how to get apps out of folders android

How to Get Apps Out of Folders on Android (Works on All Phones)

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📱 How to Get Apps Out of Folders on Android (Simple Step-by-Step Guide)

Android lets users organize apps into folders to clean up the home screen — but what if you want to take an app out of a folder and place it back on the main home screen?

No matter what phone you use — Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, Motorola, or Google Pixel — the process is easy and very similar.

Let’s begin ✅

Method 1: Drag App Out of Folder (Works on Most Android Phones)

1️⃣ Tap the folder to open it
2️⃣ Press and hold the app icon
3️⃣ Drag the icon out of the folder box
4️⃣ Drop it anywhere on the home screen

✅ The app is now out of the folder.

Method 2: “Remove From Folder” Option (Some Launchers)

Some Android launchers offer a direct option:

1️⃣ Open the folder
2️⃣ Hold the app icon
3️⃣ Tap Remove from folder or Unmerge
4️⃣ App goes back to home automatically

✅ Useful for Samsung One UI Home & Poco Launcher.

Method 3: Use App Drawer (If App Doesn’t Move to Home Screen)

If the app disappears from home screen after removal:

1️⃣ Swipe up → Open App Drawer
2️⃣ Find the app
3️⃣ Hold and drag it to home screen

✅ Now it will stay outside the folder.

Removing Multiple Apps at Once

Some phones let you select many apps together:

1️⃣ Open folder
2️⃣ Tap Select or Edit
3️⃣ Choose multiple apps
4️⃣ Drag all of them to home screen at once

✅ Camera, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook — all can be moved together.

What If Folder Stays Even After Removing Apps?

  • If other apps are still inside → Folder will remain
  • If you remove every app → Folder deletes automatically

Why Take Apps Out of a Folder?

✔ Quick access without opening folder
✔ App needed on first home screen page
✔ You’re reorganizing home layout
✔ You want to delete the folder

Troubleshooting

❗ App doesn’t move out of folder

✅ Unlock home layout:

  • Samsung → Home Screen Settings → Lock Home Screen Layout (OFF)
  • Xiaomi/Poco → Home Screen → Settings → Disable Lock Layout

❗ Folder won’t open

Restart phone → Try again

FAQs

1. How do I get an app out of a folder on Android?

Open the folder → press and hold the app → drag it onto the home screen.
This works on Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, Xiaomi, and Pixel.

2. Will removing an app from a folder delete it?

No.
Removing an app from a folder only changes its placement.
Uninstalling is a separate action.

3. Why can’t I drag my app out of a folder?

Possible reasons:

  • Home screen layout is locked
  • Launcher glitch
  • Not enough space on home screen page

Turn off Home Screen Layout Lock and try again.

4. Can I remove all apps from a folder at once?

Some Android launchers allow selecting multiple apps at once.
Otherwise, move them one-by-one.

5. How do I delete a folder on Android?

Remove every app from it.
Once empty, folder auto-removes.

Conclusion

Taking an app out of a folder on Android is simple — just drag the icon to the home screen.
Whether you’re reorganizing apps or cleaning up the layout, this method works on all Android brands and versions.

For stuck screens, frozen folders, or layout problems, simply unlock the home screen or restart the phone.

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