How to create a folder on the Samsung Galaxy A51 desktop: 4 proven methods

The desktop Samsung Galaxy A51 quickly fills with application icons, especially if you are actively installing new apps. Creating folders not only helps you organize your icons, but also speeds up access to frequently used tools. However, the interface One UI from Samsung has its own characteristics - the standard way of grouping applications here works differently than on a “pure” one. Android.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods for creating folders on the main screen Galaxy A51, including hidden shell functions, bypassing possible bugs and alternative solutions for users with custom launchers. You will learn how to:

• 📁 Create a folder in a standard way (with nuances for One UI)
• 🔄 Rename a folder and change its color
• 🛠️ Fix errors when the folder is not created
• 📱 Use third-party launchers for advanced features

All instructions have been tested on Samsung Galaxy A51 with firmware based on Android 10/11/12 (One UI 2.5–4.1). If you have a different version of the software, some menu items may differ slightly - we will warn you about this separately.

1. Standard method: how to create a folder on the Samsung A51 desktop

The basic method of grouping applications into One UI visually resembles the process on other smartphones, but there are key differences. Unlike "pure" Android, you can't just drag one icon onto another - the system requires more precise actions.

Here are step-by-step guide:

1. Press and hold with your finger any application icon on the desktop until a menu appears (usually takes 1-2 seconds).
2. Without releasing your finger, drag the icon to another iconthat you want to group. Important: both icons must be on one desktop (not on different screens!).
3. When the second icon is highlighted with a blue circle, release your finger - a new folder with an automatic name will appear (for example, "Applications").

If you don't succeed the first time, check:

• ✅ You hold the icon long enough (the context menu or vibration should appear).
• ✅ You drag the icon strictly to the center of another icon, not next to it.
• ✅ There is enough free space on the desktop (in a crowded screen the function may not work).

Hold the icon for 1-2 seconds|

Drag to the center of another icon|

Icons must be on one screen|

Free space on the desktop is at least 20%-->

After creating a folder, you can immediately rename it: touch the name of the folder (it will highlight), enter a new name and press Done on the keyboard. In One UI up to 12 characters are available in the name.

2. Why I can’t create a folder: common mistakes

Even with the correct actions, users Galaxy A51 sometimes encounter the fact that folders are not created. The reasons may be either software or related to interface settings. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Icons are not grouped when dragging	Activated mode One-handed mode or Easy mode	Disable in Settings → Additional functions
The folder is created, but immediately disappears	Conflict with the shell (for example, after updating One UI)	Restart the phone or reset the launcher settings (Settings → Applications → Home screen → Storage → Reset)
You cannot rename the folder	Character limit or system failure	Use up to 12 characters; if that doesn’t help, delete the folder and create it again
The folder is empty after creation	Interface animation error	Close all applications and try again

Important for users with root access: if you changed the One UI system files (for example, through Magisk or Xposed), the folder creation function may be broken. In this case, only rolling back the changes or resetting to factory settings will help.

If none of the methods help, check if you have a third-party launcher installed (for example, Nova Launcher or Action Launcher). In this case, folders are created according to the rules of the selected launcher, and not One UI.

What to do if a folder is created but not opened?

This problem is typical for devices with a damaged launcher cache. Try:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Home screen → Memory → Clear cache.

2. helped - delete the folder, restart the phone and create it again.

3. As a last resort, reset the launcher settings (application data will not be affected).

3. How to rename the folder and customize its appearance

V One UI on Samsung Galaxy A51 basic customization of folders is available: changing the name and background color. Here's how to do it:

Renaming a folder:

1. Touch the folder once to open it.
2. Tap on the current one. folder name (it will be highlighted).
3. Enter a new name (maximum 12 characters, including spaces).
4. Press Done on the keyboard or tap an empty space on the screen.

Change folder color:

• 🎨 Open the folder and tap the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
• 🖌️ Select Folder color and select one of the suggested options (8 colors are available). One UI 4.1 8 colors available).
• 🔄 The color is applied automatically - no additional saving is required.

Please note: in some versions One UI the folder color is reset after updating the shell. It is also impossible to set a custom color - only from the proposed set.

If you need advanced settings (for example, transparency or custom icons for folders), you will have to use third-party launchers. We will talk about this in the next section.

4. Alternative methods: third-party launchers and widgets

If the standard folders in One UI do not suit you (for example, due to a limitation on the number of applications in a folder or poor design settings), you can use alternative solutions. Let's consider two proven options.

Method 1: Installing a third-party launcher

Popular launchers such as Nova Launcher, Action Launcher or Lawnchair, offer flexible folder settings:

• 📌 Unlimited number of applications in a folder.
• 🎨 Full customization of appearance (color, transparency, icons).
• 🔄 Gestures for opening folders (for example, swipe top).
• 📂 Subfolders (folders within folders).

To install a third-party launcher:

1. Download the application from Google Play (for example, Nova Launcher).
2. After installation, click button Home and select the new launcher as the standard one.
3. Create a folder according to the rules of the selected launcher (usually just drag one icon onto another).

Method 2: Widget panels (for minimalists)

If you don't need folders, but want to organize applications, you can use widgets like Another Widget or KWGT. They allow you to create a panel with frequently used apps that takes up minimal space on the screen.

Warning: When using third-party launchers, some functions Samsung (for example, Bixby or Edge Panels) may not work correctly. Battery consumption also increases by 5–10% due to the additional process in the background.

5. How to transfer folders between desktops

B One UI folders are tied to a specific desktop, but they can be moved. Here's how to do this without losing the contents:

Step 1: Moving a folder

1. Tap and hold the folder until a menu appears.
2. Drag it to edge of the screen (left or right) - it will move to the next working table.
3. Release your finger when the folder is in the desired place.

Step 2: Copying a folder (duplicating)

If you need to create a copy of the folder on another screen:

1. Open the folder and remember its contents (or take a screenshot).
2. Create a new folder on the target desktop and manually add the same applications to it.

There is no built-in function for copying folders, so you have to duplicate them manually. This is a shell limitation that cannot be circumvented without third-party launchers. One UI There is no built-in function for copying folders, so you have to duplicate them manually. This is a shell limitation that cannot be circumvented without third-party launchers.

If a folder “falls apart” into separate icons when moving, this means that there is not enough space on the target desktop. Free up space or reduce the number of icons in the folder (maximum - 16 applications in one folder in One UI 4.1).

6. How to delete a folder and what to do if it is not deleted

Deleting a folder on Samsung Galaxy A51 is a simple procedure, but sometimes the system crashes. Let's look at both scenario.

Standard deletion:

1. Touch the folder to open it.
2. Tap on the empty space inside the folder (not the icons!).
3. In the upper right corner, click on the trash can icon (🗑️) or select Delete folder in the menu (⋮).

If the folder is not deleted:

• 🔄 Reboot phone: sometimes a basic reboot helps.
• 🧹 Clear launcher cache: go to Settings → Applications → Home screen → Memory → Clear cache.
• 📱 Reset launcher settings: in the same home screen settings select Reset settings (application data will not be affected).
• 🛠️ Safe Mode: if the folder is stuck due to a conflict with another application, reboot the phone in safe mode (hold the power button → Safe Mode) and repeat the deletion.

If the folder is empty, but still is not deleted, check whether it is data-i="208">(for example, folder system (for example, folder Samsung or Google). Such folders cannot be deleted, but they can be hidden by moving them to a separate desktop.

How to restore an accidentally deleted folder?

Unfortunately, One UI there is no function to undo the deletion of folders. However, all applications that were in the folder remain on the phone. To restore the structure:

1. Find the deleted applications in the menu of all apps (swipe up on the desktop).

2 Create a new folder and manually add it to it. necessary icons.

7. Optimizing the desktop: tips for organizing folders

Folders on the desktop save space, but if there are too many of them, it can complicate navigation. Here are some tips for effective organization:

• 📊 Grouping by topic: create folders by category (for example, "Social networks", "Games", "Work").
• 🔤 Short titles: Use abbreviations (for example, "SS" instead of "Social networks").
• 🎨 Color tags: Assign different colors to folders for visual separation (for example, red for important, green for entertainment).
• 📱 Frequently used on the first screen: place folders with priority applications on the main desktop.
• 🔄 Regular cleaning: check folders once a month and delete unnecessary ones applications.

For users Galaxy A51 with a small amount of RAM (4 GB), it is recommended not to create more than 5-7 folders on the desktop. A large number of folders can slow down the interface animation, especially if they store heavy applications (for example, games).

If you use the same apps frequently, consider adding them to Quick Access Toolbar (swipe down from the top edge of the screen) or to Lock Screen (in Settings Lock screen → Application shortcuts).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about folders on the Samsung Galaxy A51

Can I create a folder within a folder (subfolders)?

In the standard launcher One UI subfolders are not supported. However, this is possible in third-party launchers, for example, in Nova Launcher Prime (paid version). To do this:

1. Create the first folder.
2. Open it and create a second folder inside (by dragging one icon onto another).

Limitation: nesting depth usually does not exceed 2 levels.

How many applications can be placed in one folder?

In One UI 4.1 (Android 12) the limit is 16 applications per one folder. In earlier versions (One UI 2.5/3.1), the limit could be lower - 12 applications. If you need more, use third-party launchers (for example, Nova Launcher limit - 25 applications per folder).

Why after updating One UI folders disappeared?

This is a known problem when switching to new versions of the shell. Folders are not deleted, but their structure is reset. To restore:

1. Check the menu of all applications (swipe up on the desktop) - all icons should be in place.
2. Create the folders again and manually add them to them. applications.
3. If the folders are empty, but the applications have disappeared, check the folder Disabled in the application settings.

In the future, before updating, take screenshots of the folder structure to restore it faster.

How to hide a folder on the desktop?

There is no built-in function for hiding folders, but there are workarounds: One UI There is no built-in functionality for hiding folders, but there are workarounds:

• Moving to a separate screen: create a new desktop (swipe left to the end → plus) and move unnecessary folders there.
• Disable icons: in the launcher settings (Settings → Home screen → Hide applications), you can remove icons, but you cannot hide folders.
• Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher there is an option to hide folders (long press → Hide).

Is it possible to synchronize folders with another device Samsung?

No, synchronizing the folder structure between devices Samsung is not supported. However, you can:

1. Synchronize application list via Samsung Cloud or Google Account.
2. Manually restore folders on a new device, focusing on screenshots or notes.
3. Use third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root) for backup launcher settings.

Tip: to quickly transfer the folder structure, take screenshots of each desktop and save them in Samsung Notes or Google Keep.