Creating order in the digital space of a smartphone often begins with basic actions, such as grouping applications and files. Owners of devices Samsung with a shell One UI may encounter some interface features that differ from the standard Android. Understanding how to effectively organize your workspace can significantly speed up access to frequently used apps.
There are two main scenarios for creating containers: organizing shortcuts on the home screen and structuring data in internal memory. Both methods require a different approach, but both are critical for comfortable use of the gadget. In this article we will analyze both options in detail, paying attention to the nuances of working with the file manager and launcher.
Do not underestimate the importance of the correct structure, since chaotically scattered files make it difficult to find the necessary information. Proper organization of data can also have a positive effect on the speed of the system, at least visually. Let's move on to the practical steps to bring order to your device.
Creating a folder for applications on the home screen
The most common user request concerns grouping application shortcuts directly on the desktop. This allows you to free up space and visually divide apps into categories, for example, “Social networks”, “Games” or “Work”. The process of creating such a group One UI is implemented through a drag-and-drop mechanism, which is standard for most modern interfaces.
First, you need to find two or more applications that you want to combine. Press your finger on the icon of one of them and, without releasing, drag it directly over the icon of the second application. As soon as you release your finger, the system will automatically create a new folder, placing both items there. This action is fundamental to customizing the appearance of your Samsung Galaxy.
After creating a container, you can rename it so that the contents are immediately clear. Simply tap the text field above the icons and enter the desired name. The function of changing the folder background color is also available, which allows you to adapt it to your wallpaper or design theme.
Use short names for folders (1-2 words) so that they do not overlap application icons within the group.
It is important to note that you can move already created folders to any area of the screen or even place them in the dock bar at the bottom of the display. This is especially useful for frequently used app sets. However, remember that placing too many widgets or heavy folders on one screen may have a slight impact on the smoothness of animations.
Working with the file manager: creating storage folders
If your goal is to organize photos, documents, or music, you will need access to the file system. In devices Samsung the standard “My Files” application (My Files) is responsible for this. This is where the internal memory and SD cards, if installed, are managed.
To create a new directory for storing data, open the application and go to the “Internal memory” or “SD card” section. In the top right corner of the screen you will find a menu with three vertical dots. By clicking on this element, you will call up a drop-down menu where you need to select an option Create folder. This action initiates the process of creating a new directory in the current location.
The system will prompt you to enter a name for the object being created. Use Latin or Cyrillic alphabet, avoiding special characters that may not be processed correctly by some third-party applications. After confirming the name, the new structure will appear in the list of files and will be ready to be filled in.
⚠️ Attention: Do not create folders in system partitions marked asAndroid,DCIM(except nested ones) orSystemif you are not sure of your actions. Interfering with the structure of system files can lead to incorrect operation of the camera or gallery.
Manually created folders are ideal for backing up important documents or sorting downloaded files from instant messengers. You can move files from the general download stream to designated locations, keeping your storage clean. Regular cleaning and sorting helps to avoid “not enough space” errors at the most inopportune moment.
☑️ Rules for naming folders
Configuring the display and sorting of content
After you have created the necessary structures, it is important to configure their display correctly. The shell One UI offers flexible tools for viewing content, allowing you to sort files by date, size or name. This is especially true for large archives, where searching manually would take a lot of time.
Inside any folder you created, click on the sort icon (usually two arrows or a filter icon). Here you can select the display order: ascending or descending. For photographs, sorting by date of modification is most convenient, while for documents alphabetical order is better.
It is also worth paying attention to the possibility of hiding files. In the settings of the My Files application there is a function “Hide system files”. If you've created a folder for personal data and want to add a level of privacy to it, you can use the Hidden Folders feature in your device's security settings.
Don't forget that the visual design of application folders can also be customized. You can change not only the name, but also the background color, and in some versions of the software, even the icon. This makes navigation on your smartphone more intuitive and pleasing to the eye.
Secret features of application folders
You can add not only applications, but also widgets, as well as links to contacts to folders on your desktop. To do this, drag a widget or contact over the already created application folder.
Comparison of data organization methods
Users are often confused about where it is better to store data: in folders on the desktop or in the file system. In fact, these methods serve different purposes and complement each other. Understanding the difference will help you build an effective content management system.
Folders on the desktop are purely shortcuts for quickly launching apps. They do not take up additional memory space, since they only contain links to executable files. At the same time, folders in the file manager are real containers for storing data that take up disk space.
Below is a table that will help you understand the differences and purpose of each type of organization:
| Characteristics | Folder on the desktop | Folder in “My Files” | Hidden folder (Secure Folder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Grouping application shortcuts | Storing documents, photos, videos | Protection of confidential data |
| Impact on memory | Does not take up space | Takes up space according to the content | Takes up space, encrypts data |
| Accessibility | Always visible on the screen | Requires opening a file manager | Requires authentication (PIN, fingerprint) |
| Ability to delete | Deleting a folder does not delete applications | Deleting a folder deletes all files inside | Deleting requires password confirmation |
Using the right tool for each task is the key to working efficiently. It is not worth storing thousands of photos in a folder on the desktop (which is technically impossible, but users often look for files there), just as it is pointless to create separate directories in memory for each application if they create their own structures.
Using Secure Folder for increased security
A unique feature of smartphones Samsung is function Secure Folder (Protected folder). This is an isolated space in the device memory that requires separate authorization to enter. Here you can transfer not only files, but also entire copies of applications.
To activate this function, go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Protected folder. The system will offer to create a separate account Samsung or use an existing one, and also set the blocking method. After activation, a special icon will appear on the desktop, the entrance to which is protected.
Inside Secure Folder you can create regular folders, move photos, documents there, and even install second instances of instant messengers (for example, a second WhatsApp for work). This creates a reliable barrier for prying eyes, even if the phone is unlocked.
⚠️ Attention: When you reset your phone to factory settings, the data in Secure Folder will be permanently deleted if you have not made a backup copy via the cloud Samsung Cloud or Google Drive specifically for this folder.
This tool is ideal for storing scans of documents, passwords or personal correspondence. The level of encryption here is higher than in conventional storage, which makes data theft extremely difficult for attackers.
Secure Folder is not just a folder with a password, but a completely isolated environment (container) inside the Android operating system.
Frequent problems and their solutions
In the process of organizing files, users may encounter with a number of typical difficulties. For example, the folder may not be created due to lack of space or file system errors. It also sometimes happens that manually created folders are not displayed in the gallery or music player.
If the new folder is not visible in media applications, try placing an empty file inside it with the name .nomedia. This hidden file tells the system that media files in this directory do not need to be scanned and added to the general gallery feed. Conversely, if the files are not visible, check if such a file is there and delete it.
Another common problem is the inability to rename system folders. Some directories created by applications (for example WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) may block renaming or moving while the application process itself is running. Close background processes before editing the folder structure.
In some cases, the interface may freeze when trying to create a folder on the desktop. This can be cured by rebooting the launcher. Go to Settings → Applications → Find “One UI Home” → Storage → Clear cache. This will not delete your data, but will clear temporary interface errors.
What to do if the folder is not deleted?
If the system writes “File busy” or “Insufficient rights”, try rebooting your phone in Safe Mode. If this does not help, perhaps the folder has administrator rights or it is a system one.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the icon of the created folder with applications?
Using standard means One UI change itself You cannot change the folder icon (picture), you can only change the background color and name. However, you can download third-party themes from Galaxy Storewhich may offer alternative folder styles, or use special launcher apps, although these may be unstable on newer models.
Where do the files go if you delete a folder from My Files?
If you delete a folder through the file manager, all the files contained in it and subfolders will also be permanently deleted (moved to the Recycle Bin if enabled). Be extremely careful when deleting directories whose names mean nothing to you.
Why did the folder on the desktop rename itself?
The shell Samsung sometimes automatically suggests renaming the folder if you add an application from a certain category to it (for example, you added three banking applications - a folder may be renamed “Finance”). This is the work of the artificial intelligence of the system, the name can be changed manually at any time.
How to move a folder with applications to another screen?
Press and hold your finger on the folder itself (without opening it), wait for it to vibrate or change the screen scale, then drag the folder to the edge of the screen to go to the next page or to the top/bottom to change positions.
Does the number of folders affect the speed of the phone?
The mere presence of folders on the desktop has virtually no effect on performance, since they are just shortcuts. However, a crowded home screen with dozens of widgets and live wallpapers can consume more RAM and battery power.