How to create a folder on Samsung Galaxy S21: 5 proven methods

Creating folders on Samsung Galaxy S21 is a simple but extremely useful function for organizing your workspace and files. Many users experience chaos on their home screen, with apps scattered around and photos and documents getting lost in the shuffle. This article will help you not only figure out how to create a folder on Android 11/12/13 in the shell One UI, but also optimize your work with your smartphone.

We will look at all possible methods: from standard tools to hidden functions and third-party applications. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with Galaxy S21 (including models S21+ and S21 Ultra), where the interface may differ from other devices Samsung. You'll learn how to group apps, organize files in your phone's memory, and even create secure folders for sensitive data.

Important: Some methods require administrator rights or installing additional software. We will note such points separately so that you can choose the most convenient option without risk to the system. If you are just starting to master Galaxy S21, start with the first two methods - they do not require special knowledge.

1. Creating a folder on the home screen (One UI launcher)

The fastest way to organize apps is to use the launcher's built-in capabilities. One UI. This method does not require the installation of additional apps and works on all models Galaxy S21 regardless of the Android version.

To create a folder:

1. Find two applications on the home screen that you want to combine.
2. Tap and hold the first application icon with your finger until it "shudder" and the menu will not appear.
3. Drag the icon onto the second application - a folder will be automatically created with both applications inside.
4. Touch the name of the folder (by default "Untitled Folder") to rename it.

Done! You can now add other applications to the folder by dragging them onto its icon. The maximum number of applications in one folder is 16 pieces (in One UI 5.0 and newer). If you need to delete a folder, simply drag all applications from it back to the main screen.

2. Managing folders in the application menu

If there is not enough space on the main screen, you can create folders directly in the application menu (All applications). This method is less obvious, but no less convenient for organizing your workspace.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the application menu by swiping up from the bottom of the screen (or clicking on the "All applications" icon).
• 🔍 Find two applications that you want to group, and click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
• 📁 Select the item Sorting and folders → Create folder.
• 📌 Check the boxes desired applications and tap Done.

The advantage of this method is that the folders will only be available in the application menu, without cluttering the home screen. However, there is a limitation: you can store no more than 12 applications in one folder (as opposed to 16 on the main screen).

3. Creating folders in the My Files file manager

If we are not talking about application icons, but about files (photos, documents, music), then a standard file manager is used to organize them. My Files. This method is suitable for structuring data in internal memory or on an want to create a folder (for example SD card.

How to create a folder:

• 📂 Open the application My Files (yellow folder icon).
• 📍 Go to the section where you want to create a folder (for example, Internal storage or SD card).
• ➕ Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Create Folder.
• 📝 Enter a name (for example, "Work Papers" or "Vacation 2026") and click Done.

Now you can move files to a new folder by holding them with your finger and selecting an item Move or Copy. Please note that My Files has a built-in function Categoriesthat automatically sorts files by type (images, videos, documents, etc.), but manual organization still remains more flexible.

4. Using Secure Folder for confidential data

If you need to create folder with protected accesswhere personal files or applications will be stored, use the function Secure Folder. This is a built-in solution from Samsungthat encrypts data and requires additional authentication (PIN, fingerprint or pattern key).

How to set up Secure Folder:

1. Go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder.
2. Authorize using your account Samsung (if not are authorized, the system will prompt you to do this).
3. Create a password or select another unlocking method.
4. After setting, open Secure Folder —here you can create folders and move files just like in a regular file manager.

All data in Secure Folder are isolated from the main system and are not displayed in standard applications (for example, photos will not be visible in the gallery). what to do if Secure Folder does not open? Secure Folder, it will be impossible to restore access - Samsung does not provide such functionality.

What to do if Secure Folder does not open?

If Secure Folder stopped opening after updating the system, try:

1. Restart the device.

2. Update the application Secure Folder via Galaxy Store.

3. Uninstall and reinstall Secure Folder in the security settings.

If the problem persists, you may need to reset the settings (but this will delete all data inside the folder!).

5. Third-party applications for advanced folder management.

If standard features One UI are not enough, you can use third-party file managers or launchers. They offer additional features, such as cloud synchronization, advanced sorting, or creating tabs inside folders.

Popular applications:

Application	Features	Link
Solid Explorer	Two-panel interface, FTP/Cloud support, folder encryption	Google Play
FX File Explorer	Built-in archiver, SSH access, setting access rights	Google Play
Nova Launcher	Flexible folder settings, gestures, desktop backup	Google Play
Files by Google	Clean memory, search for duplicates, simple interface	Google Play

Example of setting up folders in Nova Launcher:

• 📲 Install Nova Launcher and select it as the default launcher.
• 🔧 Go to the launcher settings (Long press on the desktop → Settings).
• 📁 In the section Folders customize the appearance, animation and the maximum number of rows/columns.
• 🔒 Enable the option Swipe to open a folderto quickly view the contents.

Important: when using third-party file managers, provide access only to those folders that are really necessary for the application to work. Excessive permissions can increase the risk of data leakage.

6. Automatic file sorting using Bixby Routines

Few people know, but Samsung Galaxy S21 supports automatic file organization using the function Bixby Routines. This is useful if you want photos, screenshots or downloads to be automatically moved to specified folders.

How to set up automatic sorting:

1. Open Settings → Advanced features → Bixby Routines.
2. Click Add and select a condition (for example, When connected to Wi-Fi or At a certain time).
3. In the section Actions select Media and devices → Organize files.
4. Specify rules: for example, "Move all new screenshots to a folder Screenshots" or "Sort downloads by file type."
5. Save the routine and activate it.

This method saves time, but has limitations: Bixby Routines cannot sort files by creation date or other metadata. For more fine-tuning, you will need third-party applications like Automate or Tasker.

7. Solving problems when creating folders

Sometimes users encounter difficulties when trying to create a folder on Galaxy S21. Let's look at typical errors and how to resolve them.

Problem 1: It is not possible to drag the icon to create a folder.

⚠️ Attention: If the launcher does not respond to a long press, check if the mode is activated Easy mode (Settings → Accessibility → Easy mode. In this mode, some functions are disabled to simplify the interface.

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

• 🔄 Reboot the device - this will reset the launcher cache.
• 🗑️ Clear the application cache One UI Home in the settings (Settings → Applications → One UI Home → Storage → Clear cache).
• 🛠️ Update your phone software to the latest version (Settings → Software update).

Problem 3: Cannot create folder in Secure Folder.

⚠️ Attention: If Secure Folder does not allow you to create folders, check the free space in the protected storage. The minimum required volume is 50 MBAlso make sure that you have not reached the limit of 200 files/folders. (limit Samsung for free accounts).

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → One UI Home → Storage → Reset settingsThis will return the standard desktop view. without deleting data.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about folders on the Samsung Galaxy S21

Can I create a folder inside another folder on the home screen?

No, One UI there is no function of subfolders on the main screen. However, you can use third-party launchers (for example, Nova Launcherthat support multi-level folders.

How to move the application folder to an SD card?

The folders with application icons themselves cannot be transferred, but you can move individual applications to SD card via Settings → Applications → [Select an application] → Storage → Change → SD card. Please note that not all applications support this function.

Why did all the folders on the main screen disappear after the update?

This may happen due to a malfunction of the launcher Try:

1. Restart. phone.
2. Clear cache One UI Home.
3. Restore the desktop backup (if it was created via Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch).

Is it possible to hide a folder in My Files without Secure Folder?

Yes, for this:

1. Rename the folder by adding a dot at the beginning of the name (for example, . Secret files).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in My Files (⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files).

Now the folder will not be displayed in standard viewing mode.

How to return the standard view of folders after using a third-party launcher?

Uninstall the third-party launcher and reset settings One UI Home:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Select launcher → Uninstall.
2. For One UI Home run Storage → Reset settings.