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How to Collapse Section Groups in OneNote for Android: Solutions & Alternatives

Nimra Malik Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to collapse section groups and subpages in the OneNote Android app to make navigating large notebooks easier.

How to Collapse Section Groups in OneNote for Android

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Navigating and organizing notebooks with numerous section groups and subpages on a mobile device screen.
Observed behavior: Section groups and subpages remain permanently expanded in the Android app and cannot be collapsed, requiring excessive scrolling.

Before you start

Ensure you are using the latest version of the OneNote for Android app from the Google Play Store, though keep in mind that the mobile interface inherently lacks certain formatting and layout features found on the desktop version.

Solution 1Recommended

Restructure Your Notebook on OneNote Desktop

Since the Android application currently lacks the ability to collapse section groups natively, the most effective workaround is to flatten your notebook's hierarchy using the desktop application.

Microsoft OneNote for Android does not support collapsing or expanding section groups. Because all nested sections are displayed in a single, continuous list, navigating heavily layered notebooks on a small screen can be tedious.

To improve your mobile experience, you can use the Windows or Mac version of OneNote to reorganize your content into a simpler structure that requires less scrolling on your phone.

Open OneNote on Desktop

Launch the full OneNote application on your Windows PC or Mac, where the complete section hierarchy and collapse functions are available.

Consolidate Section Groups

Right-click on your deeply nested section groups and move the most important pages to top-level sections, minimizing the need for deep nesting.

Sync Notebooks

Click 'File' > 'View Sync Status' and select 'Sync All' to push your simplified notebook structure to the cloud. Open OneNote on your Android device to see the flattened, easier-to-navigate layout.

Restructure Your Notebook on OneNote Desktop

Mobile Display Limitations: This workaround does not add a collapse button to Android; rather, it makes your notebooks easier to read within the constraints of the mobile app's current user interface.

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft

Report the missing feature to Microsoft developers via the official Feedback Portal to encourage them to add the collapse function in a future update.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I collapse subpages in OneNote for Android?

No, just like section groups, subpages cannot currently be collapsed in the OneNote Android mobile app. All pages and subpages are displayed in a flattened, expanded list.

Why do my section groups look different on my phone compared to my PC?

Mobile applications are optimized for smaller screens. To simplify touch navigation, Microsoft OneNote for Android displays complex hierarchical structures as a continuous list rather than collapsible folders.

Will the collapse feature be added to OneNote for Android in the future?

Microsoft continually updates its applications based on user demand. Submitting or upvoting a feature request through the Microsoft Feedback Portal is the best way to let developers know this feature is needed.

Is there a third-party add-in to fix this on Android?

No, OneNote for Android does not support third-party add-ins or macros that could alter the user interface or add a collapsing function. You must rely on official app updates.

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