing you to spend extra seconds searching.
Fortunately, the shell MIUI and the new HyperOS offer intuitive tools for organizing space. Creating folders allows you to logically group apps by purpose: social networks in one place, games in another, and banking applications in a secure section. This approach makes navigating the system much more efficient and more pleasing to the eye.
In this guide we will look at all the nuances of creating, renaming and designing containers with applications. You will learn how to change the size of widgets inside folders and what hidden features the Chinese manufacturer's proprietary launcher provides for customizing the interface.
The basic method of creating a container on the desktop
The most obvious and fastest way to combine several icons into a single structure is to simply drag and drop. You don't need to go into deep system settings or look for special menu items. It is enough to be on the main screen where app shortcuts are located.
Press your finger on any application icon and hold it until the editing mode is activated. At this moment, the remaining elements may shrink slightly or begin to tremble, signaling their readiness to move. Without releasing your finger, drag the selected icon directly on top of another app that you want to add to the same group.
As soon as the top icon touches the bottom one, the system will automatically create a new folder. It usually gives it a default name based on the app category (such as Tools or Social), but you can change it at any time. Inside the resulting container there are now two applications, and you can continue to add other shortcuts there in the same way. Xiaomi gives it a default name based on the app category (such as "Tools" or "Social"), but you can change it at any time. The resulting container now contains two apps, and you can continue to add other shortcuts in the same way.
☑️ Correct creation of the folder
⚠️ Attention: If, when dragging, the icon simply changes its location and the folder is not created, make sure you hold your finger long enough to activate the editing mode. Also check if the change blocking mode is enabled in the launcher settings.
Alternative ways to group applications
In addition to the classic "drag-and-drop" method, there are other options for organizing space that can be useful in specific scenarios. For example, if you already have free space on the screen, but do not have two adjacent icons to combine, you can use the editing menu.
Pinch the screen with two fingers or press and hold an empty area of the desktop. The interface settings menu will open, where you can select the mode for moving objects. In this mode, you can take one icon and place it in an existing folder by simply dragging it inside it. This is convenient for completing previously created groups.
Another option concerns the use of the "Recommendations" function. In some versions MIUI the system itself prompts you to create a folder if it detects that you often use certain applications together. This suggestion may appear as a toast notification or a tooltip in the bottom dock. By accepting it, you will instantly receive a ready-made structure with selected apps.
If you accidentally created a folder in the wrong place, simply hold it and drag it to the desired position or to another desktop page without deleting the contents.
Customizing the appearance and size of folders
Visual component interface Xiaomi allows you to flexibly customize not only the content, but also the form of folders. This is especially true for users who value minimalism or, conversely, love bright accents on the screen. Changing the container size affects the number of visible icons without having to open the folder.
To change the size, click on the created folder and hold it until the context menu or resizing frame appears. Depending on the firmware version, you will see special markers in the corners or a dotted line. By pulling them, you can expand the viewing area, making 4, 6 or even 9 applications within the group visible at once.
Changing the display style is also available. In the theme settings or in the settings of a specific launcher, you can choose whether the icons inside the folder will be displayed in a grid or list. Some themes offer unique folder backgrounds that automatically adjust to the color of your desktop wallpaper, creating the effect of depth and design integrity.
| Customization option | Impact on the interface | Where to change |
|---|---|---|
| Grid size | Number of visible icons without opening | Press the folder → Resize |
| Name | Signature under the container on the desktop | Click on the name inside the folder |
| Background color | Visual highlighting of a group of applications | Theme settings → Folders |
| Animation | Opening/closing speed and style | Settings → Advanced settings |
Editing the name and sorting the contents
The automatic names that the system assigns to new folders do not always reflect the essence of the applications they contain. To help you find things quickly, it's a good idea to give groups meaningful names, such as "Work," "Entertainment," or "Finance." This makes navigation easier, especially if you have a lot of apps installed.
To rename a folder, simply open it and click on the text field with the current name located at the top of the container. The virtual keyboard will allow you to enter any combination of characters. After confirming the entry, you will see the updated name both inside the folder and under its icon on the main screen.
The sorting of icons within a group can also be manually configured. You can rearrange them by dragging and dropping shortcuts within the open folder. This is useful if you want to put your most frequently used applications in the first positions so that you can get them with one tap without scrolling through the contents.
It is important to note that deleting an application from a folder does not uninstall it. If you drag the icon outside the container to an empty space on the screen, the app will remain in the system, simply changing its location. This is a safe way to reorganize without the risk of data loss.
⚠️ Attention: When renaming a folder, avoid using special characters, which may not display correctly in some fonts or themes. It's best to stick to letters, numbers, and basic punctuation.
The secret to quick sorting
If you have a lot of apps in a folder, use the Sort by Name feature in the folder edit menu (available in some versions of HyperOS) to instantly sort them into alphabetical order.
Deleting folders and going back icons on the desktop
Sometimes there is a need to disband the created group, for example, if the number of applications has decreased or the logic of using the smartphone has changed. The process of deleting a folder in Xiaomi is maximally simplified and does not require complex manipulations.
To completely delete a container, you need to remove all applications from it. Open the folder and drag each icon one by one outside of it to a free area of the desktop. As soon as there is not a single shortcut left inside, the empty shell of the folder will disappear automatically.
There is a faster method, available in editing mode. Long-press the folder itself (without opening it) and drag it to the top of the screen, where a trash can icon or “Delete” message will appear. However, be careful: depending on the version MIUI, this action may either remove only the folder shell, scattering icons around, or require confirmation for each app.
If your goal is simply to free up space but keep applications, make sure there is enough free space on the desktop to accommodate all the extracted icons. Otherwise, the system may create new folders automatically or move shortcuts to adjacent pages.
A folder is deleted only when it becomes empty. You cannot simply drag the shell to the trash; you must first evacuate all applications.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the interface, users sometimes encounter difficulties when creating or editing folders. Most often this is due to the features of a specific firmware version or third-party launchers installed on top of the standard shell.
One of the common problems is the inability to move icons. If applications are frozen in place, check the "Block desktop changes" setting. It is located in the launcher settings menu and is designed to protect against accidental changes, but can also interfere with intentional actions.
There may also be a bug when a folder is created, but does not open when clicked. In this case, try rebooting your device. If the problem persists, clear the Launcher app cache in your smartphone settings. This will not delete your data, but will clear temporary interface errors.
- 📱 Make sure there is free space on the screen to accommodate new elements.
- ⚙️ Check if the Read-Only mode is activated in the theme settings.
- 🔄 Restart the launcher through the settings applications if the interface is frozen.
- 🎨 Try changing the theme to the standard one to avoid conflicts.
⚠️ Attention: The MIUI and HyperOS interface is constantly updated. The location of some menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the regional firmware of your device.
What to do if a folder has disappeared?
Sometimes when changing the theme, folders may visually break. Return the standard theme to restore their functionality, and then apply the desired design again.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to nest one folder inside another on Xiaomi?
No, standard launcher MIUI and HyperOS do not support the folder nesting feature. You can create many separate groups, but placing one folder inside another is technically impossible without using third-party launchers.
How to make a transparent background for a folder?
The transparency of the background depends on the installed theme. In standard settings this option is often limited. To get completely transparent folders, it is recommended to download a special theme in the "Themes" store, which supports such customization of the interface.
Why does the folder itself rename?
The system can automatically change the name of the folder if you add applications of a new category to it. For example, if you add a calculator to the Games folder, the system may prompt you to rename it to Tools. This can be disabled in the launcher settings.
How many applications can be placed in one folder?
There is no technical limit on the number of applications inside one folder. You can add dozens of shortcuts there. However, for ease of use, it is recommended not to overload folders, dividing them into several thematic groups of 5-10 elements.
Will applications disappear if I delete a folder?
No, deleting a folder only affects the organization's shortcuts on the desktop. The applications themselves remain installed in the phone's memory. You can always find them in the general menu of all apps and create a new folder if necessary.