The fastest way: use the Files app

Open the Files app on your iPhone — it comes built in and looks like a folder icon. Tap Browse at the bottom right, then tap On My iPhone. Find the location where you want the new folder (or stay in the main view), then tap the three dots in the top right corner and select New Folder. Type the name you want and tap Save.

That folder now exists on your phone and you can move files into it by opening the file, tapping the three dots, choosing Move, and selecting your new folder as the destination. You can also create folders inside folders — tap into a folder first, then repeat the same steps.

Key Takeaways

  • The Files app is the main place to create folders on iPhone; it comes pre-installed and does not require a read.
  • You create a folder by opening Files, navigating to where you want it, tapping the three dots, and selecting New Folder.
  • You can organize folders inside other folders to create a nested structure that matches how you think about your files.
  • Once a folder exists, you move files into it by opening each file, tapping the three dots, and choosing Move.

Creating folders in iCloud Drive specifically

If you store files in iCloud Drive rather than directly on your phone, the process is the same — open Files, tap iCloud Drive instead of On My iPhone, then tap the three dots and select New Folder. Files you save to iCloud Drive sync across your other Apple devices (Mac, iPad, another iPhone), so anything you organize in a folder on your phone appears in the same folder on your other devices.

This matters if you share a folder with someone else or if you want the same organization system everywhere. Files stored in iCloud Drive take up iCloud storage space (you get 5 GB free, then paid plans start at $0.99 per month for 50 GB), while files stored On My iPhone only use your phone's storage.

Moving and renaming folders after you create them

Once a folder exists, you can change its name by tapping and holding the folder, then selecting Rename from the menu that appears. Type the new name and tap Done. You can move a folder to a different location the same way — tap and hold, select Move, and choose the new parent folder.

You can also delete a folder by tapping and holding it and selecting Delete. The folder and everything inside it will be removed, so make sure you have moved any files you want to keep before you delete.

Why you might use folders in other apps instead

Some apps (like Photos, Notes, or Mail) have their own folder systems built in. Photos lets you create albums, Notes has folders for organizing notes, and Mail has custom folders for organizing messages. These folders only work within that app — a folder in Photos does not appear in Files, and vice versa.

Use the app's own folder system if you are only organizing files within that app. Use the Files app if you want one central place to see all your documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, and other files across different apps, or if you want to move files between apps.

Organizing files you read from email or the web

When you read a file from an email or a website, it usually lands in your Downloads folder inside Files. You can move it to a new folder you create by opening Files, finding the file in Downloads, tapping and holding it, selecting Move, and choosing your new folder. This keeps your Downloads folder from becoming a jumble of random files.

If you read the same type of file repeatedly (invoices, receipts, forms), creating a folder for that category and moving files there as they arrive keeps them findable later.

What happens to folders when you back up your phone

Folders you create in the Files app on your iPhone are included in your iCloud backup or your computer backup (if you use a Mac or Windows PC). If you get a new iPhone and restore from backup, your folder structure comes back exactly as it was. Files stored On My iPhone are part of that backup, and files in iCloud Drive sync automatically to your new phone without needing a backup at all.

This means you do not lose your organization if something happens to your phone — as long as you have a backup set up. Check your backup status in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup to confirm backups are turned on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a folder on my home screen?

No — the home screen only lets you create folders for apps. To organize documents, photos, and other files, use the Files app instead. App folders and file folders are separate systems on iPhone.

What is the difference between On My iPhone and iCloud Drive?

On My iPhone stores files only on your phone and uses your phone's storage space. iCloud Drive stores files in the cloud and syncs them to your other Apple devices. Choose On My iPhone if you want to save space on your phone; choose iCloud Drive if you want the same files on your Mac, iPad, or another iPhone.

Can I share a folder I created with someone else?

Yes, but only if the folder is in iCloud Drive. Tap and hold the folder, select Share, and choose how you want to share it (link, AirDrop, or Messages). Folders stored On My iPhone cannot be shared because they only exist on your phone.

How many folders can I create?

There is no set limit, but creating too many nested folders (folders inside folders inside folders) can make files harder to find. Most people find three levels of folders is enough — for example, Documents > Taxes > 2024.

Will my folders work on my iPad or Mac?

If your folders are in iCloud Drive, yes — they sync automatically to your iPad and Mac. If they are stored On My iPhone, they only appear on that iPhone. To see the same folder structure everywhere, use iCloud Drive.