Creating a new app folder on your iPhone can help you organize your apps and improve your overall user experience. Whether you want to categorize your apps by function, prioritize your most-used apps, or simply declutter your home screen, creating app folders can be a great solution. In this blog post, we will guide you through various methods to create a new app folder on your iPhone. By following these steps, you’ll be able to organize your apps in a way that suits your personal preferences and needs.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Organize Your Apps
There are several reasons why organizing your apps is beneficial. Firstly, it allows you to easily locate and access your apps. Instead of spending time scrolling through multiple screens trying to find an app, you can simply open the folder and locate it within a few taps. Additionally, app organization can improve your productivity. By grouping similar apps together, you can quickly find the app you need for a specific task, such as productivity apps, social media apps, or entertainment apps.
Apart from convenience and productivity, creating app folders can help declutter your home screen. If you have a large number of apps installed, your home screen may become crowded and overwhelming. By categorizing your apps into folders, you can reduce the visual clutter on your home screen, leading to a cleaner and more organized appearance. Lastly, organizing your apps can also optimize your device’s storage space by eliminating the need for multiple pages of apps.
Now that we understand the benefits of organizing our apps, let’s explore various methods to create a new app folder on your iPhone.
Method 1: Via Drag and Drop
Method 1 allows you to create a new app folder by using the drag and drop feature on your iPhone. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Locate the apps you want to include in the new folder.
Step 2: Tap and hold on one of the apps until they all start shaking.
Step 3: Drag one app onto another app that you want to group together.
Step 4: Once you release your finger, a new folder will automatically be created with the selected apps inside.
Step 5: To rename the folder, tap on the text field above the app icons and enter the desired name.
Step 6: To add more apps to the folder, continue dragging and dropping them onto the folder.
Step 7: To exit the edit mode, press your device’s home button or swipe up from the bottom on iPhone models without a home button.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Quick and easy method to create a new app folder. | 1. Limited customization options for folder appearance. |
| 2. Can be done directly on the home screen without accessing settings. | 2. May become tedious when creating multiple folders or grouping numerous apps. |
| 3. Provides a simple way to organize apps according to your preferences. | 3. Requires manual rearrangement to reorganize apps within the folder. |
Method 2: Using the Files App
Method 2 allows you to create a new app folder using the Files app on your iPhone. This method is particularly useful if you want to organize apps related to file management or document editing. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open the Files app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Tap on the “Browse” tab at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Locate a folder where you want to create the new app folder or tap on “Recents”.
Step 4: Tap on the “Select” button at the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 5: Tap on the “+” button at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Step 6: Select the “New Folder” option from the menu that appears.
Step 7: Enter a name for the folder and tap “Done” on the keyboard.
Step 8: To add apps to the folder, tap and hold on an app, then drag and drop it onto the folder.
Step 9: To exit the edit mode, tap on the “Done” button at the top-right corner of the screen.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Ideal for organizing apps related to file management or document editing. | 1. Limited to organizing specific types of apps. |
| 2. Provides a separate space for organizing apps within the Files app. | 2. Requires accessing the Files app instead of directly from the home screen. |
| 3. Allows you to create multiple folders and arrange them in a hierarchical structure. | 3. May not be as intuitive as other methods for organizing general apps. |
Method 3: Via the App Library
Method 3 allows you to create a new app folder using the App Library feature introduced in iOS 14. The App Library automatically organizes your apps into categories, making it easier to locate and access them. Here’s how you can create a new app folder using the App Library:
Step 1: Swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library.
Step 2: Locate the category where you want to create the new app folder.
Step 3: Tap and hold on an app until they all start shaking.
Step 4: Drag one app onto another app that you want to group together.
Step 5: Once you release your finger, a new folder will automatically be created in the selected category.
Step 6: To rename the folder, tap on the text field above the app icons and enter the desired name.
Step 7: To add more apps to the folder, continue dragging and dropping them onto the folder.
Step 8: To exit the edit mode, press your device’s home button or swipe up from the bottom on iPhone models without a home button.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Utilizes the built-in App Library for organizing apps. | 1. Requires iOS 14 or later to utilize the App Library feature. |
| 2. Automatically categorizes your apps based on their functionality. | 2. Limited customization options for folder appearance and organization. |
| 3. Offers a streamlined approach to app organization without cluttering the home screen. | 3. May not suit individual preferences for organizing apps outside of the App Library. |
Method 4: Using the Settings App
Method 4 allows you to create a new app folder using the Settings app on your iPhone. This method is particularly useful if you prefer a more structured and controlled approach to app organization. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on the “Home Screen” option.
Step 3: Tap on the “App Library Only” option at the top of the screen.
Step 4: Return to the home screen and swipe right until you reach the App Library.
Step 5: Locate the category where you want to create the new app folder.
Step 6: Tap and hold on an app until they all start shaking.
Step 7: Drag one app onto another app that you want to group together.
Step 8: Once you release your finger, a new folder will automatically be created in the selected category.
Step 9: To rename the folder, tap on the text field above the app icons and enter the desired name.
Step 10: To add more apps to the folder, continue dragging and dropping them onto the folder.
Step 11: To exit the edit mode, press your device’s home button or swipe up from the bottom on iPhone models without a home button.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides a more structured approach to app organization. | 1. Requires accessing the Settings app and enabling the App Library Only option. |
| 2. Offers more control over the organization and appearance of your app folders. | 2. Can be a more time-consuming method compared to other options. |
| 3. Keeps your home screen clutter-free by moving apps to the App Library. | 3. May require adjusting to the App Library interface for locating and accessing apps. |
What to Do If You Can’t Create a New App Folder
If you are unable to create a new app folder using the methods mentioned above, there may be a few reasons for this. Firstly, make sure that your device is updated to the latest iOS version. Some features, such as the App Library, may require newer iOS versions to be available. Additionally, check if restrictions or parental controls are enabled on your device, as these settings may prevent you from organizing your apps. Lastly, if you are using a third-party launcher or customization app, the process for creating app folders may vary. Consult the documentation or support resources for the specific launcher or customization app to learn how to create app folders in that particular environment.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to help you make the most out of your app organization:
1. Utilize descriptive folder names: Instead of generic names like “Games” or “Utilities,” use names that are specific to the apps within the folder. For example, “Puzzle Games” or “Productivity Tools.” This will make it easier to remember and find apps within the folder.
2. Customize folder icons: iOS provides default folder icons, but you can also create or download custom icons to personalize your app folders. This can add a unique touch to your home screen and make it more visually appealing.
3. Regularly review and update your app organization: As you install new apps or change your usage patterns, it’s important to regularly review and update your app organization. This will ensure that your apps remain organized and easy to access according to your evolving needs.
5 FAQs
Q1: How many apps can I have in a folder?
A: During the process of creating a folder, you can have up to 216 apps in a single folder. After reaching this limit, you will need to create additional folders to organize more apps.
Q2: Can I nest folders within folders?
A: No, iOS does not support nesting folders within folders. You can only create one level of folders on your home screen or in the App Library.
Q3: Can I remove apps from the App Library?
A: Yes, you can remove apps from the App Library. Simply tap and hold on an app until they all start shaking, then tap on the “X” button on the app icon that you want to remove.
Q4: Will creating folders affect the functionality of my apps?
A: No, creating folders will not affect the functionality of your apps. They will continue to work as they did before, regardless of whether they are organized in folders.
Q5: Can I change the color or appearance of my app folders?
A: No, iOS does not provide options for changing the color or appearance of app folders. The appearance of folders is consistent across all devices and cannot be customized.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your apps into folders can greatly enhance your iPhone experience by improving accessibility, productivity, and reducing visual clutter. By utilizing the methods outlined in this blog post – via drag and drop, using the Files app, leveraging the App Library, or via the Settings app – you can create app folders that suit your personal preferences and needs. Experiment with different organizational strategies, utilize descriptive names, and regularly review and update your app organization for optimal efficiency. With your apps neatly organized, you’ll enjoy a more streamlined and enjoyable mobile experience.