# Getting Started: Categories in YNAB > Learn what categories are in YNAB, how they differ from accounts, and how to rename, add, and group categories to match your plan on iOS, Android, and web. Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-categories-in-ynab-rkWG3rp6x Last updated: 2026-10-26T20:20:49.377Z Learn what categories are in YNAB, how they differ from your accounts, and how to customize them for your plan. Steps are included for iOS, Android, and Web.   #### In This Article [What Are Categories?](#what) [How Do I Rename a Category?](#rename) [How Do I Add a Category?](#add) [How Do I Add a Category Group?](#group) [Want to Go Deeper?](#deeper) * * * ## What Are Categories? Categories are the heart of your YNAB plan. Each one represents something you're planning to spend or save for — groceries, rent, a streaming subscription, an emergency fund. When you assign money to a category, you're deciding in advance what that money is for. Categories are organized into **Category Groups**, which are folders that keep related categories together. YNAB gives you a starter set of both when you sign up. If you linked your accounts, YNAB will also use your spending history to create additional categories (and targets) automatically — you can rename, edit, or add to any of them to match your actual expenses. **Categories vs. accounts:** Your accounts are where your money physically lives. Your categories are what that money is **for**. You might have $1,000 in your checking account, but your categories are what tell that $1,000 where to go — $400 for rent, $200 for groceries, $150 for utilities, and so on. The account holds the money; the categories direct it. [Back to Top](#backtotop) * * * ## How Do I Rename a Category? YNAB’s default categories are _just_ a starting point. Rename any category so it matches how you think about your spending. ### iOS 1. Tap the _Plan_ tab. 2. Tap the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen to enter Edit Plan. 3. Tap the category you'd like to rename. 4. Tap the category name. 5. Use the keypad to enter the new name. 6. Tap the checkmark at the bottom of the screen. 7. Tap the small x icon to close the Details window. ### Android 1. Tap the _Plan_ tab. 2. Tap the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen to enter Edit Plan. 3. Tap the category you'd like to rename. 4. Tap the category name. 5. Use the keypad to enter the new name. 6. Tap _Done_ on the keypad. 7. Swipe down to close the Details window. ### Web 1. Click _Plan_ in the left sidebar (immediately below the name of your plan). 2. Click the name of the category you'd like to rename. 3. Click the name of the category again — a renaming window will appear. 4. Edit the name as you'd like. 5. Click the _OK_ button to save. [Back to Top](#backtotop) * * * ## How Do I Add a Category? If YNAB's defaults don't cover something you spend money on, add it to the appropriate Category Group. Add any that come to mind now — or when a new transaction imports and no category fits, add one then! ### iOS 1. Tap the _Plan_ tab. 2. Tap the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen to enter Edit Plan. 3. Tap the plus sign to the right of the Category Group where you'd like to add the new category. 4. Enter the name of the new category. 5. Tap the checkmark at the bottom of the screen. ### Android 1. Tap the _Plan_ tab. 2. Tap the _Edit_ (pencil) icon at the top of the screen to enter Edit Plan. 3. Tap the plus sign to the right of the Category Group where you'd like to add the new category. 4. Enter the name of the new category. 5. Tap _Save_. ### Web 1. Click _Plan_ in the left sidebar (immediately below the name of your plan). 2. Hover over the name of the Category Group where you'd like to add the new category. 3. Click the plus sign icon that appears to the right of it. 4. Enter the name for your new category. [Back to Top](#backtotop) * * * ## How Do I Add a Category Group? Group related categories together to keep your plan organized and easy to scan. ### 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) * * * ## Want to Go Deeper? Once your categories are set up, the next step is adding a [target](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-targets-in-ynab-r1FTiSaTbe) to each one — targets tell YNAB how much you want to save or spend in each category each month. For everything else — renaming category groups, reordering, hiding, deleting, and more — check out [Adding, Removing, and Customizing Categories](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/adding-removing-and-customizing-categories-a-guide-HJFO5j909). Have other questions as you set up your plan? [Getting Started: Frequently Asked Questions](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-frequently-asked-questions-r1EiQk75Ml) covers common questions about setting up, assigning your money, and building the habit. [Back to Top](#backtotop) * * * ## Help Us Help You **Are you stuck or do you need more help?** [Tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) to ensure that your message gets to our Support team!