How to Create a New Folder on Your Android Phone

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Creating folders on your Android phone is a great way to keep your files and apps organized. With a well-structured folder system, you can easily access important files and manage your apps more effectively. This detailed guide will cover several ways to create folders on your Android device, providing you with comprehensive information to streamline your mobile organization process.

Understanding the basics: What is a folder?

Before we dive into the methods, it's important to understand what a folder is. A folder, sometimes referred to as a directory, is a virtual container in your device's file system that allows you to group multiple files or applications together. Folders are used to keep your apps, images, videos, documents, and other files organized in a way that makes them easier to access and manage. Think of a folder as a way to categorize similar items together.

Create folders on your home screen

The most common reason to create folders on an Android phone is to organize apps on your home screen. This can help reduce clutter and find apps faster and more efficiently. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating app folders on the home screen of an Android device:

Step 1: Unlock your phone

Start by unlocking your phone and accessing the Home screen. This is where you want to create the folder that will contain your chosen apps.

Step 2: Select the apps you want to group

Identify the apps you want to organize together. For example, you may want to group all your social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter into one folder.

Step 3: Drag one app on top of another

Press and hold one of the apps you want to group. Without lifting your finger, drag the app on top of another app in the same folder. When the second app is highlighted or a folder outline appears beneath it, release the app. Doing so automatically creates a folder containing both apps.

Step 4: Rename the folder

Once the folder is created, it will appear on your home screen with a generic name that Android assigns. To give it a meaningful name, tap the newly created folder, then tap the "Unnamed Folder" header text above Apps. A keyboard will pop up, allowing you to enter a new name, such as "Social Media" or "Productivity."

Step 5: Add more apps to the folder

If you want to add more apps to this folder, press and hold the app you want and drag it into the folder. Drop the app over the folder to drop it into the folder. Repeat this step until you have added all the apps you want to include.

Create folders in the app drawer

In addition to the home screen, many Android users like to organize apps in the app drawer. This section will walk you through the process of creating folders in the app drawer:

Step 1: Access the app drawer

The app drawer is where all of your installed apps live. Access it by tapping the app drawer icon, often represented by a grid or series of dots, typically located at the bottom of your home screen.

Step 2: Enable folder creation (if needed)

Not all Android launchers or skins allow creating folders within the app drawer. If your current launcher doesn't support this, consider downloading a third-party launcher that offers more customization options.

Step 3: Create the folder

Just like creating a folder on the home screen, tap and hold an app until a menu pops up, or until you can drag the app. Drag the app and place it over another app, which will automatically create a folder.

Step 4: Organize your folder

Once created, tap to open the folder and then name your folder as described in the "Home screen" section. To add additional apps, tap and hold apps and drag them to the folder.

Creating a folder in the file manager

To organize files such as documents, images, videos, and audio files, you can create folders in your phone's file manager. Follow these steps to create a folder using the File Manager app:

Step 1: Open your file manager

Most Android phones have a file manager preinstalled. Find the file manager app icon in the app drawer and open it. Popular file managers include "Files", "My Files" or "File Manager" by Google.

Step 2: Navigate to the location

Once you're in the file manager, navigate to the location where you want to create your new folder. For example, if you're creating a folder for pictures, navigate to the "Pictures" directory.

Step 3: Create a new folder

Look for options such as "New Folder," "+," or "Create Folder." This option is usually available from a menu or toolbar at the top or bottom of the app interface. Tap this option and a dialog box will appear, asking you to enter a name for your new folder.

Step 4: Name the folder and confirm

Enter a name for your folder that describes its contents, such as "Vacation Photos" or "Work Documents." Tap "Create" or "OK" to finish the process. The new folder will appear in your selected directory.

Managing apps and files within folders

Renaming folders

To rename a folder on your home screen, app drawer, or file manager, open the folder and tap the folder name text box. Just like creating a new folder, you'll be able to enter a new name.

Deleting a folder

To delete a folder from the home screen or app drawer, tap and hold the folder until a menu appears. Select "Delete" or drag the folder to the bin icon, often located at the top or bottom of the screen. Note that the apps will not be deleted; they will be returned to their original state.

To delete a folder from the file manager, navigate to the folder, select it and choose "Delete" from the menu options. Be careful, as deleting folders in the file manager will also delete their contents.

Moving apps or files to different folders

To move an app from one folder to another, tap and hold the app, drag it out of the current folder, and drop it into the new folder.

Moving files between folders requires file manager access. Navigate to the current location of the file, select the file, choose the "Move" option if available, and specify a new folder as the destination.

Troubleshooting common problems

Problem: Folder cannot be created

If you are unable to create a folder, your device or launcher may not support creating folders in existing settings or apps. Consider trying another launcher app that supports this feature.

Problem: Apps or files disappear after deleting a folder

When deleting a home screen or app drawer folder, apps should return to their previous location. If files are missing after deleting a folder in the file manager, they may have been inadvertently deleted. Consider checking your device's recycle bin, if available, to recover them.

Problem: Unable to rename folders

If you're unable to rename a folder on your home screen or in the app drawer, make sure you're tapping directly on the text of the folder name for editable access. If problems persist in the file manager, make sure the folder isn't write-protected or that you have the necessary permissions for editing.

Using third-party apps for better management

While the built-in features on Android devices provide basic organization features, third-party apps can provide additional functionality. Apps like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, ES File Explorer, and Solid Explorer offer better folder management features and additional customization.

To use these apps, download them from the Google Play Store, install them on your device, and follow the in-app instructions to better personalize and organize your home screen and file system.

Conclusion

Once you understand how folders work, it's easy to take control of how you organize your apps and files on your Android phone. The ability to create new folders on the home screen, in the app drawer, and in the file manager allows for a structured digital environment that provides both efficiency and practicality in accessing and managing digital content. Experiment with different methods and customize your Android experience to suit your personal preferences.

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