How to Create and Organize Folders on an iPhone or iPad

Many people use their iPhones and iPads as their remote access computers. And even though you might love your devices, Apple products are not always as intuitive to operate as we might like. Learning how to organize apps on an iPhone isn’t difficult, but it also isn’t obvious, especially to a new iOS user. If you rely on your iPhone and iPad for many functions, you will want to keep your files and apps organized, or your Home screen will become challenging to navigate. To do so, learn how to create a folder on an iPhone and how to create a folder on an iPad.

Q: How do you organize apps on an iPhone or iPad?

A: The best approach is using folders, which are containers on your Home screen that group multiple apps under a single icon, making organization simple.

How to Create a Folder on an iPhone

• Unlock your iPhone and press your Home screen button.
• Tap and hold your finger on one of your Home screen icons. After holding an icon for a couple of seconds, the icons will start to shake in place
• Once they are shaking, you can drag any icon onto another you would like to keep in the same category. When one app is placed on top of another, a folder will appear containing both apps. For example, if you want to create a folder to keep all your social networking apps in one place, if you touch and drag your Facebook icon on top of your Twitter icon, they will both be placed in a newly created folder
• Hold your finger down on the new folder, and you’ll get the option to name or rename it. Tap the default title of the folder and type the new name you would like for that folder. Congratulations. You have just created a new folder on your iPhone

Q: Why should I use folders on my devices?

A: Folders help declutter your Home screen by grouping similar apps, such as Utilities, Games or Productivity. Doing so allows you to locate and open what you need quickly. iOS supports multiple pages within a folder, allowing you to organize a lot of apps efficiently. Plus, folders consolidate notification badges, showing a total count and keeping your layout clean.

How to Organize Apps on an iPhone

Now that you've learned how to create a folder on an iPhone, you can expand this process to help organize all your apps and even consider a few shortcuts. Decide on categories you would like for organizing your apps. In addition to a folder for social networking, you can use the same method to group any apps in any category: Search Engines, Music, Shopping, etc. You can use any name you'd like. If you wish to delete a folder completely, drag the app icons out of the folder. When the folder no longer contains any apps, it will disappear from your screen.

Q: How can I rearrange apps inside folders or move them between screens?

A: Tap and hold on the screen to make the icons jiggle. That lets you drag apps into or out of folders or shift entire clusters to different Home screen pages. On more recent versions of iOS, users can select multiple apps by holding one and tapping others, then drag them all at once, which streamlines large reorganizations.

How to Create a Folder on an iPad

On your computer, a desktop cluttered with folders and files is difficult to navigate. The same statement holds true for your iPad, only worse. An iPad has a smaller screen than most computers, so leaving files and folders in disarray on an iPad is even more counterproductive. The instructions for creating a folder on an iPad are almost identical to those for creating folders and organizing apps on an iPhone. However, with IOS 13 or later, there is a slight change. Here’s how to create a folder on an iPad:

• With IOS 13 or later, you can press and hold your finger on the app you'd like to organize in a folder. In these operating system versions, holding your finger down on the app will bring up a menu from which you will select the option "Rearrange Apps"
• Next, just as you do with an iPhone, drag the app on top of another app you would like to place in the same folder
• Again, a default folder will appear containing both apps
• Name the folder whatever you like, as long as it will make it easier for you to find individual apps in the future

Are Folders Separate from the App Library?

Yes. They serve different functions. Folders only exist on your visible Home screens and must be manually customized. In contrast, the App Library (iOS 14 and later) automatically organizes all apps, even those hidden from view. You can hide entire Home screen pages to rely on folders or the App Library for different organization levels.

Can You Sync Folder Organization between iPhone and iPad?

Once you know how to organize folders on the iPhone, you may want to replicate the work on your iPad. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible. iCloud doesn't sync Home screen layouts or folder structures across devices. Users will need to manually replicate their folder setup on each device. Though it may be less efficient, it ensures the organizational system fits the usage patterns of each device.

Is There a Connection Between iPhone and iPad Folders and Mobile Security?

Now that you know how to create a folder on an iPhone and how to create a folder on an iPad, you can better organize your life, although that won’t guarantee your digital actions are secure. That’s especially true for small and midsized businesses that have multiple employees using a mix of personal and company-owned equipment. For an integrated approach to phones, tablets and laptops, consult IT professionals with experience in mobile device management services. They’ll go beyond keeping you organized; they’ll make you safer.