The fastest way to make a folder on your iPhone
You create a new folder on your iPhone by dragging one app icon on top of another app icon. When you do this, iOS automatically creates a folder and puts both apps inside it. You can then rename the folder to whatever you want, and add more apps to it by dragging them in.
The whole process takes about 30 seconds. You do not need to go into settings or use any special menu — it all happens right on your home screen where you already are.
Key Takeaways
- Drag one app icon directly on top of another app icon to create a folder automatically.
- iOS suggests a folder name based on the app category, but you can type any name you want.
- You can add more apps to a folder by dragging them onto the folder icon after it is created.
- Folders can hold as many apps as you want, and you can create as many folders as you need.
Step-by-step: creating your first folder
Step 1: Find two apps you want to group together. Look at your home screen and pick two apps that go together — for example, Maps and Weather, or Instagram and TikTok. It does not matter which two you pick; you are just using them to create the folder.
Step 2: Press and hold the first app icon. Touch and hold your finger on one of the app icons until a menu appears. Do not let go yet. You will see options appear on the screen, but ignore them for now.
Step 3: Drag the app icon onto the second app. While still holding down, drag your finger across the screen until the first app icon is directly on top of the second app icon. You will see the second app icon highlight or expand slightly when you are in the right spot. Then release your finger.
Step 4: Name your folder. A text box will appear with a suggested name (usually based on what kind of apps you picked). Delete the suggested name and type whatever you want to call the folder. Tap outside the text box or press Done to finish.
Adding more apps to your folder after you create it
Once your folder exists, you can add more apps to it without creating new folders. Find an app you want to add, press and hold it, and drag it directly onto the folder icon. The folder will open slightly to show you it is ready to receive the app, and when you release your finger, the app goes inside.
You can repeat this as many times as you want. There is no limit to how many apps can live in one folder, though if you add too many, you may need to scroll through pages inside the folder to find what you are looking for.
Renaming a folder you already made
If you want to change the name of a folder later, press and hold the folder icon itself (not an app inside it). A menu will appear. Tap "Rename" or look for an edit option. The current name will be highlighted so you can delete it and type a new one. Tap Done when you are finished.
On some iPhone models, you may see "Edit Home Screen" appear instead. If that happens, tap it, then tap the folder again, and the rename option will show up.
Moving folders around your home screen
Folders work just like app icons — you can move them anywhere. Press and hold the folder, and drag it to a new spot on your home screen or to a different page. You can also drag a folder into the dock at the bottom of your screen if you want quick access to it.
If you want to move a folder to a different page, drag it to the edge of the screen and hold it there. Your iPhone will automatically scroll to the next page, and you can release the folder in its new location.
Removing apps from a folder or deleting the folder entirely
To take an app out of a folder, open the folder by tapping it. Press and hold the app you want to remove, then drag it out of the folder and onto your home screen. Release your finger and the app is now separate again.
To delete an entire folder, you first need to remove all the apps inside it. Once the folder is empty, press and hold it and select "Remove from Home Screen" or the trash icon. The folder disappears, but all your apps are still on your phone — they just go back to your home screen or app library.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake 1: Tapping instead of dragging. If you just tap an app icon, nothing happens. You have to press and hold, then drag. The hold part is what activates the dragging mode.
Mistake 2: Releasing too early. If you drag an app partway toward another app and then let go, the app just moves to a new spot instead of creating a folder. Make sure the first app is directly on top of the second one before you release.
Mistake 3: Trying to create a folder in the dock. The dock is the row of apps at the very bottom of your screen. You cannot create folders there the same way. If you want a folder in the dock, create it on your home screen first, then drag the folder down to the dock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a folder inside another folder?
No. iPhone does not support nested folders — you cannot create a folder within a folder. You can only have one level of organization. If you need more organization than that, consider using the App Library, which automatically sorts your apps by category.
What happens to my apps if I delete a folder?
Your apps do not disappear. When you delete a folder, all the apps that were inside it go back to your home screen or to your App Library. You can find them and move them wherever you want.
How many apps can fit in one folder?
There is no hard limit. However, once a folder gets very full, you will need to scroll through multiple pages inside the folder to find specific apps. Most people keep folders to 10 to 20 apps for easy browsing.
Can I see how many apps are in a folder without opening it?
Yes. The folder icon shows a grid of the app icons inside it. If you have only two or three apps, you will see them all on the folder icon. If you have more, you will see a preview of the first few, and a number indicating how many pages of apps are inside.
Do I need to be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular to create a folder?
No. Creating folders is something your iPhone does entirely on the device. You do not need any internet connection to organize your apps into folders.