"Rename Mail Folder iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide"

Logan Jul 18, 2026

Managing your mail on an iPhone can be a breeze with the Mail app's user-friendly interface. However, there might come a time when you need to rename a folder, perhaps to keep things organized or maintain a better filing system. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple process of renaming a mail folder on your iPhone.

Downloaded Files Folder on iPhone: How to Find, Step-by-Step
Downloaded Files Folder on iPhone: How to Find, Step-by-Step

Before we dive in, let's make sure you're familiar with the Mail app. You can find it on your home screen, usually indicated by a blue, white, and red envelope icon. Once you're in the app, you'll see your mailboxes listed. A folder (or mailbox) can be found under the Mailboxes tab at the bottom of your screen.

How to Retrieve Deleted Emails on iPhone
How to Retrieve Deleted Emails on iPhone

Understanding iPhone Mail Folders

To start, it's essential to understand how folders work in the Mail app. Folders are a way to categorize and organize your emails. They can contain other folders or emails, creating a hierarchical structure that keeps your inbox tidy. Renaming a folder, therefore, helps in maintaining this order.

How To Add 'Unread' Folder In iOS Mail App [Tip] | Redmond Pie
How To Add 'Unread' Folder In iOS Mail App [Tip] | Redmond Pie

By default, the Mail app comes with a few pre-set folders, such as Inbox, Sent, Drafts, Flagged, Junk, and Trash. However, you can create and rename folders to better suit your needs.

Finding the Folder You Want to Rename

an iphone screen with the icons displayed on it
an iphone screen with the icons displayed on it

To rename a folder, you first need to find it. In the Mail app, tap on the Mailboxes tab at the bottom. This will display a list of your current folders. Scroll through the list until you find the folder you want to rename.

Once you've located the folder, tap on it to select it. A checkmark will appear next to it, indicating that it's selected. Now you're ready to move on to renaming the folder.

Renaming the Folder

@ z o e c a i d e n c e ☁️
@ z o e c a i d e n c e ☁️

With the folder selected, tap on the Edit button at the top of the screen. This will bring up an edit screen where you can rename your folder. At the top of the screen, you'll see the current name of the folder. Tap on this to select it, and then you can type in the new name you want to use.

Once you've entered the new name, tap on the Done button at the top right of the screen. The naming screen will disappear, and you'll be back to the Mailboxes screen. Your folder, now renamed, will appear in the list with its new name.

Creating a New Folder for Better Organization

iPhone Mail: How to Delete Emails in the Mail App on your iPhone or iPad
iPhone Mail: How to Delete Emails in the Mail App on your iPhone or iPad

While renaming existing folders is a great way to maintain order in your inbox, you might also want to create new folders to further improve your filing system. The Mail app allows you to do this with ease.

When you're in the Mailboxes screen, tap on the Edit button at the top right of the screen. Then, at the bottom of the screen, tap on the New Mailbox button. This will bring up a screen where you can name your new folder and choose where you want to place it in your folder hierarchy.

How to Create Folders on A Mac Mail App
How to Create Folders on A Mac Mail App
How to Delete All Emails in Gmail
How to Delete All Emails in Gmail
How to Attach Files in Apple Mail on iPhone & Mac
How to Attach Files in Apple Mail on iPhone & Mac
Solved: How To Stop Email Going to Junk on iPhone
Solved: How To Stop Email Going to Junk on iPhone
I am
I am
How to Use Remind Me in iOS Mail
How to Use Remind Me in iOS Mail
How to Organize Notes on Your iPhone Using Folders
How to Organize Notes on Your iPhone Using Folders
How to easily delete all of your emails on an iPhone
How to easily delete all of your emails on an iPhone
How to Recover Deleted Emails in Yahoo iPhone Mail 2026
How to Recover Deleted Emails in Yahoo iPhone Mail 2026

Naming Your New Folder

On the New Mailbox screen, tap in the Name field at the top of the screen to give your new folder a name. You can type any name you want that will help you remember the contents of the folder.

As you type, you'll see that the app automatically creates a folder icon that corresponds to the first letter of your folder name. This gives you a visual cue to help you quickly identify your folders on the Mailboxes screen.

placing Your New Folder

After you've named your folder, the next step is to decide where you want to place it in your folder hierarchy. You can place it inside an existing folder or in the root folder (the main folder where all other folders and your inbox are stored).

To choose the location for your new folder, tap on the Folder field at the bottom of the screen. This will bring up a list of your current folders. Tap on the folder you want to place your new folder inside, or tap on None if you want to place it in the root folder.

With the location selected, tap on the Done button at the top of the screen. Your new folder will be created and appear in your folder hierarchy. To start using it, simply tap on it while you're composing or organizing your emails in the Mail app.

And there you have it! You now know how to rename and create new folders in the Mail app on your iPhone. Using these tools to keep your email organized can make managing your inbox a much less stressful and time-consuming task. So, get busy renaming and creating folders and enjoy your newly organized inbox!