Where you can move an app depends on what device you're using

Moving apps means changing where they sit on your screen — either rearranging them on your home screen, moving them to a different folder, or transferring them to a different device altogether. The steps are different for iPhones, Android phones, Windows computers, and Macs, so start by identifying which device you're working with.

On phones, you're usually just reorganizing what's visible. On computers, you might be moving the actual program files to a new location on your hard drive. Both are straightforward once you know the specific steps for your device.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhones, press and hold an app icon until a menu appears, then tap "Move App" or drag it to a new location on your home screen or into a folder.
  • On Android phones, press and hold an app icon and drag it to a new spot, or move it into a folder by dragging it on top of another app.
  • On Windows computers, you can uninstall an app from one location and reinstall it in another, or use Settings to change where new apps are stored by default.
  • On Macs, drag app icons from the Applications folder to a different folder, or use Finder to move them anywhere on your hard drive.
  • Moving an app doesn't delete it or lose your data — it only changes where the icon appears or where the program files are stored.

Moving apps on an iPhone

Press and hold any app icon on your home screen until a menu pops up. You'll see several options including "Move App." Tap that option, and the app icon will enlarge slightly, ready to be moved. You can now drag it to a new spot on the same screen, swipe to a different screen and place it there, or drag it onto another app to create a folder.

If you want to create a folder, drag one app directly onto another app. A folder will appear automatically with a suggested name (usually based on the app category). You can rename the folder by tapping the name field at the top of the folder. To move an app into an existing folder, drag it onto the folder icon instead of onto an empty spot.

When you're done moving, press the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to exit the editing mode. Your new layout will be saved automatically.

Moving apps on an Android phone

The process on Android is similar but slightly different. Press and hold any app icon until it's highlighted and a menu appears. Instead of tapping a menu option, you'll drag the icon directly to where you want it. You can move it left or right on the same screen, or swipe to another screen while holding the icon and drop it there.

To create a folder on Android, drag one app directly onto another app. A folder will appear with both apps inside. You can add more apps to the folder by dragging them onto it. Tap the folder to open it and see all the apps inside, and tap the folder name at the top to rename it.

Release the icon when it's in the position you want. Android saves your layout automatically, just like iPhone does.

Moving apps on a Windows computer

On Windows, "moving" an app usually means uninstalling it from one location and reinstalling it elsewhere, or changing where Windows stores new apps by default. To uninstall an app, go to Settings, select "Apps," then "Apps & features." Find the app you want to move, click it, and select "Uninstall." Follow the prompts to remove it completely.

If you want to change where new apps are installed, go to Settings, select "Apps," then "Apps & features," and look for "Advanced options" or "Installation location." Some apps let you choose a different drive or folder during installation, but not all programs support this. Check the app's installation window when you reinstall it to see if that option is available.

If you have app files stored in a folder on your desktop or in Documents, you can move that entire folder to a different location on your computer by right-clicking it, selecting "Cut," navigating to the new location, and selecting "Paste." However, this only works for portable apps or files you've downloaded — installed programs usually need to stay in their original location to work properly.

Moving apps on a Mac

On a Mac, open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder. You'll see all your installed apps listed there. To move an app, click and drag its icon to a different folder, or drag it to the Desktop, Documents folder, or any other location on your Mac. You can also create a new folder and drag apps into it to organize them.

Some apps come in a folder (like Adobe Creative Suite or Microsoft Office). You can move the entire folder to a different location the same way — just click and drag. The app will still work normally from its new location.

If you want to organize apps on your Mac's Dock (the bar at the bottom of the screen), click and drag any app icon along the Dock to rearrange it. You can also drag an app icon out of the Dock to remove it from the Dock (this doesn't uninstall the app, just removes the shortcut).

What happens to your data when you move an app

Moving an app does not delete any of your data, settings, or login information. If you've saved files within the app, customized settings, or logged into an account, all of that stays with the app no matter where you move it. The app's data is usually stored separately from the app itself, so moving the icon or the program files doesn't affect what's inside.

The only exception is if you uninstall an app completely and then reinstall it later. Some apps will ask you to log back in or reconfigure settings after a fresh install, but your account data (like photos, messages, or saved preferences) is usually stored on the app's servers or in your cloud account, so you'll regain access once you log in again.

Transferring apps between devices

If you want to move an app from one phone to another, you don't move the app file itself. Instead, you download it again on the new device from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Your account data and settings will sync automatically if you're logged into the same account on both devices.

On computers, you can't directly transfer an installed app from one Mac to another or from one Windows computer to another. You'll need to install the app on the new computer using its installer file or by downloading it from the developer's website. If the app stores your data in the cloud or syncs with an account, your information will be available once you log in on the new device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move an app to an external hard drive or USB stick?

On a Mac, yes — you can drag app files to an external drive and run them from there, though some apps may not work properly if they rely on system files. On Windows, it's more complicated because most installed programs need to stay in their original location. Portable apps (programs designed to run from USB drives) can be moved, but standard Windows programs cannot.

What if I accidentally delete an app while trying to move it?

On phones, you can reinstall it from the App Store or Google Play Store at no cost. On computers, you can reinstall it from the developer's website or from the original installer file if you saved it. Your account data and settings will remain intact once you log back in.

Does moving an app make it run slower?

No. Moving an app to a different location on your phone or computer does not affect how fast it runs. The app's performance depends on your device's processor, memory, and internet connection — not where the icon sits on your screen.

Can I move apps between iPhone and Android?

No, not directly. Apps are built differently for each system. You'll need to find the equivalent app on the other platform and download it separately. If the app syncs with a cloud account, your data may transfer once you log in on the new device.