Modern smartphones of the brand Huawei, running a shell EMUI or a new one HarmonyOS, provide users with ample opportunities to personalize the interface. One of the basic but critical skills for comfortable use of the device is the ability to properly organize the home screen space. The chaotic arrangement of application icons not only makes it difficult to find the necessary apps, but also visually clutters the display, reducing the aesthetic appeal of the gadget.
The process of creating containers for grouping software is intuitive, however, in different firmware versions there may be small nuances in animation or additional settings. In this article we will analyze in detail how to create a folder on the Huawei desktopusing standard gestures and system menus. You will learn not only to combine applications, but also to rename groups, change their design style, and even turn them into functional widgets for quick access.
Proper organization of the workspace can significantly speed up interaction with the device in everyday scenarios. Instead of scrolling through dozens of screens in search of a messenger or utility, you can group them into thematic categories. This is especially true for users who install a large amount of third-party software from the store AppGallery or through third-party sources.
The basic method of grouping applications by dragging
The simplest and most common way to organize icons is to use the Drag-and-Drop mechanics (drag and release). This method is universal for the vast majority of versions of the operating system Android and proprietary shells of the manufacturer. You do not need to go into deep system settings or install additional software.
First, find two application icons on the desktop that you would like to combine. For example, these could be popular social networks or banking clients. Press your finger on one of the icons and hold down until the device gives a tactile response (vibration) or the icon begins to slightly increase in size, signaling the transition to editing mode.
Without releasing your finger, move the selected icon directly on top of the second icon you want to add to the group. As soon as the top icon is exactly above the bottom one, the system will automatically create a new folder, and both apps will be inside it. Usually, a characteristic animation sound is played, and an outline appears around the group.
If you accidentally released the icon next to the target one, and not strictly above it, the system may offer to create a widget or simply move the shortcuts in places. In this case, simply try again, trying to align the centers of the icons as accurately as possible. This method works both on the main screen and in the menu of all applications if the corresponding option is enabled in the launcher settings.
If you have large fingers or use the phone with one hand, try tilting the device slightly when dragging - the gyroscope sometimes helps to position the cursor more accurately in editing mode.
Customizing the appearance and naming of folders
After an application group is created, the system by default assigns it a name based on the names of the apps contained within. However, the standard title is often too long or uninformative. Changing the folder name is the first step to a truly tidy desktop.
To rename a group, simply click on it once to open it, and then click on the text field with the name, usually located under the application icons inside the container. A keyboard will automatically pop up on the screen, allowing you to enter a new name. You can use emoji, special characters, or short abbreviations to save space.
In some versions of the shell EMUI the function of changing the folder display style is available. This allows you to adapt the visuals to the established design theme. Available options may include changing the background shape, transparency, or background color under the icons.
- 🎨 Background style: Allows you to choose a solid color, gradient, or blurred image based on your desktop wallpaper.
- 📏 Grid size: In the advanced settings, you can change the number of icons displayed in the folder preview without it opening.
- 🔤 Name font: when changing the global system theme, the font of the folder name can also change to maintain the integrity of the design.
The optimal length of the name is from 8 to 12 characters. This provides a balance between information content and clean visual perception of the interface.
Adding and removing applications from an existing group
Creating a folder is just the beginning of the organization process. As you use your smartphone, you will constantly install new apps and remove old ones. The flexibility of the system Huawei allows you to easily modify the contents of already created groups without the need to delete them and create them again.
To add a new application to an existing folder, use the same drag-and-drop method as when creating. Find the app shortcut on your desktop, hold it and move it inside an open or closed folder. When you hover over a closed folder, it will automatically open, showing free space for a new item.
Removing an application from a group is done in the same way. Open the folder, hold down the desired icon and drag it outside the container to an empty space on the desktop. If you want to completely remove a app from the device's memory, drag the icon to the top of the screen, where an area with the inscription Delete or a trash icon will appear.
There is also a limit on the maximum number of applications that can be located in one folder. Typically this number is a multiple of the desktop grid size (for example, 16, 20, or 25 elements). If the folder is full, the system will not allow you to add another shortcut there by drag-and-drop, and you will need to create a new group or delete unused applications.
☑️ Checking the contents of the folder
Turning a folder into a widget for quick access
One of the unique features of the shell EMUI is the ability to transform a regular folder with applications into a full-fledged widget. This feature is called "Folder Widget" and allows you to launch applications within a group with one touch, without the need to first open the container.
To activate this mode, open the created folder. At the bottom of the folder window or in its header, you will find a special button, often indicated as Make a widget or a pin icon. Clicking on this button will change the behavior of the folder: now, when you touch any icon inside it, the application will launch instantly, as if it were directly on the desktop.
In widget mode, the folder can be displayed in an enlarged size, showing a preview of all the applications inside. This is especially useful for groups containing from 4 to 9 elements. The user gets quick access to a whole set of tools, while taking up only one space in the desktop grid.
⚠️ Attention: When you turn a folder into a widget, its size on the desktop can increase, occupying an area of 2x2 or more grid cells. Make sure you have enough free space to place the expanded widget, otherwise the system will prompt you to move other elements.
If you decide to abandon the shortcut function, the process is reversible. Just press the widget control button again or hold down the folder and select the “Remove as widget” option in the context menu. The folder will revert to its default appearance and behavior, requiring two taps to launch the apps inside it.
Secret feature of widget folders
In some versions of EMUI, if a widget folder contains a call or message app, it can display real-time missed event counters even if the folder itself is closed.
Comparison of methods for organizing space on Huawei
Users often wonder which method of organizing applications is the most effective. The choice between standard folders, folder widgets, and the use of individual screens depends on the number of installed apps and personal navigation preferences.
The table below compares the main characteristics of the various grouping methods available on devices Huawei. This will help you choose the optimal strategy for your smartphone usage scenario.
| Organization method | Launch speed | Space occupied | Visual load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard folder | Medium (2 clicks) | 1 cell | Low |
| Widget folder | High (1 click) | 2-4 cells | Medium |
| Separate screen | Low (swipe + click) | Whole screen | High |
| Search by name | High (search) | 0 cells | None |
Use search by application name available swiping down on the desktop is often the fastest alternative to manual sorting for those who remember app names. However, for visual people and those who like to put things in order, a combined approach using folder widgets for frequently used groups and standard folders for archive applications will be the best solution.
Solving problems with creating and displaying folders
Despite the stability of the system, users may encounter situations where folders are not created, renamed or displayed incorrect. Most often, these problems are related to launcher settings or theme conflicts.
If icons do not form a folder when you drag them, check whether the desktop change blocking mode is turned on. This feature is designed to protect against accidental movement of icons in your pocket or when children use the phone. You can disable it in the launcher settings.
It is also worth paying attention to third-party themes. Some graphical shells downloaded from the store Themesmay have their own grouping rules that differ from the standard ones. In such cases, it is recommended to temporarily switch to the standard theme Huawei to check the functionality of the function.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using a custom launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher), the instructions described above may not work, since these applications completely replace the standard system interface with their own rules of gestures and settings.
In rare cases, clearing the cache of the Desktop application helps. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Applications → Desktop → Storage → Clear cache. This action will not delete your data or icons, but can fix software glitches in the display of the interface.
The standard EMUI launcher is optimized for working with folders best; using third-party solutions may deprive you of the functionality of folder widgets and branded animations.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to create a folder inside another folder on Huawei?
No, operating system Android i shell EMUI does not support folder nesting. You can only place individual app shortcuts or widgets inside a folder. For a complex hierarchy, it is recommended to use different desktop screens or categories in the application menu.
Why did my folder change its name?
The system can automatically rename a folder if you add new applications to it, and the algorithm believes that the new name better reflects the contents. For example, adding a third social network might change the name from "Communication" to "Social Networks." This behavior can be disabled in some versions of the software, or you can simply rename the folder manually again.
How can I remove a folder if I change my mind?
To delete a folder, you need to extract all applications from it. Open the group and drag each icon outside the folder to an empty space on your desktop. As soon as there is not a single element left in the folder, it will disappear automatically.
Is it possible to change the color of a folder manually?
There is usually no direct choice of color in the palette for an individual folder. The folder background color adapts to the current desktop wallpaper or the selected global theme. To change the color, you need to change the theme in the Themes application or set a different wallpaper.
Does the number of folders affect the speed of the phone?
The mere fact of having folders does not affect performance. However, using a large number of heavy widgets, including folder widgets with live counter updates, may slightly increase RAM consumption and battery power. For older device models, it is recommended to use standard folders instead of widgets.