Desktop Android is not just a background image with icons, but a full-fledged space for organizing applications. Folders play a key role here: they help group apps into categories (social networks, games, utilities) and save space on the screen. But what if a standard name like “Folder 1” or “New Folder” doesn’t reflect the contents? Or if you accidentally created a folder with a typo?

In this article we will look all possible ways to rename a folder on the Android desktop from basic methods for beginners to advanced tricks for users with with root access. You will learn why the interface is different on some smartphones (Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung), how to bypass launcher restrictions, and what to do if the name is not saved. And also - a unique life hack for devices with the EMUI shell, where the standard method often does not work.

Why you can’t just click “Rename”?

On iOS or Windows renaming folders is intuitive: just right-click and select the appropriate item. But Android works differently - here everything depends on launcher (the app responsible for the desktop interface). By default, the system does not provide a direct way to change the folder name, and this causes confusion among users.

The main reasons why the standard method does not work:

  • 📱 The manufacturer has changed the launcher. For example, Samsung One UI, MIUI from Xiaomi or EMUI from Huawei have their own rules for folders.
  • 🔒 Shell restrictions. Some brands (for example Oppo or Vivo) block title editing to “protect against accidental changes.”
  • 🛠️ Outdated version of Android. On devices with Android 8.0 and lower, the folder interface may differ.
  • 🎨 Third-party launcher. If you use Nova Launcher, Apex or Action Launcher, the folder settings are reconfigured through their menu.

Interesting fact: on Pixel with clean Android The easiest way to rename a folder is just to open it and tap on the current name. But the owners Redmi or Honor have to resort to tricks.

📊 What launcher do you have installed?
Standard (from the manufacturer)
Nova Launcher
Apex Launcher
Other third-party
I don’t know

Method 1: Standard renaming (works on 70% of smartphones)

This method is suitable for most devices with Android 9.0 and newer, including Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Nokia and some models Xiaomi. The main condition is to use standard launcher without deep modifications.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the folder you want to rename (tap on its icon).
  2. At the top screen, you will see the current folder name (for example, “Folder” or “New Folder”). Tap on this text.
  3. A cursor for editing will appear. Delete the old name and enter a new one (up to 20 characters on most devices).
  4. Click Done or OK on the keyboard, or tap outside the input field.

If after these steps the name has not changed:

  • 🔄 Reboot your smartphone - sometimes changes are applied after reboot.
  • 📲 Check if you have a third-party launcher installed (for example, Microsoft Launcher).
  • 🛑 On some Huawei i Honor this method does not work - read Method 3.

☑️ Check before renaming

Done: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android Go (for example, Nokia 1 or Samsung Galaxy J2 Core) the folder interface is simplified. Here, renaming may not be available without installing a third-party launcher.

Method 2: Using a third-party launcher (100% working method)

If the standard method does not work, the most reliable option is to install an alternative launcher. This will not only solve the renaming problem, but also add additional functions (gestures, themes, hiding icons).

The best launchers for working with folders:

Launcher Support for renaming Additional features Cons
Nova Launcher ✅ Yes (long press → “Edit”) Gesture settings, hiding applications, backup Paid Premium version for some functions
Apex Launcher ✅ Yes (swipe up the folder) Theme support, changing icon sizes Advertising in the free version
Action Launcher ✅ Yes (tap on the name in an open folder) Smart folders, adaptive icons Difficult for beginners
Microsoft Launcher ❌ No (only through settings) Integration with Windows 11, synchronization Limited customization

Instructions for Nova Launcher (we recommend it for maximum flexibility):

  1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
  2. Long press on the folder → select Edit.
  3. Tap on the current name and enter a new one.
  4. Save changes (floppy disk icon or button OK).

The advantage of this method: you not only get the opportunity to rename the folder, but also full control over its appearance (color, size, icon style).

💡

In Nova Launcher you can assign gesture for quick renaming. For example, swipe down a folder. Set this up in Settings → Gestures and inputs.

Method 3: Bypassing restrictions on Huawei and Honor (EMUI)

The shell EMUI is known for its “features”, one of which is the inability to rename the folder in the standard way. But there is a workaround that works on most devices. data-i="149">(including models Huawei And Honor (including models P30, Mate 20, Nova 7 and newer).

Action algorithm:

  1. Open the folder you want to rename.
  2. Tap on any application inside the folder and hold it 3 secondsuntil it “sticks” from the screen.
  3. Drag this application outside the folder (to the desktop). The folder should not be closed shouldn't close.
  4. Now tap on the folder name at the top of the screen. - the editing option will appear.
  5. Enter a new name and save the changes.
  6. Return the application back to the folder (if necessary).

Why does this work? When dragging an application, the system temporarily “unlocks” the folder interface, allowing you to edit its name. This bug/feature has existed since version. EMUI 9.0 and is still not fixed.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei s EMUI 12 and newer, this method may not work. In this case, try install. third-party launcher.

Method 4: Editing through the file manager (for advanced)

This method is suitable for users with root access or those who are ready to work with system files. It allows you to rename a folder directly through the file manager, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to failures. interface.

What you will need:

  • 📁 File manager with access to the root folder (Root Explorer, FX File Explorer, Solid Explorer).
  • 🔓 Root access (on most devices you need to get it separately).
  • 📝 Backup copy of data (in case of error).

Instructions:

  1. Open the file manager and go to the folder: 
    /data/data/com.android.launcher3/databases/

    (for the standard launcher) or similar for your launcher (for example, for Nova path will be /data/data/com.teslacoilsw.launcher/).

  2. Find the file launcher.db and open it using the built-in SQLite editor (or copy to PC and use DB Browser for SQLite).
  3. Go to the table favorites and find the entry with itemType=2 (this is a folder). The field title contains its name.
  4. Change the value title to the desired one and save the file.
  5. Restart the launcher (you can via Settings → Applications → Launcher → Stop).

Warning: this method is risky. If you make a mistake editing the database, the desktop may stop working. We recommend using it only if other methods have not helped..

What to do if after editing launcher.db the desktop is reset?

If after changes in launcher.db the icons are missing or the markup is lost, clear the launcher data in Settings → ApplicationsAll folders and shortcuts will have to be configured again.

Method 5: Resetting the launcher settings (as a last resort)

If none of the methods worked, and the folder stubbornly does not want to change the name, you can try resetting the launcher settings. This will return all icons and folders to the default state, but will allow you to start from scratch. blank slate.

How to reset the launcher:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Find your launcher (for example, One UI Home for Samsung, Launcher for Xiaomi).
  3. Tap Storage → Clear data.
  4. Confirm the action. The desktop will be reset to factory settings.
  5. Create the folder again and immediately give it what you need. name.

The disadvantage of this method is that you will have to re-arrange all the icons and widgets. But it is guaranteed to solve problems with “stuck” folder names.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Sony Xperia, some models LG) reset the launcher also deletes weather and calendar widgets. You will have to configure them again.

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after successful renaming, users encounter unexpected difficulties. Here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Problem 1: The folder name is reset after reboot.

  • 🔹 Cause: The launcher cache is damaged or conflicts with the system.
  • 🔹 Solution: Clear the launcher cache c Settings → Applications.

Problem 2: You cannot enter Cyrillic or emoji in the name.

  • 🔹 Reason: Launcher limitation (often found on EMUI i ColorOS).
  • 🔹 Solution: Use the Latin alphabet or install a third-party launcher.

Problem 3: The folder disappears after renaming.

  • 🔹 Cause: Conflict with the memory optimizer (for example, on Xiaomi s MIUI).
  • 🔹 Solution: Disable the “Clean memory” function in the battery settings.

Problem 4: The title is not fully displayed.

  • 🔹 Cause: Character limit (usually 12-15 characters).
  • 🔹 Solution: Shorten the name or use abbreviations.
💡

If after renaming the folder behaves strangely (does not open, blinks, disappears), most likely the problem is in the launcher. Try changing it to Nova or Apex —this will solve 90% of problems.

Is it possible to rename a folder without opening it (just from the desktop)?

On most devices - no. To change. name, you must first open the folder. The exception is launchers like Nova Launcher, where you can long press the folder icon and select “Edit”.

Why is there no renaming option on mine? Redmi Note 10 no rename option?

This feature MIUI. In some versions of the shell, the option is hidden. Try the drag-and-drop method (see Method 3) or install a third-party launcher.

Can I rename a folder via ADB?

Technically, yes, but it is difficult and impractical. To do this, you need to know the exact package name launcher and edit its database through adb shell. It is much easier to use a third-party launcher.

How to return the old name. if you don’t like the new one?

Simply repeat the renaming process and enter the previous name. If the folder is stuck with the new name, reset the launcher settings (see Method 5).

Are there any restrictions on characters in the folder name?

Yes. Usually you cannot use:

  • Special characters: / \ : * ? " < > |
  • Too long names (more than 20 characters).
  • Emoji (on some shells, for example, EMUI).

If you enter a prohibited character, the name may not be saved or displayed incorrectly.