Chaos in the smartphone gallery is a familiar problem for most users Android. Hundreds, or even thousands of photos accumulate in one place: screenshots are mixed with selfies, documents are mixed with vacation snapshots, and memes from chats remain lying next to family photos. As a result, the search for the desired frame turns into a quest, and the device’s memory becomes clogged with duplicates. Fortunately, modern versions Android and third-party applications offer several ways to put things in order - from simple manual sorting to automatic distribution into folders using AI.

In this article we will look at all the current methods: how to create folders directly in the standard gallery, how to use built-in tools Google Photos, which applications will help automate the process, and even how to sort files via ADB for advanced users. We will place special emphasis on nuances that are often missed in general instructions: for example, why some folders are not displayed in the gallery or how to avoid duplicating files when transferring. If you're tired of scrolling through an endless stream of photos, read on.

1. Standard Android tools: manual sorting through the file manager

The basic way to organize photos is to use the built-in file manager (for example, Files by Google or a standard application from the manufacturer, such as Mi File Manager na Xiaomi). This method does not require installing additional software and works on any device, but is only suitable for a small number of files.

The algorithm is simple:

  • 📁 Open the file manager and go to the folder DCIM (photos from the camera are stored here by default) or Pictures (for uploaded images).
  • 📂 Click the button to create a new folder (usually indicated by the “+” or “Create” icon) and name it (for example, “Vacation 2026” or “Documents”).
  • 📤 Select the desired photos (long press → check boxes) and select the “Move” or “Copy” option, then specify the target folder.
  • 🔄 Repeat for all categories. To speed up the process, you can sort files by date (By date of change in the sorting menu).

An important nuance: photos moved in this way are not duplicatedare physically transferred to a new folder. However, some galleries (for example, the standard one on Samsung) may not immediately update the display - in this case, just restart the application or wait a few minutes.

⚠️ Attention: If you use cloud services like Google Photos, moving files through the file manager does not sync with the cloud. To avoid data loss, first copy the photo to a new folder, and delete the originals only after checking.
📊 How do you usually organize photos on your smartphone?
No way, everything is in one folder
I sort manually
I use Google Photos
I use third-party applications

2. Automatic sorting in Google Photos: tags, albums and AI

Google Photos is one of the most powerful solutions for managing media files on Android. It not only automatically groups pictures by dates and events, but also allows you to create albums, add tags, and also searches for photos by content (for example, “beach”, “cat”, “document”) thanks to the technology Google Lens.

To set up automatic sorting:

  1. Open Google Photos and log in with your account Google.
  2. Go to the tab Library → Utilities → Create new.
  3. Select Album and name it (for example, “Passport data” or “Recipes”).
  4. Add a photo to the album manually or use search by keywords (for example, enter “receipts” - the service will find all photos with receipts).
  5. To automatically replenish the album, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the album and select Album rules. Here you can specify that, for example, all photos with certain people or taken in a specific place are added to the album.

The advantage of this method is synchronization between devices: albums and tags will be available on the phone, on the tablet, and in the web version Google Photos. In addition, the service automatically creates collections such as “Video”, “Screenshots” or “Animations”, which simplifies navigation.

Function Description Limitations
Albums Manual or automatic grouping of photos by topic Does not remove originals from the main feed
Search by content Finds photos by objects (for example, “dog”, “car”) Accuracy depends on the quality of AI recognition
Archive Hides photos from the main feed, but saves them Does not sort, but only hides
Shared Albums Allows you to share albums with other users Requires internet for synchronization
⚠️ Attention: Free storage in Google Photos limited to 15 GB per account (shared s Gmail i Google Drive). If you plan to store originals in high resolution, check the free space in your account settings.

3. Third-party applications for advanced sorting

If built-in tools Android or Google Photos seem insufficient, you should pay attention to specialized applications. They offer advanced functions like batch renaming, recognition duplicates and even sorting by EXIF data (metainformation about place, time and shooting parameters).

Top 3 applications for sorting photos:

  • 📱 Gallery Doctor - analyzes the gallery, finds duplicates, unclear pictures and suggests optimal folders for sorting. Suitable for bulk cleaning.
  • 🗃️ FStop Gallery —supports tags, ratings and flexible filters (for example, “all photos with 4K resolution”). Ideal for photographers.
  • 🤖 Simple Gallery Pro - open source, no advertising, user-friendly interface with support for cloud storage (Dropbox, Nextcloud).

Example of working with Simple Gallery Pro:

  1. Install the application from Google Play and provide access to the storage.
  2. Go to Settings → Folders and turn on the display of hidden folders (if necessary).
  3. Select a group of photos, click “Move” and select the target folder or create a new one.
  4. For automatic sorting, use the function Filters → By tags/rating.

Make a backup copy of the photo|Check application permissions|Disable battery optimization for the application|Configure exceptions in the antivirus (if any)-->

Many applications also support synchronization with clouds, which allows you to sort photos on your phone, and apply changes on your PC. For example, FStop Gallery can connect to Google Drive i OneDrive, automatically creating a mirror folder structure.

4. Sorting by EXIF data: date, location and shooting parameters

Each photo contains EXIF metadata information about the date, time, geolocation, camera model and even shooting settings (shutter speed, ISO, aperture). taken in different places or at different times.

How to sort by EXIF:

  • 📅 By date: Apps like Exif Viewer or A+ Gallery allow you to filter photos by date range (for example, "June 2023 - August 2023").
  • 📍 By geolocation: B Google Photos or Simple Gallery You can open the map and see all the photos taken in a specific place (for example, “Paris” or “Central Park”).
  • 📸 By shooting parameters: Advanced galleries (for example, Focus) can sort photos by ISO, focal length or even color profile.

Example: if you want to collect all the photos taken in Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra portrait mode, filter the files by camera model (SM-S918B) and value Focal Length (for example, 3.5 mm for the main camera).

exiftool -if "$Model eq 'SM-S918B' && $FocalLength eq '3.5 mm'" -r -ext jpg /sdcard/DCIM/ -o /sdcard/Pictures/Portrait_S23/

This command (for Termux or ADB) will find all photos from Galaxy S23 Ultra in portrait mode and copy them to a separate folder. To use it, you will need to install ExifTool.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, instant messengers) delete EXIF ​​data when sending a photo. If geolocation or shooting date is critical, save the originals without editing.

5. Automation via Tasker or ADB (for advanced users)

If you need regularly sort photos according to specified rules (for example, move all screenshots to a folder Screenshots, and photos from the camera - to Camera), you can automate the process with using Tasker or commands ADB.

Method 1: Tasker

Tasker is an application for automating actions on Android. With it, you can create a task that will run, for example, every evening and move new photos to the appropriate folders.

  • Create a new profile with a trigger Event → File system → File created (specify the path to the folder DCIM).
  • Add an action File → Move and set up rules (for example, if the file name contains SCR-move to Screenshots).
  • Save the task and activate it.

Method 2: ADB commands

To bulk move files via computer, connect your phone via USB with debugging enabled (Settings → For developers → USB debugging) and use the commands:

adb shell

mkdir /sdcard/Pictures/Vacation_2026


mv /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/IMG_2026*.jpg /sdcard/Pictures/Vacation_2026/

This sequence creates a folder Vacation_2026 and moves there all the photos from Camerataken in 2026.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

Make sure that the drivers for your smartphone model are installed (you can download them from the manufacturer's website). Also, check whether the file transfer mode (MTP) is enabled in the notification shade when connecting via USB. If the problem persists, try using a different cable or port.

Automation is convenient for regular tasks, but requires caution: an incorrectly configured rule. may lead to the loss of files. Before mass operations, always make a backup copy.

6. Hiding and archiving unnecessary photos

Not all photos need to be stored in the main gallery. For example, screenshots, memes or temporary snapshots can be archive or hideso that they do not interfere with everyday use. Here's how to do it:

Ways to hide photos:

  • 🔒 Hidden folders: In a file. manager, create a folder with a dot at the beginning of the name (for example, .Private). Such folders are not displayed in the standard gallery, but remain accessible through the file manager.
  • 🗄️ Archive in Google Photos: Select the photo → click “More” → “Archive” Photos will disappear from the main feed, but will remain in the folder. archive (available through the menu Library → Archive).
  • 🔐 Password-protected galleries: Applications like KeepSafe or Vaulty allow you to hide photos behind a PIN code or fingerprint.

If you want to completely free up spacebut save the photos, upload them to the cloud (for example, Google Photos in “High Quality” mode - does not take up storage space) and delete local copies. this:

  1. Open Google Photos and go to Settings → Free up location.
  2. Confirm deleting local copies (they will remain in the cloud).
⚠️ Attention: Hidden folders (with a dot at the beginning of the name) may become visible after updating the firmware or resetting the settings. To be on the safe side, use specialized applications to hide files.

7. Backup before sorting: how not to lose photos

Any manipulation of files carries the risk of losing them - especially if you move or delete large amounts of data. To avoid troubles be sure to make a backup copy here are reliable ways:

Backup options:

  • ☁️ Cloud services: Google Photos (automatic download), Dropbox, Yandex Disk. Plus - access from any device, minus - dependence on the Internet.
  • 💾 Local storage: Copy the photo to a computer or external drive (flash drive, HDD). Use MTP-mode or FTP server (applications like FX File Explorer support FTP).
  • 📱 Another device: Transfer photos to a second smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct or Nearby Share.

Set up for automatic backup synchronization in Google Photos:

  1. Open the application and go to Settings → Backup and sync.
  2. Turn on the switch and select quality (“Original” or “High”).
  3. Specify which folders you want to synchronize (for example, only DCIM and Pictures).

If you prefer local copying, use Termux to create an archive:

tar -czvf /sdcard/backup_photos.tar.gz /sdcard/DCIM/ /sdcard/Pictures/

This command will pack all photos into an archive backup_photos.tar.gz, which can then be moved to a PC.

💡

The backup copy should be stored in two places: for example, in the cloud and on an external drive. This will protect against data loss if one of the storage facilities fails.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sorting photos on Android

🔍 Why are some folders not displayed in the gallery?

Standard gallery Android can ignore:

  • Folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (for example, .thumbnails).
  • Folders excluded in settings galleries (check Settings → Folders).
  • Files with non-standard extensions (for example, .heic on older versions Android).

Solution: use a file manager or a third-party gallery (for example, Simple Gallery), which shows all files.

📱 How to transfer photos from your phone to a computer without losing quality?

The most reliable methods:

  1. USB cable: Connect your phone in mode File transfer (MTP) and copy the folders DCIM and Pictures.
  2. FTP server: Install FX File Explorer, turn on the FTP server and connect to it via FileZilla or Total Commander.
  3. Cloud: Upload the photo in Google Photo in original quality, then download to PC.

Avoid transferring via instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) - they compress photos!

🔄 Is it possible to cancel moving a photo if I made a mistake with the folder?

Yes, but the methods depend on how you moved the files:

  • Through the file manager: Check the folder Trash (trash) - some managers (for example, Files by Google) retain deleted files for 30 days.
  • Via ADB/Termux: If you have not emptied the trash, restore the files command mv /sdcard/Trash/IMG_*.jpg /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/.
  • Via Google Photos: Open Trash in the menu and restore photos (stored for 60 days).

If the recycle bin is empty, try data recovery apps (DiskDigger, Recuva), but the chances depend on how much time has passed since the deletion.

🤖 Why does Google Photos create duplicates when sorting?

Duplicates appear if:

  • You move photos through the file manager, and Google Photos has already synchronized them to the cloud. The service perceives the new location as a new file.
  • The option is enabled Backup and synchronization for several folders with the same photo.
  • You edit a photo in a third-party application, and it saves a copy.

Solution: disable synchronization before manual movement or use built-in tools Google Photos for sorting.

📅 How to automatically sort photos by month/year?

For automatic sort by date:

  1. Use Google Photos: albums By year are created automatically on the tab Search → By date.
  2. Set up Tasker: 
    Profile: Event → File system → File created (/DCIM/Camera/*.jpg)

    Task:
    

    1. Extract EXIF ​​metadata (AutoTools plugin)
    

    2. Create a folder /Pictures/%EXIF_DATE (YYYY-MM format)
    

    3. Move the file to the created folder

  3. Use the script on Python (for PC): 
    import os, shutil

    from PIL import Image
    

    from datetime import datetime
    


    source = "/sdcard/DCIM/Camera/"
    

    dest = "/sdcard/Pictures/"
    


    for file in os.listdir(source):
    

    if file.endswith(('.jpg', '.png')):
    

    img = Image.open(os.path.join(source, file))
    

    exif = img._getexif()
    

    date_str = datetime.strptime(exif[36867], "%Y:%m:%d %H:%M:%S").strftime("%Y-%m")
    

    os.makedirs(os.path.join(dest, date_str), exist_ok=True)
    

    shutil.move(os.path.join(source, file), os.path.join(dest, date_str, file))