# Adding, Removing, and Customizing Categories

> This article shows you how to add edit and organize your categories and category groups in YNAB.

Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/adding-removing-and-customizing-categories-a-guide-HJFO5j909

Last updated: 2026-09-02T16:41:45.972Z

Customize your YNAB plan with these instructions for adding, editing, and organizing categories and Category Groups. Reflect your spending or saving priorities by aiming for a category list that guides your spending without overcomplicating your plan.

#### Targets and Emoji

Want to customize your categories? Adding [targets](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-with-targets-ryAEP08xC) to each category leads to YNABing success! And [including emoji in your plan](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-use-emoji-in-your-plan-SJTNIyQAc) adds some bedazzling ✨sparkle and shine✨ to YNAB...it's just plain fun!

#### In This Article

[How to Rename Categories and Category Groups](#rename)

[How to Reorder Categories and Category Groups](#reorder)

[How to Add a New Category](#new)

[How to Add a New Category Group](#newgroup)

[How to Hide and Unhide Categories and Category Groups](#hide)

[How to Delete Categories](#delete)

[How to Delete Category Groups](#delete-groups)

[How to Pin Categories](#priority-categories)

* * *

## How to Rename Categories and Category Groups

Hoping instead to add (or update) a **note** or description to a category? [Here's how](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-add-notes-Byytt_YC9#category)!

### iOS

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  To rename categories:
    
    1.  Tap the category you'd like to rename.
        
    2.  Tap the category name.
        
    3.  Use the keypad to rename the category. 
        
    4.  Tap the checkmark at the bottom of the screen.
        
    5.  Tap the small x icon to close the Details window.
        
4.  To rename category groups:
    
    1.  Tap the three dots icon to the right of the category group you'd like to rename.
        
    2.  Tap the category group name.
        
    3.  Use the keypad to rename the category group.
        
    4.  Tap the checkmark at the bottom of the screen.
        
    5.  Tap the small x icon to close the Details window.
        

#### Renaming the Credit Card Payment Category

The Credit Card Payment Category can't be renamed on its own. Instead, you'll want to [rename the account itself](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/edit-account-details-an-overview-S1qj7MuR5), which will rename the Credit Card Payment category for that card.

The Credit Card Payment Category Group can't be renamed.

### Android

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  To rename categories:
    
    1.  Tap the category you'd like to rename.
        
    2.  Tap the category name.
        
    3.  Use the keypad to rename the category. 
        
    4.  Tap _Done_ on the keypad.
        
    5.  Swipe down to close the Details window.
        
4.  To rename category groups:
    
    1.  Tap the three dots icon to the right of the category group you'd like to rename.
        
    2.  Tap the category group name.
        
    3.  Use the keypad to rename the category group.
        
    4.  Tap _Done_ on the keypad.
        
    5.  Swipe down to close the Details window.
        

#### Renaming the Credit Card Payment Category

The Credit Card Payment Category can't be renamed on its own. Instead, you'll want to [rename the account itself](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/edit-account-details-an-overview-S1qj7MuR5), which will rename the Credit Card Payment category for that card.

The Credit Card Payment Category Group can't be renamed.

### Web

1.  Click on _Plan_ in the left sidebar (immediately below the name of your plan).
    
2.  Click the name of the category or Category Group you'd like to rename.
    
3.  Click the name of the category or category group **again** and a renaming window will appear.
    
4.  Edit the name as you'd like.
    
5.  Click the _OK_ button to save.
    

#### Renaming the Credit Card Payment Category

The Credit Card Payment Category can't be renamed on its own. Instead, you'll want to [rename the account itself](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/edit-account-details-an-overview-S1qj7MuR5), which will rename the Credit Card Payment category for that card.

The Credit Card Payment Category Group can't be renamed.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Reorder Categories and Category Groups

Categories in YNAB represent your spending or saving priorities while Category Groups hold groups of categories that are related in some way. By default, Category Groups are based on our prioritization strategy—check out our [Simplify Your Finances guide](https://www.ynab.com/guide/simplify-finances/) for more on that!—but **you can reorder or move categories, and even entire Category Groups, at any time.**

### iOS

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Tap _Reorder_ directly above your categories.
    
4.  Reorder or move categories and category groups by selecting and dragging the icon (three horizontal lines) up or down.
    
5.  Tap the checkmark at the top of the screen.
    

#### Reordering the Credit Card Payment Category

Credit Card Payment Categories can't be moved into other Category Groups (though they can be re-ordered within the Credit Card Payment category).

### Android

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Tap the three dots icon at the top of the screen.
    
4.  Tap _Reorder Categories_.
    
5.  Reorder categories or category groups by selecting and dragging the icon (two horizontal lines) up or down.
    
6.  Tap the back arrow at the top of the screen.
    

#### Reordering the Credit Card Payment Category

Credit Card Payment Categories can't be moved into other Category Groups (though they can be re-ordered within the Credit Card Payment category).

### Web

1.  Click on _Plan_ in the left sidebar (immediately below the name of your plan).
    
2.  Click and hold the name of the category or Category Group.
    
3.  Drag up or down.
    
    1.  Categories can be moved within a Category Group _or_ into a different Category Group.
        
    2.  Category Groups can be moved above or below other Category Groups.
        
4.  When that category or group is where you want it, drop it right into its new home.
    

#### Reordering the Credit Card Payment Category

Credit Card Payment Categories can't be moved into other Category Groups (though they can be re-ordered within the Credit Card Payment category).

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Add a New Category

When you find a need for a new category, we've got you covered! Categories live inside Category Groups, but they can't be nested inside another category.

### iOS

### How to Add a New Category Using Edit Plan

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Tap the plus sign to the right of the Category Group header that you want to include your new category.
    
4.  Enter the name of the new category.
    
5.  Tap the checkmark at the bottom of the screen.
    

Please note credit card payment categories cannot be manually added. Instead, they are automatically created when [adding a credit card account](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/handling-credit-cards-overview-ry7cNub1s#process).

### Android

### How to Add a New Category Using Edit Plan

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Tap the plus sign to the right of the Category Group header that you want to include your new category.
    
4.  Enter the name of the new category.
    
5.  Tap _Save_.
    

Please note credit card payment categories cannot be manually added. Instead, they are automatically created when [adding a credit card account](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/handling-credit-cards-overview-ry7cNub1s#process).

### Web

1.  Click on _Plan_ in the left sidebar (immediately below the name of your plan).
    
2.  Hover over the name of a **Category Group**.
    
3.  Click the plus sign icon that appears to the right of it.
    
4.  Enter the name for your new category.
    

Your new category will be at the top of the list of categories in that group. If you’d like it somewhere else, just drag and drop!

Please note credit card payment categories cannot be manually added. Instead, they are automatically created when [adding a credit card account](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/handling-credit-cards-overview-ry7cNub1s#process).

#### Focused Views

Is the plus sign icon not appearing for you? Check to make sure you're not in a [Focused View](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/focused-views-a-guide-BksnNYqLh). If you are, choose the All view before adding new categories.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Add a New Category Group

### iOS

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Tap _New Group_ directly above your categories.
    
4.  Enter the name of the new category group.
    
5.  Tap _Continue_.
    
6.  Reorder your categories if necessary.
    
7.  Tap the checkmark in the top right of the screen.
    

### Android

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Tap the three dots icon in the top left corner of the app.
    
4.  Tap _New Category Group_.
    
5.  Enter the name of the new category group.
    
6.  Tap _Continue_.
    
7.  Reorder your categories if necessary.
    
8.  Tap _Done_.
    

### Web

1.  Click on _Plan_ in the left sidebar (immediately below the name of your plan).
    
2.  Click _\+ Category Group_ (next to the _Undo_ button in your plan, just below the header).
    
3.  Enter the name for your new Category Group and click on the _OK_ button.
    
4.  The new group will be at the top of your category list. If there are any existing categories you'd like to move to this group, just drag and drop 'em!
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Hide and Unhide Categories and Category Groups

If your plan is brand-sparkling-new, you may want to delete some categories—which we'll cover next. Once a category has activity though, we recommend hiding it instead. It's much less destructive.

### iOS

1.  To **hide** a category: 
    
    1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
        
    2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
        
    3.  Tap the category you'd like to hide.
        
    4.  Tap _Hide_.
        
    5.  Tap _Hide Category_.
        
2.  To **hide** a category group:
    
    1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
        
    2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
        
    3.  Tap the three dots icon to the right of the category group.
        
    4.  Tap _Hide_.
        
    5.  Tap _Hide Groups and Categories_.
        
3.  To **unhide** categories and category groups:
    
    1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
        
    2.  Tap _\[#\] hidden categories_ at the bottom of the screen. You may need to scroll.
        
    3.  Select which categories or category groups you'd like to unhide.
        
    4.  Tap _Unhide \[#\] Categories_ at the bottom right of the screen.
        

### Android

1.  To **hide** a category: 
    
    1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
        
    2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
        
    3.  Tap the category you'd like to hide.
        
    4.  Tap _Hide_.
        
    5.  Tap _Hide_ again.
        
2.  To **hide** a category group:
    
    1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
        
    2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
        
    3.  Tap the three dots icon to the right of the category group.
        
    4.  Tap _Hide_.
        
    5.  Tap _Hide Groups and Categories_.
        
3.  To **unhide** categories and category groups:
    
    1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
        
    2.  Tap _\[#\] Hidden Categories_ at the bottom of the screen. You may need to scroll 
        
    3.  Select which categories or category groups you'd like to unhide.
        
    4.  Tap _Unhide_ at the bottom of the screen.
        

### Web

1.  To **hide** a category or category group: 
    
    1.  Click on _Plan_ in the left sidebar (located immediately below the name of your plan).
        
    2.  Double-click on the category or category group name that you want to hide.
        
    3.  Choose _Hide_.
        
2.  To **unhide** a category or category group:
    
    1.  Click on _Plan_ in the left sidebar (located immediately below the name of your plan).
        
    2.  Scroll to the bottom of your list of categories and click on the header labeled _Hidden Categories._ 
        
    3.  Choose the category or category group you'd like to unhide from the list that pops up.
        

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Delete Categories

If the category has any activity, [we recommend hiding it](#hide) instead of deleting it. If you're looking for how to combine or merge categories, you'll need to start the process by deleting the unwanted category first. Here's how:

### iOS

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Tap the category you'd like to delete.
    
4.  Tap _Delete_.
    
5.  If the category has previous activity, tap _Select Category_ to reassign your past activity to a new category.
    
6.  Tap _Delete Category_ or _Delete_.
    

 Most categories can be deleted. [Credit card payment categories, however, can be hidden](#hide) but not deleted.

### Android

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Tap the category you'd like to delete.
    
4.  Tap _Delete_.
    
5.  If the category has previous activity, tap _Select Category_ to reassign your past activity to a new category.
    
6.  Tap _Delete_.
    

 Most categories can be deleted. [Credit card payment categories, however, can be hidden](#hide) but not deleted.

### Web

1.  Click on _Plan_ in the left sidebar (located immediately below the name of your plan).
    
2.  Double-click the category name that you want to delete (not the checkbox to the left of the category).
    
3.  Click _Delete_.
    
4.  If the category has previous activity, click the _Select category_ dropdown option to reassign transactions, assigned amounts, and remaining available amounts.
    

 Most categories can be deleted. Credit card payment categories, however, can be [hidden](#hide) but not deleted.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Delete Category Groups

### iOS

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Tap the three dots icon to the right of the category group.
    
4.  Tap _Delete_.
    
5.  If any category in the group has previous activity, tap _Select Category_ to reassign your past activity to a new category.
    
6.  Tap _Delete Group and Categories._
    

Most category groups can be deleted. [Credit card payment categories, however, can be hidden](#hide) but not deleted.

#### Hiding Categories and Category Groups

Once a category or Category Group has activity, it is easier to hide it instead. Here's why:

*   Deleting categories with no transactional history will move any Available amounts to Ready to Assign.
    
*   It's not possible to leave transactions uncategorized. They must be reassigned to a new category.
    
*   Deleting a category with past credit card activity will affect the Credit Card Payment category. 
    

### Android

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Enter Edit Plan by tapping the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Tap the three dots icon to the right of the category group.
    
4.  Tap _Delete_.
    
5.  If any category in the group has previous activity, tap _Select Category_ to reassign your past activity to a new category.
    
6.  Tap _Delete Group and Categories._
    

Most category groups can be deleted. [Credit card payment categories, however, can be hidden](#hide) but not deleted.

#### Hiding Categories and Category Groups

Once a category or Category Group has activity, it is easier to hide it instead. Here's why:

*   Deleting categories with no transactional history will move any Available amounts to Ready to Assign.
    
*   It's not possible to leave transactions uncategorized. They must be reassigned to a new category.
    
*   Deleting a category with past credit card activity will affect the Credit Card Payment category. 
    

### Web

1.  Click on _Plan_ in the left sidebar (located immediately below the name of your plan).
    
2.  Click the Category Group name (not the checkbox to the left of the Category Group).
    
3.  Click _Delete_.
    
4.  If the categories in the Category Group have previous activity, you have two options: 
    
    1.  Click the _Select category_ dropdown to reassign transactions, assigned amounts, and remaining available amounts. 
        
    2.  Move categories to other Category Groups before deleting.
        

Most category groups can be deleted. [Credit card payment categories, however, can be hidden](#hide) but not deleted.

#### Hiding Categories and Category Groups

Once a category or Category Group has activity, it is easier to hide it instead. Here's why:

*   Deleting categories with no transactional history will move any Available amounts to Ready to Assign.
    
*   It's not possible to leave transactions uncategorized. They must be reassigned to a new category.
    
*   Deleting a category with past credit card activity will affect the Credit Card Payment category. 
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Pin Categories

You can pin categories for easy access in the _Home_ tab on iOS and Android. 

### iOS

1.  Tap the _Home_ tab.
    
2.  Tap _Add Pinned Categories_.
    
3.  Search for and tap the categories you'd like to pin.
    
4.  Tap the checkmark at the top of the screen.
    

To add or remove categories, tap _Edit_ to the right of the Pinned section of the Home tab.

### Android

1.  Tap the _Home_ tab.
    
2.  Tap _Add Pinned Categories_.
    
3.  Tap the categories you'd like to pin.
    
4.  Tap _Done_ at the top of the screen.
    

To add or remove categories, tap _Edit_ to the right of the Pinned section of the Home tab.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

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