Android's app drawer organization features allow for grouping similar apps together for easier navigation. However, if you've grouped apps and now want to ungroup them, this guide will walk you through the process, covering various Android versions and launchers. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer and the launcher you're using (e.g., Google Launcher, Samsung One UI Launcher, Nova Launcher).
Understanding App Grouping on Android
Before we dive into ungrouping, let's quickly understand how app grouping works. Most Android launchers let you long-press an app icon, then drag it onto another app icon to create a folder. This folder groups the apps, often with a generic name reflecting the type of apps within. The method for ungrouping, however, shares similar steps across various Android launchers.
How to Ungroup Apps on Stock Android (Google Launcher)
The Google Launcher, the default launcher on many Pixel phones and other Android devices using a stock Android experience, follows a straightforward process for ungrouping:
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Locate the App Folder: Find the app folder you want to ungroup in your app drawer.
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Open the App Folder: Tap on the app folder to open it. You'll see all the apps contained within.
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Long-Press an App: Long-press (hold down your finger) on any app icon inside the folder.
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Drag and Drop: Drag the app icon out of the folder and drop it onto the app drawer's main screen. You'll see the folder shrink in size as you do this.
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Repeat for Other Apps: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for all the remaining apps within the folder. The folder will disappear once all apps have been removed.
How to Ungroup Apps on Other Android Launchers (e.g., Samsung One UI, Nova Launcher)
While the core process remains similar, some launchers have subtle differences. Here's a general approach:
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Open the App Folder: As before, locate and tap the app folder to open it.
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Long-Press an App: Long-press on any app icon inside the folder.
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Look for "Ungroup" or Similar Options: Some launchers might present a context menu (a small pop-up menu) with options like "Ungroup," "Remove from Folder," or "Remove." Tap the appropriate option. If no such option appears, proceed to the next step.
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Drag and Drop (If No Ungroup Option): If you don't see an "ungroup" option, simply drag the app icon out of the folder and drop it onto the app drawer's main screen, as with the Google Launcher. Do this for all the apps within the folder.
Troubleshooting: App Folder Won't Ungroup
- Launcher-Specific Settings: Consult your phone's user manual or the help section of your launcher app for specific instructions related to app folder management.
- Launcher Updates: Ensure your launcher is up-to-date. Outdated launchers might have bugs affecting functionality.
- Restart Your Device: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
- Third-Party Launchers: If using a third-party launcher (like Nova, Action, or Microsoft Launcher), check their settings for options related to folder management or customization.
How do I rearrange apps in a folder on Android?
Once you have your apps ungrouped, you can readily rearrange them within the app drawer. Long press an app icon and drag it to your desired location. The same long-press and drag-and-drop method applies to rearranging apps within an existing folder.
How do I create a new folder of apps on my Android phone?
Creating a folder is the reverse process. Long-press an app, drag it onto another app, and they'll automatically group into a new folder. You can then rename this folder by tapping on the folder's title.
Can I delete an app folder on Android?
Yes, once all apps are removed from a folder, the folder automatically disappears. There's no separate "delete folder" option; the folder itself serves as a container that exists only as long as apps are within.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully ungroup your Android apps, regardless of your device's manufacturer or launcher. Remember to consult your device's user manual if you encounter any difficulties.
