The Android desktop is not just a set of application icons, but your personal organizational center. When there are too many applications, their chaotic arrangement slows down work and distracts from tasks. Creating folders on the home screen is the most effective way to structure space, save time and even extend life battery (by reducing the number of swipes).
In this article you will find current ways to create folders on Android in 2026including hidden functions of manufacturers (Samsung One UI, MIUI, EMUI) and universal methods for “pure” Android. We'll cover not only the basic steps, but also advanced tricks: how to rename a folder, change its color, add shortcuts to contacts or websites, and what to do if folders suddenly disappear after a system update.
Important: the Android interface is constantly evolving. If your smartphone runs on Android 14/15 or newer, some menu items may be slightly different - but the general logic remains the same. For owners of devices with shells (Samsung One UI 6.0+, Xiaomi HyperOS, Huawei EMUI 14), we have highlighted separate sections taking into account their features.
Why folders on Android are (and not a luxury)
Company research Google show that users on average spend up to 15 seconds on search desired application among 30+ icons on the main screen. Folders reduce this time by 3–5 times, and also:
- 📁 Save space: one folder can replace up to 16 icons (the maximum number in most shells).
- 🔍 Speed up search: the brain quickly finds applications grouped by topic (social networks, games, work).
- 🎨 Improve aesthetics: a minimalistic desktop reduces cognitive load.
- 🔋 Extend battery life: fewer swipes = less processor and display load.
But there is a downside: incorrect use of folders can complicate navigation. For example, if you create too many subfolders or give them unintuitive names (“Folder 1”, “New Folder”). We will teach you how to avoid these mistakes.
Method 1: Standard folder creation (works on 99% of devices)
This is a universal method that is suitable for pure Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia), as well as for most shells (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS). The algorithm is the same regardless of the OS version:
- Press and hold with your finger any application icon on the main screen until it "rises" and vibration appears.
- Drag an icon to another icon (the one you drag onto will be highlighted).
- Release your finger - the system will automatically create a folder with a temporary name (usually "Folder" or the name of one of the applications).
To add other applications to the folder:
- 📱 Drag them directly into the folder (it will open when you bring up the icon).
- 🔄 Or open the folder, click
Edit(pencil) →Add applications.
Drag one icon to another|Release your finger after vibration|Check that the folder appears|Add remaining applications|Rename the folder (optional)-->
Important: on some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy S23+) the folder is created only if you drag icon right or left, and not up/down. If nothing happens, try changing the direction of movement.
Method 2: Creating a folder through the app menu (for Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei shells)
Manufacturers often add their own tricks for working with folders. Let's look at the features of popular shells:
| Shell | How to create a folder | Max. number of applications in the folder | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung One UI (Galaxy S/A/Z series) | Long press → "Create folder" in the context menu | 16 | Support colored folders (starting with One UI 5.0) |
| Xiaomi MIUI/HyperOS (Redmi, POCO, Mi) | Drag the icon to the application menu → "New folder" | 20 | There is an option Hide folder from prying eyes |
| Huawei EMUI (Mate, P series) | Click "Edit" → select applications → "Merge" | 12 | Folders are automatically sorted by frequency of use |
| Oppo/Realme ColorOS | Long press → "Folder" → select applications | 9 | Support gestures for opening folders |
For example, on Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ s HyperOS you can create a folder directly from the menu applications:
- Swipe up to open
Apps menu. - Click on the three dots (⋮) →
Edit. - Highlight the desired applications (checkmarks) → click
Folder.
How to return the standard application menu on Xiaomi
If you see a search bar instead of the classic menu, go to Settings → Home screen → Home screen style and select Standard.
Warning: On some devices Huawei folders created through the app menu are not displayed on the Home screen. To fix this, drag the folder from the menu to the desktop manually.
Method 3: Advanced folder tricks (for advanced users)
If you want to get the most out of folders, try these tricks:
- 🎨 Change the color of the folder:
On Samsung long press on the folder →
Change color(12 shades available). On Xiaomi you need to use themes fromThemes → My themes → Setting icons. - 🔗 Adding shortcuts to a folder:
You can place in the folder not only applications, but also:
- Shortcuts
contacts(long press on the contact →"Add to home screen"). - Shortcuts
websites(in Chrome: ⋮ →"Add to Home Screen"). - Shortcuts
settings(Settings application → long press on item →"Add to Home Screen").
- Shortcuts
- 🔒 Hiding folders from strangers:
On Xiaomi i Oppo you can hide a folder via
Settings → Home screen → Hide apps. An alternative is to use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher with the hidden folders function.
To quickly open a folder with one hand, double-tap on it (on most devices).
For owners Google Pixel and devices with pure Android there is a hidden function: if you drag a folder to dock panel (bottom of the screen), it will be available on all desktops. This is convenient for frequently used groups of applications (for example, instant messengers or work tools).
Method 4: Automatic creation of folders using launchers
Standard Android capabilities are limited. If you need:
- 📂 Create subfolders (folders within folders).
- 🎭 Change folder icons to custom ones.
- 🔄 Customize gestures to open folders.
—use third-party launchers. The best options in 2026:
| Launcher | Folder functions | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Nested folders, custom icons, gestures, hidden folders | Paid Premium version for some functions |
| Apex Launcher | Grouping folders by category, backup | Advertising in the free version |
| Microsoft Launcher | Integration with Windows, smart folders based on frequency of use | Limited customization |
| Action Launcher | Dynamic folders (automatic filling according to rules) | Complex interface for beginners |
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
- Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as the main one.
- Long press on an empty space on the screen →
Widgets→Nova Actions→Folder. - Drag the desired applications to the new folder.
- For subfolders: open the folder → long press on an empty space →
Create folder.
Side launchers allow you to create folders with unlimited number of attachments, unlike standard Android (maximum 1 level).
Attention: after installing the launcher, standard Android folders may become inaccessible. To get them back, switch back to the standard launcher in Settings → Applications → Default Launcher.
Method 5: Creating folders via ADB (for developers)
This method is suitable for advanced userswho want to automate the creation of folders or integrate them into scripts. Pots required:
- 🖥️ Computer with ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
- 📱 Turned on
Developer modeandUSB debuggingon the phone. - 🔌 USB cable (or Wi-Fi ADB).
Command to create a folder via ADB:
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.CREATE_SHORTCUT \--es name"Folder name" \
--es uri"folder://com.android.launcher3/12345" \
--activity-clear-task
Where 12345 — unique folder ID (can be generated randomly). After executing the command, the folder will appear on the main screen, and you can add applications to it manually.
How to enable developer mode
Go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times. After this, in Settings the item will appear For developers.
⚠️ Attention: incorrect use of ADB can lead to to resetting the launcher settings or even to data loss. Before experiments, make a backup copy of the main screen via Settings → Home screen → Backup (not available on all devices).
What to do if folders have disappeared or are not created
Sometimes folders on Android behave unpredictably: they disappear after an update, do not open or do not save changes. Here top 5 reasons and solutions:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Folders disappeared after updates | Reset launcher settings | Reboot your phone or return a backup copy of the main screen |
| Cannot create a folder (icons are not combined) | Shell restrictions (for example, EMUI) | Use the method through the applications menu (Method 2) |
| The folder is empty after adding applications | Launcher cache error | Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage |
| Folders do not preserve the order of applications | Auto-sorting in the shell (MIUI, ColorOS) | Disable auto-sorting in the launcher settings |
| Folder does not open (freezes) | Corrupted application data in the folder | Remove the problematic application from the folder or recreate the folder |
If folders disappear after each restart of the phone, this may be due to:
- 🛠️ Launcher error - try changing the launcher to the standard one.
- 🔄 Conflict with optimizer - disable automatic cleaning in
Settings → Battery → Optimization. - 📱 Damage to system files —reset settings via
Settings → System → Reset(without data loss).
If folders disappear after updating MIUI or One UI, check for an update for the launcher in Google Play (for example, Samsung One UI Home).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about folders on Android
Is it possible to create a folder inside another folder on standard Android?
No, the standard Android launcher only supports one level of nestingFor nested folders, use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher.
How to rename a folder on a Xiaomi phone?
Open the folder → tap on its name at the top → enter a new name → tap Done. some versions MIUI you must first click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner of the folder.
Why do folders automatically change color on my Samsung?
Starting with One UI 5.0, folders are adjusted to wallpaper color palette. To disable this, go to Settings → Wallpaper and style → Color palette and select manual settings.
Is it possible to add a widget (for example, weather or clock) to a folder?
No, you can only place widgets in standard Android folders. Widgets can only be added to the home screen outside of folders. shortcuts to applications, contacts and websites. Widgets can only be added to the home screen outside of folders.
How to transfer folders to a new phone?
Transfer methods:
- 📱 Via
Backupin the launcher settings (not available on all devices). - 🖥️ Using Samsung Smart Switch (for Galaxy) or Xiaomi Migration (for Redmi/POCO).
- 🔄 Through third-party launchers (for example, Nova Launcher supports export/import of settings).
If your question is not covered in the FAQ, check the section Help in the settings of your phone's launcher - there are often hidden functions for working with folders that are not written about in the official instructions.