In today’s digital age, our iPhones have become essential to our everyday lives. From social media apps and email clients to games and utilities, the number of apps we use daily can add up quickly. If your home screen feels cluttered or disorganized, you’re not alone. Fortunately, Apple has a simple and elegant solution: folders.
Creating folders on your iPhone is a great way to keep your apps organized, reduce screen clutter, and even make your phone more efficient to use. Whether you’re new to iOS or just haven’t taken the time to tidy things up, this guide will show you step-by-step how to create folders on your iPhone and make the most of them.
Why Use Folders on iPhone?
Here are some benefits of creating folders:
- 📁 Declutter Your Home Screen – Group similar apps together (e.g., Social, Games, Productivity) to free up space.
- 🔎 Find Apps Faster – Instead of swiping through multiple screens, you can open one folder and find what you need.
- 🧠 Improve Focus – Organize apps by category to reduce distractions.
- 💼 Professional Appearance – A clean layout looks more polished and efficient.
- 🚀 Speed Up Navigation – Streamline your experience by creating folders for daily-use apps.
No matter your goals—clean aesthetics, faster access, or better organization—folders are your friend.
Method 1: How to Create a Folder on iPhone (Basic Steps)
The process to create folders on iPhone is incredibly intuitive. Here’s how to do it:
📲 Step-by-Step Guide:
- Go to Your Home Screen
Unlock your iPhone and locate the apps you want to organize. - Tap and Hold an App Icon
Lightly press and hold any app icon until the apps start wiggling (you’ll also see a small “–” on the corner of each app). - Drag the App onto Another App
While the apps are still wiggling, drag one app over another that you’d like to group it with. When the two apps overlap, a folder is automatically created. - Release to Create the Folder
Once the folder appears, lift your finger. Your iPhone will name the folder automatically based on the app category. - Rename the Folder (Optional)
Tap the folder name to edit it. Enter your preferred title like “Work,” “Games,” “Utilities,” or “Photography.” - Add More Apps
While the apps are still wiggling, drag additional apps into the folder. - Tap ‘Done’ or Press Home Button
On Face ID models, tap Done in the top-right corner. On Touch ID models, press the Home button to exit editing mode.
Method 2: Create Folders Within the App Library (iOS 14 and Up)
Since iOS 14, Apple introduced the App Library, which automatically sorts your apps into smart folders. While you can’t manually create new folders here, understanding how it works can help you complement your custom folders on the main screens.
To access App Library:
- Swipe left past your last home screen page.
You’ll see folders like Social, Productivity, Entertainment, etc. These are created automatically based on app type.
Although you can’t rename or rearrange these folders, the App Library is a great companion to your own folders—especially for hiding lesser-used apps.
Tips for Naming Folders Effectively
When naming folders, clarity is key. Here are some smart folder name ideas based on categories:
| Category | Suggested Folder Name |
|---|---|
| Messaging | Chat, Talk, Messages |
| Social Media | Social, Connect, Feed |
| Photography | Photos, Camera, Edits |
| Games | Games, Fun, Play |
| Productivity | Work, Tools, Office |
| Finance | Money, Banking, Wallet |
| Health & Fitness | Health, Wellness, Fit |
| Utilities | Tools, System, Utility |
| Shopping | Shop, Buy, Deals |
| Travel | Maps, Flights, Travel |
Feel free to use emojis for flair, e.g., “🎮 Games” or “💼 Work.”
How to Move Folders on iPhone
Once you’ve created a folder, you might want to move it to a different page or position.
📦 To Move a Folder:
- Tap and hold the folder until it starts wiggling.
- Drag it to a new location on the screen.
- To move it to a different page, drag it to the edge of the screen, and hold it there until the page turns.
Once you’ve positioned the folder, tap Done or press the Home button to save.
How to Delete a Folder on iPhone
You can’t technically “delete” a folder—but you can empty it by dragging all apps out.
🗑 To Remove a Folder:
- Tap and hold the folder until it wiggles.
- Open the folder and drag each app out onto the home screen.
- Once all apps are removed, the folder disappears automatically.
How Many Apps Can Fit in One Folder?
As of iOS 16:
- Each folder can hold up to 9 apps per page (3×3 layout).
- You can add multiple pages to a single folder—up to 135 apps total (15 pages).
To add more than 9 apps, simply keep dragging additional apps into the folder and swipe left to create a new page within it.
Advanced Folder Tips & Tricks
🧠 1. Put Folders in the Dock
The bottom Dock only shows four apps—but if you place a folder there, you can access many more apps instantly.
- Drag a folder into the dock for quick access to groups of apps.
🌙 2. Use Folders to Limit Distractions
Organize addictive apps (e.g., social media or games) into a folder and move it off the main screen. This adds a small friction layer that helps with digital wellbeing.
🔐 3. Hide Apps in Plain Sight
While not a security measure, placing apps inside deep folders (e.g., third page of a folder) can make them less visible or accessible to prying eyes.
📚 4. Combine Folders with Focus Mode
With Focus Mode, you can customize which home screen pages appear based on the time or activity (e.g., work, sleep). Use folders strategically in these views for ultra-organized layouts.
How to Use Folders on iPad (Bonus Tip)
If you also own an iPad, the folder creation process is the same:
- Tap and hold an app
- Drag it over another app to form a folder
- Rename and add more apps as needed
On iPad, folders appear larger and can display more apps per page, making them even more powerful for multitasking users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I create folders for files or documents too?
Yes! In the Files app, you can create folders for documents:
- Open Files > Browse
- Tap the folder icon with a “+”
- Name your folder and move files into it
❓ Can I create folders inside folders?
No. Apple currently does not support nested folders on the home screen. Each folder is a standalone container.
❓ Can I create a folder with just one app?
Technically, yes. But iOS will still treat it as a folder. It’s not common practice unless you’re hiding apps or organizing minimal setups.
❓ Will creating folders delete or change my apps?
No. Creating folders does not delete apps or affect your data. It’s purely for organizing and easier access.
❓ Can I organize widgets in folders?
Not yet. Widgets cannot be added to folders—they must stay on the home screen or Today View.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your iPhone’s Layout
Your iPhone is a powerful tool, but its full potential is unlocked when it’s properly organized. With just a few taps, you can declutter your home screen, speed up access to important apps, and create a more focused digital experience.
Whether you’re a minimalist who wants only one page of essentials, or a power user juggling dozens of apps, creating folders lets you personalize your device and stay in control.
So go ahead—clean up that chaotic home screen. Group your apps. Rename those folders. Your phone (and your brain) will thank you.
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