Modern smartphones allow you to install hundreds of different applications that quickly turn the main screen into a chaotic jumble of icons. Finding the right shortcut in this visual noise becomes increasingly difficult, especially if you have been using the device for several years. Creating structured groups or folders is a basic, but critically important skill for maintaining order in interface your gadget.
Fortunately, the operating system Android provides built-in and intuitive tools for organizing space without the need to install third-party software. In this article we will look in detail at how to group apps into categories, change their appearance and customize their operating logic for maximum ease of use.
The basic principle of creating folders on the desktop
The process of grouping applications on most modern shells, such as One UI from Samsung or clean Android from Google, built on a single drag-and-drop mechanism. You don't need to look for hidden buttons or go into deep system settings. Simply hold your finger on the icon of any application and hold it for a second until it “unsticks” from the grid and begins to move with your touch.
After you have taken the shortcut, drag it exactly on top of another icon that you want to place in the same group. As soon as you release your finger, the system will automatically create a new folder combining the two applications. The system usually suggests a default name based on the app category (for example, “Social Networks” or “Games”), but you can always rename it manually.
This method works universally for any shortcuts located in the visible area desktop. You can add an unlimited number of additional applications to the created group by simply dragging them inside an existing folder. If the folder is full, the system will automatically create a second page inside it, which can be accessed by swiping left or right.
⚠️ Attention: On some custom launchers (shells) from Chinese manufacturers, such as Xiaomi or Realme, creating folders in All application menus may be blocked by the manufacturer. In such cases, grouping is only possible on the main screen.
If you accidentally dropped an icon not on another application, but in an empty space between the grid, it will simply occupy a new cell. To cancel the action immediately after releasing it, quickly press the “Back” button on the navigation bar.
Organizing space in the all applications menu
While the desktop is a static space for frequently used widgets and shortcuts, the all applications menu (App Drawer) contains a complete list of installed software. The organization of this section depends on the version Android and type of shell installed. In pure Android and many third-party launchers, you can create folders directly inside this menu using the same drag-and-drop method.
However, it is worth considering that in the stock firmware of many brands, the application menu functions as an automatic alphabetical list. In such systems, manual folder creation within a shared list may not be available. This is where the “Favorites” function comes to the rescue or pinning shortcuts in the dock bar (bottom panel), where you can already create groups in the usual way.
For users who find the standard capabilities limited, an excellent solution would be to install an alternative launcher. Apps like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair give you complete freedom, allowing you to create nested structures, resize grids, and group apps in menus the way you want.
Advanced settings and customization of appearance
After you have created the basic structure, it makes sense to do its visual adjustment to improve ergonomics. Most shells allow you to change not only the name of the folder, but also its background image or background color. This usually requires opening a folder, clicking on its name, or finding a settings button (often shaped like a gear or three dots) at the top of the window.
Changing the grid size within a folder is another powerful optimization tool. If you store a lot of rarely used utilities in a group, you can reduce the size of the icons to display more items on one screen without having to scroll. This is especially true for owners of smartphones with a small screen diagonal.
Some advanced users prefer to use the “stack” method of widgets, available in Android 12 and newer. While these aren't technically app folders, the concept is similar: you can layer widgets of the same size on top of each other and switch between them with a swipe, saving precious space on your home screen.
⚠️ Attention: When you change the theme of your entire smartphone, the colors of the folders can automatically adjust to the new style. If you have set up a specific contrasting background, check its readability after changing the wallpaper or theme.
Secret function of folders
In many shells, if you drag a folder to the very bottom of the screen in the dock bar area, it can collapse into a single icon. When you click on it, the folder will open on top of all windows, which is convenient for quick access to a group of tools without leaving the current screen.
Comparison of the capabilities of different Android shells
The functionality of working with folders varies greatly depending on the device manufacturer. Understanding these differences will help you quickly navigate the settings of your specific smartphone. Below is a table demonstrating the key features of popular interfaces.
| Shell / Brand | Creation in Menu | Changing background | Hide folder | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One UI (Samsung) | No (only on the table) | Yes (colors and gradients) | Yes (in protection mode) | Support for folders within folders |
| Pixel Launcher (Google) | Yes | No (auto-color) | No | Automatic category names |
| MIUI (Xiaomi) | Partially (depending on version) | Yes | Yes (Hidden applications) | Separate mode Games nesting a folder within a folder, which creates a multi-level hierarchy. At the same time, pure |
| ColorOS (Oppo/Realme) | No | Yes | Yes | Quick actions inside a folder |
As can be seen from the table, flagship shells from Samsung offer the most flexibility, including the ability to nest folders within folders, creating a multi-level hierarchy. At the same time, clean Android focuses on minimalism and speed of access, sacrificing the depth of customization.
If the standard functionality of your firmware does not suit you, you should always pay attention to the global screen settings. Sometimes the ability to create folders in the application menu is hidden behind a switch in the section Settings → Home screen, which may be turned off by default.
There is no universal standard for the application menu: what works on Pixel may not be available on Xiaomi without installing a third-party launcher.
Automatic sorting and smart folders
Modern versions Android are equipped with machine learning algorithms that prompt the user to create a folder automatically. When you install a third application in the same category as an existing group, the system may highlight the folder area or prompt you to add a new shortcut there. This eliminates the need to manually drag and drop each new item.
There are also so-called “smart folders” that dynamically change their contents depending on the time of day or location. For example, in the morning such a folder can show applications for news and mail, and in the evening - instant messengers and streaming services. The implementation of this function usually requires the installation of specialized widgets or launchers.
For those who like order, the function of automatically adding new applications to a specific folder is useful. In the settings of some launchers, you can set the rule: “Send all new games to the Games folder.” This prevents the desktop from being cluttered with fresh installations.
☑️ Plan for ideal screen organization
Solving common problems when creating groups
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the system does not respond to dragging icons. Most often, the reason lies in the activated desktop layout lock. This feature is designed to protect against accidental changes, but it also prevents the creation of new folders. To fix this, hold down an empty space on the screen, select Settings and disable the option "Home screen lock".
Another common problem is the inability to place system applications or widgets in the folder. Some widgets have a fixed size that is not compatible with the standard folder cell size. In this case, the widget will remain on the desktop, and the application will be successfully added to the group.
If the folder suddenly disappears or stops opening, try restarting the launcher. To do this, go to Settings → Applications, find your desktop application (for example, One UI Home), select Memory and click Clear cache. This action is safe and will not delete your data, but will reboot the interface.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the launcher settings to factory settings (the "Clear data" button) will remove all folders you created and will return the icons to their original chaotic state. Use this option only as a last resort.
What should you do if the icons “shake” but do not move?
This is a sign that the screen sensor does not respond well to long presses. Try increasing the hold time or use a stylus if it is supported by your device.
Frequently asked questions about menu organization
Is it possible to change the icon of the folder itself?
Standard means Android you cannot change the folder icon - it is generated automatically from application icons inside. However, with the help of third-party launchers, such as Nova Launcher, you can assign any image from the gallery as a folder cover.
How many applications can be placed in one folder?
There is no technical limit on the number of applications. If there is not enough space on one page of a folder (usually 9 or 16 cells), simply add another application and the system will create a second page. You can flip through the pages inside a folder with a horizontal swipe.
Why is the folder called “Folder” instead of the name of the category?
This happens if the folder contains applications of different categories or if the system could not recognize the general type of apps. Just click on the name of the folder and enter your own name, for example, “Finance” or “Travel.”
How to delete a folder, but leave applications on the screen?
To delete a folder without losing the app, you need to open it and drag all the icons one by one back to the desktop. When there are less than two applications left in a folder, it will automatically disappear, and the shortcuts will remain free.
Does a large number of folders affect the speed of a smartphone?
No, the number of folders and applications in them has virtually no effect on the performance of the device. Launchers are optimized to work with thousands of elements. Slowdown can only be observed when using heavy third-party launchers with an abundance of animations on weak devices.