How to combine shortcuts on Android into one folder: 5 methods for different shells

The desktop of your Android smartphone is littered with dozens of shortcuts, and it takes you 5 minutes to find the right application? The solution is simple: combine shortcuts into folders! This will not only streamline the interface, but also speed up access to frequently used apps. Unlike iOS, where creating folders is standardized, on Android the process depends on the manufacturer and version of the shell - MIUI, One UI, ColorOS or pure Android offer different approaches.

Many users mistakenly think that this requires third-party launchers or root access. In fact, all modern smartphones (from Samsung Galaxy S23 to Xiaomi Redmi Note 12) support creating folders out of the box. In this article we will look at all the current methods - from standard drag-and-drop to hidden functions in shell settings. We'll also tell you how to name a folder, change its icon and avoid common mistakes.

If you've never grouped applications before, don't worry: the process takes less than a minute. Even grandparents cope with this task after the first explanation! The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment with the interface. At the end of the article you will find an FAQ with answers to typical questions, for example, why a folder suddenly disappeared or how to move it to another screen.

1. Standard method: dragging shortcuts (works on 90% of smartphones)

This is a universal method that works on most devices - from budget Nokia to flagship Google Pixel 8 Pro. The algorithm is the same regardless of the Android version (from Android 10 to Android 14):

1. Find two shortcuts on the desktop that you want to combine.

2. Hold your finger on one of them and do not release 1-2 seconds - the shortcut will increase, and a cross will appear on top for delete.

3. Drag the second shortcut to the first (or vice versa) and release your finger.

Done! The system will automatically create a folder with these two applications. Now you can: On Samsung Galaxy With One UI 5.1+ a folder is created even if you drag a shortcut to an empty space on the screen - the system will offer to select applications for grouping.

• 📱 Add new shortcuts: just drag them into the folder.
• 📝 Rename folder: open it, tap on the name at the top and enter a new one.
• 🗑️ Delete folder: drag all applications from it back to the desktop.

On some devices (for example, Huawei c EMUI) when creating a folder, the "stack" animation appears. Don't be alarmed - this is normal shell behavior.

2. Creating folders in the application menu (for MIUI, ColorOS, Realme UI)

Not everyone knows, but on smartphones Xiaomi, Oppo and Realme folders can be created not only on the desktop, but also in the application menu itself (where all installed apps are displayed. This is convenient if you do not use shortcuts on the main screen.

Instructions for MIUI 14 i ColorOS 13+:

1. Open the application menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Edit.
3. Long-press an application icon → drag it to another.
4. Release your finger when the folder creation area is highlighted.

On Samsung this function works differently: folders in the application menu are only created via Settings → Home screen → Application folders, but automatic grouping by categories is available there (social networks, games, tools).

Why on some Xiaomi it is not possible to create a folder in the application menu?

On devices with MIUI 12.5 and below this function was limited. Update the firmware to MIUI 13+ or use the standard method on the desktop.

3. Automatic grouping on Samsung (One UI)

Samsung went further than competitors and added in One UI intelligent grouping of applications. you use together, and suggests creating folders. For example, if you often open Instagram, TikTok and YouTube in a row, the smartphone will offer to combine them into the "Social networks" folder.

How to enable automatic grouping:

1. Press an empty space on the desktop → tap Home screen settings.
2. Select Application folders → activate the switch Automatic grouping.
3. Click Customize categoriesto select what types of folders to create (games, work, travel, etc.).

The system will offer new folders once a week. accept the offer or refuse. Already created folders can be edited manually.

⚠️ Attention: Automatic grouping only works if you have enabled synchronization with your account Samsung and permission to analyze application usage. Without this, the system will not be able to determine your preferences.

Shell	Does it support automatic grouping?	Max. number of applications in a folder	Is it possible to change the folder icon?
One UI (Samsung)	Yes (with One UI 3.1)	16	Yes (via themes)
MIUI (Xiaomi)	No	12	Yes (only through launchers)
ColorOS (Oppo/Realme)	Partially (only in the application menu)	9	No
Pure Android	No	No restrictions	Only through Nova Launcher

4. Using third-party launchers for advanced features

If the standard shell functions do not suit you, install alternative launcher. data-i="127">alternative launcher

• 🚀 Nova Launcher — allows you to create folders in a drawer, customize gestures and change icons.
• 🎨 Action Launcher —supports “smart folders” that are automatically updated according to specified rules.
• 🔄 Microsoft Launcher —integrates with Windows and offers cloud synchronization folders.

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as the main one.
2. Hold the shortcut → drag it to another → release.
3. Tap on the folder → Edit → change the name, icon or color.
4. To create a folder in the application drawer, open the menu → Settings → Folders in the drawer.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🔧 Flexible customization of the appearance of folders (transparency, size, animations).
• 📁 Ability to create subfolders (folder within a folder).
• 🔄 Sync folders between devices via Google account.

⚠️ Attention: Some launchers (for example Nova Launcher Prime) require the purchase of a premium version to unlock all functions. The free version may limit the number of folders or styles. icons.

Download the launcher from the official store (not from third-party sites)

Make a backup copy of the current desktop settings

Check compatibility with the Android version (in the application description)

Disable battery optimization for the launcher (in application settings)-->

5. Hidden features: folders in the notification panel and on the lock screen

Few people know, but on some smartphones folders can be placed not only on the desktop. For example:

• 📱 On Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5.0+ you can add a folder to quick settings panel. To do this, swipe down from the top edge → tap on three dots → Button order → add the "Applications folder" widget.
• 🔒 On Xiaomi from MIUI 14 the folder can be pinned to lock screen via Settings → Lock screen → Application shortcuts.

This is convenient for quick access to frequently used apps without unlocking the phone. For example, you can create an "Emergency" folder with applications Phone, Messages and Flashlight.

Restrictions:

• 🚫 You can usually place only 1 folder on the lock screen.
• 🔒 Applications in such a folder may require additional authentication (PIN or fingerprint).
• 📱 Not all shells support this function (for example, on Google Pixel folders on the lock not available).

6. Problem solving: why can’t I create a folder?

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that shortcuts are not combined into a folder. Let's look at typical causes and solutions:

Problem 1: When dragging, the shortcuts simply change places.

Solution: Make sure you hold down the shortcut long enough (1-2 seconds) to activate the editing mode. On some smartphones (for example, Huawei), you must first click Edit in the desktop menu.

Problem 2: The folder is created, but immediately disappears.

Solution: This is a bug in some versions. MIUI. Try:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. Update the firmware to the latest version.
3. Create a folder in safe mode (press the power button → Safe Mode).

Problem 3: You cannot rename the folder.

Solution: On some shells (for example, ColorOS) the name of the folder changes only through a long tap on the folder itself → Rename. If there is no option, try installing a third-party launcher.

⚠️ Attention: If after updating Android the folders disappeared or stopped opening, reset the launcher settings. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → [Your launcher] → Storage → Clear data. All folders and shortcuts will return to factory settings.

7. Optimizing folders: tips for organizing your desktop

Creating a folder is half the battle. It is important to organize it correctly to save time and space. Here are some proven tips:

1. Group by purpose, not by frequency of use.

It is better to create folders “Social networks”, “Work”, “Multimedia” than “Frequently used” and “Rarely used”. This makes it easier for the brain to remember where everything is.

2. Use emoji in the names.

Instead of the boring “Utilities”, name the folder “🔧 Utilities” or “💰 Finance”. This will visually distinguish it from others. On Samsung emoji can be inserted directly. from the keyboard, you will have to copy them in advance. Xiaomi you will have to copy them in advance.

3. Limit the number of folders on one screen.

The ideal number is 4-6 folders. If there are more, it is difficult for the eye to quickly find the one you need.

4. Sort the applications inside the folder.

In most shells, you can change the order of the icons in the folder. Arrange them so that the most important ones are at the top. One UI to do this, you need to open the folder → tap on the three dots → Sorting.

5. Use single-color icons for folders.

If your shell allows you to change folder icons (for example, through Nova Launcher or themes), choose minimalistic icons of the same style. This will make the interface visually cleaner.

How to make a folder invisible?

On pure Android and some launchers (for example, Nova Launcher), you can hide a folder by making its icon transparent:

1. Install an application for creating transparent icons (for example, Transparent Icon Maker).
2. Create a transparent icon and save it.
3. In the launcher settings, change the folder icon to the created one.
4. Move the folder to the corner of the screen.

Please note: the folder will remain clickable, it will just be more complicated notice.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to create a folder inside another folder (subfolders)?

On standard Android launchers (including One UI and MIUI) subfolders are not supported. However, some third-party launchers, for example Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, allow you to create multi-level folders. To do this:

1. Create the first folder.
2. Open it and create a second folder inside (drag the shortcut to another).
3. If necessary, repeat the process for the third level.

Please note that deep nesting can complicate navigation.

Why did all the folders fall apart after updating Android?

This is a known problem when upgrading to a new version of the shell (for example, from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14). The system resets the launcher settings. To restore the folders:

1. Check if there are scattered shortcuts on additional desktops.
2. If you are using a third-party launcher, update it to the latest version.
3. Restore the backup copy of the launcher settings (if you did it before).

If all else fails, you will have to create the folders again.

How to transfer a folder with shortcuts to another screen?

Moving a folder is no different from transferring a regular shortcut:

1. Long-press the folder for 1-2 seconds until it expands.
2. Drag it to the edge of the screen - the system will automatically switch to the adjacent desktop.
3. Release your finger when the folder is in the right place.

On some shells (for example, EMUI on Huawei), you must first press the button Edit at the bottom of the screen.

Is it possible to synchronize folders between two Android devices?

Standard Android tools do not support synchronizing folders between devices. However, there are workarounds:

• Through launchers: Nova Launcher and Action Launcher allow you to save settings (including folders) to the cloud and restore them on another device.
• Through backup: Use applications like Swift Backup (root access required) to save the desktop configuration.
• Through a Samsung account: On devices Samsung with One UI possible synchronize the home screen layout through your account Samsung (Settings → Accounts and archiving → Backup and recovery).

Please note that the icons of some applications may not be transferred if they are not installed on the second device.

How to change the color or shape of a folder?

In standard Android launchers (including One UI and MIUI), the appearance of folders is strictly tied to the design theme. To change the color or shape, you will need to:

1. Install a third-party launcher. (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).
2. Download a theme from Google Play (search for "icon pack" or "theme for [launcher name]").
3. Select in the launcher settings Folder style or Adaptive icons.

On Samsung you can slightly change the folder style via Settings → Design → Themes, but the choice is limited to the preset ones options.