How to create a folder on the Samsung Galaxy S21 desktop: 3 methods + solving errors

The desktop Samsung Galaxy S21 quickly fills with application icons, especially if you are actively installing new apps. Creating folders helps not only organize space, but also speeds up access to frequently used services. However, the interface One UI (Samsung's proprietary shell) has its own nuances - there is no usual "Create folder" function through the context menu, as on pure Android. In this article, we will look at creating folders, including hidden shell capabilities, and also solve typical problems - from the disappearance of folders after an update to the inability to rename them. three working methods creating folders, including hidden shell capabilities, and will also solve typical problems - from folders disappearing after an update to the inability to rename them.

If you just switched from iPhone or another Android smartphone, the process may seem non-obvious. For example, on Xiaomi or Google Pixel folders are created by dragging one icon onto another, but in One UI 4.0/5.0 this method works differently. We tested all methods on Galaxy S21 (models SM-G991B, SM-G996B, SM-G998B) with the latest firmware version - the instructions are also relevant for other Samsung flagships based on One UI (for example, S22, S23, Note 20).

Method 1: Standard folder creation by drag and drop (the fastest)

This is a classic method that works on all versions One UI —from 3.1 to 6.0 Its main advantage is speed: the folder is created in 2-3 seconds without any extra time. clicks.

Action algorithm:

1. Unlock your smartphone and go to home screen (desktop).
2. Find two application icons that you want to combine. For example, Chrome And YouTube.
3. Press with your finger first icon and, without releasing, drag it to second. Keep your finger on the screen until a gray circle appears around the second icon.
4. Release your finger - the system will automatically create a folder with a temporary name (for example, "Untitled").

⚠️ Attention: If after dragging the folder is not created, check whether the mode Easy mode (Easy Mode) is activated in the settings. In this mode, the folder creation function is not activated. disabled.

• ✅ Works on all versions of One UI.
• ✅ Does not require additional permissions.
• ❌ Cannot be created an empty folder —two icons are required.
• ❌ On some launchers (for example, Nova Launcher) the method may not work.

Method 2: Through the "Home" menu (for those who like precision)

If dragging seems inconvenient, you can create a folder through the system menu. This method takes a little longer, but gives more control - for example, you can immediately rename the folder.

Instructions:

1. Touch and hold empty space on the desktop (not on the icon!).
2. A toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen. Select Home screen settings (gear icon).
3. Scroll down and tap Folders → Create folder.
4. Enter a folder name (for example, "Social networks") and tap Done.
5. Now drag the desired icons into the created folder.

This method is especially useful if you want to:

• 📁 Create a folder in advancebefore adding applications to it.
• 🔤 Give the folder unique name immediately, without going back to renaming.
• 🔄 Change folder color (in some versions of One UI).

Why is the "Folders" item not visible in the settings?

If you do not see the "Folders" option in the home screen menu, then you are using a third-party launcher (for example, Microsoft Launcher or Action Launcher).Return to the standard Samsung launcher: go to Settings → Applications → Default Launcher and select Samsung Home.

Method 3: Using gestures (for One UI 5.0 and later)

In the latest versions One UI (starting from 5.0), support for gestures has appeared for controlling the desktop. This method is less known, but can be convenient for users accustomed to swiping.

How to create a folder with a gesture:

1. Pinch with your finger any icon on the desktop.
2. Without releasing your finger, do quick swipe up (as if you are trying to “raise” the icon).
3. The system activates the editing mode. Now drag the icon to another - the folder will be created automatically.

⚠️ Attention: The gesture does not always work the first time. If the folder is not created, try:

• 👆 Make the swipe sharper.
• 🕒 Hold the icon for 1-2 seconds before swiping.
• 🔄 Reboot the smartphone if the gestures are glitchy.

This method only works on devices with One UI 5.0 and later. On Galaxy S21 with factory firmware it is available after updating to Android 13.

How to rename a folder and change its appearance

By default, Samsung assigns standard names to folders like “Untitled” or “Folder 1”. design:

Steps for renaming:

1. Touch the folder to open it.
2. Tap on current name (it will highlight).
3. Enter a new name (for example, "Work" or "Games") and tap Done.

To change the appearance:

• 🎨 Folder color: Touch and hold a folder → Change color (not available on all versions of One UI).
• 📌 Fix on the screen: Press the folder → Pin to home screen (so as not to accidentally delete).
• 🔍 Sorting applications: Open a folder → press ⋮ (three dots) → Sort automatically (by alphabet or frequency of use).

Action	One UI 4.0	One UI 5.0/6.0
Rename folder	Tap on title → edit	Tap on title → edit
Change color	No function	Keep the folder → "Change color"
Auto sort	Only manually	Menu "⋮" → "Sort"
Deleting a folder	Drag all icons → the folder disappears	Hold → "Delete folder"

Problem solving: the folder has disappeared, is not created or does not open

Even after successfully creating a folder, users Galaxy S21 face bugs. Here are the most common errors and theirs. solutions:

1. The folder disappeared after updating or rebooting

Cause: Resetting the launcher settings or a conflict with system optimization.

Solution:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone (hold Power + Volume Down 10 seconds).
• 🏠 Return the standard launcher: Settings → Applications → Default Launcher → Samsung Home.
• 📥 Restore folders from backup: Settings → Accounts and backup → Restore data.

2. You cannot create a folder - the icons do not “stick together”

Reason: Activated Easy mode or using a third-party launcher.

Solution:

• 🛠 Disable Easy Mode: Settings → Lock screen → Easy Mode → Off
• 📱 Install the standard launcher (see instructions above).
• 🔧 Reset the launcher settings: hold down empty space on the screen → Home screen settings → Reset settings.

3. The folder does not open or crashes

Cause: Damage to the launcher cache or a conflict with an updated application.

Solution:

• 🧹 Clear the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → Home Samsung → Memory → Clear cache.
• 🔄 Uninstall the last updated application (if the problem started after installing it).
• 🛠 Reinstall updates for Home Samsung via Galaxy Store.

Additional tips: how to manage folders effectively

Creating a folder is half the battle. To keep your desktop comfortable, follow these recommendations: Galaxy S21 remained comfortable, follow these recommendations:

• 📂 Group by topic: "Social networks", "Work", "Games", "Utilities". This will speed up the search.
• 🔢 Limit the number: Optimal - 4-6 icons in a folder. Any more and you'll have to scroll through the list.
• 🎯 Use the first screens: Place the most important folders on the first or second desktop.
• 🔒 Pin frequently used ones: Press the folder → Pin to home screento avoid accidentally moving it.
• 🖼 Change icons: Download the theme from Galaxy Themesto make your folders look stylish.

💡 Advanced life hack: If you need to quickly hide a folder (for example, with confidential applications), drag it to Samsung panel (swipe to the left of the main screen). There, the folders are visible only to you.

To automate the sorting, use the application Sesame Shortcuts (available in Galaxy Store). It allows you to:

• Create smart foldersthat automatically group applications into categories.
• Add action shortcuts (for example, “Write on WhatsApp to mom” directly in folder).
• Customize gestures to open folders (for example, double tap).

Frequently asked questions about folders on the Samsung Galaxy S21

Is it possible to create a folder within a folder (subfolders)?

No One UI does not support subfolders on the desktop. However, you can:

• Use Nova Launcher (paid version) to create subfolders.
• Group applications by topic into separate folders (for example, "Games → Subfolder Arcade").

Why do all folders disappear after resetting the settings?

When full reset (Hard Reset) the smartphone returns to factory settings, including the arrangement of icons. To avoid loss:

• Synchronize your desktop with your Samsung account: Settings → Accounts and backup → Samsung Cloud → Synchronize.
• Take a screenshot location of icons before resetting.

⚠️ You can restore folders after a reset only if synchronization with was enabled Samsung Cloud.

How to transfer a folder to another desktop?

Press the folder and, without releasing, Drag it to the edge of the screen (left or right). After 1-2 seconds there will be a transition to the adjacent desktop. Release your finger to pin the folder to a new location.

If the screen does not switch:

• Check whether transition animation is disabled in Settings → Accessibility → Simplified interaction.
• Make sure there is free space on the target screen.

Is it possible to hide a folder from strangers?

Yes, there are several ways:

1. Move to Samsung Panel: Swipe to the left of the main screen → drag the folder there. It will only be visible when you swipe.
2. Use Secure Folder:
   • Open Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder.
   • Create a folder inside the Secure Folder and transfer confidential applications there.

Third-party applications: Nova Launcher + Hide App-Hide Application Icon (hides icons and folders).

⚠️ Folders in Secure Folder are protected password/fingerprint, but their contents are not encrypted.

How to return standard Samsung folders (for example, "Samsung" or "Google")?

These folders are created automatically when you turn on your smartphone for the first time. If you deleted them:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Samsung Home → Storage → Clear data.
2. ⚠️ Attention: This will reset all desktop settings (icon layout, widgets).
3. After resetting the folder Samsung and Google will appear again.

Alternative: Download official Samsung applications from Galaxy Store —the system can automatically group them into a folder.